《Love Struck》


 Chapter 1 - Shi Ai

    The wail of the small children could be heard all the way outside the building.A little girl of about 8 years was sitting near the door clutching her elder sister''s blanket to her.Her elder sister had brought her here.As the day turned dark,the girl was shivering in fright.She was not as much scared for her than she was for her sister.Because her sister had brought her here after hiding her from their parents. Shi Ai had hidden Shi Xiao in her closet and when her parents had gone to look for her,she had escaped and brought her here.All she knew was that her sister had told her that she needed to think of a new name and hide here. .Never to tell anyone from where she had come.She was scared to go in and she knew if her parents found out what they had done they would definitely give her a good beating.


    Shi Ai told her that she was to tell anyone who asked that her age was 5 years.She did not understand why.She was going to turn 8 years soon. Shi Ai was 3 years older than her and had turned 11 years last week.Both of them had been so happy and they had even found a small rice cake and cut it together.They had both wished that they would get new parents.


    And maybe their wish was going to come true because she heard that Shi Ai had been sold to someone.She had been so happy and skipped to tell Shi Ai what she had heard but instead of being happy,Shi Ai had told her pretend as if she knew nothing and then today brought her here.Had Shi Ai gone to meet her new parents to convince her to buy me also the girl wondered..


    Just then,a thin woman came to the entrance. Shi Xiao was mesmerized with her beauty.But her eyes were just like her elder sister''s..


    The lady felt her gaze and turned to look at her.Afraid of being shouted at for staring,Shi Xiao immediately shut her eyes tightly.The lady smiled at her behavior and smilingly sat next to her.


    Gently,she held her hand and in a soft voice asked her o look up.Shi Xiao was sure the lady was an angel.Because only angels were so beautiful.She wanted to snatch her hand away lest she soil the angel''s hand but she was scared of angering the angel.


    Peeping from the gap between her fingers she saw that the angel was smiling.So she took off her hands from eyes to see her better.


    Seeing her face the angel exclaimed,"What a prettty girl you are!My name is Alicia and what is your name?"


    Lost in trying to capture the features of the angel,Shi Xiao blurted the first name that came in her mind,"Shi Ai."


    The angel smiled once more and exclaimed,"Love!Did you know your name means love?Where have you come from?"


    "From far away."the girl answered sagely.


    Shi Xiao shook her head.Her name did not mean love.Her sister''s did.But she thought it was a good thing that she had blurted out her sister''s name.Now her sister would be with her forever.Seeing the girl sitting quietly clutching her blanket,Alicia''s heart ached.She too had just come out of an abusive marriage after losing her child and was relatively new to this city.


    "How old are you?"She asked the girl.The fact that she was sitting outside an orphanage made it clear that the little girl had been abandoned.But looking into her sad eyes,Alicia hoped that fates would be kind to the little girl and maybe just maybe her hardships would reduce here.


    The little girl clutched her blanket tighter and trembling said,"I am five years old.."


    Alicia was shocked.Though the girl''s body had looked younger,her eyes had seemed older.But hiding her shock,she sensed her nervousness.Holding out her hand,she asked,"Would you like to hold my hand and to go inside?"


    Shi Ai nodded her head and agrees.And so Alicia and Shi Ai went inside the orphanage hand in hand.A girl who had lost her baby and a girl who had no parents..

 Chapter 2 - The Days At The Orphanage

    Three Years Later:


    After Shi Ai had stepped into the orphanage with the angel,her days were relatively simpler than her earlier life.Though she did not get any new parents,she got to make a lot of friends.In those friends,Shi Ai formed a family.


    In the earlier days,she was questioned again and again about her identity but she remembered her sister''s warnings.Every night she reminded herself that she was 5 years and her name was Shi Ai. Soon,her brain also came to believe those lies and buried her past memories-both the good and the bad.The only thing she remembered was that a tattered old blanket was precious to her.The days had fallen into a simple routine of studying,playing,cleaning and doing the same things all over again.Though the food at the orphanage was not much,the fact was that they at least had food.And so,though Shi Ai did not become healthy,her body was not as malnourished as before.


    Her pretty face and gentle manner had made her the apple of everyone''s eye.


    On this day,Shi Ai was playing in the small garden behind the orphanage.Every so often,her gaze would shift to the door as if waiting for someone.Today was a Sunday and her angel sister always visited on this day.All the children loved to play with her.She always came bearing gifts or chocolates making them feel loved in her own special way. Shi Ai wanted to grow up and become like Sister Alicia when she grew up.She did not know what sister Alicia did for work but she knew that Alicia was kind and loving.


    Today was a special day,because sister Alicia''s birthday had just passed and they had prepared a surprise song and dance for her.Many of the children did not know their birthdays so Alicia had made them choose their own days and Shi Ai had chosen Alicia''s birth date as her own.


    The orphanage was home to thirty kids all between different ages 1 month up to the age 12 years.The children over the age of 12 years were then placed in foster homes..The kids currently playing in the garden were between the ages 5 and 10 years.


    Shi Ai had turned 8 years this year and she was happy to have finally grown up!She had even grown a bit taller and chubbier from earlier.


    Just then the doors opened and Alicia came in carrying different sized boxes with another person from the orphanage carrying similar packages.The children immediately ran to her and hugged her tightly almost toppling her over in the process.Laughingly the young woman put down her gifts and took all the twelve kids in a group hug.


    They all started chattering at once making Alicia let out a giggle.She sat them down in a circle on the grass and heard their stories one by one.At the end of this,she was about to pass out the gifts when everyone stopped her.The kids ran to inside and brought out a small radio.Soon the children had formed a circle with Alicia in the middle and the radio was started to play an upbeat children''s festive song.All the children laughed and danced clumsily making Alicia laugh and cry at the same time.Shi Ai laughed and jumped the hardest of all and finally all the kids fell on the floor happily.


    Alicia was overwhelmed with happiness.Finally,she passes the gifts to the children and brought out a cake for everyone.As was their tradition,she held the birthday girl''s hand(Shi Ai) this time and cut the cake.Everyone was satisfied with today''s activities and they were all eager to open their gifts!


    Shi Ai was the only one sitting with her gift still in her hand.She was sitting next to Alicia and playing with the funny scarf around her.Sister Alicia''s scarf had funny pineapples on it...


    Shi AI looked at Alicia and said,"Sister Alicia,do you have parents?"


    Alicia looked at the little girl and shook her head,"Not anymore.They are now in heaven"


    "Are my parents also in heaven then?"


    "Maybe sweet girl"


    The little girl nodded in thought but the next moment she suddenly fainted and fell across Alicia''s lap.

 Chapter 3 - The Knight

    In a deep forest in the country I,a band of soldiers was cutting through the thickness of the greenery.They were here on a mission to catch a bunch of terrorists who had been responsible for the recent bomb blasts in the capital city of country C.


    Having received the information they had been searching the forest for almost a week and only now gotten a close on the location.The team spread out in different directions to study the activities of the terrorists in the clearing.The team consisted of 10 elite soldiers including but not limited to the bomb and land mine expert,sharp shooters,etc.


    The mission was extremely dangerous in two aspects.One was the danger of the terrorists,the other being that the mission was being conducted without the permission of Country I''s authorities.So if the soldiers were caught by their people or by the terrorists,Country C would denounce them and erase their existence from their data system.They had been instructed to gather as much data as possible on the terror organization and then capture or kill depending on the situation.All the soldiers were wearing similar camouflage uniform with no names and an earpiece and mouth piece to communicate with each other easily.


    From the hidden spots,each commando reported their targets.There were a total of 40 people in the camp.Some of these were the villagers who came here to work and some of them were the informants.The targets of the soldiers were the 15 terrorists that had been recognized by the interpol. But the commandos could not open fire as the terrorists would escape in the chaos.So each soldier had locked a target and were now waiting for the last one to report in, who had locked the six terrorists and was going to shoot them altogether.


    The team leader echoed into the mic asking,"Knight?Are you set?"


    "Need thirty seconds.."


    "Very well,we are starting the countdown..30,29,28.."


    At this moment,Knight was setting his sniper rifle to the target.Though all his targets were currently sitting,they would run for cover the minute firing was opened.So instead of aiming at them directly,he had guessed at the first movement they would make and aimed there.There was a fifty percent probability that some would be able to escape.And Knight had no intention of letting even one escape.Knight had prepared a complicated trigger by tying together the triggers of the guns with the threads so that each pair of guns would fire at a time lapse of 1 second.


    Above his guns,which were all hidden in the trees,Knight was lying on the highest branch with another sniped rifle in his hand..Plan B was just as important.


    "5,4,3,2,1..shoot!"


    "Whoosh whoosh whoosh..."All the guns fired and in the next breath the 15 terrorists were lying on the ground.


    This attracted the attention of the workers and chaos began.But the soldiers had already escaped.They were set to meet at a point few kilometers away before the night fell.But one soldier was still lying in his place as if waiting for something.As if his wait bore fruit,additional manpower rushed from the underground bunkers,exposing as a result the bunker''s entrance.


    With a soft sound,he uttered into the mic,"We just found the beehive and the bees are scattering in all directions.I am going to collect some honey and meet there directly.Avoid the west.That is where most are headed.."


    The team leader swore viciously and ordered the others to rush.Knight was too much!He should have followed the plan and escaped!Though the TL cursed,he blamed himself.He was the one who had chosen Knight for this mission knowing fully well that the person had no regard for his security.

 Chapter 4 - The Knight is Injured

    As soon as the initial surge of the people coming out of the hidden passage went down,Knight jumped from the tree and stealthily moved towards the opening.Imagining the place had been suddenly abandoned would have been foolish so Knight chose to hide behind a barrack and observe first.He did not have much time if he wanted to go back with his comrades and he needed to distract and bring back the people who had gone after his comrades.


    Stealthily moving ahead,he spied the machine guns sitting lying there.Picking up two, he ran back towards the forest and set up the two guns at a little distance from each other.Using the fine threads,he tied the triggers and moved back to his position.As soon as the thread was pulled,the machine guns went off with a loud sound sending bullets flying.Assuming there was another attack,all the terrorists rushed back while those inside rushed out.Throwing a smoke bomb,near the entrance,Knight went inside the passage.


    The inside was not what he had imagined.This was not a storage as he had imagined.It was a bloody surveillance spot!The room was installed with high capacity and high tech surveillance machinery.Even the spot that their helicopter was supposed to land had been marked.They had been expecting them!but they had not expected that the TL would not try to capture them alive as per orders!But they had the entire plan of the elite forces!This meant that someone higher up was a traitor!He did not believe that anyone in his team would be a traitor!His people were in danger..this was a trap!


    Observing the many scenes,he noticed that his comrades were at least a few minutes away before they would set into the trap.In his mike he shouted,"The Queen is beautiful!The queen in beautiful."


    Luckily their signals were connected and everyone heard the SOS that he had given!The team leader and the eight other commandos became even more alert and instead of going forward started going around.Their only escape was the helicopter but if that was rigged then they would die here.


    Knight studied the scenes while he clicked to zoom in the cameras.There was only one thing bothering him.Why was this room left empty?


    He played back the feed to a few minutes back and saw the reason.It seemed somebody had a vendetta as well.During the chaos that Knight had created,a young boy had also entered this place and attacked the only man in this room.He turned to look at the cupboard where the boy was hiding and said into the mike,"We have a change of plans.."Field,we will be leaving here on foot.Check the place for mines.This is an ambush setup.Trace the way you have come!They will soon realize that we have changed routes.I need you to set up mines and smaller bombs along the way that can be detonated or diffused from a distance."


    Just then Knight opened the door of the cupboard expecting to see a scared boy but to his shock,this was another passageway..that led to a car hidden under the leaves.Turning back,he took out a hard disk and copied all the data on the devices here and then opening his own small device mailed them a wonderful virus.As the data was copied,Knight set up a small bomb with RDX and prepared to take off.Smiling and thanking the fates,he immediately got back and hot wired the car driving through the leaves towards the small trail.As he was about to reach the location of his team,he said,"Hop in with the knight."So they would know that he was the one in the car.By now the terrorists had already realized that something was wrong with the plan and expertly tracked the invaders.


    The luck was on their side and after circling around the forest,they found their chopper with the pilot gravely injured.Some of the terrorists that were standing guard around the escape route were shot in the head with minimum effort..But these people were elite soldiers and all had their flying licenses.However it was only Choppy who could fly through this war zone safely.As all of them jumped into the helicopter,more terrorists had reached the place.


    Knight and Shot who was the team leader were the only ones left on the ground and were covering the helicopter so that it could take off..After a few seconds,Choppy had lifted the helicopter safely and asked Shot and Knight to jump in.Shot who had less terrorists on his side continued to shoot as he jumped behind.Time was of essence and they had to lift or the helicopter could be damaged making them all sitting ducks.The helicopter started to rise higher and at the last moment Knight jumped up and two of his comrades caught hold of his hand to pull him up.


    However,he could be pulled up,two gun shots had lodged into his thigh while another on his calf

 Chapter 5 - The Knight And The Angel

    Big Sister Al was getting married!Shi Ai was at the top of the moon that they were going to be at her wedding.Sitting in the moving bus the coordinator madam had lectured them on the importance of good behavior.She said that Sister Alicia''s husband to be was a very important man.He had planned the wedding as a surprise and so they must behave nicely and not ruin his surprise.


    Shi Ai thought that Brother Long was very good and well suited with her sister.When all the children had realized that they were going to get to see a wedding and that too their favorite sister''s they had been very excited.Most of them had not been outside the walls of the orphanage other than going. Shi Ai also stared wide eyed at the pretty places and the sheer number of cars..


    Shi Ai was very good at drawing and had prepared a small sketch of sister Alicia and Brother Long.


    Though Shi Ai was at first scared of Brother Long,since he did not smile at all,she saw that his eyes were kind.And Sister Alicia had chosen him so he must be good!Boldly,she had told him,"Why are you inviting us?Do you wish to do charity?"


    Aunty Wu came forward to shush her but Brother Long stopped her.He went down on his knees in front of her and said,"I am inviting only the members of my family and Alicia''s family for the wedding.And since you all are her family,you are invited as well."


    She was testing him with authority but he had surprised her,"You are also going to be Sister Alicia''s family so does that mean you are our family too?


    "Of course!",was the unhesitating answer she received.


    Satisfied with the answer,she placed forward her demand,"Then brother Long,we do not have any clothes worthy of being at your wedding."


    Ryu Long smiled at that and said,"They need not worry and that it had been taken care of."


    After that Shi Ai had been in for a long lecture about propriety and manners."


    A few days later,some people had brought in a large array of clothes in all sizes and all the children had been told to choose. Auntie Wu had tried to stop them at taking only 1 dress each but the people told her that all kids must choose 3 outfits each. Shi Ai had carefully chosen 2 frocks and a set of jeans and a new top.


    Thinking back to the incident,where Shi Ai had been too bold, Auntie Wu went to her and started lecturing her again to not be too bold and retaining her manners. Shi Ai listened to her carefully and nodded along her head.Soon they had reached big hotel.The mouths of not just the kids but even Auntie Wu fell open.


    Alighting from the bus the kids all looked around at the sparkling lights and water fountains and were mesmerized.They almost fell that they had reached heaven.Just then Ryu Long''s brother Ah Hai Long came forward to welcome them.He was in charge of the security at the wedding and was supposed to keep a check on every person.Standing with him was Neil Long who had also come to meet the kids.As the kids came down slowly,Shi Ai was at the end of the line. Shi Ai felt as if she was in a dream and did not want to wake up.Getting down,still lost in her world,and trying to lug her heavy bag,she missed a step,and almost tumbled down the steps when suddenly Ah Hai caught her and held her hand to help her.The little girl looked at her savior and was struck dumb!She really seemed to have entered a dreamland!Even the prince charming here was more good looking that the one in the book.He helped her straighten up and patting her head moved ahead,guiding the children to the suite rooms that had been booked.The kids looked around in marvel but little Shi Ai had lost interest in her surroundings.Her eyes only followed the prince charming.


    The next morning:


    Shi Ai dressed in her pretty top and jeans,the next morning anxious to see her sister Alicia and her prince charming.At the buffet,Shi Ai did not see her prince charming for awhile and was almost depressed.She saw him some time later standing with the big brother yesterday and a pretty girl who called herself sister Alicia''s friend.Suddenly worried that someone was going to snatch away her prince charming,Shi Ai rushed to the buffet table and picked up a little flower made from an apple and rushed to them.The girl had left by then so Shi Ai fastened her pace.As her prince charming was about to turn away,she ran to him and caught hold of his hand.Stuffing the apple flower into his hand,Shi Ai smiled prettily and said,"Big brother,will you wait for me until I grow up?"


    Confused at her words,Ah Hai gave a confused nod but this made Shi Ai smile even more!"Ok then..please marry me when I am all grown.Thank you!"


    Ah hai and Neil Long:"..."

 Chapter 6 - Prince Charming

    Shi Ai next saw her prince charming at the rehearsal party while it was in full swing and everybody was dancing and having fun.As everyone soon got tired out from the eventful day where they had gone for a picnic all the kids were taken back to their rooms..Shi Ai who was wearing a fluffy pink dress escaped the coordinator''s eyes and skipped away to meet her prince charming..She had seen him standing alone in the lobby when they were coming up.She had tried to get him to look at her during the party but he did not come near her.She pouted..This was her last chance to woo him...If she failed then she would not be able to meet him again anytime soon.


    She ran down the staircase lest she get caught waiting for an elevator.Another boy of the same age also saw her running and escaped too.He was a bully that everyone was scared of except this girl!He knew she was going to that man from before,the one she liked.He had seen her give him an apple flower.He was going to ruin it for her...With an arrogant smile he followed her down the stairs.


    Since she had instantly fallen in love..She wanted him to fall for her as well and that was only possible if she was wearing a pretty dress like now and looking like a princess...


    She reached the lobby with a happy smile on her face which was soon whisked away when she saw the empty lobby...He was gone....And tomorrow they would leave soon after the ceremony and she would not get a chance to talk to him....


    Just as she was about to head back,she saw a shadow move in the garden.Her little heart skipped a beat when she saw the silhouette of the person she was looking for..


    She followed the lonely figure into the garden but before she could call out to him,a stubby arm stopped her causing her to let out a small scream in fright.


    "What are you doing Shi Ai?Why did you run away from there?Do you want to get into trouble?"Asked the fat little boy.


    Shi Ai glared at him and said,"You are the one who wants to get into trouble!Why are you following me?Do you want me to punch you?"


    "Ha,I know you are looking for that big brother and you like him.But Shi Ai what is the point of going after him?It''s not like you are going to grow up.Even if he likes a dirty little girl like you,you are going to die soon then he will leave you.Then what are you so happy about."


    By the end of the boy''s statement,Shi Ai had come back from her dreamworld with a thump.She glared at the horrid boy with eyes full of tears and threatened,"If you don''t want to get a beating you better run away now.Or else"


    The little boy was happy to see her cry and ran back immediately in case she made true on her threat...


    Shi Ai stood there dejectedly and after a few moments of crying silent tears she started to go back.Her rosy face was now ashen.Her vision was blurry and she lost her balance ruining the pretty dress as well..For a moment she was dismayed...such a pretty dress she had received,she had been going to wear it on her birthday but then she remembered...she may not live until then..With another sob she ran towards the hotel but only after a few steps,collided with a pair of legs and almost fell on her rump but was caught by a pair of strong hands.


    She thanked the person who saved her without looking and tried to leave.But the person was holding her firm and did not let go..She looked up and was even more dismayed when she saw her saviour.It was her prince charming.She wanted him to see her at her best and instead he was seeing her now...at her worst...


    She hicupped and a sob was caught in her throat.


    Ah Hai looked at the girl who was staring at him with her big doe eyes.It was clear that she was feeling embarassed.He noticed that her knees were hurt.


    "Come with me."Ah Hai was wary of a little girl.If his fellow soldiers ever found out that he was scared of her,they would laugh at him....But tears made him scared...


    Seeing a bench swing nearby he made her sit on it and went down on his knees to inspect the wounds.Taking a clean handkerchief he wiped off the mud that was stuck to her knees.He saw her fingers tighten in her lap when he cleaned the wound but the girl did not complain.Looking at her bravery,Ah Hai felt his heart soften..He took out his phone,dialed a number and said,"bring a first aid kit and a water bottle to the garden.leave it at the entrance."


    The swing was hidden from the entrance.He did not want anyone to see the girl in such a vulnerable state.He looked at her and said gently,"I am going to go bring back the first aid kit.You sit here."He was about to get up but then suddenly looked up and asked,"Will you be alright here?"


    Once she nodded,he got up and went towards the entrance.

 Chapter 7 - Knowing the Prince Charming

    Ah Hai jogged towards the entrance and immediately took the first aid box and bottled water from his assistant.His assistant worriedly asked if someone was injured and needed help.Ah Hai replied with a curt,"No need.Just a few minor scratches.I''ll apply some ointment and let it be.."The assistant nodded and went back inside the hotel.


    Ah Hai rushed back to find the little girl waiting for him.She had a streak of mud across her cheek as if she had used her dirty hands to wipe her face.Her nose was red from crying earlier but her mouth was set in a line as if daring him to comment.


    Ignoring her,Ah Hai bent down and poured some antiseptic liquid on cotton.He then took her hands and wiped them,noticing she had some minor cuts on them.She hissed in pain as the liquid burnt over the cuts but otherwise remained quiet.He then wiped her knees and applied band aids to the wounds there.Once done,he took out an antiseptic wet tissue from the box and cleaned his hands.


    He then sat on the bench next to the girl and offered her some water.She took the water with trembling hands and almost dropped it.Holding the water bottle to her mouth,Ah Hai slowly helped her drink.


    For a few moments,there was silence.Then a small voice whispered,"Thank You."


    He looked at the girl sitting beside him timidly. Was she the same vivacious girl from this morning who had proposed to him so boldly?He had heard her scream and returned.He heard the entire conversation and had been about to escape when he realized that she was looking for him,but when the boy casually talked about her dying,he stopped in his tracks.Why would she die?She did not look sick.Then she had threatened the boy even though her voice had been thick with tears.He had wanted to see her reach back to her room safely and then he would be asking the orphanage manager about her health.As he was musing this,he did not realize that he had not answered Shi Ai.


    Shi Ai was even more disheartened when she realized that big brother had not answered her.She thought he was angry at her for this morning.So she moved her hand a bit and slowly tugged at his sleeves a bit while looking at him.


    Feeling the tug,Ah Hai immediately turned towards the girl only to see her bend her head down again.Again in a slow voice she said,"Big Brother...I mean Sir,I am sorry for offending you this morning.."


    Ah Hai''s brows arched at this apology and he couldn''t hold back himself.Again,he went on his knees to kneel down in front of her and with a finger to her chin made her look up.


    "What is your name?" Shi Ai looked at this polite Ah Hai and thought that he was pitying her,so she immediately pouted and said,"I won''t tell you.Why should I?"


    Ah Hai looked at the silly girl and said,"How will I wait for you if I don''t know your name?I have to know the name of my betrothed."


    Shi Ai looked shocked but there was a big smile on her face and she said,"You are teasing me."


    Ah Hai shook his head and answered,"No I am not.My name is Long AhHai. You must call be big brother Ah Hai."


    "But you are prince charming..why would you wait for me?I am only a little bit pretty."


    "Thank you for the compliment little beauty but you are going to become beautiful when you are older and by then I will be fat and bald so where will I get a beautiful girl?If you are betrothed to me,then I can rest assured that I will get a beautiful flower in the future and not have to worry about anything."


    Shi Ai frowned at this and said,"But Big Brother,you must not grow fat and bald...otherwise how will you remain prince charming?"


    Ah Hai pretended to regard her thoughtfully and said in serious tone,"So does that mean if I am not handsome anymore,you won''t marry me?


    "Uh huh.",little Shi Ai nodded."I''d still marry you..You have kind eyes.They won''t change even if you are fat."


    Ah Hai was speechless at her words and said hesitatingly,"Ok then, I guess I can do that."


    "Uh huh,that won''t work.You have to give me a promise."She extended her hand with her little finger extended.Ah Hai extended his hand and crossed his little finger with hers and said."I promise to wait for you to grow up and marry you,if you wish."


    Shi Ai was beaming at his words.All her earlier sadness forgotten.


    Ah Hai then said,"Now it is late.Let me escort you,young lady to your room."


    With that Ah Hai got up from his kneeling position and extended his hand.But Shi Ai stubbornly shook her head.


    Ah Hai:"..." Now what?


    "You need to give me a betrothal gift."


    "A betrothal gift?"


    "Hmm..a gift to signify that we are promised to each other."


    Ah Hai thought for a moment and saw a silver chain hanging around her neck.


    "Give me your chain."


    Shi Ai immediately took it off and passed it to him.The chain was long and easily came over her head without opening the clasp.Ah Hai opened the clasp and taking out a plain silver ring off his index finger put it inside the chain.Closing the clasp,he slipped the chain over her head."Now you have my ring.It has my name characters and birthdate on the inside.Hmm?."


    Another beaming smile was directed his way and then she gestured him to sit on the bench.He sat down next to her and she immediately got up and stood in front of him."Big Brother Ah Hai,my family name is Shi and given name is Ai .And... I saw on a TV show that when someone gets engaged they must kiss."With that she planted a kiss on Ah Hai''s cheeks and ran towards the hotel before he could even react...


    "Shi Ai.."He murmured the name.."Ai meant love..It seems he had just been kissed by love..

 Chapter 8 - Kiss of love

    Ah Hai was shocked at his own whimsical thinking.The girl was 13 years younger than him.It would be cradle robbery!But she was indeed special.He gave her his ring and promised easily because he knew that this was just a passing crush which she will have forgotten in a few days but after what he has heard it had also been a possobility that it wpuld scar her.He did not want her to have any sad memories of these few days.His eldest brother had gone to great lengths to make his guests happy and comfortable.


    His leg ached where it had been a hurt a few weeks earlier.He''d been trying to hide it but he was pretty sure Neil had noticed.It was hard hiding anything from his brothers.Ah Hai was the youngest and had three big brothers.Though the age gap between them was wide,he was close to all of them.His 1st bro was his idol.Ah Hai had been 8 when their parents had passed away and Ryu Long 18 years..Ah Hai remembered how some distant cousins had claimed relation to him and tried to take him away from his brother. Ryu Long had fought tooth and nail to keep him with them.And Ah Hai had paid them back in the worst way possible!And just like that he was bound to crush the little girl''s heart.She asked him to wait but the truth was he had no hope for survival.Every mission he went to was a death warrant!So maybe he had been selfish and wanted someone to remember only good things about him.Shaking away the melancholy thoughts,Ah Hai brought him back to the present.His sister in law was bound to know what was wrong.His thoughts turned to his sister in law-Alicia Lu.


    When he had come back from the mission,he had been shot multiple times and the wound had been infected by the time they got medical aid.He had been out of it for a few days and the next few had been spent on debriefing and figuring out the traitor.The only good thing in the entire fiasco was that they had gleaned a lot of information and a lead as to who the traitor could be.He had been sent on a compulsory medical leave and he had been set to go home when he received the message that his had been about to marry soon.


    He remembered that he had been royally pi**ed.His brother had already suffered in the first marriage and now he was set to make another mistake by marrying someone for the sake of Ru!He had come with the intention of stopping his brother but the deed had been done!He had hated the woman on sight.But now after observing them for a while,he knew that she was perfect for his brother.


    Ah Hai did not remember much about his parents'' relationship and what he did was very foggy in his mind.But he remembered another relationship that had been full of love and hope before he had ruined it for his second bro...


    shaking away his thoughts again,he scolded himself.Nobody was allowed to be sad at his first bro''s wedding!Not even him!


    Getting up from his place,he went towards the hotel.There was someone else who was bound to know.Auntie Wu!She was the coordinator and the one handling the children.Looking at the time,Ah Hai thought it to be pretty late so he decided to speak to her tomorrow at the earliest.And he needed to teach a certain naughty boy a lesson as well for making a little girl cry! Just then his cell phone rang and seeing the display he thought he might as well answer it.Or Shot was going to call during the night and disturb him!The moment he answered a booming voice of his TL said,"Hey Knight!How are you doing?"


    "Shot,you asked me the same thing this morning!"


    "Yes,but did you answer?"


    "I told you that it was fine."


    "I meant you did not tell the truth!So that answer is not counted!"


    "Fine Shot!I am in pain and want to kick someone the pain is so unbearable!Is that answer acceptable?"


    "Yes!Finally!So what were you doing?I called you earlier but you did not answer."


    "Is this an interrogation?"


    "Of course not!I am just catching up with you!So what were you doing?


    "I was getting engaged!"


    Lots of sputtering and coughing noises could be heard on the phone before the now hoarse voice asked,"What did you say?I thought I heard you say that you got engaged!Who did you get engaged with and how?"


    "You heard me right!I got engaged to a girl of course.Where?In a garden.How?By giving her a ring."


    Ah Hai had no intention of telling Shot that he was joking!Ha!the man had been calling him up since the start of the leave ad checking up on him like a mother hen!Let him suffer for a bit.In fact he decided to drop another bomb while at it,"In fact she proposed to me and said that I have the kindest eyes."


    After that the moment,the phone was disconnected on its own as the caller on the other side had been struck dumb!Just who was the mad girl that thought that the man with the coldest and the deadliest gaze in the world had kind eyes!If Knight''s eyes were kind then Shot would believe in the existence of God!


    £¬

 Chapter 9 - Frail of Heart

    The next morning,Ah Hai resolutely knocked at the door of Mrs Wu.She was at first shocked to see him and then curious.She had no idea as to why he would come here suddenly but he was a part of the family of their host so she kindly invited him inside and offered him some beverages which he refused.Coming straight to the point,he said,"Mrs Wu,what is wrong with Shi Ai''s health?"


    Mrs Wu was shocked with the sudden unexpected topic.She did not know what to make of the question since why would a stranger know and be questioning her about it.She had met many weird people in her career who would appear respectable but actually were despicable especially when involved with orphans.So even though this man''s brother was a respectable man she was suspicious of his request.


    Ah Hai was an expert at reading body language so he knew what she was thinking.However he was not very good with words so he laid the facts clearly.He had heard a little boy teasing Shi Ai. He wanted to know because he had felt bad and thirdly,the army had the best medical surgeons in Country C that were not available to civilians,and naturally if it was something serious then he would like to talk to a military doctor on the girl''s behalf.Ah Hai even showed her his ID card and dog tags so that the woman would not hesitate in giving him the entire information.


    After confirming his intentions,Mrs Wu was not as reticent as earlier about giving out the information.She told him that Shi Ai had fainted out of the blue a few months back and been rushed to the hospital.After finding no apparent reason for her sudden fainting spell they had conducted further tests where her heart showed a defect.Many tests ensued and the doctors finally told us that either one of her three arteries were blocked or too narrow and a little part of her heart was already damaged as it showed no blood flow.They said it was a miracle that the child had survived this long and this fainting spell was an indication that slowly this was affecting her other organs as well.The girl has more medicines to eat than she does food!Mrs Wu was almost in tears as she narrated the story.


    Ah Hai was also lost in thought at this and did not know how to console this crying woman.Letting her cry it out and then giving her time to compose herself,he asked,"Mrs Wu.Would you mind sending the reports to me when you go back to the orphanage.I would like to consult the doctors in the army as well!And send these reports to some of the foreign doctors."


    "Mrs Wu nodded her head and said,"I have the reports right here with me.Alicia does not know much about this as well.She knows that Shi Ai is sick but she does not know that it is nearly incurable.Add the fact that we have no idea of her biological parents'' medical history so we have nothing for reference.The confirmations just came in a few days ago.We came to know of Alicia''s wedding and did not want to cause her more worry.In fact even if it was curable we would need a humongous amount of money for surgery which is also next to impossible.Maybe that is why the fates did not give us hope also.."


    Ah Hai could feel his heart pain for the little girl and he assured Mrs Wu,"Mrs Wu,let me consult another doctor and I will let you know.If there is even a 0.5 percent chance of her being saved then I will do everything within my power to save her.So please send her reports to me and any other documents that would be relevant."


    With that,Ah Hai left the room unknowingly leaving hope behind.Mrs Wu hoped that he would succeed.But for now she took out all the reports and ran after the man to hand over the files.She did not know when coming here,why it had suddenly struck her to keep the reports but she guessed now that it must be fate.


    After receiving the files,Ah Hai immediately called the doctor in the army hospital and sent the reports to them requesting him to give a detailed analysis.

 Chapter 10 - The Promise

    After Shi Ai had met her prince charming in the garden,she had happily skipped back to her room.Her bed was like that of a princess and she really felt like one..especially tonight.Clutching the ring,he had given her,she happily sat on her bed.Using the dim light,she started to sketch in her book.She did not want to forget today so she started to draw the garden scene immediately.She captured the soft expressions that Ah Hai had perfectly..After finishing the drawing,she tore the paper from the book and folding it carefully she tucked it inside the luggage.Even then sleep eluded her and so she thought to herself,Ah Hai had given her a gift and she had given nothing so resolutely she sat back up and decided to draw something for him as well.But she could not decide..Finally,she drew herself so that he would remember her.It was a small picture as she did not like drawing herself much.


    The Next Morning:


    Shi Ai was excited beyond belief.First,her sister Al was getting married and second her Ah Hai had also promised her.But she was sad as well.She did not know if he would come to meet her often or of he will forget about her.She knew that he was in the army and would be going back soon.


    Readied in the pretty frock that she had chosen for herself,Shi Ai carefully took out the sketch she had prepared for Sister Alicia and went to the bridal room.


    The wedding was beautiful.As the first wedding that Shi Ai had ever attended,it gave her a feeling that she was in a fairy tale. Before the banquet,the little bully who had made her cry yesterday came up to her.She was angry at him and almost behaved badly and hit him.But in the next moment he apologized profusely. Shi Ai was shocked.She had never thought that a boy like him could apologize!Aunty Wu always thought them that forgiveness is the best way to go if someone apologizes.So with a stern frown in his direction,she forgave him.


    What Shi AI did not know was that the moment her back turned,the boy ran to Ah Hai and reported the fact that he had apologized. Ah Hai had almost made the poor boy cry when he had *lectured* the little boy so much.


    As the evening wore on,Shi Ai gathered her courage and asked Ah Hai to dance.She did not know whether he would accept.But was joyful when he did.She danced and twirled with him and was the happiest she had ever been.


    After the dance Ah Hai invited her to talk.Taking her to the table he said,"Shi AI!You have my ring correct?"Seeing her happy nod he continued,"Then I want you to promise me something."Again Shi Ai nodded eagerly."From today onwards I want you to concentrate on only three things-getting better and studying hard and being happy!Only in books,princesses have nothing to do all day but dream.In real life,they are accomplished and have to work very hard almost twice as much as other people.So from now on,dream of being successful and happy when you grow up.Concentrate on your studies and no more talk of love and marriage!So you will have to promise me that you will focus on studying and not waste your time on wedding dreams!So what do you want to be when you grow up?


    "I want to be an artist and draw pictures and see the world!" came the quick reply.


    Ah Hai smiled at that and said,"Then dream of the places that you wish to visit and study hard so you can accomplish that.And then at the end,if you still wish to marry me,I''ll be waiting for you.Alright?"


    Shi Ai nodded and resolutely promised him that from now on she would focus on being healthy,happy and studying hard.She wanted to make him proud of her.


    Soon,Shi Ai and Ah Hai parted ways as Shi Ai went back to the orphanage.

 Chapter 11 - She Is Important To Me

    Just because Ah hai and Shi Ai had parted ways did not mean that Ah Hai had forgotten about his promise to himself.The morning after the wedding,Ah Hai was sitting outside the doctor''s cabin in the Imperial Hospital.The hospital was the best in the country and catered first and foremost to the families of military personnel.He had indicated that Shi Ai was his cousin who needed treatment.Soon the doctor invited him inside.


    The Army doctor was an older man in his fifties and well experienced in dealing with soldiers.Having been a soldier himself,the first thing he noticed was that Ah Hai was limping.Getting up,he shook hands as he introduced himself."Captain Long.My name is Dr Zhang Shu and I am the heart specialist who is going to treat your cousin.It is a pleasure to meet you.Your accomplishments are well known and appreciated within the army."


    The doctor noticed that flattery did not have much effect on the young man.He was impressed.When he had received the case,he had taken it with a hint of irony.His schedule was filled to the T for the next few months but then the seniors had pushed this case onto him.He had been angered at first that someone had tried to force his hand but then he was informed that the pressure was not from Captain Long but the higher ups at the army.


    It seemed that Captain Long was too fierce and independent.Adding in the fact of his wealthy and powerful background,the superiors had nothing to hold over his head.And with this case they wanted him to be indebted..And so he read through the file.And discovered that like his reputation was known to be difficult,the case was also difficult and complicated.


    Coming back to the present,Dr Zhang Shu,opened his laptop and showed the tests that had been conducted on the little girl.He then explained the problem and continued,"Captain Long,since the patient is a child and you are the one sponsoring her medical treatments,I am giving you the details of this treatment.First,I will need to reconduct the tests.They have been done using older and not very high tech machines.Secondly,before beginning the treatment I want to do a DNA test on the child.Her reports say that she is 9 years but her heart''s condition says otherwise.The DNA test is the best way to determine her age since she is young. There is a process called methylation which helps in determining her age and it is generally something that is 99 percent accurate in younger cases.My reasons for finding these are dual.If she is older then her body os bound to be better developed and handle the medication.And since there is a possibility that it is a birth defect we can research that also.We will also need her parent''s signed consent and their medical history."


    Ah Hai had heard and understood whatever the doctor said and then answered,"Her parents are dead."


    The doctor paused at that and then said,"any other blood relative?"


    "None."


    "But the report says that she is your cousin.."


    Ah Hai stayed quiet.The doctor was now in a dilemma.He had been forced to take this case because of her relation to this man.But he claimed that they were unrelated by blood..but then why was he helping her?Dr Zhang Shu believed in treating his patients fairly and so said,"Then how are related?"


    Ah hai gave the doctor a measuring look and then answered with a straight face,"She is my fiance."


    Dr Zhang Shu: "..."


    In a shocked voice,he asked,"Captain,are you serious?"


    Ah Hai looked the doctor straight in the eyes and said,"Doctor,you and I both know that she is receiving treatment at this speed because of my value to those higher ups.Then let us assume that she is important enough to me that I am willing to indebt myself.So Shi Ai will be here tomorrow with her legal guardian.I have only one hope.My name be left out of everything."

 Chapter 12 - She is Thirteen

    The next morning Shi Ai went to the Imperial Hospital accompanied bu Auntie Wu.She had been told that there was a possibility that she could be cured.They needed to see her and study her heart more in order to decide.Nervously clutching the chain around her neck,she reminded herself that she needed to be brave.Only then she would be able to remain healthy and keep her promise. Auntie Wu also seemed nervous.She had never seen a hospital that did not look like a hospital.She had expected some extravagance as the hospital was mainly for the military and the elite but this place did not look or smell like a hospital.At the reception she was asked to name the patient and the doctor so she hurriedly said both.She felt the nurse look at her a bit oddly but saying nothing she showed her the way,telling her to take the lift and go to the top floor.


    The doctor was a kind looking man with shrewd eyes.He saw the nervous girl and quietly asked her all sorts of questions about her likes and dislikes.Seeing her get comfortable the doctor offered them both a tour if the faculties.Looking around he showed Shi Ai all the machines and the labs.Once she was not as scared as earlier,he indicated the nurse to take the requisite signatures from the guardian and started with the blood tests.The next thing was admitting her into the hospital for an angiography. The procedure was an X ray imaging using angiograms to study the nerves throughout the body.This procedure had been done on the girl earlier as well but the results were not very clear as they had used older technology.


    The doctor had carefully prepared the procedures as the nerves of children were thinner.They would be conducting the non invasive angiography tomorrow after deducing the girl''s approximate age.


    Same evening:


    "The girl is at least 12 years or 13 years.Her growth is slower due to the defect in her heart and so she looks younger.Also I have done other tests on her.Captain,usually when one of our five important organs is damaged for a longer period of time,the others suffer as they have to over work to compensate for that.The other tests have come out clear so mostly no other complications should arise.This also indicates that it is not a birth defect as it had been indicated earlier.We will be doing a MRI scan also on her to check her brain functions tomorrow."


    Ah Hai heard the entire summary and felt a sense of relief.Hearing the assurance in the doctor''s voice,he further asked,"Then is it possible to have a treatment without surgery?"


    "No.The surgery is going to be a must and so is the post operative care.In fact if you can I would suggest that you transfer her to country A''s child cardiac specialist.His clinic provides not just the surgery but also the post operative care.The surgery is not the riskiest part.It is the chances of infection that pose a risk and usually cause harm to the patients.The child is currently living with many children and naturally the chances of infection are higher.So if as you said,money is not a problem so you can take her there.If you are willing I will forward all the reports to him and also accompany her there as the attending doctor. "


    Ah Hai agreed to the doctor''s suggestions and made his own arrangements to go there.His eldest brother would be travelling to country A soon for his sister in law''s studies and he would go with them.His brother had asked him to protect Alicia when they were there and he had been worried that he would not be able to support the little girl.But now he could see her recover and be at peace.


    Two Months later in Country A:


    Ah Hai waited for his brother to return to the country so that he could hand over his sister in law''s security back to him.He knew his brother had suffered a blow in the recent accident when fighting their ruthless and biological grandfather Wang Wei.So he was only returning now.Wang Wei had caused much damage to their family and Ah Hai hated the man with a vengeance.He was the best sniper in the country and could have taken down the man in a shot but his big bro had already called dibs.And now that the man was dead,Ah Hai hoped that his brother would have some peace in the future.


    Ah Hai had been ordered to report back as some of the rumors that Wang Wei had spread before his death had almost branded him a traitor.Thankfully he had been able to provide sufficient explanation that he was not charged with treason.But the higher ups had received a chance to flex their muscles and show him who was in charge.So of course he was going to let them.


    Anyway the reason he had come to country A was now safe.Shi Ai had undergone the operation last month and was now in post operative care.Her condition had been critical for some time as some medications had counter acted but she was now going to have a smoother road ahead of her.


    £¬

 Chapter 13 - Knight Security Services

    Three years later in Country A:


    A teenage girl was sitting on her desk reading a magazine.She was currently reading the biography of the man who was suddenly famous for having saved the President of country A in the last year.She stared at the handsome but stern face.His face had not changed in the last 3 years.It had only been three years but she felt it had been a lifetime.After her surgery,it had taken an entire year for her to assimilate that she was thirteen and not nine years plus the fact that because of this she had better chances of survival.But she still thought of herself as young.After the surgery,she''d had a growth spurt and no longer looked younger than her age.Though she did not look like girls her age as well.Teenage girls in this country liked to dress older or maybe bolder.The make up,the hair and even the style made them look at least 18 years. Shi Ai did not know why she did not like to dress up as these girls.Like all girls she fancied make up as well but she somehow did not like the look of it and felt it was a waste of time..


    She thought back to the promise that she had made him.That she would be happy.Had he been really concerned about her or had he just pitied her?She had lived the past three years with Aunty Wu who had treated her like a mother would treat her daughter.It was only after she passed away last month that Shi Ai came to know that all her medical expenses had been borne by him.She had thought that he would have forgotten about her or just remembered her as an amusing girl but unexpectedly he had saved her.She felt indebted to him for life.She fingered the chain around her neck.For the last three years,the ring hanging inside it had given her hope and strength,but now that she was alone again in this world,and with the new knowledge the ring was a heavy burden.Putting her head down,she studied the blank eyes again but this time the ending of the article caught her eye.It gave the contact information of Knight Security and assured them of their quick services.


    In her subconscious mind,she learnt the number and other details without realizing what she had done.


    Closing the magazine,she took out her sketch pad and doodled on it until the teacher arrived.She was in high school now.Though she was supposed to be in middle school,her promise and all the free time during her recovery had given her a jump start on the school life.She was younger than all the students in her class.Younger and more beautiful.Her aversion to follow modern trends and her delicate features made her an envy of all the girls in her class and a fancy to all the boys.


    Soon she would be shifting into the dormitory.She hated to live in the small house without Auntie Wu''s presence.Once the rent period was over she would move here into the dormitory if she could.She had also received notice from the school to update a guardian''s name.She had no one.And she did not know what to do.She thought about looking for sister Al but she did not want to get in touch with the Long''s as of now when she had taken so many pains and begged Auntie Wu to not lose contact with them.


    Doodling absently,she looked down to see that she had sketched him.Sighing she closed the book with a snap and took out her textbook.Just then her good friend,Yao yao sat down next to her with a thump.Seeing her reading her textbook,she banged her hand on the table and said,"Ai ai,you will turn into a book worm if you keep staring into your books!Look up and admire the scenery in front of you."


    Looking at her Shi Ai moved to stare out of the window but she could see the same grounds and trees. Yao yao shook her head and holding her chin moved her face to the front of the class where the most handsome boy in the class was sitting staring straight ahead.


    Yao yao sighed at the chiseled face while SHi Ai looked on indifferently.No one was as handsome as her Knight.


    £¬

 Chapter 14 - Rich Kids

    Shi Ai looked at the boy in front of her and sighed.He was classically handsome but not as handsome as her prince charming.Her sigh attracted Yao yao''s attention who thought that she was sighing at the scenery but then seeing her non interested expression,Yao Yao felt dejected. Shi Ai never liked the looks of any single boy.Maybe it was because the girl was younger than them she had yet to understand the feelings between boys and girls.After all everyone in this class was older than her.And richer.


    Yao Yao did not know much about Shi Ai, other than the fact that she was not very well off and was here on a scholarship and that she did not have any parents.So even though she was older than Shi Ai and considered herself her best friend,Shi Ai was a mystery to her.Another mystery was Shi Ai''s prince charming who she did not believe existed outside of her imagination.When they had become friends,Yao Yao had tried to gauge her reactions to boys and other things but she had deftly skipped claiming that she already had a prince charming and was not interested in anyone else.But Yao Yao had yet to see the prince charming''s existence.And then recently she came to know that Shi AI''s legal guardian passed away. Yao Yao almost pitied the girl when she saw her lonely figure at the funeral and she was also angered on her behalf.Where was this prince charming?Shi Ai was so devoted to him and he couldn''t even be bothered to come to her Aunt''s funeral?That is when Yao Yao thought that he was a figment of Shi Ai''s imagination.After all young girls always had an idol in their minds who might not even exist in reality. Yao Yao had once seen the profile of a man in Shi Ai''s treasured and forbidden sketchbook.The side profile had looked more like a fallen angel than a prince charming.Simply too beautiful to be true..


    The class teacher then entered the classroom,making all the kids go quiet.He was a stern but fair professor. Yao Yao sighed regretfully and turned to check the page Shi Ai was on.And for the first time ever she saw that Shi Ai was not concentrating on her book and was lost in her thoughts.


    The school was going to close for the autumn holidays and since they were all set to go to university next year the school had orgnized a career camp.Though why they would need such a thing was beyond Yao Yao. They were all kids of wealthy businessmen and lawyers,etc.So naturally most of them already had their career paths set for them from their birth by their parents.She then gave a side glance to Shi Ai.Maybe it was for students like Shi Ai who were on scholarship.After all they would need as much as help they could.


    Though Yao Yao considered herself a good person but in reality she was a little self absorbed.She did not think her and Shi Ai were equals.And not because of the disparity in their ages.It was because of the disparity in their status.So in her heart she felt that Shi Ai was supposed to be grateful that they were friends.


    Like the spoilt child she was,Yao Yao always assumed that everything could be bought with money and that friendship meant calculating how would the other person benefit you.For Yao Yao,Shi Ai had only one use.That was showing her fiance that she was a kind girl and treated everyone well.Even those who were beneath her.

 Chapter 15 - Mr Jiang

    After school,Shi Ai dragged herself home.Ever since,Aunt Wu passed away,the house did not feel like a home.She thought of the article she had read today and the face in it kept flashing in front of her eyes.She wondered if she should call him and if he would remember her.The landlady had been kind to her predicament and let her stay in the house till the end of the autumn holidays. Shi Ai was wondering where she would stay after that.To move into a hostel,she was underage and would require parent''s permission slip and that was not possible once the authorities realized that she was orphaned.She had already been refused by the top and safest hostel and even her school''s dormitory required a guardian''s signature.She was hesitant to live in any other place as it would not be safe.Fate had something against her maybe..That is why she had been orphaned not once but twice.Maybe she was supposed to suffer..and persist. She wondered if she should ask Yao Yao for a place to stay. Maybe her family had an empty servant''s quarter.She would definitely pay them rent..But she wasn''t too sure about that.She was somehow uncomfortable asking for charity.Some might say that it was not charity if she was paying rent or asking a friend but even so Shi Ai was unsure.


    As she reached the house,she saw an unfamiliar older man standing there at the gate.She was instantly on alert.The man was dressed in a stylish navy blue suit and looked to be in his late 40''s.She put a hand in her pocket and clutched at the pepper spray tightly.As she reached the gate,the man turned to her and smilingly asked,"Is this the house of Mrs Wu?"


    Nodding cautiously,Shi Ai answered,"She is presently not at home.Would you like to leave a message?"


    The man narrrowed his eyes at her and said,"Then you must be the young Ms Shi Ai."


    After this statement Shi Ai was even more scared.The man seemed to know her.If he was someone Auntie Wu knew she would have told her about it.And everybody who was acquainted with them had come to pay their respects at Aunt Wu''s wake.She was preparing to run for help and the man seemed to recognize that and hurriedly said,"I am Lawyer Jiang!I came here to discuss Mrs Wu''s last will and testament with you.Here is my card."


    Shi Ai controlled her flight instinct and took the card cautiously.She was still prepared to run but she seemed to remember that Auntie Wu had indeed said something about informing a lawyer but in her shock she had forgotten.Bowing to him,she said,"Hello.I am sorry for not recognizing you."


    The lawyer smiled at the girl.Mrs Wu had described the girl as smart ,well mannered and timid.And he had seen the girl almost run away from him.He was satisfied that Mrs Wu had made good arrangements and pitied the girl that she had to suffer so much alone.


    "Ms Shi Ai,I would like to apologize to you for not coming sooner.Mrs Wu had made arrangements for you long back but I had no idea when she passed away so I could not do much!I was just glad that I came to know about this before you moved out!


    If you do not mind,I would like to come inside and explain the contents of the will.If you feel unsafe,we can meet up in a nearby cafe or you can invite a trusted neighbor to sit in with you."


    Shi Ai thought for a while.She would have preferred a public place but she did not know if the contents were sensitive or not.


    Finally she decided to let the man enter her domain.But she was going to be on alert and not let her guard down.If the man tried anything dangerous..


    Shrugging her shoulders,she said casually,"You can come in at your own risk.If you are honest you will not be harmed.Otherwise,I will just harm you a bit."


    With that she nonchalantly entered the gate leaving him to decide.Listening to this confident girl,Lawyer Jiang wondered if he needed to reassess the girl''s character!!

 Chapter 16 - The Guardian

    Lawyer Jiang followed Shi Ai inside with a little puzzlement.After entering the little house,Shi Ai guided him towards the small sofa and went to the kitchen. Placing her bag and arming herself with a small knife in her pocket,she filled a cup of water and offered it to lawyer Jiang who took it thankfully.Sitting opposite him,she then waited for him to begin.


    Lawyer Jiang took out the file and after placing it on the table,observed the girl sitting in front of him calmly.There was no expression on her face or anything to indicate what she hoped that the will contained.


    Clearing his throat he said,"Ms Shi,You are studying in No.1 High School?"


    Shi Ai nodded a yes.


    "If I am not mistaken,your studies are supported by a scholarship trust fund which was being manager by your guardian from Lance Inc. till you turn 18 years?"


    "Yes."


    The lawyer nodded his head in confirmation and said,"So all the facts are true and you are aware of them.You realize your schooling will not pose a problem due to the existence of the trust.


    As you may know Mrs Wu had no living relative since her family had passed away long ago.She was your legal guardian here in this country.Since you are here on a study visa and not a permanent resident of this country and you are underage,the law here cannot offer you any aid and will in fact require you to go back to country C in the absence of a legal guardian.Both the trust and living inthis country require you to have a guardian.In case of the trust,there are provisions that should a problem incur,you can go back to country C and the head of the orphanage can act as your guardian.But that would mean leaving your studies here.Fortunately,when Mrs Wu fell sick,she was made aware of this and she was able to make provisions for a guardian as well as complete all legal formalities.The guardian also was unaware of Mrs Wu''s death it seems and I have informed him of this fact and asked him to contact you."


    Lawyer Jiang then passed her a small envelope and said,"These are the details of your guardian should you wish to contact him directly.Herein,there is also a letter from Mrs Wu but she asks you to read it when you turn 18 years."


    Shi Ai took the envelope with trembling hands.There was only one thought in her mind,she had not been abandoned!When Mrs Wu had fallen ill,Shi Ai had thought they would have time but her sudden passing had made her feel abandoned and unloved.But the fact that Auntie Wu had thought about her and her safety during those last few weeks,gave her a feeling of being wrapped in a warm blanket on a cold day.


    Shi Ai placed the envelope with the details and the letter on the small rickety coffee table and knew that there wa more so waited for the lawyer to continue.Seeing how composed she was in spite of her trembling hands,the lawyer felt pity for the child once again.Fates,sometimes were not kind.No one could replace a mother figure..


    Sighing,he continued,"Mrs Wu used to get a stipend from her late husband''s estate which made it possible for her to choose whether to work or not.But she chose to work so she had a small savings account.The estate will now be handed over to the orphanage where she worked in the past.The small savings account had been transferred in your name.If you live frugally,the savings in there will tide you through at least 3 years so that means till you are a legal adult."


    "If you have any questions,Ms Shi AI,you have my card and I will guide you in any way possible.These are the documents pertaining to your change in guardianship as well as the passbook for the bank account of Mrs Wu.Lastly,as a extreme option,there is another contact number in the letter from Mrs Wu.She says that should you ever feel unsafe under the care of your new guardian,or feel any danger around you,please contact that number and help will arrive immediately.Mrs Wu reminds you to not hesitate or let your pride come in the way when it concerns to your protection and safety."


    He then handed her a file with all the relevant documents and once again reminding her to call him if she needed any explanation,left the house,closing the door behind him slowly.

 Chapter 17 - The Guardian(2)

    Shi Ai leaned back in her chair once the lawyer was gone.Auntie Wu had done her best to make her safe and happy.She took the envelope with her guardian''s information and Auntie Wu''s letter and put it inside the small box under her bed.She had no intention of calling a stranger to take responsibility of her. The money left by Auntie Wu would go to solve many problems and she had already planned to look for a part time job. Anyways, Lawyer Jiang said that he had already contacted the new guardian so if and when he came she would speak to him about arranging a hostel for her.


    Shi Ai got to work preparing a small dinner for herself.After the rice and stew were ready she put some for herself and sat in front of the television to eat.She always heard the television when eating,that way she did not feel alone.Heard and not watched because the screen had turned blank some time back and she did not have any money to have it repaired or replaced.She figured that she would let it run as long as she could and then sell it at a junkyard.


    As she ate, her mind kept wandering to the guardian Mrs Wu must have chosen.Could it be Sister Alicia and Brother Ryu?She did not want them to be.When she had come back from their wedding,she had been so happy that her head had been up on cloud nine.She seemed to have forgotten that though Sister Alicia was an orphan as well,she had lost her mother to illness while Shi Ai herself had been abandoned.There really was a huge difference and someone had made her realize that when she had dreamt too much. The shattered dreams had hurt her and once she had come to country A for treatment, she had made Auntie Wu promise to not look for them. In her childishness she had believed that seeing them would only hurt her. She now regretted that greatly. If only she had kept in touch then she wouldn''t be so alone today. Sister Alicia would always find ways to make her happy and smile. Sigh! It was water under the bridge now. But a tiny part of her hoped that the new guardian was them and another huddered at the thought!


    Shi Ai finished her dinner amidst these morose thoughts and after cleaning the dishes made her way to study at the small dining table. As soon as she opened her books, the sound of a bell rung through the house. It was almost 8 pm and she wondered who would come calling so late.


    Checking to see that she still had the spray and knife in her pocket, she slowly went towards the door. Opening it slowly she felt her mind go blank staring at the person in shock.Never in a billion years had she imagined the person in front of her to appear like this out of the blue!


    Stuttering she asked, "Doctor... Doctor Zhang.."


    The doctor smiled kindly at Shi Ai and asked,"How are you doing Ms Shi Ai?Are you not going to invite your old doctor in?"


    Shi Ai nodded immediately as if she had a spring in her neck and moved aside to let the doctor in and answered the doctor,"I am doing fine Sir."


    The doctor looked at her with a professional eye and asked,"And you are taking good care of your heart?"


    "Y..yes."


    Dr Zhang nodded and then took a seat on the small sofa as he looked around. Actually,Shi Ai respected Dr Zhang a lot. He had been her attending doctor for almost two years. After her treatment he had not even passed on her case to a junior and had strictly monitored her routine. Shi Ai just did not expect to see him here so suddenly. As she passed the cup of water to Dr Zhang,he made the shocking announcement."Child, you must be wondering the reason for my sudden visit. But I was only informed of Mrs. Wu''s death today and so I reached here as soon as possible. Shi Ai, child I am your new guardian."


    Shi Ai almost dropped the cup of water and sat on the sofa with a thump.


    £¬

 Chapter 18 - His Weakness

    "Shi Ai, child I am your new guardian."


    Shi Ai almost dropped the cup of water she had brought for him and sat on the sofa with a thump.


    She cursed herself for not thinking of this earlier. Other than her,Dr Zhang was the only one Mrs Wu had known who was from their country so of course she would trust him with her care. Mrs Wu had been a traditional woman who believed that a doctor was like God so she must have thought that he would be the most suitable person.


    After absorbing these facts, Shi Ai wondered why Dr Zhang would accept the responsibility of a stranger.The only person who could answer this was Dr Zhang himself so she questioned him, "Dr Zhang? Why would you take the responsibility of a stranger?"


    Dr Zhang laughed awkwardly and said, "Child.. you were my patient for two years.Of course you are not a stranger. And when Mrs Wu requested me, I couldn''t say no."


    Shi Ai stilled.She could feel that he was telling the truth but not in it''s entirety. She wanted to ask more but knew when to choose her battles. Now was not the time to interrogate but the time to negotiate.If he was a reluctant guardian,then she could convince to be her guardian in name only as was her earlier plan.So she said,"Dr Zhang,I know you are a very busy man and would not have the time to cater to a teenager. Actually I am already looking into hostels but I need the consent and recommendation of an adult.If you were to recommend me then there would be no problem and you wouldn''t need to worry about me.I am going to be an adult soon."


    Dr Zhang stared at the girl and wondered she truly must belong to Knight.The girl was perceptive and to the point.But he had to keep the girl with him.Almost a year ago,Knight had resigned from the army and then caused chaos in many branches of the army.Anyone who had dared to double cross his unit had been dealt with swiftly.Usually the country would treat them as a threat and get them out of the way but Knight was an exception.He had executed everything too neatly to let any fingers point at him.Secondly the man was as slippery as an eel and had dirt on almost every higher up individual.Adding in the fact that the man came from a powerful family made him an unreliable threat.Only a few people knew that Shi Ai may be his only weakness and achilles'' heel.Even he was not too sure if that was true.The man was unreliable.Once he had handed Shi Ai into his care,Ah Hai Long had not even looked back at her.Had he really forgotten about her or was this a way to keep her under the radar.There was no way to find out.Dr Zhang did not wish to use Shi Ai against Knight and neither did he intend to let someone else use.He knew if he did not take her into his care then someone from the higher ups may orchestrate some way to make Shi Ai trust them and this would be dangerous to all.Knight was volatile and not easy to corner.


    Dr Zhang looked at Shi Ai carefully and said,"There is no need for that.My wife has agreed to take you in as a member of the family.I ask you to please come and stay with us.Rest assured moving in with the family is not going to affect your studies or anything.We have simple rules in the family and from what I have observed you will fit in.What do you think Shi Ai?Would you mind being a part of my family?"


    "Family?"Shi Ai wondered what it would be like to have a family.She had never been a part of one and she did not think she would fit well into one after so many years.But she was never one to refuse kindness and she could see that Dr Zhang''s intentions,though hidden and suspicious,were not dangerous but were genuine.But she wasn''t too sure so she asked for some time to think.Taking a deep breath,she said,"Dr Zhang,I am extremely grateful that you think me worthy of being a part of your family.But if you would not mind,I would like some time to think it over.I have only just found out about this and moving houses would be a huge change."


    Dr Zhang nodded in understanding and said,"Of course child.Take your time.But let me assure you,I will try my best to support you even if you choose to go independently.So do not feel pressured.Alright?"


    After this Dr Zhang bid goodbye leaving Shi Ai with more questions than answers.

 Chapter 19 - Senior Brother

    Shi Ai lay awake until late at night wondering at the sudden unexpected change in her life.Another guardian for her.She did not know whether to laugh or cry at this fate.Some time back she had been hoping to find someone to act as her guardian so that her problems would be solved but now this was going to add a new set of problems.A new family.


    Finally,she fell asleep still unable to make a decision.And maybe because she was unable to decide for herself,a decision was made for her.


    The next morning Shi Ai made her way towards the school in a hurry.She was almost late and had to skip breakfast.She was tired from thinking too much.She felt that her brain was going to explode soon.Her tired and stooped walk along with her panda eyes told the story of her lack of sleep.


    Today was the career camp that the school had organized.Thoglugh she was the youngest in her class,she was set to go for her scholastic ability test first.This was actually a mock test in preparation for their college entrance tests to be held next year.


    As Shi Ai entered the classroom,she felt a strange atmosphere but chose to ignore it.Shi Ai was not the most loved girl in class but neither the most hated.She was what you would call a silent wall flower.Her only friend Yao Yao was noisy enough for the two of them.


    As Shi Ai took her seat next to Yao Yao,she came to know the reason for the strange atmosphere.


    It seems the school''s most handsome and senior brother had come to their class for some reason. Nobody knew who he was here to see and why but the gossip was rampant and all the girls were trying to look their best to catch his attention.


    Shi Ai shook her head at this childishness and opened her books to concentrate on her studied. Seeing her action and behavior as if she was above them all,Yao Yao and many other girls felt enraged.Yao Yao wanted to scoff at Shi Ai as well but she couldn''t otherwise these other catty girls might tell her fiance.Of course the other girls had no qualms about telling her off.To make her feel inferior,one girl said to the other,"Look at Shi Ai, she is so much more wiser than us,she is not interested in boys at all."


    Another girl replied,"She is a very virtuous girl.Or maybe she likes girls.Maybe she is a lesbian.."


    The third girl did not want to be left behind in taunting and said,"Of course she isn''t.She is a poor orphan girl.She needs a sugar daddy not a young boy.I am sure once the results for the test are out,everyone is going to know that she is only fit to be a mistress!"


    Everyone laughed at this.Even Yao Yao almost lost her control and laughed out loud.But to prove that she was a good girl,Yao Yao was about to scold then when somebody else said in an icy and condescending voice,"Or maybe she doesn''t need to look at boys here because they are all inferior to her?"


    The girls were all stunned to see their idol senior brother standing there with barely controlled fury.They wanted to explain themselves so that he would not misunderstand them but his glare robbed them of their power of speech.Only Yao Yao retained her wits about her and said,"You are right senior brother,I was about to scold them for bullying Shi Ai.You are so kind!"


    The icy glare turned on Yao yao for a second and he said in the same tone,"Yes.I saw how angry you were at their bullying."


    But Yao Yao was not very self aware and nodded along without realizing that he was being sarcastic.


    Everybody in the class was looking at the spectacle except one person.The victim!


    She had not even heard a word said to insult her or to protect her. Shi Ai had spent many years in the orphanage and then the recuperation center and knew how to study when everyone else was panicking.So she had shut her ears to the world.


    Finally there was silence in the class when a boy dared to stand up to break the tension and asked,"Senior Brother Min.Did you find the person you were looking for?"


    The senior brother''s face softened and he told the boy,"Yes.I found her."


    With that Zhang Min put his hand on Shi Ai''s wrist and said,"Little cousin,come outside."


    Everyone in the class was shocked.But no one was more shocked than Shi Ai whose hand had suddenly been grabbed!

 Chapter 20 - Little Sister

    But no one was more shocked than Shi Ai whose hand had suddenly been grabbed!Shi Ai''s reactions were a lot slower today and so she was out of her seat and exiting the class before she could even realize what was happening.She tried to tug her hand out of his hold but the boy had a good grip on her.His fingers tightened on her wrist in warning.Though his grip was tight and his strength good,the boy was holding her hand carefully so as not to hurt her.Once they were out of earshot of everyone,he let go of her hand and stood in front of her..


    Shi Ai stared at the senior brother in confusion.She had no idea who was this senior brother and why he had called her a cousin.So all she could do was stare.


    Seeing her just stand there with a dumb look on her face,Zhang Min wondered if she was deaf.Maybe that is why she had not responded to all those insults and insinuations.He then refuted himself and finally asked her impatiently,"So?"He expected her to thank him but ofcourse she had no clue what had transpired.Finally,Shi Ai realized that he was waiting for her to say something though she had no idea what.She tried to read the brother''s name but his name was currently covered by his blazer jacket.


    When she still said nothing,Zhang Min decided to let it go and to introduce himself."Ms Shi Ai.I am Zhang Min,Doctor Zhang Shu''s son.My dad had decided to take you in as his foster daughter and we have been warned to take care of you.I have a few questions to ask you and some other talk.Meet me in the canteen after classes.Also,why did you not make them shut up when they were insulting you?"


    That was when Shi Ai realized that those girls had been trying to provoke her and this is what he had heard and had been angry about.


    In answer to his question, Shi Ai shrugged and said,"They are like dogs who keep barking.And the more attention you give them the more they bark so I just ignore them.It''s not like arguing with them is going to make them understand any thing.But I am sure you must be shocked.Please do not worry.That is all they can do..And my classes end at 4 pm so let''s meet up and talk then."With that Shi Ai left him standing there,befuddled.


    His father had gathered the family yesterday for an emergency meeting and then after giving them basic details,had instructed them all to be supportive of her when she decided to join the family.He had refused to give any more details and left them to go and meet her.When Zhang Min realized that the girl was in his school,he had decided to question her today.His parents already had three sons why did his father want to foster more children.His elder brothers were already in the army and had moved out of the house.So they were not very concerned about the living conditions. But essentially he was going to get a new sister.And he needed to know a few things.His imagination was acting up and he wanted to get to the bottom of this matter.


    His mother was also not too happy with this decision but she never went against his father directly so she said nothing and agreed to it.


    All through the day Shi Ai was also wondering what Dr Zhang Shu''s son would want with her.When she had returned to the classroom,she had felt the angry and curious stares of her classmates.But she ignored them as usual.And thankfully the teacher entered just then so she was saved from answering Yao Yao''s questions.


    Finally in the evening:


    Shi Ai escaped the class as soon as the bell rang.Her speed was so much that by the time anyone realized what had happened,she was already half way out of the class towards theb


    cafeteria.Reaching there,she saw Zhang Min already sitting there waiting for her.She greeted him coolly and sat opposite him.


    Zheng Min stared at the girl in front of him.After thinking of the way those girls had bullied her,he had decided it wouldn''t be bad for her to have a brother to protect her.But first he needed to ask her the most important question.Taking a deep breath he asked,"Are you my father''s illegitimate daughter?"


    Shi Ai(who had not even expected such a question): "..."

 Chapter 21 - Step Sister?

    "Are you my father''s illegitimate daughter?"


    Shi Ai(who had not even expected such a question): "..."


    After a moment,she shook her head vigorously in negative.But her insistent shaking of the head made Zhang Min misunderstand. He thought that she was lying to protect herself or maybe spare his feelings in regard to his so he felt a little angry and said sullenly,"There is no need to lie.You can tell the truth."


    Shi Ai was at a loss for words.She realized that Dr Zheng had been tight lipped about his reason for taking a sudden interest her.Then another thought struck her.What if his wife,Mrs Zheng,felt the same and assumed that?Then even the thought of living in such a family was scary.She needed to clear the misunderstanding before she decided the future course of her actions.


    "Umm,senior brother,you are mistaken.I really am not in any biological way related to Dr Zheng.See I was brought up in an orphanage when it was discovered that I had an almost incurable heart disease.Your father is the best heart surgeon in country C and a benefactor convinced him to take on my case.Even I do not know the benefactor(that was a lie,but nobody knew she knew) only that he sponsored my treatment.Mrs Wu was the coordinator at the orphanage and had no children.When it was decided that I should be coming here for my treatment, she did not want to leave me alone in a new place so she came here with me as my legal guardian.That was the only time we had any interactions with your father.He was one of the panel doctors for my complicated case.Some time she was diagnosed with a lung disease and had very little time to live.Maybe that is when she contacted your father to convince him to be my guardian when she died.He must be the only one from our country that she had known." Shi Ai hated to explain her history to anyone because she was always met with pitying eyes.And she hated pity.She could see something similar in the senior brother''s voice but she knew that she needed to tell them everything to avoid any misunderstandings in the future.


    Zhang Min didn''t know why but he believed her.And he was thankful that his father had not done anything that would make him stop worshipping him.So Zhang Min decided to follow his hero''s orders and welcomed Shi Ai with a big and genuine smile."Then Ms. Shi Ai, I will continue to address you as little cousin in the future and you must address me as Brother Min.Alright?And are you finished packing to move your stuff?I can help you bring it to the house.."


    Zhang Min unconditional support and welcome made Shi feel bad.She had not even decided what to do and he was already welcoming her.She needed to interrupt him so she did,"Senior Brother,I have not yet decided whether I want to move in or not.I was actually hoping that you would answer a few of my questions before I make my decision.I hope you do not mind the trouble."


    Zhang Min stared at the girl in front of him with his brows furrowed.He had thought that with her sad history,she would be happy to receive an opportunity to live with a family.But she was taking her sweet time deciding.As if they were not a good family.He would have been offended but then his brain kicked in and he thought that he had mostly not given her a good impression of their family with doubting his father.Plus she had lived alone all her life so naturally she would be wary of trusting and going into a home blindly.Nodding to himself,he said,"Alright,tell me what you want to know and I will answer all your questions."His heart was now set on becoming a big brother as he was the youngest in the family and having a little sister would be a good thing!So he was going to convince her to join their family.


    Not even Shi Ai could have imagined that on this day she had found her strongest ally and a real big brother.

 Chapter 22 - A Family?

    Once Zhang Min invited her to ask anything,Shi Ai was actually blank.She had been unable to sleep wondering so many things but when push came to shove she realized she knew nothing about families.However she did not want Zhang Min to know this so she asked,"Tell me about your family."It was a fairly generic question leaving the option open to Zhang Min whatever he wanted to tell her.Seeing that she knew even less than them,Zhang Min thought it was a good thing he had his mother''s influence more in his life.If he turned out to be totally like his hero (his father) then his EQ would be inversely proportional to his IQ!So Zhang Min decided to explain his family in the best way possible."Alright you know Father of course.My mother is a home maker who is strict and grumpy.Though she has a kind heart,she also has eyes at the back of her head and ears like a bat.She also has a sharp tongue which of you are inflicted with will be bound to hurt but she has a pure heart and once she gets to know you will make you sick with showering of love.I have two elder brothers who are extremely like my father and though they love you they will show as much emotion as a rock.They come home once or twice a month and feel it is their duty to bully me!I don''t think they will bully you though because you are a girl obviously.And lastly there is me!I am the best of them all and youngest.Well when you join the family you will be the youngest."


    "By the way,do you have a boyfriend?"


    Shi Ai shook her head no to this sudden change in topic but after getting the answer,Zhang Min continued,"Well I guess that is a good thing.Because your boyfriend would have to suffer inquisition from all of us.And let me tell you all the elders in our house are very good at putting up an intimidating face.Also,do you have any more questions?"


    Shi Ai while was still absorbing this information once again shook her head.But this time Zhang Min assumed that since she had no more questions then she must be ready to join their family and like a steam roller on a roll planned her next move for her,"Alright then.I''ll take your address from father and come help you pack everything over the weekend. You can move in then. Do you have a color preference?I''m going to get the room next to mine repainted for you so think which colour do you want?Hmm?"


    Zhang Min looked at the dazed expression of Shi Ai and then realized she had yet to say anything.Did that mean that she was rejecting them.He almost panicked.And started to babble,"Shi Shi you do not have to worry about having a boyfriend in the future.We will not be too intimidating!And do you want to know anything else?Are you worried about gossip?Don''t worry I will bash anyone who dares to talk s***.Shi shi say something!"


    Finally Shi Ai came out of her stupor and said hesitantly,"Your family sounds amazing senior brother.You so not need to worry.I don''t have any intention of getting a boyfriend.I want to study hard and make a career for myself.I just do not wish to trouble you all on my behalf.I do not know how to live in a family and am worried about offending anyone.If you do not mind doing something for me,can you please ask Mrs Zhang if she really is Ok with my becoming a part of her family?And in case she has a similar misunderstanding as you please clear that as well.I don''t wish to intrude.Please be assured that I do not mind living in a hostel and do not need much money and am self sufficient so your parents also need not feel guilty about not being responsible for me.Can you please do that senior brother?"

 Chapter 23 - He Always Knows

    On his way home,Zhang Min wondered how to talk to his mother.He knew she was unsatisfied with the arrangement but he still did not know the reason behind this.Lost in these thoughts,he almost did not realize that his father''s car was int he driveway.Only as he was about to ring the bell did he realize this anamoly.His father was home in the middle of the day!


    Slowly,he backed down and went towards the back door which was almost always unlocked.And it was this as well.On light feet he entered the house and sneaked into the hallway.He did not know what he was looking for while tip toeing around but he stumbled upon more questions rather than answers when he reached his father''s study.He could hear the sounds of an argument brewing and decided to listen in.


    Inside the study:


    Mrs Zheng Luo was pouting as she glared at her husband.He had promised her that once their sons were old enough,he would retire and then they would go on a cruise together.And now that their youngest was set to go to college,he was getting another child to come into the family.Dr Zheng sighed and said to his wife,"Luo luo,it is a long story.And I know that you are disappointed but Shi Ai is a good girl.We only need to protect her until she turns eighteen.And Luo Luo try not to get too attached."


    MRs Zheng could not understand the matter.Her husband was adamant on taking the girl into the family on one hand and warned her to not to get attached on the other.She frowned and said,"Husband!You have to tell me what is going on.You told me the girl is an orphan and is on a scholarship here.And she was your patient.So what exactly is the reason that you are insisting on this.


    Dr Zheng shook his head and tried to explain a bit."Sigh.Shi Ai is an orphan.She was dying when she met him.I don''t know how or what caused him to consider her.But she was a pretty and happy child.I think she worked her way into his cold heart.Anyway,he moved the entire army medical team to get her treated and even paid all her medical expenses,here in country A.Mrs Wu,who was working in the orphanage then,agreed to be Shi Ai''s legal guardian when coming here.Last year,Mrs Wu came to me with the request to foster her since she was dying.After thinking a bit,I refused her.That is when I received his note."


    Mrs Zheng was confused.Who was ''he'' ?And what note?


    She frowned and asked,"Who are you talking about?"


    "Shi Ai''s guardian."


    This was even more confusing!Zhang Min who was listening in wanted to bang his head against the wall.His father was talking in riddles.But his mom asked the question of the hour.


    Irritated,Mrs Zheng asked,"Husband.Tell me properly!"


    "The proper explanation is that,Mrs Wu and me we are both guardians only legally.Shi Ai''s real guardian is someone else.Or rather Knight.Luo luo,the man is a very dangerous man if made an enemy but the most loyal friend.You remember when our eldest was almost court martialed under false pretenses and charged with treason last year?He was the one who sent all the evidence to help us.And we were lucky that our son was not at fault otherwise Knight would have sent his head.That is the kind of man he is.When he rescued our son,it was clear that I would be expected to return the favor. And Shi Ai is the favor.He always know where she is.Mrs Wu passed away some time back but I was informed only now.Because that is what he decided.


    Mrs Zheng was now thoroughly scared.She had heard the name Knight in hushed whispers amongst the military wives.


    In a trembling voice Mrs Zheng asked,"Then she is dangerous.."


    Dr Zheng shook his head and assured,"No.Infact Shi Ai is our shield.Knight is dangerous only to those who have done something wrong.And Shi Ai does not know about this and we must be careful to never let her know about him.As far as I know,she does not even remember meeting Knight."


    Mrs Zheng nodded thoughtfully but outside,Zheng Min was even more confused than ever.

 Chapter 24 - Meet The New Family.

    Zheng Min sneaked into his room after hearing this conversation. He knew his father could come out anytime and he had better not be caught eves dropping.He threw his bag on the chair and fell back on the bed.His room was that of a typical teenager with posters of gaming and comics.Lying in his bed,he thought back to what he had just heard.So basically Shi Ai was under the protection of someone powerful and dangerous.Someone even his father dare not offend.And that person had helped big brother get out of being a scapegoat so naturally their family was indebted to him.Knowing this Zhang Min consoled himself that at least his mom would now not need persuading.And knowing that Shi Ai had indirectly been of help for big brother will not make mom resent her too much.Zhend Min took out his phone and texted,"Mom does not need convincing.So you can relax!And prepare to join the family."


    after sending off the message,Zheng Min typed out another message and stared at it for a while.Should he or shouldn''t he?After deliberating over it for a while,he decided to not ask.After all even if they were going to be siblings,they had only met today for the first time.It would be too rude and sudden to ask,"Do you know someone called knight?" and so he deleted the typed words.


    Shi Ai had just reached home when she received Zheng Min''s message.Reading it she wondered if he was lying to her.They had just been together after school and it shouldn''t have been very long since he reached home.So how did he talk to her so soon and convince his mother?


    Deciding to trust his word,Shi Ai made her way to her bed and lay face down on the bed.She thought of sister Alicia and brother Ryu Long.Shi Ai did not understand why Auntie Wu did not go to them for help even though she was the one who wanted to get away.She trusted Brother Long when he said that he considered her family.And now she had arranged for someone else to become her family. Just as she wondered this,her phone rang.It was Dr Zheng Shu.She reluctantly answered it on the last ring.He was inviting her to have a family lunch tomorrow.He said they could get to know each other and then she would be able to accept them as family.


    Shi Ai was reluctant to do that but in the end agreed.Mrs Wu had cared for her and loved her.If she had chosen Dr Zheng then maybe that was a better option. Tomorrow was going to tell what happens...

 Chapter 25 - A New Sister

    The  next morning,the entire Zhang family had been summoned to have a breakfast at home.Dr Zhang Shu was sitting in the living room with his wife He Luo waiting for their sons to arrive.Zhang Fei and Zhang Yi lived in their quarters at the Country C''s embassy,here in country A.They were both set to leave today to resume their duties and thought that this was a farewell garhering.Though they knew about the new situation at home,they did not expect to meet a new sister today itself.Dr Zhang looked up the stairs waiting for his youngest to at least come down to wait for his brothers and Shi Ai.He looked at his wife who was sitting with her head leaned back and eyes closed.


    Finallt he rang the bell on the side to summon Uncle Chu.Uncle Chu was the caretaker of the house when the family was not in residence and acted as a butler when the family was in residence.Uncle Chu came and bowed to Dr Zhang.This almost made Dr Zhang roll his eyes.Uncle Chu was the most insolent butler to have ever existed.He never bowed unless he wanted to show off.Summons were answered depending on his mood.And he was like a ghost who came with the house..But Dr Zhang tolerated all this because he was a magnanimous man,it certainly was not because the man''s cooking was heavenly.Since there was no one around to show off,what was this man upto?Dr Zhang stared at the man and decided it would not be prudent to question him about this oddity in case he poison his food later so he directly asked,"Where is Zhang Min?"Uncle Chu had only a soft spot for the mischievous youngest boy of the family.The rest were only tolerated.So he had no problems answering,"Young master has gone to bring the young miss home.He was worried she might get lost."Dr Zhang Shu felt his brows touch his hairline as the words came out of the butler''s mouth.Even Mrs Zhang had opened her eyes and was currently staring at Uncle Chu,who stood there as if he had not just dropped a bomb.But of course he had.The first being that Shi Ai had already been referred to as the young miss when he even now acknowledged them only as Dr Zhang and Mrs Zhang instead of Master and Madam.And the other being that their youngest had actually left the bed willingly early in the morning and on a holiday and even gone to bring the new member of the family home..They needed to check if the sun rose from the north today!


    Soon,the Zhang brothers arrvide one after the other.And they too were shocked at their little brother''s behavior.Dr Zhang explained that Shi Ai was going to be their foster sister and also hinted that they should take care of her as they were indebted to her in someway though they were not clear.Dr Zhang felt that this was not required to explain to Zhang Min as he already seemed to have accepted a new sister..Zhang Fei and Zhang Yi had both felt the explanation to be inadequate but out of respect for their father,said nothing.They decided that to wait and see was a better approach.So Shi Ai was going to be welcomed into the family with a little cautiousness.

 Chapter 26 - A Gift

    Zhang Min stood outside Shi Ai''s door at 7.30 am.He had of course found her address by certain illegal means(hacking into the school system) so he was a little uncertain about knocking on the door.He did not want his little sister to think bad of him.But he had been worried about how she would reach their house.It was a bit far from where she stayed and he thought that since she was a scholarship student with no guardian,she would not have much money.What he did not know was that thought Shi Ai was not very well off,she lived frugally and thus would have been able to afford conveyance.His inner turmoil led him to rush here and reach her an hour before she was set to meet his family.Before he could gather his courage,an aroma of something delicious wafted into his nose and he decided to follow it thus forgetting his dilemma and knocked on the door.Shi Ai opened the door and he tried to smile at her a little carefully.She rolled her eyes and said,"Senior brother,you finally decided to come inside!I thought you planned to guard the gate while standing there."


    Zhang Min then realized that Shi Ai had already seen him and si he frowned and accused,"Little cousin!If you had seen me,why did you not open the door earlier.It would have saved me the trouble!"


    "That''s because you scared me!I was not expecting anybody at this hour.And that too someone who was trying to peep inside.I thought you were a pervert!You should be grateful that I did not open the door and bash your head with that bat."Shi Ai pointed to a bat that was leaning against the side of the door.


    Zhang Min felt himself blush at that and his head a bit feeling embarrassed.He really had been peeping.. But then another thought struck him!


    "Why do you have a bat at the door?Do you get regular perverted visitors that you need to chase away!Then let me tell you if that is the case then I am packing your bag right away and taking you home. You are not allowed to live here alone.And if you have still not decided then I will borrow a gun from father and stay here!In face I will even ask the big brothers to come here!"


    Shi Ai shook her head and said,"Senior brother.There is no need to go that far.That bat is only a precautionary measure.And ever since I started recovering I have been learning martial arts as part of my fitness training  so I am pretty much capable of self defense.And now,since you are already here,please come inside and give me an opinion on something.With that Shi Ai went inside leaving Zhang Min to follow her.Once inside,he looked around the small space and also realized that the source of the yummy smell was right there.,"Rice cakes!" Being the growing boy that he was,he forgot his manners and was about to pinch away one when his hand was swatted at."I made those to bring to your family!You can have them later!And now tell me,will Mrs Zhang like this?"


    Zhang Min stared at the slightly nervous Shi Ai and the beautiful silk scarf in her hand.The truth was he had no idea about his mother''s preference with regards to fashion so he wasn''t sure.But he could see Shi Ai was nervous about it so he nodded and assured her that she would of course love it.Since he had helped her,he made puppy eyes at her and convinced her to give him a ride cake to which she reluctantly agreed.They then set together to go for the breakfast.

 Chapter 27 - She Adored It and Her

    Carefully wrapping the hand painted scarf,Shi Ai packed the rice cakes and together Zhang Min and her went to leave the small house.Zhang Min had come in the car arranged by Uncle Chu and so they were able to reach the Zhang''s house soon.Once the car arrived,Shi Ai could feel her legs trembling.As a young girl in an orphanage,they would be made to meet new people all the time so that they would be adopted.But it was always the younger ones that were chosen and so a fear of rejection had ingrained in her mind.The only few people who had accepted her unconditionally also did not stay in her life.She tried to regulate her nervous breathing and strengthen her trembling legs.Her hands tightened on the small gift box that sheheld.


    Uncle Chu stood at the door waiting for them.His elegant attire and stern posture as a butler almost made Shi Ai want to turn back and run away but then he smiled kindly and bowed to her in welcome.


    Zhang Min smiled brightly and said,"Little cousin Ai this is the main person of the house,Uncle Chu.Father and Mother may be the head but this person is the neck.So you know that is the most important one.If you please him,then you are going to have a smooth sailing life in this house and if you offend him,then you better have a cast iron stomach!I''ll tell you his secret later."Zhang Min then turned to uncle Chu and introduced Shi Ai,"Uncle Chu,this is the cousin I told you about!She is pretty,isn''t she?She even made rice cakes to bring here.And I had one, it was yummy.Here take them and please serve them for breakfast!I am really hungry!!"Uncle Chu shook his head at the lean master when he complained of hunger.He was never not hungry.Politely,he held the box that the young master had taken from Miss and shoved it in his hands and said,"Please come in."


    Passing him a smile,Shi Ai also followed Zhang Min who was already inside.The first person she met inside was Mrs Zhang who had observed the entire scene with the butler.She stood there staring at her son with a poker face while he was shuffling his feet guiltily.This of course made Ah Hai worry and she hesitantly smiled at Mrs Zheng while offering a polite bow.Mrs Zheng observed the nervous and mannerful girl and smiled back at her.The girl was pretty but did not look arrogant.And she had the manners to make something for everyone.While Mrs Zheng assessed Shi Ai,she said quietly,"Thank you for having me madam."Mrs Zheng was even more impressed with the girl and said,"You can call me Auntie Luo or Mother Luo if you wish.Most of my kid''s friends call me that!Come in Shi Ai.We are all waiting for you."But Shi Ai came forward and offered the small box to her and said,"I made this for you.I hope you will like it!"


    Mrs Zheng thanked her for the unexpected gift and opening the box felt her heart melt.It was a beautifully hand painted silk scarf.Mrs Zheng was proudly materialistic!She loved all pretty things and did not pretend otherwise.Seeing the beautifully painted scenery on the scarf and the exquisite design,Mrs Zheng instantly forgot her husban''d warnings to not get too attached and hugged the girl,thanking her profusely.She imagined showing off the beautiful creation to all her friends and even praised Shi Ai for being so talented.Shi Ai had won the first round already..

 Chapter 28 - A Family Now

    Once Mrs Zhang had taken Shi Ai under her wing,there was no way she would be able to escape.Like a mother hen,she clucked and cooed at Shi Ai, force fed her some tasty food as she was too skinny and unlike her husband and son did not try to convince Shi Ai to join the family.She simply ordered Shi Ai to move in and her sons to help her pack.They had been ordered to be done with their tasks by that evening itself..Zhang Min was happy,Zhang Yi and Zhang Fei were at a loss and Shi Ai was speechless.She had been maneuvered by a master.She had no idea when she agreed to join their family.


    By the time the meal was over,Auntie Luo had already planned the look of Shi Ai''s room,fixed a time to go shopping the next day,etc.By the time the poor Shi Ai realized what had happened,she had already agreed to everything.


    Mrs Zhang was an experienced mother.She had already sensed Shi Ai''s reluctance.But she had reared three sons and knew how to handle this.She finally had a beautiful and talented daughter.She remembered when the boys were young and she went shopping she used to admire all those dresses for little girls but never got to buy them.Well Shi Ai was too old for frilly dresses but she could buy her a few fashionable ones.She almost rubbed hands at the thought of shopping for pretty things. Hmm,she observed the pretty Shi Ai once more and decided that maybe vacation could wait for a bit more time...The rice cakes had been gobbled up by everyone the moment they were placed on the table and once again Mrs Zhang was very satisfied. This was because she could not cook worth a penny and neither could her sons...but now they had a member of the family who knew how to cook!


    After the breakfast affair as decided by their mother,the three brothers escorted their new sister to her rented home.Of course,Zhang Ye and Zhang Fei had both hidden agendas and getting a new sister was going to be of great help to them!


    They reached the house in a little while and looked to Shi Ai for instructions on what to pack or not.She,who was still in shock seemed to slowly realize that she did not need these three to help her pack.After all,the furniture in the house was all rented with the house and she had very little belongings,most of which were already stored in a box.She needed to only pack a few clothes and a few art supplies.So she looked at the three brothers and smiling warily said,"You can leave if you wish.I don''t have much stuff and all that I do have is personal so I won''t be needing much help.I''ll tell Aunty Luo that you did try to help me.Please do not bother on y account."


    Zhang Min who was already sleepy agreed immediately and turned to go.But each of his arms was caught by his older brothers and he was unceremoniously plopped onto the couch.The eldest Zhang Ye then said,"We need to buy things for your new room as well.Like furniture etc.We will wait here till you are done packing and then help you carry all the shopping you do."


    Zhang Fei agreed with that while Zhang Min was shocked.What was wrong with his brothers!They were being so cooperative with a little sister!Zhang Min cursed his fate that he was born a brother,if he had been a little girl,he would have been pampered all his life by his brothers instead of being bullied by them!


    Meanwhile Shi Ai: ".."

 Chapter 29 - Need Help

    The three brothers who escorted Shi Ai into the shopping mall caught the attention of a lot of people.The reason being that the two men with their non smiling faces looked ike they had stepped out of a dark and dangerous novel while Zhang Min was every teenage girl''s dream boy.Adding in the fact that these three were accompanying a beautifula and thin girl like Shi Ai made many girls jealous.Shi Ai could feel daggers hitting her in the back as she went around.Inevitably she was saved by the clueless Zhang Min who was looking at a study table and he called out,"Little cousin,you need to see this!"The females who had been looking at Shi Ai oddly now wondered if they should butter her up and befriend her to gain access to such hot hunks.Shi Ai,had never been fyrniture shopping and did not know what to expect.And looking at the high prizes in the mall she wanted to wince.She tried protesting and wanting to go to a thrift shop or somewhere they could buy second hand cheap furniture but that idea was shot down quickly by the two big bros.


    Finally after dawdling and rejecting everything for over an hour,Shi Ai finally found a set of furniture she could not say no to.It was an entire set of a canopied bed and a study table as well as side table.It was white and had a mystical design pattern on it''s edges.It was a little girl''s dream set.But after checking the price she almost choked on her own saliva and immediately turned back.However her pleased smile had been noticed by the three brothers who immediately went to make the purchase.


    Eventually they went into a restaurant to eat.Once Shi Ai sat down,Zhang Ye and Zhang Fei immediately took the two seats on each side,leaving a frowning Zhang Min standing alone!He wanted to not be bullied by his brothers,but he did not want to be ignored by them as well.Zhang Ye and Zhang Fei continued to shower thier attention on her even after the food arrived making Zhang Min suspicious and Shi AI uncomfortable.She was most certainly not used to this!Finally,halfway through lunch,Zhang Min had a Eureka moment and he pointed at his two brothers and said accusingly,"You guys!You want something from Shi Ai and that is why you are buttering her up!"


    The two grown men turned red at this accusation confirming their guilt.But of course their gazes threatened their younger brother with retribution for having given them away!However Shi Ai was relieved!If she could help them in any way then she would not feel too burdened.So she looked at the two big brothers in question.


    Zhang Ye who was now even more red looked down at his plate and muttered,"You are a girl."


    Shi Ai frowned at the odd statement but Zhang Min snorted loudly,thoroughly enjoying his brother''s discomfort.Zhang Fei glared harder at his brother making him shut up and letting Zhang Ye continue,"The thing is my girlfriend is angry with me.I don''t know why and I don''t know how to get her to talk to me to tell me why!And Zhang Fei here is trying to woo a girl but she is not responding to him!He has tried sending her gifts and flowers but nothing has made an impact.The problem is that she does like him but wants him to court her in a romantic way!But he does not know how to romance a girl!"


    Girl problems!Shi Ai wanted to roll her eyes at that but tried to not humiliate the two big guys.Suppressing her laughter,she said,"You already have a girlfriend!You must have wooed her so why did you not give him pointers?"


    This made the poor Zhang Ye avoid her eyes and look up.Finally Zhang Fei answered for his brother,"He did not woo his girlfriend!She was the one that proposed to him!"


    Zhang Min burst out laughing at this while Shi Ai was once again speechless.

 Chapter 30 - Love Problems

    By now,Zhang Ye and Zhang Fei were ready to bury the laughing Zhang Min,six feet under the ground.Both men were madly in love with their women but did not know how.They were truly too proud to ask anyone for help even their own brother.Seeing that Shi Ai was going to be a part of the family and seemed like a smart girl they had decided to ask her.After all they should receive some perks of gaining a sister.


    Seeing these two big men,Shi Ai had a soft smile on her face.Her hand automatically went to her necklace which was around her neck,carrying her treasured ring.She had proposed to him too!She wondered if all military men were shy like this and needed to be taught how to romance.But her knight was romantic to her even when she was a kid.Shi Ai looked carefully at them but before she could say anything,Zhang Min butted in,"Who would fall for ugly looking men like you!And you have military haircuts to boot!As if anyone could be attracted to near bald men!"


    At this both the brothers were outraged but the first person to retort was Shi Ai who said,"Senior brother,let me tell you,everything related to military is good!That includes their hairstyles.And both big brothers have sincere feelings so naturally and woman would fall for them!"


    Shi Ai then turned to the two stumped people and said,Brother Ye and Brother Fei,both of you only need to be sincere and if there is anything that confuses you,you need to talk.Also romancing is not a problem,you must do something that you know she will like.For example,you could take her to an amusement park or buy her a unique gift of something she likes,etc..The point is it has to come from your heart.And if your lady love does not like what you do then she does not love you enough.But you must think on your own.Once you have an idea,call me and we can discuss it.But there is no way I can tell you exactly what to do.!"


    Finally,with that sage advice,Shi Ai was done eating and put down her cutlery.The boys had also accomplished their mission and were now set to go home to set up everything for their new sister.


    At home, Mrs Zhang had already left for a social gathering with her husband leaving firm instructions to Uncle Chu to feed the kids.After setting up the furniture in the room allocated to Shi Ai,the three brothers went back to refill their stomachs,leaving behind a tired Shi Ai.The moment the door closed behind the boys,Shi Ai fell on the mattress with a thump.The boys were noisier than the kids in the orphanage!And plus in the last few years,she had gotten quite used to peace and quiet so today''s noisy day made her feel as if her ears were still ringing.


    Finally closing her eyes,Shi Ai smiled and thought to herself that they were good people.She was lucky to have been accepted so easily by them.


    Of course,she did not know that the two ''good'' brothers were now locked in a room,bullying their younger brother for details. They may have accepted the sister and everything,but they needed details and the most accessible person with ears everywhere was the littlest brother.Of course,Zhang Min could not survive the bullying and outlined everything he knew,shocking Zhang Ye and Zhang Fei.


    Zhang Ye who was the eldest nodded in agreement at his father''s assessment,that the person who had helped him was dangerous.Because there was something Zhang Ye remembered from the time he was held in detention that he had not told anyone.He thought back to that horrible time.It had been his second day in detention where he had been sitting for so long and different people had been interrogating him.Suddely,the lights had gone off and the door had opened,letting in a shadowy figure.Zhang Ye had wondered if he was going to be killed by the people who wanted him to be the scapegoat but unexpectedly a dark voice had whispered,"Zhang Ye,I will ask you once,think carefully before you answer.If you lie to me you will be signing your death warrant.If you are in innocent,then those responsible will lose their lives.Did you commit treason?"


    Zhang Ye had bee so scared that he had almost wanted to confess to being guilty,but slowly he had explained everything. The man had not said anything just heard him and then he was gone.After a few days,when nothing happened,Zhang Ye had thought that maybe that man had been a figment of his imagination but now he knew that man was indeed real!

 Chapter 31 - A Nightmare

    In the hustle of moving around things and setting up room,Shi Ai was drained of energy and soon fell asleep.What she had forgotten was that she always found it difficult to sleep in a new place.The same thing happened that night.The difficulty was not in falling asleep but what happened after.


    Late in the night,the sound of someone thrashing around could be heard in Shi Ai''s bedroom.Caught in the throws of a nightmare,she lived the reality of her dreams.A young girl looked to be standing there alone.She was telling Shi Xiao,be smart and forget your name.Forget everything.Alright?Remember do not come back ever!"


    Another girl who was a bit younger shouted,"Jie Jie,please come with me.I am scared.Please come with me."The girl kept pulling but was pushed away by the other girl.And soon the one called Jie jie was gone,while the little girl kept crying."


    Shi Ai woke up with a jerk!It was that dream again!She had not had this dream for a while now.Shi Ai tried to make sense of the nightmare but she never seemed to remember the faces of the girls.She had now woken up with a cry of Jie jie.Shi Ai was confused for a moment before she realized that she was in a new place.She consoled herself that it was why probably the nightmare had occured.Getting down from her bed,she tried to make her way downstairs to get some water and got the fright of her life when her room door suddenly opened!She sat back down immediately only to see Zhang Min who turned on the light.


    He looked at her intensely but she immediately schooled her features to normal and asked him softly,"Why are you here in the middle of the night?Why are you not sleeping?And don''t you know how to knock?"


    Zhang Min said nothing but bringing his other hand forward,passed her a bottle of water and asked."Little cousin did you have a nightmare?"


    Shi Ai who had been about to drink some water thirstily,paused mid sip and stared at Zhang Min.After a moment,she said,"No.I just woke up thirsty.I was about to down to bring some water."


    Zhang Min looked at the bed which looked as if it had been in a war and the way the blanket was kicked aside and knew she was lying.But he decided to give her face and said,"Hmm,alright,I thought there was some noise in your room so I came to check.Next time I will knock.I really am not used to that.And now good night."


    With that Zhang Min turned around to leave the room but again stopped at the door and asked,"Little cousin,I am playing computer games.Do you want to join in?They are fun!"


    Shi Ai thought for a moment and then agreed and said,"You will have to teach me then.I will be there in a minute."


    Zhang Min nodded and went out,leaving Shi Ai sitting there.She could have followed him immediately but she wasn''t sure her legs would support her.Auntie Wu had told her that she used to have these nightmares when she had first come into the orphanage but they had gradually disappeared.Then they had come here for tretment and again she had started having those nightmares.It had taken some time for them to go away.And then once gain when they had moved into the house,those nightmares had haunted her.So she could trust atleast one thing.Whenever she changed the place she lived at,she would be haunted with similar nightmares of two girls.One telling her to go away and the other one crying for her.Finally,Shi Ai closed her eyes and then taking out her diary,wrote down this new discovery in it.She had taken to writing down her nightmares so that she could piece together the truth behind her nightmares.


    In the other room,Zhang Min sat staring at the screen.He had been playing games when suddenly his screen had turned blank and then a message had popped on his screen,"New places tend to make people uncomfortable.A bottle of water and some company helps."


    He had wondered what it could mean when suddenly Shi Ai''s shout had caught his attention.The message now made sense and he turned back to read it but it was already gone as if it was a dream.Running down,he brought a bottle of water and just barged into Shi Ai''s room..

 Chapter 32 - Jealous Yao Yao

    After the weekend,Zhang Min insisted that they should go to school together.Usually he went on his bicycle but because he had Shi Ai with him,he chose  to take his car and chauffeur. Shi Ai agreed readily but she had not expected to be attacked for coming to school with him.Like her oblivious self,Shi Ai did not know that Zhang Min was the most popular and sought after boy in school.As the school''s star athlete,his team had won many inter school competitions whereas his computer gaming skills were also recognized on the national level.So of course he had a posse of girls who wanted the coveted spot of being his girlfriend. Thus Shi Ai who was an unknown in school was suddenly on every girl''s radar.Coupled with the fact that the gossip about Zhang Min searching for a girl a few days ago had spread out,every girl glared at Shi Ai as she got out of the door that Zhang Min held open for her.Yao Yao,who was also part of this group of girls,used this opportunity to make her claim as Shi Ai''s bestfriend and immediately wound her arm through Shi Ai''s. Ofcourse Shi Ai was  ot used to this skinship but she did not want to embarrass her only friend so she said,"Brother Min,this is my friend,Yao Yao."


    Zhang Min recognized the girl from the classroom but said nothing and politely nodded to her,"Being my little sister''s friend makes you my sister as well.Nice to meet you."


    Yao Yao who had just extended her hand to shake clenched it and pulled it back.While the rest who were glaring at Shi Ai immediately changed their gazes from hostile to calculative.''Little sister'' they thought.So they could make use of her to get closer to their idol.They could  it befriend her much lest Brother Zhang also treat them like little sisters but they could use studying as an excuse to meet her and maybe go to their house...The girls decided they needed to find everything g they could about the girl.They slyly followed the two students to see which class the girl belonged to.Everyone was also curious how Zhang Min suddenly had a  younger sister.


    But there was one person who was left behind.And she was fuming.The girl who was supposed to be her ''good deed'' was now above her in station.Gone were Yao Yao''s good intentions and in it''s place was a very ugly expression.Anybody who saw her now would actually be scared of her.


    Yao Yao soon realized that students were staring at her weirdly and immediately schooled her expressions.She was already vowing to herself that soon she would find out the whole story and then find a way to make her miserable.Good thing she had left a favorable impression on Shi Ai.


    On the other side,Zhang Min turned to give Shi Ai a glance.She was feeling a bit conscious and trying to convince him to let her go alone.Ignoring her please,he said in a side whisper,"I don''t like that Wao Wao."


    Distracted ,Shi Ai looked at him blankly before she realized he was talking about Yao yao.


    Shrugging her shoulders she said,"You don''t have to like her.She is my friend."


    Zhang Min narrowed his eyes and realized immediately,His little sister had a blind spot for her friend.

 Chapter 33 - Looking For Trouble

    Yao Yao was finally able to corner Shi Ai during the lunch break and immediately dragged her to the secluded grounds to interrogate her.At this moment the two looked like  normal teenage girls off to discuss their secrets.But no one could peep into a person''s mind.After finding a perfect spot,Yao YAo sat down and pulled Shi Ai to sit with her.Shi Ai found this amusing and sat down with a thump.She knew that Shi Ai loved to gossip and could hardly wait for the details.So before she could be questioned,Shi Ai said,"I know you want to know all about how I came to be Brother Min''s little sister!Don''t worry I''ll tell you everything!"Shi AI nudged her shoulders with hers and Yao Yao felt a little pacified and looked at Shi Ai for an explanation.


    Shaking her head,Shi Ai explained,"Brother Min''s mother happens to be a distant cousin of Auntie Wu and before she passed away she contacted her to take care for me.And Auntie Luo agreed.But she never realized that Auntie Wu had passed away so suddenly.You know she was sick but was expected to survive longer.Anyways they came to know about it last week and came to see me.But I did not know that Brother Min was their son.This is why I was shocked when he called me little cousin the other day!And I have moved in with them over the weekend so I will be coming in with Brother Min!"


    While Yao Yao absorbed this explanation,Shi Ai was feeling guilty.She had been influenced by Brother Min saying that he did not like and trust Yao Yao so she had given her the explanation meant for outsiders.Shi Ai wanted to curse herself even as she gave the made up explanation but was unable to stop the words coming from her mouth.This story of Auntie Luo and Auntie Wu being cousins had been concocted by Auntie Luo to save some awkward explanations but Shi Ai had intended to tall Yao Yao the truth.But now what was done was done.She could not possibly change her explanation.Yao Yao would be hurt.


    Before Shi Ai could say anything else,Yao Yao could already feel that she was hiding something.But she decided to find out for herself so she went ahead and pretended to accept the explanation and said,"Auntie Luo ha!Alright,since our Shi Ai now has a new family and new home,are you not going to invite me over?Senior Brother called me a sister as well so are you scared to share him with me?Come on,next time we are going to study in your new home!"


    Shi Ai was hesitant at this and wanted to refuse but she did not know how.She did not mind inviting Yao Yao but felt it was too soon.She was not yet very comfortable living in the Zhang family home and felt like inviting Yao Yao would be an invasion of their privacy as well.She was saved from replying when suddenly a younger boy from the school''s basket ball team rushed over and called out,"Senior Sister Shi AI!Senior Brother Min is looking for you!He say if you do not come to the canteen soon,he will not eat his lunch!"Shi Ai had forgotten that Zhang Min had indeed invited her to eat together so she just shook her head and said,"Yao Yao!Come along.Let''s have out lunch in the canteen!"


    But Yao Yao shook her head and said,"You go ahead.I will be there in a few minutes."Shi Ai nodded and ran after the other boy.The moment Shi Ai was out of sight,Yao Yao''s expression had changed and she took out her cell phone and dialled a number.The phone was answered immediately and a loving man''s voice said,"My little baby!How did you think of your old man at this time?Do you need something?"


    In a totally different and coy voice,Yao Yao said,"Daddy!Can I not call you because I miss you!"The man at the other end laughed and said,"Of course you can my princess but you usually don''t call me in the middle of the day!Is something the matter?Has someone bullied my princess?"


    Yao Yao thought of the scene that occured this morning but did not tell her father.Instead in a teary voice she said,"Daddy!One of my best friends lost her parents at a young age and recently her guardian also passed away.She now has to live with strangers!Daddy.I want her to find her relatives whom she can connect with."Her daddy was a powerful man and he would definitely be able to find Shi Ai''s parents!But she could not say that directly because that would give her father a wrong impression of her.


    The man on the other end of the phone felt his heart soften at his daughter''s plea and he wondered how he had been blessed with such a tender hearted daughter.In a soft voice he agreed and asked her for the friend''s name and promised to do his best to find everything.


    Truimphantly,Yao Yao mentioned the name,"Her name is Shi Ai."


    £¬

 Chapter 34 - A Hero

    In a dark conference room,a few men and women were staring at a screen.A projector was playing a presentation and everyone was trying to jot down as much information as they could.This group of people was not an ordinary one.They were well trained under cover spies and had been gathered today to be assigned a special mission.Of course,as they jotted the details of their new target,they could not think how this person could possible be a threat.The dossier was detailed:


    Name: Long Ah Hai/Knight


    Age:25 years


    Duration of Service:1 year trainging+7 years active duty


    Discharged:On medical grounds


    Work:Sniper,Undercover Agent and one of the two surviving members of the now non existent Red Hawks Elite Army Team.


    Every agent who read this would stop for a moment in awe.The Red Hawks was known to have been the best elite team the military of COuntry Chad ever produced.They were a batch of all rounder soldiers who would usually undertake death missions.Last year the team had been on a similar mission but had been double crossed by someone from within,resulting in the death of all but two members.After having lost their team,the two mwmbers had also been discharged for being unable to serve anymore.The agents thought that all this was displayed to inspire them and the more they read the more fire to serve their country,they could kill.They felt their mouths hang open as achievements of the Knight and his skills were displayed next.


    Skills: Sniper(99% accuracy),Ability to disguise and merge with crowd is excellent,Ably to fly small airplanes and helicopters,Expert at mixed martial arts and hand to hand combat,tactical and logistics expert,computer hacking skills(Excellent),Torture and Research.


    Many felt a chill in their spine when they read that the man was also an expert at torture.Most undercover agents were able to kill and even survive torture but few could claim the ability to be able to torture another human.They even shuddered to think what kind of a person would be known as a torture expert.


    Next displayed were a series of photos that made everybody shake in disbelief.This man could not be the same in all the pictures.One photo was of an old man,stooped from age walking with a stick,another was a woman who looked a little obese but not of asian descent,yet another was a bald man who looked like a businessman.They were all the same person!Not that they would know if the senior had not told them.Ah Hai Long had killed innumerable terrorists and dismantled multiple terrorist camps and broken drug and human trafficking rings in his short duration of service.


    The handler who was in charge of these agents observed every face as they noted the details of the impressive ex agent.


    He could see that these people were looking at him as a hero and that was the image the handler intended to break.Ah Hai Long was a hero no doubt but he was also a ticking time bomb,that could blast at any moment.The handler shook his head at these hard headed agents.They were experienced but still awed by Ah Hai.If they continued to be awed then they would not be able to keep an eye on him and their judgement would be skewered.The Army did not need people who could think for themselves but people who could follow orders.Ah Hai Long was no more of any use to them as he was a good thinker and had stopped following orders blindly.The handler sighed and finally clicked on a remote to stop the presentation.The last slide was of the recent interview announcing the launch Knight Security Services.

 Chapter 35 - The Problem

    Among the many agents sitting in the conference room,there was one who was not paying attention to the slide.This was because he already knew everything there was to know about him.Of course nobody not even the handler was aware of their connection or he wouldn''t have been chosen for this mission.Once he had entered the room and seen the slide he had understood what they were going to ask of them.The higher ups needed to eliminate Long Ah Hai not because he was a threat to the nation but because he was a threat to them and their deep pockets.Just then the lights came on and the handler came out in the front.In an enigmatic voice,he said,"A weapon does not see whom it is attacking.It listens to the orders of only it''s holder.As you have all seen,Long Ah Hai was the perfect weapon.But this weapon''s master has now changed."This statement resulted in a collective in drawn breath.They were high caliber agents who understood what the handler was trying hinting at.The handler smiled and pointed at the screen behind him and continued,"As you all can see,he was discharged from active duty last year and the very first thing he did after that was save the life of the President of Country A.For which he was even bestowed indemnity by the country.That means that,should we ever need to bring Knight back forcefully,country A will not be treated as an ally.Now all of you know why you have gathered here.In his short duration of service,Knight has completed many confidential and dangerous missions gathering much sensitive data.Such data is now in the hands of Country A.Though we are not in a state of war with that country we cannot risk this data landing in the wrong hands.Thus your mission is to finish the threat that means finish Long Ah Hai."


    "If you think this task is easy and there is no need for so many of you then you are in for a shock.You have seen the military background of this man,now let me show you his real background. Long AH Hai just happens to belong to one of the top financial families in the country.His eldest brother is the most powerful man in the business world and can ruin this country''s economy single handedly.His sister in law has her hands in various businesses in many of our friendly countries thus making us wary of harming their family.Long Ah Hai''s second brother is soon set to be the youngest Judge in the country and has a network of informants almost as powerful as ours.Combined this with Long Ah Hai he is veritable untouchable in this country so we have to attack him covertly."


    The agents looked down at the information they had written and still one wondered out loud,"Sir,even if the man is such a big threat,we can send a few agents to kill him.Why do you need so many of us?"


    The handler smiled in iront and said,"This picture you see is an older one though the article is new.The interviewer failed to mention that this was a telephonic interview.So though we can guess his location,we are unable to trace his exact location.Because we do not know what he currently looks like or his current location we cannot kill him.To kill him we will have to identify him.And that is where the multiple agents come in.You will all undergo training together so that you can find him and then eliminate him."

 Chapter 36 - A Joke

    The agent who knew Ah Hai personally wanted to laugh at the expressions of the other agents.They were expected to find the person who was always a step ahead of them.They thought that Long Ah Hai was successful because they had trained him to be.Their biggest mistake was to think that they were the ones who had made him dangerous.The man had always been a double edged knife.The training had just sharpened the blades!The agent turned to the handler who was still prattling and paid attention again as the handler continued,"We have to not just eliminate him but also the threat he presents.Chances are just killing him would also lead to state secrets being exposed bu someone else that he may have entrusted.So we have to eliminate anyone he is too close to.He will not have entrusted these to his family in order to keep them safe.So we need to know all that is there to know about him!"


    Mid speech the lights went out,shocking the handler and the others in the room,and the video in the screen changed.The new text read,"Welcome anyone to the game of Chase.In this game,you can never guess the hunter or the hunted.In a moment the hunter becomes the prey and the prey becomes the hunter.The main player of this game is called Knight and the present hunters are(list of the agents who were present inthe room)."The agents felt goosebumps on their body as each of them read their names on the list.The room had turned deathly silent and nobody even dared to breathe.What was this?


    The presentation then played a series of mutiliated bodies and lifeless eyes.Then there was text again"The presentation prepared by the agency is pretty boring so I thought I''d give you something interesting.These are my works of art and some of you may just be fortunate enough to become one in the future."


    And now let me explain the rules of the game to you,"No personal threats on either side.That means leave my family alone and I will leave your loved ones alone."


    "Rule number two is that you play honestly.If anyone of you is involved in any unethical,amoral things then you better bow out of this game.That is the end of rules.All the best everyone!"


    The last clip now showed,"I forgot to introduce myself,My name is Knight and I am the God of this game.I also leave you a welcome gift..Check it at your door..and being generous I am also providing a cheat,I am in country A."The lights then turned on.


    The first person to come out of his shock was the handler who ran to the door and indeed there was a gift placed there.A bouquet of black roses.He shouted to check all the surveillance cameras,knowing it was useless but still hoping.One of the agents who was a good hacked immediately grabbed the laptop to search for the location of the hacker but the search pointed to his own laptop which was impossible!


    The only person who was unaffected was the one who knew Knight.A young orphaned boy who had grown up under Knight''s wing.The boy who was once a bully.He may not know what made the man tick but he knew somethings that nobody else did.And he had already proved his loyalty by keeping his mouth shut.He thanked the fates for when Knight had met him and he had pledged his loyalty to him.And looking around at the stupefied faces,he laughed on the inside.With one stroke,Knight had established his dominance and made this high powered and confidential meeting into a joke!

 Chapter 37 - The Painter in the Dark

    In a dark and dank stidio,a lean and tall man stood straight staring at the canvas in front of him.The only light in the room shone on this canvas.The man was also part of the darkness,the only light reflected in his eyes.He stood still as a statue and his naked upper body did not feel the chill in the air.His overgrown dark brown was caught behind in a small elastic band.His aura was dark and in direct contrast with his painting.The painting was a mixture of bright and beautiful colors and rainbows.The painting looked as if the observer stood in a bed of clouds enjoying the colorful rainbows..But he stood there observing the painting to see if something was missing.Finally,the man threw aside the brush and picked up the murky water from the side stand.He then splashed across the middle of the painting.This action would have made any person standing by wince in pain.Because the most beautiful scene was now covered in filth.But soon the painting dried and now the man was satisfied. The painting was now based on the perception of the one who would look at it.They could either see the beautiful scenery through a dark veil and feel unable to touch it and despair or they could see hope after the darkness.The man saw none of  these.Satisfied with what he had created,he drew a small sword and shield to sign his name and then covered the painting moving out of the room and locking it.


    The light out of the room now fell on the man''s face,highlighting one side of his face.Thebhard angles and planes were what would make any girl swoon.The man donned his leather jacket and then sat in front of his computer.A sinister smile graced his face which softened and turned genuine when his gaze fell on the picture in front of him.


    He had already sent the message to those that looked to harm him and he had already protected the people close to him.His job now was to watch and wait.


    Long Ah Hai leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers behind his head.His face was now totally in light and he looked nothing like his magazine picture from a few years ago other than maybe the height.The man in the magazine had a military short hair cut while this Ah Hai had a head full of hair like a rockstar.That man was bulky and hard looking while this was lanky and had a boyishly charming face.That man could be called handsome while this one was simply beautiful.But there was a glaring difference between these two and that was the scar on his left cheek.Ah Hai Long had a scar on his face.One that could be easily identifiable if anyone was to see him.His scar started from the top corner of his left lip across his cheek to his ears.Ah Hai rubbed this scar as he sat down thinking how to pass his time.He was bored as he had finished most of his pending works. He thought of the painting he had just finished and messaged his brother,Matt Long, to have it collected to be auctioned.


    Ah Hai then picked up the framed picture of Shi Ai,the one that she had given him and thought to himself,there was still one task left.He needed to get his ring back.He was pretty sure that she must have forgotten all about him by now..

 Chapter 38 - Find Her

    Ah Hai wondered what had possessed him to give her the ring.Maybe he had been on too many painkillers then and his mind muddled.Keeping the picture back,he thought of how she would look now.He knew almost everything about her except what she looked like.This was because he had forbidden Mrs Wu from ever sending her photograph or any sort of communication directly.When Mrs Wu and Shi Ai had come to country A for the little girl''s treatment,he had preceded them to make arrangements and stayed there until the treatment began and she had begun recovering.Once he had fulfilled the promise to himself to keep her safe,he had left country A,intending to never look back.But he had not expected to be back in this position.


    Just before Ah Hai had met Shi Ai, they had been asked to finish off a terrorist camp where a trap had been set for them.From there,on Ah Hai begun investigating for the mole, and he realized that corruption among the agents ran deep.It took him and his team two years of risky covert operations to reach the traitor only to realize that the person they assumed to be a traitor was only a scapegoat.Trusting the wrong person had cost them their lives.Only two people had survived the guerilla warfare tactics of the people they had been sent to catch.Unluckily for that person,the two that survived were the ones who were loyal to their team and would not let their deaths go unavenged.


    The first thing after escaping he had done was take Shot(their team leader) and go missing while they recovered.This had caused the man to assume that he had succeeded in finishing off the team and he had become careless.The moment the man was focused on something else,Knight came back with Shot and immediately both requested to be discharged on medical grounds.They were discharged honorably after a small investigations since no one wanted to did in deep.By the time the villain realized that there were survivors, Ah Hai had already reached his powerful family while Shot had already left the country.After spending some time with his family,Ah Hai had also moved here immediately.


    He never understood the impulse to check on Shi Ai after he came here but he had contacted Mrs Wu to ask about her.That was when Mrs Wu had told him about her sickness and hospitalization.Subsequently,he had suggested that she approach Dr Zhang for guardianship.After knowing that she was well,he had left to kill some pests who liked to attack their own nation.And once again when he had come back,he had gone to see Mrs Wu,this time with the intention of seeing little Shi Ai and asking her for his ring back as well.It was not his intention to take back his promise but he didn''t think he would live long enough to marry her.His only reason to live these days was to avenge his comrades.He had committed many sins in the past and had no right to taint the beautiful and innocent Shi Ai.But he had been shocked to know that Mrs Wu was already dead earlier than expected.And Shi Ai was living alone!


    He had immediately gone to find her whereabouts,and only after the lawyer had informed him that she was safe and Dr Zhang was also unaware of Mrs Wu''s death,he had been relieved.He had asked one of his guards in the Knight Security Service to keep an eye on her and the guard had informed him about the youngest Zhang boy taking her under his wing.Naturally the guard was unaware that he was spying for his boss and not for a client.And so having found a new protector for his Shi Ai he felt that he could now leave for his next mission..for now!


    Ofcourse,Ah Hai did not wonder for long about his unexplainable care for Shi Ai

 Chapter 39 - Bella De

    As the days passed,Shi Ai had slowly adapted to her new surroundings.Though she never got used to Uncle Chu addressing her as the young miss,she enjoyed the way Uncle Chu teased her and encouraged her and Brother Min.She had started playing online games with Zhang Min and thoriughly enjoyed them though she always lost to him.For the first time in her life,Shi Ai had a complete family with a doting mother and teasing brother.Though Mrs Zhang did not know how to cook,she knew how to feed and she was always feeding her two children with as much food as she could.With the autmn holidays,both Zhang Min and Shi Ai had been fed so much that they felt they would soon be rolling around like fat drums.Both the older brothers had left for country C to continue their service,so Mrs Zhu had only two kids to focus on and she did that.


    Finally,after spending the first part of their holidays being over pampered Zhang Min and Shi Ai planned their escape.They decided to go on a two day camping trip to the countryside.Since both the kids were underage,Uncle Chu volunteered to go with them as their chauffeur and guardian.


    Shi Ai was excited to be on a holiday as this was again a new experience for her.Apart from the one time she had gone for sister Alicia''s wedding in country C where she met her prince charming,she had never been on a holiday.Even when she had been recuperating and the doctors had encouraged them to take a simple and non tiring holiday, she and Auntie Wu had chosen to just make a picnic at a nearby park and be lazy soaking in the sun.


    The next day,both the kids were ready and packed to go.Shi Ai was almost dancing inexcitement while Zhang Min was also unusually happy.He had a special plan to implement and he almost rubbed his hands in excitement..After assuring his mother that they would be careful and alert,the three people went on their way.As they left the city,Shi Ai''s nose was plastered to the window.She did not wish to miss anything.But because of her excitement she did miss something.


    She failed to notice that Zhang Min had secretly gestured to Uncle Chu to change directions.It was only later that she glanced at the directions on the highway did she realize that they had lost direction.She immediately turned to look at Uncle Chu and exclaimed,"Uncle Chu!We are lost!This is not the way.You need to turn back!"


    Uncle Chu was pretended to be insulted at this and said,"Miss Shi Ai!How can you accuse me of being lost!Let me tell you I am an expert at driving and reading directions!I cannot believe that the young miss would have so little faith in me."


    Shi Ai was immediately contrite at this and immediately began to apologize profusely,causing both Uncle Chu and Zhang Min to break out in laughter.This confused her even more but Shi Ai could never be accused of being dim!She immediately knew that these two people were upto no good!She narrowed her eyes and glared at Zhang Min and asked,"Why have you changed our destination?"


    Zhang Min nodded and patted her head saying,"Our family''s Shi Ai is smart!Yes we are having a stopover before going to our destination!But don''t worry,you will definitely like it there!"


    Shi Ai glared at Zhang Minand then whipping out her phone checked the map.She then glared at the duo some more and snapped,"A stopover would happen on the way!While we are moving in the opposite direction!"She then caught Zhang Min in a chokehold by the neck(the way he had thought her) and threatened,"If you ruin my holiday for something frivolous,I will make you pay!"


    Zhang Min rolled his eyes at his stupidity for teaching her that move and said in a small whiny voice,"Little sister we are going to meet someone special!I promise you will like her!"


    Shi Ai immediately let go of him and thoughtfully stared before muttering,"We are going to meet your Bella?"


    Zhang Min had a big silly grin across his face and nodded happily.


    £¬

 Chapter 40 - Bella De(2)

    Soon Zhang Min and Shi Ai reached their ''stopover''.Shi Ai was excited to meet and kept her fingers crossed that Bella De would like her.She had always heard brother Zhang sing her praises and knew that he admired her a lot.The car turned into the gates of a the courtyard of a small red brick building and a young teenage girl came rushing out of the building even before the car had slowed down.Shi Ai''s first glimplse of the girl was of a beautiful girl running towards them with her red hair bouncing around.It was only when the girl stopped a few feet away,did Shi Ai realize that the car had stopped and Brother Zhang had already alighted the car and was now hugging the girl.Shi Ai followed them out of the car and that is when the girl realized that there was someone else travelling with Zhang Min and it was a girl.Her smile turned a little awkward and turning to Shi Ai,she said,"Hi,I am Ava De!It''s nice to meet you.I did not know Min Min is bringing a guest or I would have greeted you first."


    Shi Ai frowned on the inside but outside she was smiling as she shook hands.She had thought this was Bella,the one she had heard about.Brother Min''s first love.His childhood partner.Well maybe this was Bella''s sister..But even though Ava De had said all the right words,Shi Ai could feel the awkwardness and slight hostility radiating from her.Maybe Brother Min had not told anything about her and so the girl was worried or something.


    Zhang Min finally realized his manners and introduced,"Little cousin,this is Ava De.She is one year my senior but a childhood friend.And Ava this is my little cousin Shi Ai,the sister I always wanted.We are going camping so I brought her here to meet Bella before we go!"


    Shi Ai could practically see the girl''s aura change at Brother Zhang''s words and smiled.It seemed Ava De ''liked'' her brother.Of course he was a handsome and good person so he would be loved by everyone.But Shi Ai felt that Brother Zhang Min had only Bella De in his heart.And she felt that even if Ava De liked Zhang Min,she would only hurt herself.While Shi Ai stood wondering these things,Ava and Brother Min had already went ahead into the building and she hurried after them.


    Shi Ai was curious to meet Bella since Brother Min had talked very fondly about her.He had told her that Bella had been moved to a rural area by her parents because she was sick and needed fresh air that was not available in the city..Shi Ai expected them to go towards the room so she was a little confused when the two went inside and then straight out of the back door.The outside was a huge open area with lots of greenery.Zhang Min then turned to Shi Ai and said,"Little Shi Ai.You wait here with Ava and I am going to go bring Bella.She will love you!"


    With that Zhang Min ran towards another smaller building leaving Ava and Shi Ai side by side.Shi Ai could feel the curiosity burning from Ava but she chose to keep quiet.Finally Ava broke the ice and said,"Are you really his cousin?I''ve known Zhang Min for so long but never heard of them having a cousin..."


    Since Shi Ai could feel the anxiety in the question,she thought to answer honestly and said,"I am actually his foster sister.We study in the same school so to avoid any misconceptions,Auntie Zhang decided to tell everyone that we were cousins."


    Ava nodded,relieved at that.Though she was curious about how Shi Ai came to be fostered with the Zhang''s she did not think it was too polite to ask.So she did not.But there was another question she needed an answer to.."Umm,Miss Shi,does Zhang Min have any girlfriend in school."


    At this Shi Ai knew that her guess was right and Ava De indeed liked Brother Zhang.But again,Shi Ai felt that as long as this person did not do anything to hurt Brother Min or the person he cared about,there was no harm in telling her so she shrugged her shoulders and said,"No really.Though many girls chase him,he had not shown any interest in anyone yet."


    Ava felt an unstoppable smile grace her face which did not go unnoticed by Shi Ai.To stop Ava from dreaming too much Shi Ai continued,"But I think brother Min already has someone in his heart."


    This statement caused the beautiful Ava to lose her smile and ask painfully,"Really?Who?Is she very pretty?"


    Shi Ai felt a soft tug for Ava and said softly,"I don''t know..You should know better..She is after all your sister.."


    This statement caused Ava to turn in shock to Shi Ai and stare at her as if she was a lunatic..She then started laughing and said,"You think Zhang Min is in love with Bella?Is he still always talking about her?I think Bella is not my competition!", Ava finished this statement arrogantly.Shi Ai was annoyed at this and was about to retort when Ava caught her by the shoulders and pointed in the opposite direction,"That is Bella!"


    Shi Ai opened her mouth then closed it again.She then gaped like a fish..


    Brother Min who had been always reminiscing about Bella had forgotten one pertinent detail.."Bella De was a horse.."

 Chapter 41 - Lonely

    A shocked Shi Ai stared at Zhang Min''s ''first love'' and wanted to go and hide.How could he have misled her like that!Just then a big red apple appeared in front of her eyes and she looked at Ava De who stood with her hand extended trying unsuccessfully to suppress her grin.Seeing this Shi Ai also broke into uncontrollable laughter so that Zhang Min was greeted by the sound of the two girls'' sweet laughter.Curiously,he asked,"What are you two talking about?"


    The two girls looked at each other and laughingly said,"Your love interests."Zhang Min frowned at this and said,"There is nothing to talk about my love life.Are you two girls laughing at me?"Ava De and Shi Ai shook their heads together in denial causing Zhang Min to stare at them suspiciously and almost pout.But Ava distracted him by officially introducing Bella to Shi Ai.She rubbed her nose lovingly and said,"Bella,this is Little Ai,she is Min min''s sister.Are you going to let her feed you?"


    Taking her cue,Shi Ai cautiously held out her hand and the apple in her hand was sniffed by Bella.The horse then took a bite,delighting everyone.But soon the horse almost collapsed causing the stable boy following and Zhang Min to panic.Shi Ai looked confused and asked,"What''s wrong?"


    Zhang Min and the stable boy carefully walked the horse back while Ava explained,"Sigh!Bella is dying.She is an old horse and on the last leg of her life.Ideally she should be put to rest but I wanted Zhang Min to have a chance to say goodbye.Now that he has met her,I will ask the doctor to administer the drugs tomorrow.


    Shi Ai felt her heart feel sad at this new piece of information and thought of the way Zhang Min always talked about Bella.Whenever they playedhe was always talking about her and she felt that he would be heartbroken at this.So she asked Ava,"Does he know that..that this is going to be his last goodbye."


    Ava nodded and said,"He knows but has yet to accept the fact.He thinks that Bella is going to live forever."


    Shi Ai looked carefully at Ava and felt that this girl was also very sad and said,"Bella will live on forever.In your and Brother Min''s memories and now in mine as well."


    Ava let out a small smile at this.She had not expected the girl to be so empathetic.So she hooked her arms through Shi Ai''s and said,"Come.Let us have something to eat before you set off.I invited Zhang Min to stay here but he said you were excited to go to to the other side pf the forest so you people would only visit.Next time you must plan for staying here.Alright?''Shi Ai shook her head and offered,"I think we should stay here tonight.We can go to the campsite next time.Can I ask you something personal?Do you like brother Min?"


    Ava looked surprised at Shi Ai''s blunt question but then laughed it off,"Of course not.He is younger than I am."Shi Ai could see that the girl was lying but she chose to let her have her pride and the two girls sat about having tea silently.It was rare for two teenagers in this day to sit to silently and anyone would be shocked to see this scene.But both were lost in their own thoughts.


    Finally a dejected looking Zhang Min came in and silently sat in his chair.Shi Ai was about to go and console him but Ava beat her to it.She placed a glass of water in front of him and ruffling his hair said,"Min Min..That is how life is..Everyone comes and goes at their own pace.You have to accept every challenge that life throws at you."At this Zhang Min broke down and cried causing Ava to breakdown too.Another person was left to fend for herself.Shi Ai went out and stood staring at the sky while her eyes were also numb.Ava De was right..People come and go at their own pace.All they could do was wait.All She could do was wait!"Her hand fidgeted with the chain around her neck and today even though she had a family she realized that she was as lonely as ever.The only person who she wanted was too far from her..

 Chapter 42 - Some More Trouble

    A small camping trip turned into a weeklong vacation at Ava De''s house.There Shi Ai got to experience the more serious side of Zhang Min as he coped with Bella''s death and tried to keep himself together.She now realized that why he was not interested in the army like his father and elder brothers.He wanted to be a vet.Shi Ai also had a chance to observe the interaction between Ava and Zhang Min and thought to herself that they would make a cute couple.Ava and Zhang Min were actually childhood friends and though Zhang Min was clueless about her feelings Shi Ai was sure that he would reciprocate them once he understood.She just hoped that Ava wold let go of the age barrier.A year older was not much.Shi Ai would have done something to make them realise but she decided that there was no hurry as they would soon be together in the Vet school.


    Ava was already in Vet school and Zhang Min had already decided to followe her footsteps.Shi Ai imagined Zhang Min making a good doctor to animals.By the time the vacation was over,Zhang Min had come back to his usual happy self though he sometimes still spaced out.Shi Ai had made a new friend in Ava and even become a bit tanned from learning to ride and looking around the fields.Soon they were back and the holidays were at an end.


    Yao Yao,who had been unable to meet Shi Ai during the holidays was frustrated beyond belief.She had planned her holidays before Shi Ai had moved away so she had been unable to brea the plans.But she had cut short her foreign trip so that she could meet Shi Ai at Senior brother''s house,only to be told that the family had gone for a vacation.And when she had called Shi Ai,the latter had not even answered her phone and instead messaged her that she was at a funeral!Shi Ai seemed to think that she was dumb!


    To teach Shi Ai a lesson,Yao Yao had prepared a welcome back gift.Yao Yao was going to teach Shi Ai a lesson for lying to her.Like before the holidays,Shi Ai and Zhang Min arrived together.But this time there was no crowd and so Zhang Min let Shi Ai go to her own class while he went to his directly.However,as Shi Ai walked towards the classroom,she could feel her skin crawl as if something bad was going to happen or someone was staring at her.She even felt that all the students were looking at her weirdly.She could think of nothing that would cause this and dismissed her instinct as paranoia.However it was soon clear that something was wrong when she reached her classroom or more specifically her locker in the classroom.There in bold letters was a leaflet that read,"SHI AI-BAS**** BABY OR SUGAR BABY?"


    Shi Ai was angered once she read this note that was stuck to the locker but she did not remove it or throw it away.Though she wanted to crush it,she would not give the perpetrator the chance to be happy at having successfully provoked her.She simply took out her phone and clicked a picture.And then instead of opening her locker,she went towards her desk.There also was stuck a piece of paper which read Sl** and an offending drawing of dogs had been made.Again she did nothing and clicked a picture before going to the front and taking out an extra chair for herself.Placing her bag on the chair,she then went to the white board in the front that was used by the teachers and picking up a marker started writing on the board.


    The tudents who had expected a crying denial or accusations or screaming and were waiting for some entertainmentbut were instead were given no reaction.They thought that Shi Ai was giving a written explanation so eagerly started to read the contents of the board but soon realized they understood not a word she wrote: Title IV and VI Civil Rights Act,Title IX of the Education Amendments Act,Section 230 of Communication Decency Act.


    As everyone stared bewildered,Shi Ai turned back to the class and said casually,"These are the acts I can sue you under for bullying,defamation and harassment for writing these notes and spreading malicious gossip.According to the punishments in these acts,the person who has done this will mostly suffer aa few years in prison but it will leave a black mark on their career.So I suggest whoever has done this,better remove it before lunch hour is over or I will go to the Authorities.Rest assured the perpetrator will be found.I have already sent the pictures to a lawyer so maybe you might want to hurry up."


    With that Shi Ai went back to the chair she had taken out for herself and sat with her back facing the stunned class..Soon..the notes had disappeared and so had the talks.

 Chapter 43 - A New Plan

    From the day Shi Ai had warned the students,nobody dared to talk against her.Yao Yao had failed miserably in instigating the other students against Shi Ai.On the other hand pretending to be Shi Ai''s best friend was taking a toll on her and she was getting obsessed over taking this thorn out.One day,out of frustration,she called her father and whined to him,"Daddy!Why can you not find her parents?Is there no way that I can get rid of her?"


    The man on the other end as frustrated.Actually,he had not tried very hard to find the girl''s parents as it required to did too deep and he felt that it would be too wasteful to use his resources for a nobody.His daughter had not asked again and he had assumed that she had indeed wanted to help her but it seemed that this Shi Ai person was being a pest.So he decided to fulfill his daughter''s request and said,"You should have told me that the girl was bullying you to find her parents.I know she is here on a student visa.If I had known I would have helped you sooner.don''t worry,I will have her visa cancelled and then once she is deported from here,she will be unable to come back."


    Yao Yao felt her eyes brighten at this but there was a wrench in her plans.Her fiance was a powerful man and if he knew that Yao Yao''s father had someone deported for her sake,then he would look down on her.She needed to try and maintain her gentle image and said,"No Daddy.I want to try looking for her parents first.It''s not about bullying.Let it be.I will try to find them myself.Goodbye."


    Yao Yao breathed a sigh of relief at the thought that she had almost blown her facade of innocence.Of course she did not think that her father was a ruthless man and would be rather proud of her under handed techniques.But that fiance of hers..Yao Yao shook her head.She really wished she had fallen for some other man who was powerful but not too honest.


    Yao Yao sat under the tree and thought of a way to handle the situation.Finally an idea struck her.Opening her laptop,she looked for a missing persons website from Country C and put a picture of Shi Ai that she had in her phone and typed underneath a few details that said that the person was looking for her parents and anybody who informed her would get a handsome reward.At the end she urged everyone to share the picture as much as possible to help an orphan girl.Yao Yao created a fake email Id so that they could contact her.


    Smiling at herself,she then looked for a few actors who could pose as her parents in case she was unsuccessful in finding her parents.Yao Yao just needed to get Shi Ai out of Country A and then the people could do what they wished with her.She just needed people who were a bit immoral.


    Satisfied with her plan,she leaned back and called Shi Ai,who answered the call immediately and said,"Shi Ai!I am very happy today!Let us meet up tonight for karaoke.No,nothing soecial!I just want to have some fun.."Shi Ai agreed to it and they were set to celebrate.Yao Yao smiled at the irony that Shi Ai was going to celebrate the laying of the foundation of her own ruin.

 Chapter 44 - A Party

    Yao Yao had planned to invite a few other girls to the karaoke but she somehow ended up calling a big group of senior girls and boys who were known to be hooligans and problematic.But she was happy with the end result and told everyone that tonight''s party was to be hosted by Shi Ai and she was inviting everyone on her behalf.. She actually wanted to use this opportunity to spoil Shi Ai''s reputation.Many people were curious about Zhang Min''s new sister so everyone used this opportunity to go to the party.


    As the evening rolled around,Shi Ai could feel her stomach acting up.She did not understand why sh felt uncomfortable but she ignored it as she prepared to get ready for the party.She had a wardrobe full of dresses thanks to Auntie Zhang but she was not used to wearing them anymore so she chose a simple white buttoned shirt and a pair of jeans for the outing.She wanted to invite Brother Min along but he was out for a gaming tournament tonight and she was pretty sure that he would have not agreed to go out with her and infact thrown a huge tantrum and stopped her from going as well.But she still felt terrible over not inviting him so she texted Yao Yao for the venue and once she received a reply left the name of the place and the room number on a small note stuck to his computer so that he would see it immediately and would know where to come in case he decided to join them later.


    As a concession to the happy atmosphere,she left her hair down and applied some tinted lip balm.Shi Ai was excited as it was not often she was able to go to a karaoke and ever since Auntie Wu''s death,that occassion had never happened.


    Outside Uncle Chu bid her a goodbye and Shi Ai left for the karaoke night with the driver.At the venue,she sent back the driver insisting thay she would take the taxi to return.Inside,Yao Yao was pacing in the lobby waiting for Shi Ai to arrive.She was early because she knew that Shi Ai would come early and she wanted to let Shi Ai know that if anyone asked then she had to say that the Karaoke was her idea.


    Shi Ai entered the hotel and before the hostess could make way to her,she was accosted by Yao Yao who dragged her to the washroom immediately.Shi Ai once again shook her head at Yao Yao''s antics but allowed herself to be dragged.


    Inside the washroom,Yao yao Yao finally looked carefully at Shi Ai and forgetting her carefully practiced speech frowned,"What are you wearing?"


    Shi Ai looked down at the simple clothing and shrugged a shoulder, explaining, "I just wanted to be comfortable.And now tell me why are you panicking?"


    Yao Yao immediately stiffened and stared at Shi Ai, how do you know I am panicking?"Shi Ai gave a side way smile and said,"Yao Yao,why would you drag me to the washroom otherwise?"


    Yao Yao nodded her head and said,"Look,my dad is angry at me because of my scores and has forbidden me from having any party.I told him it was just going to be the two of us so he allowed it.But I just wanted to invite a  few more people so I invited over Yi Miao and Clara over as well but they were blabbermouths and have now invited almost a dozen people.I couldn''t say no once everyone had been invited and I told Yi Miao and Clara that you had organized the party.Look,I know you don''t have much money so I will pay for everything but if someone asks,can you say you are the one hosting?"


    Shi Ai was put out at the thought of karaoke with so many people but seeing the pleading face of her friend she relented and agreed.

 Chapter 45 - Party Dress

    It is said,that to a greedy person,if you give an inch they will take a mile.This was the case for Yao Yao.Once she had received Shi Ai''s agreement to be the pretend host,Yao Yao was unsatisfied with Shi Ai''s clothes.She looked at the plain white shirt that had only a button open near the collarbone and jeans that covered every inch of skin.It would be difficult for Shi Ai to gain a bad reputation if she went inside looking like this.Narrowing her eyes,Yao Yao opened the top two buttons of the shirt with nimble fingers even before Shi Ai could assess what was happening.The two opened buttons exposed the top of her chest,changing the look of the simple shirt.Shi Ai frowned at this and moved to close the buttons but Yao Yao just frowned at her making Shi Ai leave the shirt as is.


    Next Yao Yao tried to open the lower buttons to turn the shirt into a knotted one but this time Shi Ai escaped and shook her head,"No this is enough.Come on.Let us go now."


    With that Shi Ai dragged Yao Yao out of the restroom and towards the Vip room.The place was sound proof and as they moved through the corridors,Shi Ai could here nothing but some songs and laughter if a door was open.So she was shocked when the door to their room was opened.The room was filled with more than a hundred people who were all drinking and dancing..No Karaoke..But dirnking!They were under age!She turned to scold Yao Yao only to see that the girl had disappeared.


    Shi Ai was now angry and decided to leave the immediately but before she could turn,Clara and Miao Miao caught sight over to her and surrounded her on both sides,"Shi Ai!You have organized an awesome party!But tell us is there a special reason for the party or what!And where is Senior Brother?Don''t tell us all our efforts to make this a happening party and all us girls have dressed up in vain!You cannot do that!Tell us when is senior brother coming?",asked Clara,shouting into Shi Ai''s ears.The two dragged her inside to a table of other senior boys and girls.


    Shi Ai looked around atthe unexpected scene and wanted to kill Yao Yao.This was supposed to be a karaoke night not a wild party.The girls here were all dressed skimpily and the boys were all drinking.She wondered if she should file a complaint about the serving of alcohol to under age teenagers but then thought better of it,in case Yao Yao got into more trouble.Shi Ai felt that Yao Yao had been behaving very weirdly these days and she didn''t understand why.But Shi Ai did not get much time to think about this as she was soon made to sit in the middle seat of the circular table and other scantily clad girls stared at her accusingly for not bringing along their coveted senior brother.


    Shi Ai was getting extremely uncomfortable under these stares and she could feel the gaze of the older boys on her as well.Many were openly and directly staring at her chest..She had the urge to button up but she could not do it in front of everyone without the fear of attracting more attention.Soon a drink was placed in front of her and Miao Miao urged her to have a drink as it was a custom for a host.But Shi Ai knew when to be firm..Last few years,she has studied deeply her heart sickness deeply and knew that any alcohol was not good for her heart and her medicines could react with any unknown drug.So she dare not let herself be pressured and firmly refused to drink anything even after everyone repeatedly assured her that she could get a non alcoholic drink.She ordered herself a bottled water and took a few sips from that.


    What Shi Ai  was unaware of was that her stubbornness mixed with the high alcohol content into the drinks and hormones of young teenage boys was like a siren''s call.Every boy here wanted to conquer her and make her submit making her the number one prey of all the boys.

 Chapter 46 - The International Gamer

    The eight heeaded purple monster blew fire onto the warriors surrounding him as he tried to escapy the circle of light they had surrounded him with.But the light was blinding him and the warriors were protected by the invisible sheild.The few monsters left in his army were being slayed by the other warriors who were weaker and needed his protection.Zhang Min was busy slaying a few monsters so that his team could make the kill,when he received a message from Uncle Chu.But because his team was competing neck to neck with the others in the game,he did not bother to check the message.This was the semi finals and after a short break they would be moving to the finals.Today was the day he had been anticipating for sometime.The International Gamer Challenge was being held and he had finally made a place for himself in them.This challenge was held for students between the age of 15 years and 18 years and this would be Zhang Min''s first and last time in this competition.His team''s name would go down in history if they won this and then he would be competing his own team to win the title of International Gamer.Naturally Zhang Min wanted the title because this would increase his chances of being able to get a backdoor entry into designing gaming softwares.


    Zhang Min wanted to be a vet but he also wanted to be able to design computer applications so that he could combine the knowledge from the two to help others.Finally the Eight headed purple monster was slayed in the game and he could hear the cheers of his team mates in his head phones.


    Leaning back he threw his hands up in the air and rubbed his hands in anticipation.Soon,that trophy was going to belong to them.They had entered the finals!And now after a short break of ten minutes to discuss strategy,they would be entering the finl war zone.This time the opposing team who had won the semi final within the shortest time would be competing against them.Zhang Min and the others chattered in their microphones about the approaches to defeat them.


    Zhang Min took off his headphones to take a water break.After gulping some water,he went to check his cell phone but was distracted by the blinking message on his computer screen.It was an open challenge from the other team.He narrowed his eyes at the challenge and placing his cell phone aside,put bak on his headphones and decided to reply to the challenge in deed instead of words.He was going to win the International Gamer Challenge tonight,come hell or high water.


    Uncle Chu,who had sent the message about Shi Ai was pacing in the kitchen.His pacing had made the maids antsy and they were trying tolook for reasons to escape any oncoming storms.The reason for this was nothing but the inpromptu way the young miss had decided to go.Uncle Chu did not like sudden plans and he hated the fact that the young miss had gone alone with someone he did not know.Adding in the fact that she had sent the driver back,Uncle Chu was feeling very weird.He had not greyed his hair in the sun and was an experienced man of the world.He knew not to ignore his instinct. Since the young master had yet to see the message he had sent on WeChat,Incle Xhu decided to call Dr Zhang Shu.After all he was the guardian of the young miss and should be able to persuade to the young miss to come back.In actuality he could have asked her to not go and she would have listened to him,he was sure of that but he did not think it was his place to stop her.And most certainly not when Miss Shi Ai rarely went out.He could be wrong and maybe he was being paranoid because the of this but Uncle Chu decided that prevention was better than cure and called Dr Zhang Shu''s number only to be directed to the voice mail.Incle Chu did not know how to talk to machines and felt every awkward but conveyed the message,crossing his fingers in hope that the old master would hear the message soon.

 Chapter 47 - A Game Of Dare

    By now,the party was in full swing and Shi Ai had found herself a corner to lurk in.It looked as if everyone had their eyes trained between her and the door.Everytime,she tried to move towards the door,someone would drag her back in for some reason.Shi Ai was getting hungrier and angrier.Since she could not find her ''target Yao Yao'' to appease her anger,She decided to appease her hunger.She went to the small grill on a corner table and roasted some pork for herself,stabbing the meat as if she was stabbing a person.


    The lights had turned dimmer and now everyone was focused on doing their own thing so she thought she would be able to escape soon.And anyways,she couls eat well since she was already here.As she ate,a little bit of the dipping sauce fell on her exposed chest,reminding her that her buttons were still open.Shi Ai frowned at that and grabbing the tissue,wiped the sauce.She then intended to buton up but this time Yao Yao appeared in front of her.


    Her face was a little flushed and she looked as if she was a bit drunk.Shi Ai opened her mouth to lecture her for drinking and for dragging herinto this mess of a party,but Yao Yao pulled her and plopped her among a group of another people who were now starting a game of dare.Yao Yao held Shi Ai''s forearm tightly and would not let her leave.She had a good grip for a girl who was drunk.The game soon started and Shi Ai was an unwilling part of it.


    The rules of the game were simple.If the bottle in the middle pointed towards the person,then that person would be given a dare by the person who faced the bottom of the bottle.The person receiving the dare had two options-drink a shot of tequila or complete the given dare.If the person failed to complete the dare then he would have to drink two shots instead of one.All the boys wanted to get the girls to be drunk so they tried their best to get the bottles neck towards them and give outrageous dares.By a stroke of luck,Shi Ai was saved everytime.But her breath stopped at every movement of the bottle.She had already decided that if she got a dare,she would choose one to get her out of the room and there was no way she was getting back.The only person she was worried about was Yao Yao who had already lost two dares and was now beyond tipsy.However the room was now filled with an air of thick hormones and pheromones.


    In another corner of the room,a few of the extreme troublemakers,were planning to spike drinks with drugs.They had no discrimination about who they drugged or how.All they wanted was the thrill and the high.However these people were noticed by the wait staff who then reported this to the manager.The manager frowned at this.Their establishent catered to the rich kids and had no qualms about serving alcohol to the underage kids but drug use they dare not allow for fear of gaining a bad reputation.The manager was now in a dilemma.If he reported the drug use to the police then chances were that the fact they had served alcohol would also come out but if they did not and anything spiraled out of control,then their establishment would be ruined.


    Finally he asked about the person who was hosting the party and if the kids using the drugs were from any powerful families.The wait staff was trained to glean these things and were immediately able to give the relative informatio.Though the kids using the drugs and a few guests were from powerful families,the host was an orphan girl from an unknown family.He instructed the staff to call the police under the guise of an unknown informant.This way their establishment could set an example about standing against drugs.The relative unknown host would just have to be the scapegoat.

 Chapter 48 - The Meeting

    Having established the fact that Shi Ai was now in the hands of a safe family and an older brother,Ah Hai had called off the surveillance on Shi Ai.So he was naturally unaware of the present situation she was in.He was now focusing on establishing his name in the security business in Country A as well as setting atarget on his back.He needed to get his enemies out and the best way to hunt the hunter was give him a false sense of security and become the prey.And once the hunter came to hunt,all he needed to do was get the trap.


    Ah Hai was currently in the meeting with his top security men who were undercover guards to the high officials in the country.His enmity was personal and he needed to focus on expanding his business if he were to fund the charities he had set up for the families of those who had given their life in the service of the nation.


    In the stifling boardroom,the lights were turned off and the man at the head of the table was shrouded in the dark.The lighting was such that no matter how much one tried of discerning eyes they had,they would be unable to see the face of the Big Boss.The reason for this was simple.It was not the right time yet.


    All the men and women in this room had been handpicked by Ah Hai and Shot,with careful consideration to skills,talents and loyalty.But presently Shot was the face of the Company.This was because his easy going charm and dimpled smile did not make anyone think that the man could be dangerous.Only thoe close to him knew how he had earned the moniker of Shot. They had been a team of world class snipers.It required great strength to be the face of death.


    Ah Hai observed from the darkness as Shot conducted the meeting.They were presently focused on a team of no good assasins who had threatened to kill the peace ambassador from Country R to Country A.This threat was not to be taken lightly as such an occurence could be considered a threat to Country R which could then lead to a nuclear war.


    They had already discovered the source of the threat and were currently viewing their live activities with the helpof a drone and an agent who had ingrated himself into the blood thirsty group.The goal was to not just take them out but also the master mind behind this.They needed to pinpoint who was the one who was scared of peace between the two countries.While the teams started to discuss the activities of the group of assasins used for funding,their gazed inadverently fell away from the screen to their partners.But the man shrouded in dark was multi tasking.He could hear what was being said and still his eyes did not move from the screen.This helped him pinpoint their target.The one who was in touch with the mastermind.Knight knocked on the table once.This had the effect of a judge''s gavel falling.All eyes turned to the dark figure.As everybody once again tried to look into the dark,Shot asked,"Yes,Knight?"


    A gravelly voice answered,"The man in the black shirt and blue ripped jeans with the scorpion tattoo is the direct contact.Tail him and follow his moves."With that Knight up and left the room from a dark door right behind his chair. Having achieved the purpose of tonight''s meeting,he felt no need to sit there anymore.Of course the others left behind were in a state of shock.Their eyes had already turned to the screen but on the inside they were still trying to make sense of the voice.A single sentence spoke so unemotionally but in such a honeyed baritone that they wanted to be mesmerized.


    Behind the dark door of the conference room,Knight was running his fingers through his hair.His gut was screaming that something bad was going to happen but he did not know what.He looked at the time and messaged his brothers and sisters in law but all was fine on their end so he did not understand why he was so restless tonight.


    Picking up the black rubber band from the table he pulled his hair back and tied thm into a ponytail at the top of his head.Then picking up his back pack put up the black hoodie on top of his head.He then jumped out of the window with the help of a rope on the outside.He was going to rappel down the 52 floors from his office.He needed a workout.As he went down,his phone was left on the table in his office.

 Chapter 49 - A Disaster

    A group of young boys in their early twenties,had eyes focused on the middle table.Their lusty eyes traced the tender curves of the girl as she sat waiting her turn for truth or dare.They were five of them and had tacitly agreed on their target for tonight.The four of them were waiting for Shi Ai to get a dare so that they could get her in their trap.The fifth was at the table being a part of the game.This was not the first time they were doing something like this and so they felt no fear.They had a simple modus operandi.Play a game of dare.Get the girl drugged.Take her back to the room and enjoy her thoroughly while making a video of them.Thenthey could blackmail the girl to keep her mouth shut all the while using the same video to sell in the po** market.They frequently bought drugs for this purpose but did not use them.This was not the usual date re** drug that could be dissolved in water and was tasteless.This was mostly like powdered sugar and was similarly sweet.


    The method of drugging was also simple.They had sprinkled a few pastries on their table with this powder.The unique thing in this drug was that the person who was drugged would be totally lucid and think clearly.This caused the boys to be excited because then their victim would fight back,stimulating them more and making even more exciting videos.The more ferociously a girl fought,the more money they made of her apart from enjoying her.The drug slowly went into the blood stream and made them slowly lose their physical strength.The best point of this drug was that the victim remembered nothing after the effects wore off.


    Soon it was Shi Ai''s turn to take a dare.The boy who was supposed to send her to be drugged was observing her slyly.He had seen how the girl was avoiding even a single drop of alcohol and was worried that the drug''s dose might not be very potent if she was not a bit drunk.He was thinking how to get some more drugs into her system as she was only drinking bottled water or soda.Suddenly inspiration struck him.He had a small injection he used sometimes to inject some drug so he decided to use the injection and injection some more drug into the bottle directly.


    He looked at Shi Ai who was staring back at everyone without getting up to agree to any of the dares.Every one was goading her and booing her for being a party pooper altrnatively but that was having no effect.Taking this opportunity,the boy who was called Chang Qiu,got up from his seat and indicated everyone to quiet down.He then sauntered over to where Shi Ai was sitting and pushed himself between her and Yao Yao''s chair.This brought him too close to Shi Ai who had to lean back or else her face would be in direct line with his crotch and she frowned up at him.The boy smiled charmingly and said,"Come on,she invited us for this wonderful party so we must cut her some slack.I''ll tell you what,we''ll give you a simple dare for beginners."


    Shi Ai raised her brows at that.This boy looked like as if he was not dangerous but his eyes were no good.She had no intention of trusting this guy or being grateful to him.She haughtily stared at him,waiting to see what sort of tricks he had up his sleeve.Cheng Qiu looked around the room,pretending to look for something.He then gave a small smile to her and said,"Little Shi Ai,Why don''t you go to that table and steal a pastry and eat it.You have to do it so that the boys would notmind sharing.Understand?"


    This made others boo at Cheng Qiu and also tease him for falling for a beauty but he just made everyone shut up with a glance.When Shi Ai made no move to do that as well,Cheng Qiu pretended to be gallant and said,"Since little Shi Ai is scared,we must let it be.Why don''t I go and eat on your behalf?"And he then lowered his voice and whispered,"You know little Shi Ai that only couples can do something on each other''s behalf.Now everyone is going to think we are boyfriend and girlfriend."


    This got Shi Ai''s attention and she pushed back her chair silently accepting the dare.Even as she went towards the table,she knew there could be a disaster and yet she walked,unafraid.

 Chapter 50 - A Need For Rescue

    As Zhang Min and his team fought for control,there was a sudden crash within the server of the games host.This resulted in a lot of frustration and swearing from all members of the teams and the final were delayed for the time being.Zhang Min angrily left his chair and then picking up his cell phone,made his way out.He was in no mood to curse anymore or discuss any games.That was thoroughly ruined.


    Outside,he hailed a passing cab and pressed the side switch on his phone to check the time.But his battery was exhausted and the phone''s screen remained dark.Throwing his phone on the seat while inwardly cursing his bad luck,he gave the driver the address and then closed his eyes and leaned back.He was in a really foul mood and had to wish to talk to anyone.


    Reaching home,he stopped the taxi a bit further away from the house so that no one would know that he was back and then quietly slipped into the house from the back door.


    Not bothering to turn on the lights,he plugged in the phone charger and fell face first onto the bed.His scowl had yet to ease and he could not help but wonder if someone had done this purposely to sabotage the play.Their team had been playing so well and they were a few moves away from winning!Punching his pillow a few times did not ease his frustrations.Finally he sat up in bed and decided to look for Shi Ai.


    He went out and moved straight towards the girl''s door.After knocking a couple of time,when there was no answer,Zhang Min went back to his room dejectedly.Maybe she was out studying still.Maybe he could play some other game.With that thought he went inside and turned on the light.The moment the light was turned on,Zhang Min saw the note.After reading this,his scowl was even more fierce than earlier and he rushed to his phone to call Shi Ai and berate her but her phone was unreachable and that is when he saw the messages that Uncle Chu had sent.


    Running down to the kitchen,Zhang Min slammed straight into Uncle Chu,hurting his  nose in the process.Rubbing his nose,he glared at uncle Chu but before he could say anything,Uncle Chu caught his hand and pulling him along said,"Young master,you need to go and bring little miss back.I have a bad feeling.The driver has also come back and he will take you there.Go fast..go.."


    Before Zhang Min could utter a word,he had been pushed into the waiting car and the car had driven off.


    Zhang Min shook his head and decided to call that Yao Yao girl but her phone remained unanswered.


    Zhang Min resigned himself to go and rescue his sister.Even if that silly Yao Yao had not created any trouble,Shi Ai was going to be in for a lecture tonight.


    Reaching the destination a few minutes earlier,he wentbinside slowly and asked about the room which a Miss Yan Yao must have booked.After checking the register,the hostess frowned and said apologetically,"I am sorry Sir.No one by this name has made a reservation with us.Zhang Min frowned at this and confirmed, "Miss,are you sure that no one by that name is here?My driver dropped my sister here a little while back and I am here to pick her up."


    The hostess checked again and then once again apologized, "I am sorry Sir.There really is no such person here."


    Zhang Min was astonished at this turn of events.Shi Ai was not one to do any tricks and not inform anyone about the change of venue so there had to be some mistake.Putting on his most charming smile,Zhang Min looked at the hostess and asked,"Miss,if you don''t mind,may I see the register.Maybe the booking was made by another friend and if I see the name I might just recognize them."


    Though Zhang Min did not know any names,he could not be sure that the hostess was not lying.The hostess was a girl in her early twenties and though Zhang Min was casually dressed,she felt dazed by his expression and simply turned the register for him to see.Of course he did not expect to see Shi Ai''s name as the person who had made the booking.He checked the room number and immediately knew that this was no simple karaoke as the biggest room had been booked. Just what had Shi Ai gotten herself into.He thanked the hostess and said,"Here.My sister is in this room.I will make my way there.Can you please point me in the right direction?"


    What Zhang Min could not have predicted that trouble was yet to arrive.As he went into the elevator,several policemen in casual clothes,entered the premises.

 Chapter 51 - A Knife

    Though dressed casually, the men who entered the hotel had a unique aura.Anyone who was experienced with uniformed men and discerning eyes would be able to guess that these men meant business.The driver outside the hotel was one such man.The moment he saw a few men entering the building,he thought of Uncle Chu''s paranoia and broke into a cold sweat.Picking up his cell phone with fumbling hands he dialed Dr Zhang''s number.


    Inside the building:


    The  hostess who was still smiling sadly at the young  boy''s politeness and gentlemanly behavior was terrified when the leader showed his identification.She gulped and called the manager immediately,stuttering as she explained.The manager requested the captain to come inside to discuss a way to handle the situation amicably and without causing damage to the hotel''s reputation.The captain of the police was a man in his early forties who knew that the hotel could refuse to cooperate if they felt any peril.So he ordered his men to stay on standby and he went inside the manager''s room.


    After a short discussion, it was decided that the hotel would quietly ask the other guests to leave under the pretext of an emergency fire procedure.Only the people in the party room would not be allowed to leave.So that no one was alarmed and the people with drugs did not leave,this was to be done quietly.Also the police was aware that there must be those inside that were unaware of the drugs and would be innocent bystanders and then those who would know about the drugs but would rather turn a blind eye.While the hotel staff vacated the building under the watchful eyes of police,the captain instructed them to segregate the party foers into small groups immediately after they entered.This would help them when the students would have time to corroborate their stories.


    Captain Doug was a local man who abhorred the fact that teenagers were us in drugs so casually in the country and no one was able to catch them.


    This was his chance ,he decided.The students were going to be scared stiff and would easily blurt out the name of their supplier.Just one string was enough to pull apart the mask of the drug dealers.Even if they could not eradicate the entire drug syndicate,they could eliminate a few of it''s rats.


    The hotel was soon emptied speedily and the police moved stealthily towards the private room.The entrance to the hotel was now closed and all employees were trapped inside as well, as per the police procedures.


    Zhang Min who was unaware of the trouble coming behind him,received a call from his father as soon as he was out of he elevator which he ignored.He pushed open the door to the private room and was immediately assaulted by the smoke and smell of alcohol.The loud music,the smell of smoke and sweat made him want to throw up.He could hardly believe that his little sister was a part of this crowd.His eyes tried to adjust to the darkness but he could not see his sister anywhere.He looked around and saw the familiar yet unknown faces.He had seen most of these people in school or the canteen but knew for sure that this crowd was not of good students.he could feel goosebumps on his body.He wanted to find Shi Ai immediately and drag her out of here.When he was unable to find her,he almost turned back to go and ask the hostess if someone had already left but then thought better of it.If Shi Ai had already left, she would have atleast called someone and told them about it.Uncle Chu and he himself had already messaged her.


    Frowning,he went deeper into the disgusting crowd and finally he caught a glimpse of the head of a girl who looked like Shi Ai.Still he could not be sure as the next moment,a number of boys were blocking his view but he decisively made his way towards that crowd.The pounding music was giving him a headache and he vowed to punch Yao Yao in the face the next time he saw her,regardless of the fact that she was a girl.Zhang Min,once again could not have predicted that he would have even more reason to punch Yao Yao.Suddenly the music had stopped and the lights were turned on brightly causing the party goers to cover their eyes and protest at the same time.

 Chapter 52 - The Knife

    The glimpse of the girl that Zhang Min had glimpsed had indeed been Shi Ai.And the boys who blocked his view were the ones who had successfully drugged her.


    In reality,Shi Ai had been very careful to not eat or drink anything that she was not sure of.Even the pastry that she had been forced to eat,she had taken a bite from the one that was in one of the boy''s plates,sure that even if they had any nefarious plans,they wouldn''t drug themselves.She had then refused to rejoin the game and after trying a couple of times to take Yao Yao with her,she had decided to leave.Shi Ai had been so pissed off and was currently cursing her friend even as she left the place.She was actually planning to call Brother Min to help her drag Yao Yao back.In her agitation,she did not realize that even as she moved towards the door,she had been subtly surrounded by the rogue boys.She became aware of this fact only when Cheng Qiu blocked her way and she tried to go around him.She then tried to move back only to realized that she was caught in the middle. Before she could scold or threaten them,they were slowly herding her towards a corner.She tried to punch him,but her hand was caught in his and the next second a needle was stabbed into her arm.


    Immediately realizing what had happened,Shi Ai tried to scream but her mouth was covered by the boy behind her while another  boy grabbed her arms.They dragged her backwards.Shi Ai was scared witless and her eyes were wandering around urgently looking for escape but seeing none.


    Once the light had been turned on and the music turned off,most people were,at first shocked and then scared.But it was at this time that Shi Ai found her opportunity to escape.While everyone was shouting and screaming at the sight of the Police officers coming inside the door,Shi Ai found herself a knife and with as much strength as she could gather,pushed the boys away and backed herself into a wall.In a state of shock and panic,she had no idea that the police had arrived and she could be saved.Like a wild animal,she could only think to protect herself.She pointed the knife at Cheng Qiu and the others who were so scared that they moved away from her.They were not too scared to ra** a young girl but with the arrival of the police,they were afraid to be caught.By now the police had made the people stop screaming and were already dragging people into separate groups.


    Zhang Min was trying to reason with a police officer who refused to listen and was trying to take ZhangMin out of the room.As the number of people lessened,that is when the police came across the grave situation.A young girl stood against a wall with a knife pointed at a group of boys.Her pallor was unnaturally red and she had sweat dotted across her face.She also looked unsteady on her feet.This was the look of someone who was high.


    The manager recognized the girl that had been pointed to him earlier and immediately accused her,"Captain!This is the girl who is hosting the party.And she looks like she is taking drugs.You have caught her red handed.Now you need not harass and question the other guests and can directly arrest her."The manager had been bold in calling the police but he was still worried about repercussions from any of the rich masters.He had already found out that Shi Ai was an orphan so he had no problem in accusing her.


    The boys saw this as their escape plan and said,"Yes officer.Shi Ai was the one who invited everyone over and even now she was asking us to give her some money and threatening us that she would accuse us of rap*** her if e did not co operate.You came at the perfect time."


    This reason gave the manager more confidence and he continued in his irritatingly nasal voice,"Girls like her just want to spend money and be rich using immoral means so they resort to such things.You must teach her a lesson Captain."The manager was getting more excited so he even thought to slap the girl to make a good image of himself,but even as he moved forward,a high punch fell on his face causing his front teeth to fall loose and his head tp feel as if it had been pounded by a hammer.


    Like an avenging angel,Zhang Min stood there and said,"How dare you say anything against my little sister!If you open your disgusting mouth once more,I will knock all your teeth out!"

 Chapter 53 - A Medical Situation

    The police officers rushed to subdue Zhang Min who looked as if he was going to punch the other boys next as well as help up the now bleeding manager.The man tried to threaten Zhang Min but his bleeding mouth and broken teeth prevented that.The officer looked at the captain who signalled that Zhang Min be dragged into another room.The officer immediately pushed at Zhang Min but he removed immovable.He realized his mistake the moment he punched the manager but the man''s foul words had angered him no end.He tried pleading  with the officer,"Sir.Please.My sister came here only for a karaoke night and not for all this.She doesn''t even eat chocolates with a bit of alcohol then she cannot possibly take drugs.Someone is framing my sister.She is standing there with a knife pointed at the others.Please Sir.Please believe me."


    Zhang Min''s passionate speech was interrupted by a man''s shout,"No..Miss please put down the knife and come here."Shi Ai had turned the knife towards her own neck when the officer had tried to approach her to take the knife.Like a wild animal who had been backed into a corner,she was vulnerable as well as wild.Shi Ai,in an adrenaline rush and under the effect of the drug knew only one thing-nobody should come near her.If they tried she would stab either them or herself.She was not going to let anyone rap* her.


    Captain Doug had seen all sorts of things in his long career and was not some green officer.He  understood the situation at a glance and instructed his officers to detain the five boys in this room itself and to call a female officer.The situation seemed to be pretty clear.They had drugged the girl but were obstructed because of the sudden arrival of the police.The girl''s defensive stance was enough to testify who was lying.But they could not gather proof and the girl was in no state to testify.Also if she had any alcohol before that or had consumed any drugs in the past,then her testimony would not be valid at all.But before,Captain Doug could decide on a course of action,another problem stood before her.


    Shi Ai was bleeding from the nose.And it was no small nose bleed,but more as if a she had popped a blood vessel.The captain and Zhang Min were both shocked at this while Shi Ai had no idea of this.Zhang Min tried to rush to Shi Ai but listening to his sudden footsteps,Shi Ai turned towards him and threatened,"Don''t come near me."


    Zhang Min was now worried beyond measure as he stood frozen in place.Shi Ai did not even sound like herself and he could see from the blankness of her eyes that she recognized no one.


    Captain Doug used his two way radio and said in a grave tone,"Call an ambulance.Urgently."


    He then turned to his officers and commanded, "Take these  boys and make them tell you what they have given her.Also ask the others if she has been drinking or anything else?"


    At this Zhang Min turned to the captain and said,"Sir.Please call my father.He can help.He is a doctor.Look I have told you that my sister does not drink but you won''t believe me.You will have to believe once he is here."


    Captain Doug looked at the young man who was scared for his sister but unable to do anything. Many siblings of addicts were always shocked when the truth came forward and found it hard to believe.He could see the girl mat not be an addict but what the boys were saying could also be true since she was the one who was high.


    Just then,an officer came forward and showed him an empty injection in his gloved hands."Sir.We found this near the place where the girl is standing."


    Captain Doug glanced down at the injection and said,"Check it."


    He then turned to Zhang Minand asked,"What is your sister''s name?Try to coax her to come here and drop the weapon.If she is an innocent victim,we do not wish to hurt her more than necessary.


    By now,Shi Ai''s white skirt was almost soaking red and her strength was depleting.But shenwas still leaning against the wall,even as she panted for breath.


    Zhang Min hardened his heart and tried to softly approach Shi Ai who was staring at him as if he was a killer .Just then the Captain''s two way radio cackled and a voice muttered,"Sir,the ambulance is here.And there is a Dr Zhang Shu who is insisting on coming inside."


    Zhang Min heard this and rushed to the captain,"Sir,Pleas elder him come.He is my father."


    Looking at the situation, Captain Doug agreed to let him up even though it was against protocol.

 Chapter 54 - A Heart Disease

    Dr Zhang Shu hurried to the private room with a police officer escorting him.He had been on his way home when he had received the innumerable messages from Uncle Chu finally ending with the fact that Zhang Min had gone to get Shi Ai. Since the problem seemed to be resolved,he directly called Zhang Min.But before the call could be connected,he received a frantic call from the driver about how some suspicious people had entered the place where Shi Ai and Zhang Min were.He immediately ordered his assistant to turn towards the hotel and then once again tried calling Zhang Min.But he was not answering the call.


    Dr Zhang Shu knew that they could be worrying for no reason but he was scared.And not just for his son.If something were to happen to Shi Ai,nobody knew how that man would react.Shuddering on the inside,Dr Zhanf Shu dialed the number that was not saved in the phone but in his memory.The phone rang..


    When the police office let him inside,he had a horrible premonition. The police would not allow anyone to interfere with protocol. Dr.Zhang''s biggest nightmare was standing in front of him when he saw a bloodied and pale Shi Ai standing there.Immediately switching into Doctor mode he shouted,"Get the paramedics upstairs and tell them to prepare machines for cardiac arrest and...."Dr Zhang was already listing a number of antibodies and steroids which the officer hurriedly barked into the two way radio.Before Dr Zhang was rushing to take Shi Ai''s pulse but was stopped by Captain Doug.He looked angrily at the police captain for trying to stop him from giving aid but the Captain pointed calmly,"She can hurt herself.She has taken some drugs.And is present unstable.We cannot allow her to hurt you or herself."


    Dr Zhang looked aghast at the mention of drugs and then he looked around and knew the situation. He glared at the boys standing int he corner and barked,"Who gave her drugs and which ones?Tell me now."Listening to the authoritative voice,even the police officers were shaken.Dr Zhang was a military doctor so naturally he could intimidate when he had to.


    One of the boys was already shaking in his boots said in a small voice,"We did not do anything,Sir.She wanted to try some powder so we gave it to her."


    "Dr Zhang was almost steaming at this time and asked lethally,"Are you sure,she wanted to try?"


    At this moment,Captain Doug interrupted,"Dr. I understand as a parent it is difficult to accept that your child may want to teybalxohol and drugs but it is a fact of life.."


    Dr Zhang turned to the captain angrily and said,"Do you think I don''t know that?But I know Shi Ai.She wouldn''t.Because for a normal teenager,the drugs may be a curiosity but for her they are poison.She is a fuc**** heart patient!Even a small dose of drugs for her will result in a paralytic stroke or brain damage or cardiac arrest!Tell me officer,will a girl want to try it if she was in danger!"By the end of this statement,Dr Zhang Shu looked ready to commit murder.This is also when the paramedics rushed in with the injections and everyone realized the gravity of the situation.


    The young girl had been given drugs which could cripple her for life.Administering the medicine was urgent but approaching her was difficult.They had to stop the drug from spreading through the entire blood stream but their biggest obstacle in rescue was the victim herself.


    Just then the sound of a chopper invaded the private room and a younger officer came to whisper in the captain''s ear.The next moment,the sound of the helicopter landing abruptly on the building could be heard.


    Dr Zhang Shu had been worried if Knight would be able to save them and he would now have the answer.He loked coldly at the boys standing defiantly there and said coldly,"You better start praying boys that noting more happens to Shi Ai otherwise you will not be pleading with us to trust you but pleading to kill you."He then turned to Zhang Min to pull him out of the way and ordered the medics to ready the iv drip and the steroids injections and intubation sets.


    The captain who had just received abrupt orders that the person coming in should not be stopped and everyone needed to co operate went to Dr Zhang,who seemed to know the person who was coming and ask him.But before he could do so the door to the private room slid open.A figure clad in black from head to toe entered the room soundlessly.Even his face was covered with a black mask,only his cold eyes visible.He looked like the grim reaper.

 Chapter 55 - The Grim Reaper

    He looked like the grim reaper.The man who had entered was not just dressed in black but his aura was also black as coal.His eyes scanned the room coldly and then settled in the corner where Shi Ai was now slowly loosing her battle but the knife in her hand was still tightly gripped.No body knewe if she was even aware of her surroundings anymore and everyone could feel the pity.But once the man''s eyes looked at the girl,the temperature dropped chillingly and every person could feel their hair rise.One of the boys was so scared that he even pe** in his pants.


    But the man''s eyes did not move once they had landed on Shi Ai.The man walked slowly towards the paramedic and took the prepared injection from the man''s numb hands and then kept moving towards Shi Ai.His military style boots made a click click noise and echoed in the room.And this sound was even more magnified by the pin drop silence.


    Shi Ai could sense someone approaching her.Though she did not have any strength or even breath left,she still said in a dead voice,"Don''t come near me.I will kill you and myself."Shi Ai knew she was dying and she promised that she would not let anyone touch her in this state.She had made a mistake in coming here tonight and now she had to pay the price.That is when a voice fell in her ears.She did not know what it was saying but she knew that voice was the one she had always wanted to hear.She smiled at the thought.Finally she was dying and she could hear his voice.


    Knight''s eyes had softened as he had seen Shi Ai but nobody could have guessed it.And this was the first glimpse he had of grown up Shi Ai.He felt an irrational rage in his heart and knew that the culprits would have to pay a heavy price.


    Now standing a few feet away from her Knight took off his mask and slowly talked to the girl,"Little Princess..Why are you always on the death''s door when you meet me?"As he spoke,he could see the hold on the knife loosening so he continued,"You are a warrior princess who promised her knight that she would grow up and marry him.Your knight is waiting for you to grow up and here you are killing yourself.Give me the knife.Hmm?"Shi Ai then handed over the knife to him easily which he placed a little further away from her.The tip of the knife was painted with a little blood as Shi Ai had nicked herself.He then whispered a few more tender words and then finally warned her tp fight to stay alive and that she must endure the pain.He then picked up her arm to administer the medicine and that is where he saw the blued skin where the drug injection had been stabbed.His hand paused for a mili second and then he injected the arm with the steroids.Just then,Shi Ai stopped breathing and the paramedics rushed forward to give her oxygen and started the emergency cardio version procedure.


    Zhang Min who had been standing frozen then came out of his stupor when he saw the various medical equipment around Shi Ai.He rushed forward but was now stopped by Ah Hai who had just moved back to let Dr Zhang take his place.Zhang Min wanted to protest but Ah Hai said,"You will only distract and disturb them.They need to move to the hospital now.The helicopter on the roof is waiting to take her to the hospital.Go with her.She needs her brother."


    Zhang Min stared hard at the dark man with the jagged scar on his face and had a million questions but just then Shi Ai''s body started convulsing.This brought both  their attention back to her and Ah Hai barked orders to move her upstairs.The paramedics carefully moved Shi Ai carefully and were soon preparing to move her.Ah Hai then turned his chilly gaze to the five boys that were standing there. But once again Zhang Min spoke out,"Big..big brother.Won''t you come to the hospital?"


    Ah Hai turned to look at Shi Ai once again and his heart was stuttering.In an unemotional voice he said,"I will be there inthe hospital in a few minutes.Stay strong until thenMin Min.!"


    The paramedics had by now transferred Shi Ai onto the gurney and were hurrying upstairs.Zhang Min chased after them assured that Knight would be there.


    With the departure of the innocent people in the room,the temperature was now sub zero.Even the well trained police officers were hard pressed to not tremble.Captain Doug gulped and realised that his throat was dry.He was wondering what to say to the scary man when the man turned to him.In a cold voice the man said,"Captain,you have exactly 24 hours to get them to confess to all their crimes and press for a case.If you have not been successful by then,I will pay you a visit and help a bit."


    Ah Hai then picked up the discarded knife that he had taken from Shi Ai and cleaned the blood on it with a clean handkerchief and moved towards the group once again.


    The boys were now beyond frightened and were in a worst mental state than Shi Ai.


    Ah Hai then looked at each and every one of them int he eyes and said softly,"You dared to mark something that belongs to me.You need to be punished."


    Before anyone could even realize what had happened,screams echoed in the entire room and Ah Hai just turned back to leave.The hands that had dared to grab wnd subdue Shi Ai were now going to be useless as they hung together by a single nerve.5 boys and 5 hands in 5 seconds.Just before he left,he said only one thing to the boys,"This is only the beginning of your nightmares."

 Chapter 56 - At The Hospital

    Zhang Min had followed the medics and was boarded the medical air ambulance and was scared out of his mind and yet not scared.The man he had just seen gave him some unseen confidence.


    Zhang Min looked at the tense faces of the medics and his father as they worked on his Shi Ai.He heard the medics exclaim that it was a miracle that the girl had lasted almost 30 minutes in her condition and was still breathing.


    Zhang Min realized that it had only beem thirty minutes since he had entered that VIP room but he felt it like a lifetime.He hoped he would never have to go through that feeling of torture and helplessness again.As he prayed to reach the hospital soon and his father''s words of the dangerous side effects that Shi Ai was in danger of echoed in his ears,he could only shudder in terror.


    They reached the biggest city hospital that was equipped with a helipad in a few minutes and immediately the attending doctors and nurses wheeled Shi Ai into the operating theatre.Since his faher was a well known surgeon who was also aware of Shi Ai''s medical history,he was allowed inside.Zhang Min was stopped outside and directed to wait in the waiting room.Zhang Min wanted to ask a few questions but no one had the time to answer him and he did not want to come in anyone''s way.


    Just then his father came back and called him over.He looked at his father worriedly who then explained,"Min Min.Shi Ai is at present out of danger.She is going to need her stomach pumped and a blood transfusion.After that we will have to monitor her and her heart for a few days to check for any lingering effects.Now I need you to finish the sdmission procedures and then call your Uncle Chu and your mother.They would want to know.Also,you will go back with Uncle Chu."Zhang Min was about to protest but was forestopped by Dr Zhang Shu who confirmed,"Knight will be staying with her tonight.She is going to suffer with illusions and nightmares and you know he is the only one who can calm her so he is most suitable.Apart from that she can suffer from sudden stroke also and Knight had sufficient medical knowledge to take immediate action.Also,I know you are curious about that man but I would suggest that you maintain your distance.That man is very dangerous."


    With this explanation and warning ,Dr Zhang Min was about to heat back to the Operation Theatre but Zhang Min called out,"Dad!How is that man related to Shi Ai?"Dr Zhang Min knew that his son would question Knight if he did not receive a satisfactory reply so Dr Zhang answered directly,"That man is Shi Ai''s fiance."


    Zhang Min felt his mouth fall open at this gobsmacking answer.Zhang Min knew instinctively that this was the same man his father had been talking about to his mother when theyhad been discussing Shi Ai before she came into the family.He had imagined tha dangerou man to be some old man linked to the underworld.He had also imagined that maybe the old man was Shi Ai''s biological father and wanted to keep her safe so he was finding people to take care of her.Even in his wildest imagination,he had not thought that the dangerous person was a young eccentric man whose gaze was colder than the Tundra''s.


    Knight was the wolf to Shi Ai''s sheep.


    Zhang Min wondered how Shi Ai had come to be engaged to such a man.Zhang Min had seen a glimpse of the ring hanging around Shi Ai''s neck numerous times and he had even asked her about it.She had given a small smile and said that it belonged to a man..Zhang Min had assumed she was teasing him..but now he was pretty sure that it belonged to that grim reaper look alike.Shaking his head,Zhang Min called Unclen Chu.Only when he started to explain the evening''s happenings did he realize that his voice was trembling and his hands and feet were shaking.He asked Uncle Chu to tell his Mom and then he almost collapsed on a nearby chair.He bent down and put his head between his knees and tried to calm his anxiety by breathing in deeply.The deep silence in the corridor was making him feel suffocated and even more panicky.


    Just then a nurse came out and said,"Sir,are you related to the patient in the operating room?"


    Immediately jumping to his feet,Zhang Min nodded and the nurse continued,"Very Well.The patient''s blood group in AB negative.It is the rarest blood type we have in our blood bank.We need you to find someone with the same blood group so that the bank can be replenished.If anyone in the family has this blood type then please ask them to come immediately.Also ask all your friends and acquaintences."


    Before Zhang Min could gather his wits a silky voice answered,"I will be donating the blood.Also a few other people will be coming in soon."


    The nurse and Zhang Min were both surpriesd at the voice as nobody knew how this man appeared out of thin air in this silent corridor.

 Chapter 57 - Long Ah Hai

    "I will be donating the blood.Also a few other people with the same blood type will be coming in soon."


    The nurse and Zhang Min were both surprised at the voice as nobody knew how this man appeared out of thin air in this silent corridor.


    The nurse''s eyes glazed over as she saw the specimen of her wet dreams.This man looked as if he had just come out of a romantic novel-dark and dangerous.His short pony on the crown of his head and the all black attire screamed romance to her.She lamented the fact she was on duty or she would have been brave enough to ask the man out.Like a mind reader,Ah Hai read the nurse''s thoughts and his eyes turned colder.The nurse was shocked at this and realized her unprofessional behavior and blushingly pointed him towards the laboratory.


    On the other hand,Zhang Min gulped as he realized that the man was even more scary than he was back in the VIP room.His eyes seemed too..dead.Ah Hai felt Zhang Min''s gaze boring into him but he just turned around to go towards the laboratory to donate the blood.Inadverently Zhang Min''s feet followed Ah Hai without him realizing.


    Ah Hai knew the kid was following him in a daze but he let him.The kid''s innocent look reminded him of his young nephew,Long Ru.That kid also follows him around whenever Ah Hai went back home.And like that kid,he was sure that Zhang Min also had a lot of questions.Not that he was going to receive many answers.As long as the kid followed him,maybe other people will not be too scared of approaching him.


    Once inside the lab,Ah Hai was given a form to fill in his personal details,medical history as well as a declaration of fitness and then proceeded to get himself checked.As Ah Hai passed the forms to the attending nurse,Zhang Min caught a glimpse of the man''s name.Long Ah Hai.So now Zhang Min knew that the man called Knight was also called Long Ah Hai.He was going to look him up on the internet as soon as he left the hospital.


    The nurse brought out the blood donation kit as the man leaned back on the bed.But the man''s effect was such that the nurse who was applying the antiseptic to clean the area to insert the needle felt her hands shaking.Exasperated at the unprofessional phlebotomist and nurses in the hospital,Ah Hai took the needle himself and inserted it into his vein.He then waited for the process to finish.Meanwhile Zhang Min was now staring at him with a frown on his face.Well the kid could ask what he wanted but not going to get any encouragement from Knight.Ah Hai closed his eyes leisurely.


    It seemed Zhang Min had finally gathered his courage to ask him because he asked,"Umm..You didn''t ask how Shi Ai is doing.."


    Zhang Min was about to explain her condition but Ah Hai said,"Don''t worry she is going to be fine She seems to be a strong girl."


    Zhang Min opened and closed his mouth like a fish out of water but then asked,"How did you know to get a medical ambulance and how did you get the location?


    A one word answer,"Instinct."


    Zhang Min was feeling a bit irritated with Long Ah Hai now.The man was not even a bit emotional.How could he be Shi Ai''s fiance?He must have definitely done something immoral to have done this.But he was too scared to question the guy...Just then Ah Hai handed over a phone to him.Zhang Min looked at the phone and then at him in confusion but did not take the phone instead looked at it as if it was a time bomb.


    "Take it.It has contact details of people with AB negative everywhere in this country.Hopefully you don''t ever have to use this but it is better to be prepared.It also has other emergency contacts that you hopefully will never need."


    Zhang Min took the phone in a jiffy and opened the contacts to see at least a hundred numbers with names and even addresses.


    Ah Hai had finished by now,so he got up and taking the needle out,he applied the tape and then after drinking the juice,went out to check on Shi Ai.Three other donors were already here to donate blood.


    Zhang Min felt as if he had gone into an alternative universe.His almost normal sister was a heart patient,had been drugged,almost died,was in a May December relationship and her fiance was a grim reaper.


    Zhang Min was pretty sure that he had transmigerated into a different world.He looked down to see of he had a different body...

 Chapter 58 - The Instinct

    Long Ah Hai was someone who trusted his instincts without a doubt.Ever since he had joined the army,it were his instincts that had saved him numerous times from the enemy as well as those seniors in the army who liked to bully.His aura was not something innate like his big brother Long Ryu.Ah Hai had cultivated it to keep people at a distance and keep them scared.


    When his instincts had been screaming at him about danger,he would not have ignored it.After having spoken to his family,Ah Hai had decided to check on Shi Ai.He was pretty sure that Shi Ai would be in bed by now or playing games.And so he was a little shocked when he saw her location.


    After rappelling down the building,he had sat in his car and tracked her cell phone''s location only to realize that she was out partying.But that was okay too.In fact Ah Hai felt that was a good thing that she was out with friends,being a normal teenager.


    He would have calmed his heart if in the next moment he had not heard the police transmitter in his car,"A suspected drug activity" was happening in the exact same place where he had just seen Shi Ai''s location.Punching the steering wheel in anger,Ah Hai lamented the fact that at least once his intuition could have been wrong.He decided to drive to the location where Shi Ai was.Halfway there he received a call from Dr Zhang claiming that Shi Ai could be in a dangerous situation.All Ah Hai could do was reassure him that he was on his way.


    Following his instinct,Ah Hai called the medical air ambulance and asked them to be on stand by.And within the next few minutes,he listend to the police transmitter once again calling an ambulance as a girl seemed to have over dosed.Even then Ah Hai did not think that it was Shi Ai who could have been the victim.But he still ordered them to reach there.The helicopter just as Ah HAi arrived and went into the building undetected.


    The rage he felt when he opened the door to the private room was incomparable.Even though he did not know how Shi Ai looked like,he knew this was his girl.The girl who was supposed to be under his protection.What a brave and courageous girl she was.She was bleeding profusely and losing all her strength,but she still threatened.


    But there was something that Ah Hai did not understand.What was Shi Ai doing there?And why did the kid did not protect her.Those boys were currently under police custody but he needed to find if someone else was also responsible for this predicament.


    As Ah Hai sat in the waiting room,Zhang Min who had also come behind him sat there observing the man.


    Like  Ah Hai,he too had a lot of questions and a lot of cursing to do.He wanted to curse himself for not taking better care of her,for not checking Uncle Chu''s messages earlier,for not hurrying when he came to know.If he had been around,he would have saved her.


    Just then Mrs Zhang rushed into the waiting room followed by Uncle Chu.She had no idea about Long Ah Hai''s identity so she directly rushed to her son and started questioning him."How is Little Shi Shi doing?Who were those goons?Were they caught?Tell your father to use his approach and let me teach those people a lesson!I will castrate them!"


    Zhang Min was almost scared at his mother''s reaction and looked a little worriedly at the man sitting beside them.Zhang Min had never seen his mother act so fierce.Maybe it was a daughter thing.Only when Zhang Min turned to look at the figure leaning back,did his mother realize that there was someone in the room with them.Going a bit red out of embarassment,she looked to Zhang Min with more questions.Trying to ignore the haunting presence at his side,Zhang Min explained,"Mama,even I don''t understand exactly what happened.I was out for the gaming tournament and when it got cancelled suddenly I came home and found Shi Ai''s note saying that he was going out for Karaoke.I tried calling her but her call was unreachable.When I came down to check with Uncle Chu,he pushed me out of the door saying he had a bad feeling.Before I could find Shi Ai,the police had reached and that is when we saw that Shi Ai was.."


    Zhang Min was unable to continue and just sat back on the chair and tried to compose himself.This was the first time that he actually wanted to cry like a kid.His mother understood his feelings so Mrs Zhang sat quietly there and Uncle Chu went to stand in a corner without a word.


    After a while of considerable silence,Zhang Min suddenly looked up with wide eyes and there was only one word on his face Yao Yao.Turning to his mother,he said,"Mama!Shi Ai was supposed to gofor karaoke with that Yao Yao!What was she doing there at that party?And further more,the party was being held under Shi Ai''s name!"Without knowing that he had answered Ah Hai''s questions,Zhang Min muttered to himself,"I told Shi Ai again and again that stupid Yao Yao is bad news!And now see,our Shi Ai is fighting for life while that Yao Yao must be sleeping in bed comfortably.."


    Ofcourse he did not realize that everything he said had been heard and soon Yao Yao would not be a problem..

 Chapter 59 - Karma

    Because Ah Hai had been sitting so still,Zhang Min seemed to have forgotten the man''s existence.But his mutterings made Ah Hai sit up whose abrupt gaze shocked Zhang Min.A single word was uttered,"Explain."


    Mrs Zhang wanted to take exception to the tone of the man but before she could say anything,Zhang Min began to explain."Yao Yao is Shi Ai''s ''best friend''.She thinks that Yao Yao is just an empty head who behaves normally and likes to talk about boys.That girl seemes to have befriended Shi Ai when she first came to school so Shi Ai has a blind spot where that person is concerned.But I don''t think the girl is as innocent as she pretends to be.The first time I came across her was when I went to see Shi Ai in class.The other girls in class were trying to bully Shi Ai and instead of defending her,Yao Yao was smiling gleefully.Shi Ai did not notice that but I had just entered the class so I did.Of course she tried to suppress herself after that but I was onto her.Ever since I have tried to warn Shi Ai but that girl turns dead whenever I mention Yao Yao.Even tonight,Yao Yao is the only one who could have invited Shi Ai.Let just Shi Ai get well and then I will torture Yao Yao properly."


    Ah Hai turned his head to stare at Zhang Min and wondered how the gut would torture..maybe he will hide her books or pelt her with eggs?Sigh..


    In his unemotional voice,Ah Hai said,"Zhang Min.Karma is a bit**.What you sow is what you reap.Do you know Min Min,that even thinking bad thoughts turn into bad karma.So we must  not think of torturing and castrating people."


    At this cold statement,Mrs Zhang who had been listening intently was about to let out a rant but Ah Hai continued,"It is better to do it directly.That way you will only acquire one bad karma per deed instead of two by thinking and doing.You understand?"


    Zhang Min nodded,stupified.He understood only one thing,Long Ah Hai also spoke like a grim reaper with all that talk of bad karma.He almost felt pity for Yao Yao and the others almost but  not quiet.


    Mrs Zhang,however was  not quite expecting this.She had no idea of Ah Hai''s identity and once the man closed his eyes again,she pulled at her son''s sleeve asking with her eyes about the man.Zhang Min just mouthed,"Ask Dad." And then promptly turned to look away lest his mother try to force out an answer.


    At the Police Station:


    Chaos reigned outside the police precinct as the parents of the students who had been put under detention were causing a ruckus. The parents were not allowed to see their kids but the children had not been arrested,only held back for questioning.This was causing panic and confusion among those who had been informed.Since most were underage and minors the police wanted to be careful as well as set an example to those involved with the drugs.However they would not have kept the kids here for this long if it had not been for orders from the higher ups.


    As Captain Doug sat in his small office,he wondered if he should be happy or worried.Usually when they arrested some rich kids,before the kids could even be brought back,he would have calls coming in from all the seniors to not look deeper into the case and leave it alone.On the other hand,this time all he received were orders to wait and not let anyone  go.Accordingly,all he could do was wait.Captain Doug wondered who that man was and how he was related to the girl.As far as he knew,the victim was an orphan girl which was the reason that the manager had been so cooperative.Just then an inspector came, knocked on the door and entered.He then placed a sealed envelope on the desk and said,"Sir,this is the classified information that we have just received from the Police Headquarters."With that the officer left and Captain Doug almost jumped on the file as if he was a kid trying to snatch some candy.The file contained the information on the mysterious man.


    Captain Doug''s eyebrows touched his hairline as he read the information.So the man''s information was classified and he had been told that the man was related to the military and everybody needed to co operate with him come hell or high water.Next were the seton instructions added,the five suspects were to be arrested under a list of charges starting from molesting,teasing,attempt to r*** and murder,possession of drugs.And all these people were to be charged as adults as they were just a few months away from being adults.Captain Doug had also been authorized to deal with the others as he saw fit.And there seemed to be a special instruction for a girl called Yao Yao,she needed to be escorted home safely.This confused Captain Doug even more.Because,according to the surveillance cameras,Ms Yao Yao seemed to be the one who had made the arrangements for the party...

 Chapter 60 - Blood Debt

    Finally late into the night,the light outside the operation theater turned off and slowly the patient was wheeled out towards the ICU.The doctors breathed a sigh of relief and Doctor Zhang Shu slowly made his way towards the waiting room where he knew the people who cared about her were waiting.Without changing from his green surgical gown he went into the room.Seeing her husband,Mrs Zhang immediately rushed to him and asked after Shi Ai and so did Zhang Min and Uncle Chu. The only person who was yet to react was Ah Hai. But Dr Zhang had eyes only for that man.Looking at Long Ah Hai,Dr Zhang gave his report,"Shi Ai is presently out of danger but going ahead she is going to need some extra care.Apart from an anterior nose bleed which was causing her to bleed through the nose,there was also a posterior nose bleed so all the blood was going to her throat.This was due to her increased blood pressure.Naturally,she was extremely lucky that she did not choke and die.Captain,she will not be able to talk for a while and only after she wakes up,can we determine whether there were any other minor side effects.For now,she is safe.But because of this episode her heart has suffered a setback and her emotional well being is also at stake.You know last time the age factor had also taken her time to recover when she had to accept that she was older and now this.We will be here to support her but what about your plans?If you wish to leave,then do that now.She will never remember that you were here.If you decide to stay, you know the risks.It is your choice."


    Ah Hai had heard what the doctor said and also what the doctor left unsaid.He did not reply immediately but thought for a while.Finally he said,"I will stay..for now."


    With that,Ah Hai Stood up and turned to face the window showing his back to the room indicating clear that he had no wish to converse anymore.Zhang Min had a mixed feeling in his heart at this.He was a gamer and knew to notice the small nuances in a person.When his father had given the detailed report,there had been no change in Long Ah Hai''s body language.The man was too cold.And Dad wanted to leave such a man to take care of a girl.But he had also seen with his own eyes how Shi Ai had been calm when she heard his voice and how gentle he had been with her.It was like watching two different people.The biggest fault he could say in the statement that Long Ah Hai made was the ''for now'' part.Because that meant that he would be leaving sometime in the future.And if Shi Ai''s future happiness was linked with this man...Before Zhang Min could continue his line of thoughts, Dr Zhang gestured for them to leave and he would be with them soon.Understanding her husband''s unsaid words,Mrs Zhang pushed Zhang Min out of the room and soon the waiting room was empty.


    The moment Ah Hai heard the closing of the door behind him,his composure broke.Suddenly the chilly aura that surrounded him evaporated and in it''s place was first a sadness and in the next moment an insurmountable fury. He had sought to keep Shi Ai safe so that none of his enemies could get to her.


    And he had been unable to protect her from a few teenage boys.How was he going to save her from those bigger and cruel monsters.


    At least in the past,the chances of them being linked were less but now,anybody would find out,then they would have found his Achilles heel.


    No!He needed to create a stronger support system for Shi Ai well as train her to be physically and emotionally stronger without causing any unnecessary damage to her heart.


    Just then,the door to the waiting room opened and a nurse walked in.


    Thankfully the nurse was a professional or she would have been the first victim of Long Ah Hai''s wrath.In a polite tone she explained, "Sir,these are the medical reports of Ms Shi Ai. We thank you for arranging the rare blood also.We needed to use three units and we have gained more than expected. Also Ms Shi Ai has been shifted to a private ICU so there is a visitor bed available there.She should wake up by morning.Please make sure that she doesn''t talk at all.With the nick near her neck and the bleeding inside,it will be a wonder if her vocal cords are functional so please be careful.You can procceed to the ICU Sir."


    Ah Hai gave a curt nod to the nurse as he made his way to the VIP ward.There was only one thought in his head-Everyone who was responsible for tonight will pay much more blood than Shi Ai..They owed her this debt.

 Chapter 61 - Burning

    Shi Ai felt as in her whole body was on fire.And the fire was spread on the inside as well as the outside.She tried to move but her body seemed immovable.Her throat was parched and the burning sensation made her want to claw at it.The feeling of helplessness and hopelessness was so deep that she believed she was dead..But even as Shi Ai''s mind struggled to fight the fire,her body lay peacefully on the bed in a medically induced sleep.No sign that she was in the throes of a nightmare was visible.


    As Long Ah Hai entered the room,he had already called his assistant cum business partner to collect his cell phone from his office as well as letting him know that he would be taking unexpected time off.


    Shot knew him well enough that he understood that Ah Hai would not go on leave for a small reason so he tried to question him,"Knight!You have left your phone in the office and are calling me from some Godda** private number because you have some emergence..Look I can handle everything but I cannot handle your brothers.If any of them call,I need to answer.Atleast give me a number where I can contact you.."


    Ah Hai shook his head at his friends panicky voice.No one would know that this was the same man who had led so many dangerous missions but was scared to handle his brothers..But Ah Hai couldn''t blame him much.So he gave him a way out,"They have this emergency contact.And I will call you every twenty four hours for updates."With that Ah Hai disconnected the call hanging up on a still sputtering and protesting Shot.


    Ah Hai looked at the phone in his hand and felt thankful that he had left this number with Mrs Wu and now Dr Zhang.This phone was not a simple phone.The phone number was not connected to any network and used a direct satellite connection.As a result the phone was untraceable by his enemies.These special types of phone existed only three in the world and one was possessed by Ah Hai. If anybody tried to encrypt or hack or try to track the phone from it''s number the location would be jumping across the globe.The only people who knew this number were his family members and Dr Zhang.And none of them were allowed to save it on phone or write it anywhere..The number was only to be memorized. And deleted after use.Ah Hai then hacked into Dr Zhang''s phone from his own phone and deleted the call records.


    Once this matter was resolved,Ah Hai pulled the visitor stool near Shi Ai''s bed and sat straight.


    He observed the little bud who had blossomed into a flower.With all the tubes and mask attached to her,AH Hai thought back to the time she had come to this country so many years ago.She still looked so delicate and pretty.Her features had sharpened a bit as she had lost the baby fat.


    Ah Hai hated to see the vibrant girl lying like this.He wanted her to wake up and look at him the way she did when they first met with her small shiny and sparkly eyes.He extended his big and rough hand carefully as if afraid to break her and touched her long fingers."Little girl,you have grown up so quickly to face the harsh realities of the world. I wish I could protect your innocence for a longer time.",Ah Hai whispered these words to Shi Ai not thinking that she would hear them.But even though she did not understand or know it in the grips of her nightmare,Shi Ai felt as if her burning hand had been dipped in cold water and a cold wind was blowing chasing away the heat.


    The silence of the night was only marred by a small night light and the beeping sound of the machines that monitored Shi Ai''s heart.The two people one vulnerable and the other invincible stayed under the same roof together..


    However in another part of the city, five young boys had gone missing and two of them were from the city''s most affluent families while the three were from wealthy but not so powerful families. All of these parents were sitting in Captain Doug''s office demanding an explanation of how their kids had vanished into thin air from the police station.


    Captain Doug was also ready to pull his hair out.He would explain the situation if only he knew what was going on...

 Chapter 62 - A Nightmare

    The five kids who had gone missing from the police station were now being escorted to an old underground cell.The cell was made during the times of the world war to protect the people from atomic bombs and was now a totally forgotten entity.However this forgotten place was actually used by some people as their place for nefarious reasons.


    One of these was being used as a prison to conduct human experiments. This involved injecting the humans with various medicinal but non approved drugs and checking for their side effects.So any human who was caught in the clutches was used for the greater good of mankind and became a lab rat.


    The man who was escorting them was nameless sand faceless.So the already scared boys were out of their mind.It was not because he had no face but because the man''s facial skin was burnt beyond recognition. The man would have felt pity for such young boys if Knight had not told him about their plan to rap* a young girl.Boys who were under eighteen and not even adults could do that..as a good citizen of the country he could not allow such disgraceful people to enter the society.


    Knight had actually left the punishment of these boys to him and he had even planned to be lenient as they had not succeeded in the plan so a scare would do.But then,when the man had searched through their phones and seen the number of other innocent young victims and how they were being blackmailed,he changed his mind.So he decided to take the boys to a very special place.The boys tried to plead and cry but ofcourse the man''s heart was immune to these.Those girls had pleaded as well.Irritated with their noise, the man taped their mouths shut as well as tied a blindfold around their eyes.This was to prevent them from making a mess once they saw inside.


    The stench of blood mixed with the chemical smell of antiseptic invaded their nostrils the moment everyone was pushed inside.Just because the old man had covered their eyes did not mean that he wanted to protect them.And so he described in detail to the doctors what was required of them.


    "Dr Imp,these boys are special guest sent by Knight.See what young teenage specimens,he has sent for you.They will be here for five days at the very least so you can consider as many experiments on them as you wish.Just see to it that they are alive and well taken care of by the end of your procedures.Also,since they are young,you can describe to them what you will be doing..in detail.They should know.."


    A thin reedy voice answered,"Please thank Knight for me.He has solved a major hurdle for me.As you know I have only done this experiment on older men until now so the side effects have never been very clear.But now...this is great news!But can we not have them for a longer while?Atleast a week?No?Alright then I will just hurry with my experiment."


    This monologue was followed by the sound of a door closing.The boys who were suddenly very still as they listened to the conversation suddenly had hope..whoever had them would at least let them go in five days.They were not going to be killed!There was still hope.


    However in the next moment,they had been unceremoniously strapped to a bed one by one.Their hands which were tied behind their back were strapped to the side before they could even realize what had been done to struggle.Once the five beds were occupied,Dr Imp began to talk,"Hello boys,first let me assure you that you do not have to worry about anything here.My name is..well whatever it is,I cannot remember but everyone calls me Dr Impotent.Now since you are my guestls,let me explain the procedure to you.You are presently in my laboratory to help me test my medicine on humans.See I have successfully condicted the tests on various animals but it needs to be tested on humans and I am unable to get any volunteers.This medicine helps to decrease the se**al drive in humans.It is made for people that are too highly se*ually charged.So I will inserting the medicine now in small doses,first to make you aroused and then to curb the desire.Since you are here only for five days,I will just do the experiment two to three times a day.Now next,your clothes are going to be cut off as we need to check your body functions.Please do not struggle.Also you will feel a bit dizzy but since you are not going anywhere so there is nothing you have to do about it."


    Dr Imp looked at the struggles the boys were putting up forcefully enough to shake the bed and shook his head!Teenagers these days were too excitable.It was just a small experiment and he was even giving them smaller doses so what did they have to shake the beds so much for?

 Chapter 63 - The New Morning

    The sun rose with a new beautiful morning as if the night before had never happened.The nught nurse knocked on the door of the VIP room to inform the care taker that their duty would be changing.After having no reply from the room,she opened the door carefully only to see the scary man from last night sitting on the bed,leaning back with his eyes closed.The patient''s hand was gently held in his hands.The nurse thought to herself that the man did not look scary now..Appearences could be deceptive.In this moment of her thoughts,she did not realize the man''s eyes had snapped open and were trained on her.


    Feeling the hot glare on her the next moment,she came to realize that she was wrong..He was scary..Blushing a little at being caught for staring,she said,"Sir,the morning nurse will be comig in soon to introduce herself and the effects of the medicine will soon start wearing off so the patient will wake up soon.Please do remember that the patien should void speaking and should not be agitated.Also the police are here to question her but the doctor has instructed them to wait.However you are not allowed to discuss anything from last night with her as that can affect her statement.The doctor will also be making his rounds soon and explain everything in more detail." Ah Hai gave a curt nod to acknowledge the nurse who then left the room,closing the door behind her.


    The next moment,Ah Hai had once again leaned his head back and fallen asleep.Another peaceful hour passed when Shi Ai''s eyes fluttered open slowly.At firse,she was confused and unaware of where she was.However keeping her eyes open was a very difficult task as her eyelids were too heavy ant the light in the room was too bright so she snapped them close.The next moment,she could feel the heaviness in her limbs and even as her brain processed this news,her throat was in agony.She tried to move her hand to massage her neck a bit but realized that there was something heavy around one hand while the other had some sort of needle attached..She was sick.She was sure of that now.But how did she get so sick that she was hospitalized.She tried to think but remembered nothing..After a few minutes,a face flashed in front of her closed eyes.If she had not been so lethargic,her eyes would have snapped open.Believing that she was hallucinating because she was sick,she kept looking at the face of her dreams.Her forehead frowned at the new details of the face that her imagination had added..There was a scar on the beautiful face and long face..Maybe she had played too many games with Brother Min and thus was imagining Knight''s face on one of the leading characters.


    The slightest movements caused from Shi Ai''s waking up had roused Ah Hai.He looked down at the small frown lines on her forehead and thought that she must be having a nightmare so he smoothed a hand over her forehead.This caused Shi Ai''s eyes to snap open with a jerk and she met Ah Hai''s stare with her big saucer like eyes and then..promptly lost consciousness.


    Ah Hai was shocked for a moment when his eyes met the little girl''s..He shook his head when he realized that even though she looked grown up,Shi Ai''s eyes were just as innocent as ever..It was only after he got over the shock that he remembered to call for the doctor who after examining her pulse and vitals declared that she was fine and would be waking up fully soon.Ah Hai''s eyes narrowed at the pacifying answer but before he could intimidate the doctor,another knock sounded on the door and a young boy''s face peeked in.Seeing that the grim reaper from last night was still here and true to his form was presently scaring the doctor,Zhang Min cursed inwardly though outwardly presented a bright smile to both the men.In a voice that was definitely not squeaky(he assured himself),Zhang Min said,"Good morning Doctor.Good morning Big Brother."


    Zhang Min had decided last night that if this man was really going to be Shi Ai''s husband then it was prudent to get into his good books.So he had decided to be brave and call him big brother.Last night,Zhang Min''s father had explained the entire story of how Long Ah Hai had helped bring Shi Ai to this country and even taken care of her from behind the scenes.His father firmly believed that Shi Ai may not be the love of this man''s life but she held an important place.Zhang Min reasoned that from a man like this,even care was something to feel good about so he prepared himself to reach the hospital early to get to know more about his brother in law to be..There was only one thing that Zhang Min was disappointed about...He had really really hoped that he would get a reprieve and not have to face the man despite his intentions.

 Chapter 64 - An Amusing Little Brother

    Carrying two big thermos in his hands,Zhang Min came into the room.He tried to assure himself that he was already used to the cold stare.That did not work.So he tried to look at the doctor only to realize that the doctor was looking at him as if he just saved him from the gallows.Giving the doctor an understanding smile,Zhang Min asked,"How is my sister doing,Doctor?"


    The doctor once again explained the condition and then before Zhang Min could question him more, almost ran away from the room.Zhang Min labelled it the Grim Reaper Effect.


    Zhang Min turned to the cold entity in front on him and saw the man had already sat down on the stool next to the patient bed and there was only one chair left at the far corner of the room.Placing the thermos'' on the small table next to the chair,Zhang Min sat to face Brother Grim Reaper.He was still dressed in black from last night which was eerie to say the least.Though Ah Hai paid no attention to Zhang Min,he could still feel the boy''s stare as well as hear some indiscernible mutterings from the kid.He paid noattention to them and waited for Shi Ai to open her eyes again.


    Meanwhile Zhang Min was giving himself a pep talk,"Min Min!Come on you can do it.You have facen an eight headed monster so this is just a small grim reaper!No he is not even a grim reaper..He is just a human!And a human who is going to be your brother in law in the future!Fates protect Shi Ai!How did she get involved with this guy!Come on Min Min!Think of the many monsters you have faced and fought!Ask him!He will not eat you..maybe!"Continuing the muttering which was getting a bit louder without Zhang Min knowing,he continued to encourage himself.Once Ah HAi started to understand what the boy was muttering,he was thoroughly amused and interrupted him casually,"I am a carnivore actually.But your pale flesh does not look too appetizing."The statement was said with a straight face and as soon as it registered in Zhang Min''s brain.his mouth fell open and he could only gulp..The man....No he had to be kidding..But who kids with such a serious face?


    Ah Hai was even more amused and derived great pleasure from the look of horror on the boy''sface.Finally feeling pity that the boy was too much at a loss,Ah Hai encouraged him,"What do you want to know?"Seeing that Long Ah Hai was talking to him,Zhang Min said in a rush,"Whatdidyoudowiththoseboys?"No normal person would have understood that question and Zhang Min cursed himself for not speaking properly but before he could repeat,Ah Hai answered,"I did nothing to those boys.They will be returning soon.Why?Are you worried?Do you want to go join them?"


    Vigorously shaking his head Zhang Min decided that this brother''s sense of humor was too sadistic.If it could be considered humorous at all.But since he had already started asking," Brother Gri..Umm I mean Brother Ah Hai,How did you meet Shi Ai?"


    Ah Hai looked at Zhang Min after the question had been posted and Zhang Min was tempted to call the words back into his mouth and then zip his mouth shut.After a charged silence, Ah Hai was now impressed with Zhang Min''s ability to stand under pressure and decided to answer,"When she proposed to me."


    Good Lord.Zhang Min cursed.His little sister was a masochist.Who in their right mind went and proposed to grim reapers?Shi Ai was really brave..he would have to reassess her once she woke up.However the answer gave him some more power to pose the next question.This was one question that was swirling in his brain ever since his father told them that he had recently resigned from the army.Getting up,he picked a small bottle and after fidgeting with it for a while said,"My dad said you left the army..So what do you do now for a living?Um it''s Ok if you are jobless or if you do not want to answer.."Finally Zhang Min had lost all courage and could not even think how he was going to stand anymore.After posing the question,the atmosphere which was already sub zero in temperature seemed to have fallen even more. To fortify himself(in actuality,to keep his mouth shut),he opened the cap if the bottle and drank a sip thirstily only to spew it out and fall into a coughing fit when Ah Hai answered,"I work as the grim reaper.So I am never out of job."


    The next moment,Zhang Min had disappeared from the room and the only proof he had been there was the thermos'' on the side table and the spilled water on the ground while Ah Hai sat there grinning cheekily at the prank he had pulled on this amusing little brother..

 Chapter 65 - Not A Dream

    A little while after Zhang Min had escaped,Shi Ai''s eyes fluttered open once again.She stared at the face in front of her and this time knew that this was no figment of her imagination.She could feel the warmth of the hand on top of her hand.She stared hard at the man who sat in front of her and realized that the photo she had seen of him some time back inthe magazine was an old one.She stared at this person who was different from her imagination as he stared back at her.


    But before she could observe much,she felt a searing pain throughout her body but especially her throat.She frowned as she tried to remember why she was suddenly in the hospital and that is when snippets of the party came to her.She thought back to everything that had happened and the last she could remember was being stabbed.Her eyes widened and with a panicky look she tried to get up but that caused her even more pain so all she could do was lie there as all sorts of wild and dangerous things that could have happened to her flashed before her eyes.She was so agonized that she ever realized that she had almost gone into shock until she felt the cold touch of a spoon against her lips.She looked up and saw Brother Ah Hai..Her eyes teared up.Something terrible must have happened for Brother Ah Hai to have shown up here to see her..Her eyes started tearing up as she looked up into the emotionless eyes.The moment the tears appeared in the little girl''s eyes,Ah Hai knew she was over thinking so he quickly placed a finger on her chin and opened her mouth.He then slipped a few drops of water down her throat and then placed the spoon aside.His eyes turned warm and he smiled at her and said,"Little girl!Why are you crying?When you did not even let anyone bully you?You just lost a little blood.What is there to cry about?"


    Blood!Her blood type was rare and as it happened Brother Ah Hai had the same blood type!And Dr Zhang Shu knew this so he must have called him here to donate blood..She wanted to ask what happened to her and tried to open her mouth but once again Ah Hai stopped her and said,"You are not allowed to talk for a little while.I am sure you ant to know everything but you need to give it a rest so that you can recover properly.So until then no words and no overthinking.Let me call the doctor for now."


    Shi Ai nodded her head in understanding.She was listening to everything he was saying yet not.All she could think of was that she did not want to meet him so soon!She was happy to see this new version of him but she was also disappointed.She had wanted to grow up and then dazzle him withher looks and achievements.But now they met when she was still in school,and she was sure she would be looking the worst that she could and naturally he was treating her like a little sister.of course,Shi Ai chided herself,Now was not the time to think all this!She must have suffered something major for her to need blood transfusion and end up here in this state.


    By now Ah Hai had rung the bell to summon the doctor and Zhang Min had rushed in the moment the door was opened and he realized his sister was awake.Avoiding going towards the side of the bed where Ah Hai stood,Zhang Min went to Shi Ai''s other side and spewed out the words,"Little Sister!Do you know what a fright you gave us?I am pretty sure I lost some years of my life.I was not even that scared when I went into the ghost valley in the game!Why did you have to go and meet that stupid Yao Yao!I kept telling you that she is trouble.But you had to be too loyal to that friend!My a**!"Before Shi Ai could open her mouth to say something,"Zhang Min spoke some more!"And now don''t try to talk anymore!You are banned from saying anything for the next few days thanks to the fact that you have hurt yourself."


    Zhang Mincontinued to scold Shi Ai for the next few minutes until the doctor arrived.It was only whenthe doctor also approached from the other side(Where Zhang Min was)did he realize that the grim reaped was still standing there staring at him with a cold expression so without a thought he also complained,"And your fiance is terrorizing everyone here!The first thing you must do when you start speaking is scold him!"


    This statement got Zhang Min a fierce frown from Ah Hai and a big smile from Shi Ai.

 Chapter 66 - A Lightbulb

    Shi Ai was over the moon at the thought of Ah Hai coming to see her.This showed that he had not really forgotten her.He must naturally want to visit her if he heard the news about her being sick.But how did he know?And he was the only one here when she opened her eyes so naturally he must have known longer.From what Shi Ai understood,everything had happened after she had been drugged by those people.Zhang Min had detailed everything out to her from the way the police had reached upto the point that she had threatened first those boys and then herself.After that he had looked up and after a hiccup stopped telling her and said that she needed to rest for now.He thensaid that they had been instructed by the police not to tell her anything as her testimony could be affected but Zhang Min had been too worried about her so he had nlurted everything out.


    Presently Shi Ai was laying on the bed staring at her Knight with her eyes half closed.She could only marvel at how he had changed so much.He was npw even more handsome than she had imagined and she had imagined him to be the most handsome.Even the long scar on his face could not detract from the man''s beauty.Ah Hai was now sitting in a corner of the room working on a laptop.Apparently the man had instructed someone to buy the thing for him.


    Even though there was no talk going on in the room,Zhang Min felt as if he was a lightbulb.He really wanted to escape at the same time he did not want to leave Shi Ai alone with the grim reaper.So even though his curiosity had yet to be satisfied,he knew one thing for sure.Long Ah Hai had not been lying.Shi Ai indeed had to be the one who must have been smitten.He could practically see the stars in her eyes even now and she had yet to look at anything other than the grim reaper.


    Zhang Min shook his head internally.He had never expected that he would have to witness such a crazy girl look from his sister very soon.He didn''t understand why the grim reaper had glared at him when he had been telling her everything but he knew he had to shut up or he would end up missing next.Zhang Min knew all about the boys who had gone missing from the police station last night.Everything was blasting on the school forum.With the involvement of the police,the school authorities had suspended for a month and issued a strict warning,to all the students who had attended the party(including him) and were ready to expel Shi Ai as she was the one who had arranged the thing that was now being dubbed as a rave party.But his father had stopped that from happening by threatening them for not under taking appropriate investigations and trying to shirk their responsibility.


    The fact that they had no proof other than than the name registered at the hotel was what had stopped them.But the problem was that there was no proof to prove Shi Ai''s innocence as well.Zhang Min was tempted to question Shi Ai directly so as to find some proof but that was not possible currently. Zhang Min looked at Shi Ai and almost rolled his eyes.Shi Ai had really gone mad it seemed.She was totally staring at him non stop.


    Sighing heavily he coughed a bit loudly to attract Shi Ai''s attention and said,"You must be bored just lying there and staring at the plain roof.Do you want to watch a  movie?"


    It was only when she heard the sound of the loud coughing ,did Shi Ai break out of her trance and nodded without realizing what she was agreeing to.So,Zhang Min turned to the silent presence in the room and said in a completely unnatural and jolly voice,"Big brother Ah Hai,since Shi ai cannot talk much,is it alright if we watch a movie on your new lap top.You can join us yo watch a movie and we will even watch a movie of your choice..."


    Ah Hai, which had looked up at being called,heard Zhang Min and then continued to type wordlessly on the laptop.Zhang Min was dejected and so was Shi Ai. She really wanted to know more about Ah Hai''s likes and dislikes and felt that watching a movie of his choice would have been ideal.But he paid them no mind..


    But in the next moment,Ah Hai had placed his laptop on a table in front of her and motioned for Zhang Min to bring his chair forward.


    However the movie that played on the screen was never what Zhang  Min could have expected.Even as Zhang Min had offered Ah Hai to pick a movie,he had expected that the person would move an action movie or a horror one But what played in front of him was a...Tom and Jerry movie...A cartoon movie...

 Chapter 67 - Too Young

    Zhang Min frowned when he saw the Tom and Jerry movie playing,but he did not protest.However when he turned to share an eye roll with Shi Ai,there were tears in the corner of her eyes as she looked at Ah Hai who had already turned towards the window.Feeling his gaze on her,Shi Ai hurriedly turned towards him with a strained smile and then turned to watch the movie.However Shi Ai had soon fallen asleep as her head almost lolling on one side.The weather outside had turned gloomy and Ah Hai,seeing that Shi Ai had fallen asleep,adjusted her position so that she would be comfortable,closed his laptop and turned back to sit on the couch with his head resting back.Zhang Min who had been thinking hard through out the movie now turned to stare at Long Ah Hai.He was actually furious at Ah Hai for hurting Shi Ai.


    Going to the couch where the man was resting,Zhang Min poked a finger on Ah Hai''s shoulder.He got no answer.So he breathed hard and poked once again.This time his finger was caught by Ah Hai in a hard grip."What is it kid?",he asked with his eyes closed.Zhang Min tried to pull out his finger from Ah Hai''s grip but it was immovable.Abandoning that idea,Zhang Min got straight to the point,"You hurt  Shi Ai today."


    The angry and accusing tone of voice from Zhang Min caused Ah Hai to open his eyes and stae at Zhang Min narrowly causinghim to almost lose courage.But the day he accepted Shi Ai as his sister,was the day he knew he would always protect her.Even if that was against someone he himself feared.So buckling up he continued,"Shi Ai is your fiance.As a result you must take care of her emotional as well as physical well being.Since she is sick,you could have done something to help her pass time so that she would be distracted.But you just sat there like a statue!And then when we suggested a movie,you went ahead and insulted us making us feel as if we were pesky kids who needed to watch toons!A million movies in the world and you chose to start that!"


    Ah Hai said nothing to Ah Hai for a minute but soon his face creased and he asked in genuine confusion,"What is wrong with that movie?I thought you wanted to see my favorite..?"


    Zhang Min felt his mouth fall open in disbelief as he asked,"Are you saying that Tom And Jerry is your favorite?"However Zhang Min''s disbelieving question made Ah Hai give him a threatening frown so Zhang Min retreated and sat on the side.After a few minutes,he heard Ah Hai''s smooth voice,"Zhang Min,you and Shi Ai are kids.Teenagers to be exact.So even if I treat you as one,then you need to accept it and enjoy it.You are both protected from the harsh realities of the world.You have had a glimpse of the darkness that exists,last night.You can see for yourself what that one glimpse had done to Shi Ai.I am darkness personified.As you grow up,you will have to constantly fight against the darkness!


    Also,I am aware of Shi Ai''s feelings but I have believed that what she feels is puppy love.And I hope she will grow out of it soon.The reason I am here since last night is not because I consider her to be my fiance but because I want her to be safe as she is my responsibility.I promised her that I would wait for her to grow up and not marry anyone else.And I regret that moment of weakness.Because if she does not grow out of her puppy love soon she will suffer.I have no intention of marrying anyone else so you need not worry on that front.The truth is that I don''t think that I will live long enough to marry Shi Ai.I am glad that you,her big brother are here to take care of her.Tell her to fall in love with someone else.Encourage her to spread her wings.And be her support when she needs it.She proposed to me because she thought I was kind.Tell me Zhang Min,do you think I am a kind man?"


    Zhang Min was now more confused.He had believed that Ah Hai felt some sort of care for Shi Ai but if the man saw her only as a responsibility then Shi Ai was in for a major heartbreak.In the few hours he had observed Shi Ai,he had seen the difference in her gaze.That was no puppy love.And knowing Shi Ai,he knew that once she gave her heart and trust to someone she gave it with blind faith.For example that Yao Yao.But the pertinent question was that,"Was Ah Hai a kind man?And suitable for Shi Ai?"From what he had observed,"Long Ah Hai was a cold man and had no emotions and was unfeeling.But he was gentle towards Shi Ai for whatever the reason may be.


    But there was one question that was going around in his head,"Why did you agree to her proposal then?The fact that you felt pity for her...doesn''t that mean you are a kind man?"


    Ah Hai looked at Zhang Min carefully and then getting up from the couch,moved towards the door.This worried Zhang Min,that the man would leave and this would make Shi Ai more sad so he called out,"Where are you going?"


    Ah Hai stopped at the door and said,"I will be back soon."

 Chapter 68 - The Lost Ring

    It had been two days since Ah Hai had left Shi Ai''s hospital room to go somewhere.Initially when Shi Ai had woken up and realized that her Knight was not around she had been a bit panicked.Only after Zhang Min had assured her that he had promised him to come back,had she been able to sit back.However,today the doctor had already told them that Shi Ai could be discharged tomorrow and there was no hair or hide of Long Ah Hai.Shi Ai was no allowed to speak a little and her voice had come out a little screech.However her question had been,"Has he called yet?Zhang Min could see the despair in Shi Ai''s eyes and cursed the man for being heartless.


    Shi Ai had been in pain ever since she woke up two days ago.And she wasn''t considering the physical pain but the one where her heart was hurting.He wouldn''t leave without a goodbye,would he?


    Over the last few years,she had grown up not just physically but also emotionally and mentally.She understood that unlike her,he had not fallen in love at first sight (though it was a good thing else she would have labelled him a pervert she had also come to accept that he had given her the promise and the ring out of pity .At times when she thought rationally, she would think that she even met him again,she would return the ring to him and tell him to give it to the girl he would fall in love with.But in the deepest recesses of her mind,she hoped that he would give it to her.


    She would dream of being a successful and sophisticated painter when she met him again so that he would fall in love with her at first sight.But they had all been girlish dreams.And whenever the brainy side of her had tried to wake her up to the realities of life,she had buried her head in the sand like an ostrich.


    At times,she had even been angry at Ah Hai for not staying in touch with her She had been a little girl with no money or even a way to find him.Even if he had promised her out of pity,he could''ve visited her..


    Only when she had opened her eyes after the drug incident,did she realize that she was still in love with him.He had changed so much physically.Gone in the three years was the man who was muscly and rarely smiled.This man looked as if he never smiled.The scar on his face stood testament to the fact that he must have gained a lot more scars internally and the eyes that had once reflected kindness were now blank.As if there was no emotion in his world.


    But the little time she had to observe him,Shi Ai had checked her own feelings and come to the realization that she still felt the same way for Ah Hai that she had felt a few years ago.Only more intensified.


    As a child,she had only seen his looks and the kindness he had shown her.As a young girl,she had seen the closed off way he looked at the world.The cold and dark aura that surrounded him like a second skin.As a child,she had wanted him to be her Hero and be hers but as a young girl,she wanted to give him joy and bring back life and laughter in those cold and dead eyes.Her hand automatically went to the ring that was always around her neck but suddenly her hand only came across bare skin and the smll bandage that covered the wound around her neck!


    Shocked to find that her necklace was missing,Shi Ai shot up in bed and started to frantically look around on the bed..But there was no ring or the necklace that held it.She tried to remember if she had been wearing it when she woke up in the hospital but she had no idea.She could ask Zhang Min when he came back.He had gone to understand he doctor''s instructions for her care.This thought brought a little calmness to Shi Ai as she tried to console herself that maybe her brother had it.She could even ask the nurse if the hospital had the necklace by any chance.But Shi Ai had a bad feeling...what if she did not get the ring back just like what if Ah Hai did not come back..

 Chapter 69 - Not A Kind Man

    Before Zhang Min could return to complete Shi Ai''s discharge formalities,he was obstructed by the grim reaper.Funnily enough,Zhang Min was not much scared of Ah Hai anymore.Zhang Min knew that the man could crush him in a minute without a thought but he had a sudden confidence on the man himself.The cynical part of him even cursed him for being stupid to trust such a dangerous man.Without a word,Ah Hai handed him an envelope and moved into a vacant room that he had just come out of.Zhang Min looked a bit confused at the envelope in his hand but then followed Ah Hai into the room since the man had left the door open.


    The room was similar to the one Shi Ai was staying in with the same sterile white walls and numerous machines.But this room was obviously empty.Seeing that Brother Ah Hai stood there with his back turned to him,Zhang Min opened the envelope and a series of pictures came into his hand.


    Seeing the pictures,his eyes widened first in disbelief then in horror.He recognized the boys in the pictures.After seeing only a few pictures,Zhang Min was unable to look anymore and throwing them away ran to the bathroom to puke.Zhang Min breatherd hard after he emptied his guts out and tried to straighten up.However those pictures he had seen flashed in front of his eyes again and all he could do was heave drily as his stomach had already been emptied.


    After the last spell,Zhang Min closed his eyes and tried to focus his mind so that none of thos pictures flashed in front of him again.


    After a few desperate attempts, Zhang Min was able to control himself and went outside.Spying a water bottle on the side table the moment he came out,Zhang Min who had sweated profusely as well as vomited,rushed and picking up the bottle,drank from it hungrily.Those pictures were still trying to push their way inside his head and he thanked the fates that Long Ah Hai had the decency to at least put away the envelope before he came back.The cynical Zhang Min in his head snorted and said,''I thought you were jot scared of the grim reaper.''In this moment Zhang Min decided that this man was not the grim reaper.He was the King of Hell himself.In a shaky voice he asked,"Those boys..What..what have you done to them?"


    In an emotionless voice,Ah Hai answered,"Me?I have done nothing.They are enjoying themselves.Do you know they enjoy ra** so that is what my people helped them with.A little aphrodisiac to get them going and then a little drug to bring them down."


    Zhang Min drew in a harsh breath and asked,"You made them ra** each other?"


    A single and cold,"Yes." was the answer.Once again, Zhang Min was unable to absorb the truth fast enough.On one hand he firmly believed that no punishment was big enough for a rap*** but on the other hand,this side of justice was also not acceptable to him.in this moment,Zhang Min realized that he viewed the world with rose colored glasses and Long Ah Hai had just forcefully ripped away those glasses,forcing him to see a very different level of justice.Zhang Minnknew he would have nightmares from the pictures he had seen so he could only shudder at the thought of those criminals'' mental health in the future.Finally,he asked Ah Hai, "Why?"


    Zhang Min was asking Ah Hai,not the reason why he had done it but the reason why Ah Hai had shown him these photographs. It was at this moment that Ah Hai turned to look at Zhang Min who felt his insides freeze."Tell me Zhang Min.Am I a kind man?One worthy of a little innocent like Shi Ai?"


    Zhang Min had no answer. At this moment Zhang Min came to an awful realization. Long Ah Hai may or may not be kind but he was definitely not the right choice for Shi Ai. A man who had no qualms about torturing other humans,and a man who was cold on the inside.He may show some kindness to Shi Ai but in due time,the feelings in her heart and soul would also freeze if she needed to protect er mattherself.Shi Ai should have a man that would fill her life with laughter and warmth.Not someone who would put the snow to shame.


    Without answering Ah Hai''s question,Zhang Min turned around and left the room.He was too young..no they were too young,him and Shi Ai to make such a decision for their future.Zhang Min wanted to run and snatch away Shi Ai so that they could escape that man but on the other hand,he remembered how the man had saved her and calmed her.Yes..That was the crux of the matter..Shi Ai it seemed needed Long Ah Hai in her life.He had seen numerous times how she used to fiddle with the ring around her neck whenever she was in a dilemma.Or how she clutched it when they were watching a scary movie.


    Zhang Min looked around the hospital garden he had wandered to and collapsed in a bench..Finally he had come to a decision..He would not try to stop or talk to Shi Ai but he would not sit back either.Zhang Min was now going to come out of the virtual world and the protection of his parents and experience the real world so that he could always protect Shi Ai even if it was against the grim reaper in the future.


    £¬

 Chapter 70 - Attacked

    Satisfied with Zhang Min''s reaction,Ah Hai made his way to the VIP ward where Shi Ai had been staying these last few days.With a brisk knock on the door,Ah Hai opened the door only to close it with a snap.He should''ve waited for the answer instead of just going in.What was Shi Ai thinking?Changing her clothes in the middle of the room with even the door unlocked?Ah Hai felt a rage build up as he imagined if it had beena doctor or some unknown man coming in.The little girl had no sense of self protection.Ah Hai''s imagination had turned so far as to think of ways to torture any male who saw the pretty naked back.Shaking his murderous thoughts off,Ah Hai knocked on the door once again and waited for a reply.


    Shi Ai,who had realized that someone had been on the door,was a little scared at first as she answered the knock to enter and then her face turned red as a tomato as she realized it had been Ah Hai.However,in the next instant,Shi Ai had run off the bed and attacked Ah Hai by jumping straight into his arms.Her thin arms wound themselves tightly around Ah Hai''s waist and her fair face was buried in his chest.Shi Ai who had been on an emptional and physical roller coaster throught these days,sobbed hard as she felt safe in the arms of her Knight.Looking down on the head that barely reached his shoulders,Ah Hai felt a little lost.He had never consoled a woman before,as far as he could remember.And this little girl was sobbing bucketfuls of tears.When he had seen how she had held herself together when she had woken up,he felt that she was exceptionally strong but now it looked like it was a facade.


    At a loss on how to handle this attack of tears,Ah Hai awkwardly wound his arms around the little girl and patted her back in what he assumed was a soothing motion.Feeling even more safer once she felt the strong arms around her,Shi Ai shed even more tears.They were tears that she had held together for so long.All her worries,her happiness,pain,the feeling of being scared,all came out in those tears.But the most prominent feeling that Shi Ai had was relief.As the time for discharge had come closer,Shi Ai had been scared that she would not get to see Ah Hai again.That maybe he had gone without a goodbye.Zhang Min had told her how Ah Hai had arranged blood donors and the ambulance.Shi Ai had also wanted to thank him for being her guardian angel time and again.And then his going away had made her want to weep only.But she knew how Zhang Min and his mother had worried and she did not want them to worry some more so she had kept her tears to herself.Adding in the fact,the loss of her precious ring,Shi Ai was suffering an emotional breakdown.


    Finally after a few minutes,Shi Ai''s arms around Ah Hai''s waist tightened and her fingers clutched  at the back of his shirt.Of their own accord,Ah Hai''s hands were now patting Shi Ai''s head,down the silky hair.Realizing the position they were in,Shi Ai,who was red from crying and now blushing was redded than a tomato and as suddenly as she had attacked,escaped from his arms and buried her face in a small towel.Ah Hai who was known to have countered hundreds of attackes,was left standing in the middle of the room with his hands hanging awkwardly in the air.


    Ah Hai looked down at his shirt where a wet patch could be seen and then looked at the little girl who now had her face buried in a napkin.It seemed he had been discarded as a tissue.Shaking his head,Ah Hai went and sat on the chair,while he waited for Shi Ai to collect herself.


    After a few deep breaths,Shi Ai felt the silence and thought to herself,"You scared him away.You stupid girl."The thought that he had left her again,made Shi Ai carefully peep up from the napkin.He was sitting there,staring at her.His thin mouth was raised a bit on the side as if he was smiling.


    Encouraged to see him sitting there,Shi Ai gave him a small smile and a shy "Hello.."


    Ah Hai''s smile widened a bit as he replied in his deep voice,"Hello.."


    However,after this simple greeting,Shi Ai felt even more uncomfortable and shy.But deciding to plough on she complained, "I thought you left without a goodbye.This is why I was over whelmed when..when you just came.I am sorry about the shirt though..I will have it dry cleaned.You can just give it to me."


    In a sardonic tone,Ah Hai,whose eyebrows had been raised by this remarked,"I had no idea that this little girl had grown so much in these few years.We meet after such a long time and the first thing you tell me to do after ''Hello'' is to take off my shirt.Interesting kid you have become.Very Interesting."


    Shi Ai did a perfect impersonation of a gasping fish at this reply,with her mouth falling open.

 Chapter 71 - Counter Attack

    Shi Ai was in shock.Ah Hai was teasing her.He had to be!When did she ask him to take off his shirt?Her face turned red even at the thought of it..But Shi Ai was a bold girl when it came to her person.So after a moment''s hesitation and turning even more red,she tried to explain,"I meant after you have changed.But,if you want to take it off now,I have no problem.I am sure it will be a great view.And that way I can also see you..like you saw me just now." With this statement, she succeeded in shocking Ah Hai who guffawed hilariously once he got over the shock.The little Shi Ai was just the same even now.


    Ah Hai had left his hair open this morning as they casually fell over his forehead and ears.If he had tied his hair his usual way,Shi Ai would have seen how the tips of his ears had turned red because of her teasing.


    Deciding to not tease her,Ah Hai went straight to the point,"What was all this crying about just now?You resemble a panda with your swollen eyes."


    Shi Ai pouted at being compared to a panda but then whined,"I thought you had left me without a goodbye.And so when I saw you,I was happy and so I jumped on you.And then everything amalgamated in my mind and I felt safe in your arms so I had a small breakdown.I am sorry."


    Ah Hai nodded and then said without any inflection in his voice,"I wouldn''t leave without a goodbye."


    "Does that mean you will still leave?",Shi Ai had been hoping against hope that since he had returned,he would stay here and she would get to know him more but he said he would be hoping.She almost burst into tears again.


    When Ah Hai answered with a serious,"Yes."she did feel her eyes go teary.But quickly trying to change the subject, Shi Ai asked,"What happened to the people who drugged me?"


    "They bore the fruit of the seed that they planted."


    Shi Ai wanted to ask more but with the mention of this topic,the aura around Ah Hai seemed to have frozen.Shi Ai wanted to punch herself in the face for bringing up that topic.Zhang Min had been pretty angry at Shi Ai and was continuously lecturing her on and off about putting herself in danger.And now Ah Hai seemed to be ready to give her an earful.


    Seeing that Shi Ai was trying to avoid looking at him,Ah Hai softened his stance and said softly,"So you do seem to realize the jeopardy you had placed yourself in."


    Reprimanded by the one person she wanted to hold the admiration of,Shi Ai hunched her shoulders and stared at her knotted hands in her lap.


    Bringing up her face with a finger under her chin,Ah Hai made her look up at him.Her eyes held a sheen of tears again and he felt the lecture he had planned flew out of the window.Sighing,Ah Hai still continued, "Getting drugged was not your fault but leaving yourself open to danger was.It is normal to want to socialize but Shi Ai, you have seen for yourself how drugs take the control from you.This time luck was on your side.But that will not be the case forever.Also it is foolishness to be loyal to people who would put you in danger for a minute''s pleasure.Understand?"


    Shi Ai who had been nodding along to appease Ah Hai frowned at that and asked,"What do you mean?"


    Ah Hai narrowed his eyes at Shi Ai to see of she was pretending to be clueless or was she really clueless?It seemed she really was clueless.He sighed again.If any of those people who had worked with Ah Hai knew how patient he was with Shi Ai,they would be able to believe in magic.Usually when Ah Hai sighed it could mean the end of the person''s living days.


    Ah Hai decided to lay it out for Shi Ai,"Little kid,if you are really that dumb,then let me make it clear for you.Yao Yao.You have been keeping a snake by your side and snakes do not care who they sting.She may not be directly responsible for what happened but she is indirectly responsible for what has happened.Since you consider her a ''friend'',I have let her be this time,but you might want to be careful in the future for any knives sticking by your side.Also I have arranged for someone to teach you and Zhang Min,basic self defence so you better get well soon and gear up.One cannot depend on luck."


    Yao Yao..That name was stuck in her head since Ah Hai mentioned it.She had not even thought of her friend since she was hospitalized.It was only then she realized that indeed the main party responsible for her predicament was Yao Yao,who had been AWOL since she was brought here.Her first thought was to worry if she was fine but then she honed in on the snake part that Ah HAo had said and Shi Ai looked thoughtful as she considered somethings in her mind..

 Chapter 72 - Understanding Yao Yao

    Shi Ai thought of how those boys who had drugged her and how Zhang Min had told them that they had gone missing.They were both sure that Ah Hai was the one behind their going missing.She felt bad for them on one hand but on the other hand her heart felt warm that Ah Hai cared enough for her to go to this extent.


    Seeing the dreamy expression on her face,Ah Hai wondered if the after effects of the drugs had not worn off.He was talking about how her friend was screwing her over and she was in her own dreamland.Shaking his head,he snapped his fingers in front of her face,making a sharp sound bringing her back from dreamland.Shi Ai looked at his irritated expression and immediately composed her face.With a serious expression,she defended her friend,"Yao Yao is not like that!I know Zhang Min thinks that Yao Yao is responsible for this and blames her but he is prejudiced against her.She is a bit of an airhead but she is not vicious enough to cause problems.."


    Without answering her,Ah Hai took out his phone where Yao Yao had made arrangements for the party in Shi Ai''s name.Shi Ai remembered that how Yao Yao had indeed told her that so she did not think too much about it and explained,"Yao Yao was scared that if she organized the gathering,her father would get angry at her so she took my name.She could not have expected that the police would come knocking and try to question me."Yesterday,a stern police officer named Captain Doug and an assistant had come to question her.Thay had made her recount every happening at the party again and again,reconfirming every detail until the doctor reprimanded them for making her talk so much.And even then the Captain had warned her that they would be contacting her soon.Hearing Shi Ai''s blind faith in Yao Yao,Ah Hai was tempted to flick the girl on the forehead hoping to knock some sense into her.Taking his phone back,he swiped something on it and handed it back to her.With a curt nod,Ah Hai said,"Shi Ai,having faith is good.Blind faith on the other hand is hazardous to health."


    The video then started to play.It was Yao Yao in the police investigation room.After answering a few generic questions from the officer,Yao Yao was being questioned about her,"How well do you know Ms Shi Ai?"


    Yao Yao whose eyes were bloodshot from having drunk too much sat there a bit slouched but she answered clearly,"Shi Ai has been my friend for the past few years.She was the one who organised the party for tonight.Tell me officer,is there a problem tonight."Though the question was dripping with concern,her malicious expression was open for all to see.The officer did not answer her but proceeded to ask,"Have you ever suspected her of taking drugs or any other health issues?"This question caused Yao Yao to pause as if she was considering her answer.The Yao Yao on screen caused the present Shi Ai to frown.It was not a very difficult question.The answer should have been a resounding ''No'' but the answer that Yao Yao gave,shocked Shi Ai.In a hesitant voice,the Yao Yao on video continued,"I am...I am not too sure.I don''t believe it but I have heard rumors about her using drugs.But they are just rumors..She is actually an orphan so she would not have much money to spend in drugs..."


    This time Shi Ai could feel the anger burning in her veins.Yao Yao was supposed to be her friend. There were never such rumors and Even if she had heard such rumors,telling the officer in such a way was backstabbing and like adding fuel to fire.She should have told her But that was not the end of it.The officer then asked,"So if Ms Shi Ai is an orphan with not much money,how was she able to throw such a big party for her friends?Have you been helping her financially?"Again Yao Yao pretended to be hesitant about the answer then answered in a rush,"I don''t know.She does ask for money from time to time but I have never asked her the reason.Also,I don''t know about the party,she said she had gained a windfall of money and wanted to celebrate."


    The officer noted this down and continued to question Yao Yao about Shi Ai''s moral character which the girl proceeded to slaughter by claiming that Shi Ai had multiple boyfriends who she used to fulfill her financial and other needs but supposedly had a good heart and did not mean to hurt anyone.Soon the questioning had come to an end and Shi Ai had now seen the real face of her *friend*.


    Shi Ai felt her heart go numb the more Yao Yao spoke and by the time the video had come to an end,she could feel steam coming out of her.


    An agitated sound from the door bought to their attention to Zhang Min who had heard everything and was now swearing colorfully with a fierce expression,"@#$%%&#&@*!"


    £¬

 Chapter 73 - The War Of Love

    Zhang Min kept cursing at Yao Yao as he entered the room.He gave a wide berth to Ah Hai and went to the other side of Shi Ai to talk some sense into her.He had heard the entire interview that the officer had conducted and he was tempted to ask Ah Hai what he had done about Yao Yao.But after what he had just witnessed,he was scared to even ask.But Shi Ai was the one who was ignorant enough to ask,which she did."Is Yao Yao alright?"


    Zhang Min felt like his mouth had been stuffed with chillies!The nonsense that Yao Yao had spouted about her and the first thing that Shi Ai did was ask if the girl was crazy.Shi Ai was crazy,Zhang Min knew that for sure now.


    Ah Hai,however,did not look surprised.In his same unemotional tone,he answered,"Of course she is."


    Shi Ai nodded satisfactorily with this answer and said"Thank you,brother Ah Hai."


    Ah Hai nodded and was about to get up when his wrist was caught in a tight hold by Shi Ai."Don''t leave please."


    Ah Hai looked down at the slender and long fingers as they held wrist and he felt a small warmth creep into his heart,unknowingly.Her eyes pleaded with him to never leave her and go.Seeing this side of Shi Ai and the way her hand clutched at Ah Hai,though,made Zhang Min frown.


    Sitting back down,he said,"I am not leaving yet.In fact there are some things that I wish to discuss with you.You and Zhang Min both."This caught both their attention and they looked at Ah Hai questioningly."I am leaving Yao Yao to the both of you for now.She has stabbed you in the back and it is upto you how you wish to handle her."


    Ah Hai''s gaze then turned to Zhang Min,who gulped nervously.Affirming that he had the boy''s full attention,Ah Hai continued,"Soon,you will get a teacher who will teach you ways of the society as well as martial arts and strategies.The two of you must agree and pay attention to everything you are taught.Do you accept?All that you will be taught is for the benefit of handling situations like the one took place."


    Zhang Min,remembering the feeling of helplessness that night immediately nodded in agreement but Shi Ai on the other hand did not agree.She continued to stare at Ah Hai and said,"You teach us."This caused Zhang Min to stare at Shi Ai in horror and reaffirm his belief that Shi Ai was crazy.Ah Hai stared at the little girl and said,"No..Be assured that you will be in good hands."


    This time,the always smart and always mature Shi Ai decided to throw a tantrum.Her lower lip wobbling,she mutinuously looked at Ah Hai and said,"I will not learn a thing from anyone.You can send the best teachers in the world but they will not teach me anything,because I will never learn.Last time we went our separate ways because I was a kid who did not know if she would survive and if I had not been saved the other night then I would have never met you before passing on to the other world,so this time I refuse to lose contact with you."


    A bit impatient at this,Ah Hai muttered,"I cannot stay here.Think of some other condition to get you to agree."


    Zhang Min felt as if had entered a parallel universe where Shi Ai was in the middle of a teenage rebellion.He lookad at the grim reaper who also stood there with the same frozen expressionbut was still willing to negotiate with her.Actually Ah Hai was just as shocked with this tantrum and at a loss as what to do.He could not stay as it would be dangerous to them because of his numerous enemies and anyway he had to leave for his mission,he had already delayed it as much as possible.He could just leave and he knew that the two of them would not be able to stop him but he did not wish to hurt Shi Ai like this.Ah Hai also failed to understand Shi Ai''s motive.Mrs Wu had told him that she was a good girl who was never stubborn but this tantrum did not sound like that of an obedient girl.Ah Hai tried to tell her and appease her that he would come back but he could not even bring himself to lie because this mission was war to him.His own personal war where there was only one outcome.Death..


    Shi Ai had been thinking the same thoughts for the past two days about what would have happened if she had been killed that night.She would have forever lost her chance to see the new Ah Hai.Now that she had been given another chance,she was unwilling to miss out on seeing him regularly.She had thought to talk to him seriously but Brother Ah Hai had been treating her like a kid so she thought that she should behave like a kid.She wanted him to get to know her and even if this tantrum made him believe that she was a kid,that was alright.All was fair in love and war.And this was the war of love!


    Burying the terror coursing through her veins,she said in a bold voice,"Take me to your home today and then we can discuss the conditions.

 Chapter 74 - The Home

    Ah Hai crossed his arms in fornt of him and stared down at Shi Ai as if he was a parent to a naughty kid and soon Shi Ai started to guiltily fidget under his gaze.But soon her mouth was set in a stubborn line and she stared back at Ah Hai with resolve.


    Ah Hai was thoroughly amused at Shi Ai''s behavior and even more entertaining was how she looked like a guilty kid who was caught red handed eating cookies.Turning,without a word towards the door,Ah Hai turned the handle and at the last moment said,"I will be bringing my car around.Come down soon."


    Shi Ai had been on the verge of being depressed at the thought that she had crossed a line and so Brother Ah Hai was leaving but when she heard him say that he was bringing his car around.She would have jumped for joy if Zhang Min had not attacked her the minute the door closed,"Little sister,I think we should prolong your stay here.I''ll tell father to get some doctors to arrange an appointment with a neurosurgeon or a psychiatrist.You have lost your senses.What were you thinking wanting to go in the lion''s den?Is it because of that Yao Yao.Don''t worry we can handle her together.And how can you even have the courage to refuse some lessons when you know well and good that they are for your protection."


    Zhang Min''s tirade was brought to a sudden halt when he witnessed Shi Ai''s beatific and glowing smile.Brother Min!he did tell me to come down soon.I must not make him waut.We need to rush down as soon as possible!Almost jumping,Shi Ai quickly pulled on her socks and shoes while Zhang Min tried ot talk to some sense into her and dissuade her from going.Of course his voice was treated as background score and Shi Ai had hurriedly thrown all her things into a bag,which she stuffed into Zhang Min''s hand and flew out of the door like a wind saying in passig that she will see him later..


    Zhang Min rushed after her to stop her or atleast try to weasel his way with them but Shi Ai had already reached down the stairs and was in the middle of getting into the car which then drove off before Zhang Min could open his mouth.


    The atmosphere in the car,hoever was not what one would expect.Shi Ai knew that she had forced Brother Ah Hai''s hand and thus felt guilty while Ah Hai was quiet as he pondered where to take Shi Ai.Though Ah Hai had an apartment where he went,it was his own private domain where no one had ever entered.He did not know what conditions Shi Ai planned to propose but there were somethings that he needed to explain to the little girl.Earlier from hat he had heard from Mrs Wu and even after observing the Zhang''s he had assumed that Shi Ai would be able to accept his explanations but from the present tantrums that did not seem possible.His expression turned grave and hard at the thought of facing another tantrum.


    Seeing Ah Hai''s face harden,Shi Ai felt even more bad and said in a small voice,"I am sorry for forcing you.If you do not wish to take me home,you can just drop me off at the Zhang family house."Seeing the miserable look on Shi Ai''s face,Ah Hai''s irritation vanished and he softened his face explaining,""Shi Ai..My house is not what you would call a normal place and if I take you there you must promise to never visit me there unless it is a matter of life and death.There are many things we need to talk about and we need privacy so I will take you to my home but you must know that you will never be welcome again.Am I clear?''


    Ah Hai''s words gave Shi Ai happiness once second and stabbed at her heart the next.The words that ''you will never be welcome again'' echoed in her mind repeatedly making her so miserable that she forgot to even see the way to Ah Hai''s home. Only as the car silently entered the basement making did Shi Ai realize that they had already reached.Getting off the car,she looked around the dimly lit basement and took note of the row of cars that stood there under the covers.There were more than ten luxury cars ranging from Maybach to Lamborghini.Shi Ai wondered if Ah Hai enjoyed cars or were they part of his business.She knew that he was in the business of protecting celebrities and VIPs and that such cars were often useful.


    While Shi Ai stood there taking inthese details,Ah Hai had already proceeded to a glass like wall.There were no locks or door on the glass and Shi Ai wondered how it would open.It the next moment,she was amazed,when the entire mirror lifted up to reveal a lift.Ah Hai gestured for her to enter the lift and then followed her in.Again there were no buttons in the lift.The moment they had entered the doors closed and then opened within a second.They now stood in front of a door.


    Shi Ai felt her heart race as she was about to enter her love''s home.This was the place which would give her more clues about his likes and dislikes.The main purpose of her visit...Getting to know more about him!

 Chapter 75 - No Clues

    Shi Ai was anticipating getting to know more about Ah Hai''s from observing his home.This was why she had suppressed her conscience and been thick skinned to force her way into his house.But she could not have even imagined what she would come across the moment the door opened.


    It was bare!And it was black.The door opened to a spacious room with floor to ceiling windows which were presently covered with black blinds.The floor was covered from wall to wall with a black carpet.The walls were thankfully white but the television mounted on that was black while there were no couches but two bean bags in black.


    Well,she consoled herself.Atleast she had learnt something.Long Ah Hai loved black.He was always dressed in black and everything around him was black.


    Ah Hai noticed Shi Ai staring at the blank space and gestured for her to sit on any on the bean bags.Sitting on the opposite bag,he asked,"So,little girl..what are your conditions?"


    Shi Ai looked up into the handsome face of the man who sat in front of her.The way his messy hair covered his face and eyes,made her want to run her hand through it and push back bangs..Finally,gathering her courage,she said,"Can you not stay here and teach us?You have your business here so it is not as if you have to go back to the army.And ..and I..I just want you to stay brother Ah Hai.You promised to wait for me while I grow up.I know I still have a long way to go but does it have to mean that you cannot stay closer?"


    Ah Hai looked carefully at Shi Ai who was a mix of contradictions.One minute she was bold and the other like now,she was shy and trembling.But the most important thing was that she was still holding onto that promise.He could not break his promise so he tried to talk some sense into her.With what he believed was infinite patience,he said,"Shi Shi,I have my business here,yes but ot is  ot one where I have to sit in an office.I hope you understand that.Also,are you still certain that you want to be with me in the future?You are growing up into a pretty girl and all the boys are going to clamor for your attention.Why not let yourself grow normally and try dating like everyone?You may even fall for someone who can stay by your side."Ah Hai was trying to her down as gently as possible without having to tell her his do ronnie mission.But Shi Ai interpreted something else and questioned in a small voice, "Have you fallen for someone else?Is that why you want to leave and don''t want me to tie myself to you?Do you wish to back out on your promise?"


    Ah Hai shook his head but before he could say something Shi Ai continued,"Even if you wish to do that,I will not let go of your promise.Whiever wishes to take you away from me will have to fight me.Even if you marry her you will have to..."Mid tirade,Ah Hai got up turned to leave the room.But Shi Ai was not to be left behind,she followed him and continued, "You will have to get into a relationship with the guilt of breaking your promise.Brother Ah Hai,please I...I love you.What should I do?"


    Shi Ai was on the verge of crying once again as she tried to talk to Ah Hai.Her happy eyes had turned watery indicating she would start weeping any moment.


    Ah Hai stared intently at Shi Ai and said coldly,"Don''t do it.Let it be."


    Shi Ai felt at a loss after hearing this. Did that mean that she should not love him anymore?Ornahould she just that love be..Before she could think some more, about this cryptic statement,Ah Hai continued,"Little Shi,I have never once fallen in love.I don''t know how to do it and I don''t wish to know as well.I am asking you to not wait and waste your future waiting and clinging to someone who may never return.Shi Ai,I cannot wait for you to grow up because chances are I am going to die very soon.And when I do,many of my enemies will come out of the woodwork to destroy those who mattered to me.I don''t want you to suffer from the aftermath.You are an innocent flower who had yet to bloom.Don''t let yourself be trampled by those who do not know your value."


    Ah Hai,then placed a glass of water in Shi Ai''s hand and said,"Wasting your emotions on lifeless things degrades your own value.I can promise you only one thing,I will never fall in love.I am but a mirage...beautiful from far but not real once you get closer.Following a mirage will only hurt you."


    Ah Hai turned his back to Shi Ai to give her some space but soon a pair of thin hands wound around him from the back and knotting in the front and he looked back to see her small head buried in his back.

 Chapter 76 - A Back Hug

    The pale arms that wound around Ah Hai shocked him to stand frozen.He had never been on the receiving end of a back hug and this was an unexpected surprise not a welcome one but not even something he would be averse to.He tried to get out of the arms but the little girl was clinging to him like a Koala.He tried asking her to let go but she just shook her head against his back."Brother Ah Hai.I will never let you go.As you said you have a mission to complete,I will not be an obstacle to that.I will also not make you worry about me by putting myself in danger but you must remember your promise.You will wait.You are the strongest man I know so you have to fight death for me.I fought death to be with you so you must do the same and come to me.Until the time,I will grow up and be able to stand with you.Please.."


    Unreasonable. Ah Hai wondered how such a sweet little girl had turned into such an unreasonable teenager.He seemed to not consider the fact that no reasonable little girl would have dared propose to a man.Shi Ai had always been unreasonable.


    Placing his hands on both of hers,he pulled out of her arms and turned around to face her at the same time.He would have been able to make her give up if she had been crying.He would have forced her somehow.But she stood there with her big eyes still glistening but not spilling a drop of tear.He could fight terrorists and spies.He could fight tantrums and tears but he lost the fight against a little girl putting on a brave front.


    It was decided.Long Ah Hai was a coward jerk.He was going to let this pretty flower wait for him when there were no guarantees that he would return.But this time,he had a few conditions."Very Well.We will continue to wait before we decide on a future course of action.But this time I have a few conditions."


    Seeing a ray of hope,Shi Ai immediately grabbed onto it and agreed with alacrity,"I am willing to accept all conditions!"


    Ah Hai gave a small smirk before he said, "Haste makes waste Shi Ai.You should have heard the conditions before agreeing."A sense of foreboding came on Shi Ai as she waited for him to state his terms.


    Staring intently at the girl whose hands he still held in his,Ah Hai said,"My first condition is that you must start dating." The words fell on Shi Ai with the sound of a hammer falling on it''s anvil.


    Before she could grasp the meaning of this and ask in outrage,Ah Hai continued,"Dating people is also a part of growing up.You cannot close off yourself waiting for me.You need to get to know and understand new people and in different capacities,not just as friends.So you must date with an open mind.Zhang Min is a surprisingly good judge of character for his age so you must seek his advise if you ever need it."


    "My second condition is that you will not wait actively.If you find someone you can fall in love with,do it.I am going underground after tonight so to let you know of my safety,I will send you something each year to let you know that I am alive.The year that you receive nothing,know that I am dead.The mission can take several years to to complete so in case you ever fall in love with someone else,even then I will come see you as an old friend before we part ways.So tell me..do you promise to live your life to the fullest and grow up with every experience that life has to offer?"


    Shi Ai wanted to protest vehemently at this condition but she saw in his eyes the resolve.This was the only way he would agree.Taking a deep breath she clenched her fingers and agreed.She knew this was a promise she would not be able to keep but she had to make it.It was better than losing him altogether.And it would let her know that he was alive.


    In the charged silence,Shi Ai nodded her assent and the two people stared at each other without words.


    As if just realizing that he was still holding Shi Ai''s hand,Ah Hai suddenly let go and moved back towards the living area to take her back to the Zhang family home.Shi Ai was also broken out of her trance when Ah Hai let go.But as if trying to prolong their time together,her stomach growled loudly in the silent kitchen.


    Embarrassed, she looked at Ah Hai and excused herself,"Sorry..I haven''t eaten anything since this morning.."


    Ah Hai shook his head at her and without a word,went towards the refrigerator.Thebway back would take at least an hour.There was no way he was taking her back hungry.

 Chapter 77 - The Gift

    Ah Hai opened his refrigerator to check the bare ingredients inside.Turning around to ask her if she would like to eat anything,he saw that Shi Ai had already gone out to explore living space.He was not worried about her seeing anything that he did not want her to see as every room was locked and would open with only his biometrics.


    Taking out an apple,he cut it into the shape of a flower and then taking something out of his pocket,he placed it in the plate beside the apple.Picking it up,he went outside and handed the plate to Shi Ai before going back into the kitchen to prepare lunch for Shi Ai. If one could call it a hobby,Long Ah Hai had the hobby of cooking.Though he did not consider it a hobby but a necessity.Ah Hai had grown up without his parents but his older brother had been an excellent parent who had never let him feel the absence of his parents.His brother was also a good cook who had spoilt his appetite making him a picky eater.So Long Ah Hai had learnt to cook for himself to satisfy his taste buds.With only a chicken and some eggs and spaghetti at his disposal,Ah Hai cooked a chicken sauce and some cheesy spaghetti.He then fried the eggs sunny side up and preparing two plates took them out for Shi Ai.


    Shi Ai had made herself home and was now leaning back with her eyes closed on the bean bag.Actually she was basking in the happiness of having her ring back.When shebhad frantically been searching for the ring,the nurse told her that property had been handed to the person who stayed back with her the night she was admitted.She had been thinking on how to ask Ah Hai for the ring but unexpectedly he had given it to herself and that too with apples!He remembered that she had proposed to him with a flower made from apple.She had grinningly finished the apple and tied the chain with the ring around her neck.


    She also had a secret little thing in her pocket that she planned on giving him.She had always regretted not being able to give her anything apart from a picture so when she had seen him again,the first thing she did was order Zhang Min to bring a gift box for him.The gift was something that she had picked up last year from a master who made weapons.She had saved her allowance and earnings through the summer to be able to pay for it.She had then saved it carefully to give it to Ah Hai. And Zhang Min had just brought it this morning!She laid down on the bean bag wondering how to present the gift but would have dozed off if she had not been assaulted by the aroma of delicious food.


    She opened her eyes to see Ah Hai bringing in two plates of piping hot food.He handed her one and she almost snatched the plate as she wolfed down the food.Though her stomach had been grumbling,she had not been really hungry until Brother AH Hai presented the food.Throwing away her dignity,Shi Ai ate up the spaghetti and clvowed that this was the best spaghetti ever.


    Ah Hai who had only just taken a bite from his plate,watched amused and only handed her his plate when she had finished off hers.Mumbling a thank you,Shi Ai ate that up too and once she was done,simply flopped vack to the couch,clutching her stomach and groaning about rolling like a drum.She came to herself only as she heard the resounding laughter of Ah Hai.


    Her eyes which were blissfully closed snapped open and her body shot up straight.She thought back to the way she had behaved in the last 20 minutes and wanted the ground to open up and swallow her.She had been planning to show him that she had grown up and this was how she did that!By gobbling up the food like a rowdy boy!


    However the laughter that echoed in the living room was so precious.Maybe what happened was a good thing if she got to hear that sound.


    That laughter was soon struck in his throat however when Shi Ai kneeled in front of him and presented a box in her hands.


    Ah Hai frowned at the box in her hands as if it was a bomb and then looked at Shi Ai in question.Feeling a bit shy,Shi Ai said,"It''s  a gift for you.I wanted to give you something...so I ordered this..I hope you will be able to carry it with you always.."


    Ah Hai took the long rectangular box from Shi Ai and opened it carefully.He had been thinking of a way to gently refuse the gift but seeing it he changed his mind and with a smile and gentle head pat said,"Thank you.I will indeed try to keep it with me always."


    It was beautifully crafted dagger with a Ya Zi dragon on the handle.Though not much big in size it had been crafted carefully and the blade was lethal.To show his appreciation,Ah Hai pulled up the bottoms of his cargo pants and taking out the dagger from the leather band strapped there,placed Shi Ai''s gift in it''s place.


    However seeing the sheer number of weapons strapped to his legs,Shi Ai wondered if he was a portable armory!


    £¬

 Chapter 78 - Girl Dreams

    Having extended her time with Ah Hai as much as she could,Shi Ai came back home exhausted.She had been dropped back to the Zhang''s house by Ah Hai where Zhang Min had been busy tearing a hole in the ground.Mrs Zhang and Uncle Chu welcomed and fussed over her and were ready to bash Ah Hai with pots and pans if she had come back hungry.She knew that after today she would not be able to meet him again for a long while.The car ride back had been silent and somewhat emotional for her. She had really wanted to cry and cling to Ah Hai begging him to not leave her.


    Normally Shi Ai would have enjoyed her time being pampered but now she just felt tired..and wanted to escape to her room and wallow in the little moments thanking the fates that she had received the chance to spend little time with him.She wanted to re-live every moment from today.So after an appropriate amount of time,Shi Ai claimed to be tired and went up to her room to lie down.


    So preoccupied was she by her thoughts of the sweet moments,that she failed to notice Zhang Min who had been silent throughout and  was even now observing her with narrowed eyes.


    Zhang Min noticed the play of emotions across Shi Ai''s face,and his heart was filled with worry.Unknowingly her face reflected her happiness as well as sadness..He even saw her face go all dreamy and mushy as she specially mentioned that person. His mother and Uncle Chu chalked her paleness and hot flushes up to sickness and blood loss but he knew.He knew something was the matter and he was going to find out.Whu, out of all the emotions, the most prevalent was sadness.


    Shi Ai entered her room and fell face first onto the bed. Immediately her mind wandered to the time when she had presented the dagger to him and the way he had gently caressed her hair to thank her. Though she did not feel shy at the bold move she made when she hugged him from behind but now she felt her face turn red at the thought of it.She could still feel the way her hands had felt on the hard muscled body.His broad back had given her a warmth that she couldn''t have expected.Never had she felt that just the smell of a male could affect her like this.She knew what she had experienced..though it was her first time.Desire.Her body had felt the electric jolt when she hugged him and she had to forcefully suppress a shiver when Ah Hai had held her hands.His hands been hard and rough as compared to her soft and small ones.He could engulf her in a one armed hug...


    In the privacy of her room,she imagined Ah Hai doing to her things that she had read in those romance books.Would he kiss her like those princes did to their princesses or would he be like those bad boys in the novels all aggression and heat.Would his lips be soft or firm when he kissed her?She thought of his thin lips and thought that they would definitely be firm.Her imagination ran wild as she placed herself in the place of all those female leads in the novels that she secretly devoured on her phone..Shaking off the naughty thoughts in her head,Shi Ai slapped her cheeks repeatedly to come out the dream world.


    As if to ruin her good mood,Ah Hai''s conditions echoed in her head and she pouted.She had no intention of dating anyone.That would be unfair to any boy she went out with since her heart would not be in it.She was going to have to break that promise.But her conscience chose that moment to speak up.Ah Hai would know she had made a false promise and even if he did not she would. How could she expect him to keep his promise if the one she made was with false intentions.Sigh!Guess she will have to find a way out to satisfy the conditions.Maybe she could ask Zhang Min.


    Think of the devil and he appeared.Just as Shi Ai was pondering over the problem there was a knock on her door.Waiting at the door was Zhang Min who had come to talk to Shi Ai.However before he could utter a word, Shi Ai had unloaded the entire problem on him asking him to suggest a way out of this hurdle.


    But never would she have imagined the answer that Zhang Min gave her.As she stared expectantly for an answer about how to get out of the promise, Zhang Min said,"Where is the problem in dating other people?"


    Shi Ai''s jaw dropped at this dunder head answer. "Min Min!What do you mean?You know I only love him.So what makes you think that I can date someone else?Do you know anyone who can compare upto him?"


    But instead of answering her,all Zhang Min was stare gravely at her.


    For the second time in a day,Shi Ai felt that feeling of foreboding to her.She knew!She knew even before he said anything,Shi Ai knew that Zhang Min was going to say something bad...

 Chapter 79 - The Harsh Reality

    Shi Ai could feel that Zhang Min was going to say something she would not like hearing.And that is what happened."If the man you claim to love is what you believe him to be,do you think he is wrong to encourage you to date others?Shi Ai, you are an innocent lamb who wants to mate with an Alpha wolf?To grow up enough to even stand in front of him,you need to grow up emotionally as well.And heartbreak is a part of the emotional growth.But you have sealed your heart in a vault and put Ah Hai''s ownership on it.Heck,this could be your only chance to get to know new people.If in the future you decide to be with Ah Hai,with his oppressive aura,do you think you will be able to socialize?Most people in society are sheep who will not come near a wolf."


    Before Zhang Min could say more,Shi Ai shouted,"I don''t care!Min Min..I don''t care if I never to talk to anyone else again if I have him.I only need him to live.He is the reason I have fought death as a kid.An eventuality that I had already accepted.Min Min, I cannot date anyone else.The thought of being with someone else makes me want to throw up.He is the only man for me.The only one I want one and need in my life,Min Min."For the first time,Zhang Min realized the sheer stubbornness that Shi Ai possessed.Just like she had been with Yao Yao,unable to hear anything against her friend,she bad  ow buried her head in the sand.But he had to try at least.In her agitation,Shi Ai had started pacing the room.Quickly grabbing hold of her arm,Zhang Min asked,"Shi Ai..Do you know what happened with those people who dared to drug you?"


    Shi Ai frowned at the abrupt change of topic and said,"Min Min,why are we talking about this?"Zhang Min refused to telk her and just said,"Bear with me and answer."Bewildered, Shi shook her head and said,"No,I don''t know.I meant to ask but I forgot.But please,Brother Ah Hai may have made them gone missing but he would not kill them so it''s ok.They will be back soon."


    Zhang Min wasted to shake his head at her naivety but stopped,reminding himself that she was one who had blind faith. "Shi Ai,they may be released but do you think they would live normally?Run your imagination as wild as you can and then know that what your *knight* has done to them is worst than that.A Knight is not just someone who protects.He is also one who kills others without asking.And don''t glorify it by saying that it was in service the country.Hebhas alreadynleft the army.What those boys deserved was punishment from the law!"


    Shi AI now understood what Zhang Min was saying.He wanted her to know and understand that Ah Hai was a cold man but she had already known that.The first time when she had seen him,he had been with his family but even then he had held himself aloof.He was cold to the bones but still she had seen his kindness.When he helped clean a little girl''s wound.When he had endured all the teasing with a smile and even when he had promised to marry her out of pity. "Zhang Min you are only seeing the dark side if him.He may be cold and it could be possible the the way he treated those boys was not lawful but do you think it was unfair or unjust?I know that his hands have blood on them and I still accept that..in fact I am even proud of it because I know that it is not the blood of the innocent."


    Shi Ai thought that she had made her point when Zhang Min''s lips lifted sideways in a small smile..but what he said next shook her world.


    "Very well Shi Ai.Let me agree that you love him and he is right for you.I will also go so far as to say that he is the perfect man with the right mix of coldness and kindness.But are you the perfect woman for him?"


    "You say he is cold but kind.Tell me ShiShi,is any child ever born cold?His punishment of those boys is not simply unlawful but bordering on sadism..do you think he was born so ruthless?A man''s circumstances are the ones that make his present.And Long Ah Hai''s past must be horrific enough to make him what he is today.You say he is a Knight..As a Knight he does not need a delicate princess by his side to protect but a sharp sword who would be arm.And a steady hand.At his side will not just be enemies but also women who who would challenge you to stay by his side.Without exposing yourself to experiences,without entangling yourself in emotional pain,do you think you will have the ability to stand by him.You are someone who is viewing the world through rose colored glasses where everything is right or wrong but it misses the biggest area of life. The greys..In the last few years all you had was one friend Yao Yao and because she was the one who approached you,you latched onto her so much so that you were blind to her faults and deceits.The harm that you caused yourself is visible to all.What do you think will happen when another white lotus like her becomes your friend and you never realize that? Will Ah Hai have to keep saving you to make up for your bad judgement of character?It would have been fine if you wanted to be with someone your age.Then you could have both experienced the life but that is  it possible in this case.As a man who is much older than you,his emotional needs are going to be much different and varied than you think.A May December relationship may sound romantic but it is an illusion.A cold man like Ah Hai needs a partner who can bring him the warmth and soothe his wounds.And a girl who is scared of emotional pain and would think a way out of the first promise he made her give, is not worthy of him."


    Shi Ai sat there blankly as every word that Zhang Min uttered,echoed in her head.She realized that for the first time in her life,shenwas being selfish.From the very beginning she had only thought of herself.Not once had she thought that what could she do for the man she loved.Even today,when she thought that he may want to be with someone else instead of wondering about his happiness her first thought had been that she would not release him.She was reating her own promise likena prison for Ah Hai.He had done so much for her without asking for anything in return.And the one time he did ask for a promise she was finding ways to get out of it within a few hours.


    Shi Ai never realized when Zhang Min got up from his seat and went to leave the room.Only as the last thing that he said struck a cord with her,"Shi Ai,you are also the perfect woman for him but you need to conquer conquer the biggest issue you have in your life, "The fear of being abandoned..You need to recognize and conquer it.Then and only then can you form a meaningful relationship with Long Ah Hai.If it helps then let me remind you that Ah Hai never abandoned you.Everytime you needed him he was there in the shadows at the back.He could have helped you from the front without hiding,but he wants you to grow.He wants you to be strong to tackle your issues."


    After saying what he had to,Zhang Min opened the door to leave but there stood his father with his hands crossed in front of his chest.Seeing him,Zhang Min gave no reaction but came out of the room and slowly closed the door behind him.It takes a great deal of strength to say harsh words to your loved ones.Much more than saying kind and encouraging words.Long Ah Hai''s untimely arrival had forced not just Shi Ai to grow up but even Zhang Min.He knew his father would have heard everything because his voice had gotten louder and Zhang Min was tempted to explain himself but he had no strength left.


    Dr Zhang stared at his son who stood there with his fists clenched and with a simple nod of his head ordered the boy to follow him.

 Chapter 80 - Grown Up

    Zhang Min hunched his shoulders as he followed his father to the man''s study.He was in for a lecture himself it seemed.Though he did not want to.He was exhausted from being so cruel to Shi Ai.His father gestured for him to sit on the small couch on the side and then poured him a small amount of baijiu in a glass and one for himself.Zhang Min looked shocked and stared at his father hard..What did he mean by this?Dr Zhang sat on the opposite side of his son and then placed his own glass with Zhang Min''s on the table.


    Dr Zhang then said,"What are you staring at the glass for,you brat!I know you are under age and I know that you have had alcohol in the past after stealing it from my cabinet with the help of your brothers and that butler."


    Zhang Min wondered if he was hallucinating because of his stress.His own father was offering him alcohol..the stickler for rules and laws was willing to break one..His dad had offered these to his brothers also and could be considered a tradition but his brothers had both been over 20 years..Zhang Min dare not touch that glass in case this was some sort of a test..


    Dr Zhang shook his head and shoved the glass into Zhang Min''s hand and picking his up raised it for a toast.Hesitatingly,Zhang Min raised his glass as well and touched it to his father''s.After that the duo drank up the baijiu in one shot.Seeing his son finish the alcohol was like a proud moment for Dr Zhang who then said,"Min Min..You have always been the youngest and the most spoilt by all of us.But you seem to have grown up the fastest.Just yesterday you were lost in your virtual games and now you are fighting to help your sister.I offered a drink to your brothers whenthey were older but you have become mature enough for me to offer you this.Tell me,do you think you were harsh with Shi Ai?"


    When Zhang Min realized the reason behind his father offering him a drink he was beyond happy but the next words brought about a strange melancholy.Zhang Min looked down at the empty glass and then like the youngster he was,poured out the entire story starting from how Long Ah Hai had tried to get Shi Ai to back off to the mess that was Yao Yao to Shi Ai''s promise and then subsequent thought to get out of it.His father was right.He had grown up too suddenly.From being confronted by the possibility of her dying to all that had he had seen.Like her,he too had been watching the world through rose colored glasses,a spectator from behind a screen.But being on the outside had helped him see the reality of the situation better. Zhang Min realized that he had yet to answer his father''s question and said,"Yes.I was harsh,father. Don''t get me wrong,she needed to hear everything I said but maybe I could''ve waited.It is only today that she discovered Yao Yao''s deception and then she had to say goodbye to her life long love so I could have been more understanding. But her refusal to look at the bigger picture infuriated me no end and I had to say something.I guess I need to apologize."


    Dr Zhang smiled at his son and for the first time felt content. His Luo Luo and him wanted to go on a world tour but they had always been worried about their youngest..Now they could be relieved.


    "Yes you do.Not for telling her the bitter truth but for hurting her and telling it so cruelly. Tomorrow will be a good time..let her absorb everything first.. "Zhang Min nodded his head and then went back to his room.He was just thankful that he had pestered his father to tell him about Long Ah Hai and Shi Ai''s history,when he came back from the hospital today.


    The photos from this morning had shaken him and so had the interaction between Shi Ai and that man.It had been like watching two different men.Though the man''s aura had remained unchanged,his actions were somehow softer as he consoled Shi Ai.So Zhang Min had been at an utter loss whether to interfere in Shi Ai''s life or not.Once Ah Hai had taken Shi Ai away,he had ran to his father with the resolve to get as much information as he could.


    Finally his determination paid off and his father relented.But when the first bullet of information was fired off he really wished he had not known..


    A few hours earlier:


    "Min Min, can you kill someone now,if need be?"Zhang Min was a little shocked at his father''s question but shook his head in a vehement no.Dr Zhang nodded and then continued, "What I am about to tell you is some fact and some speculation. I have also tried to know more about Knight these past few years but the more I know the more mysterious he becomes.Knight made his first kill at the age of eighteen years.In my experience,the hardest of the soldiers,when they make their first kill,they need time to regroup. To the fact that they have killed a human.But not Long Ah Hai. As that teenager,he not only killed a terrorist with a knife but brutally and slowly killed the entire gang.That is when he became a legend in the army.The public knowledge about Ah Hai is that he is the youngest brother of the powerful business tycoon Long Ryu.As young as fifteen years of age he was involved in some drug related scandal which was forcefully suppressed by his family.His parents died as he was a young child and has been raised by his brothers.He was recruited as the youngest cadet and that too also under pressure from his brothers. Due to his privileged entry and upbringing plus the scandal,some prejudiced officers tried to make it difficult for him to survive.The most difficult and terrifying tasks that were usually reserved for veterans were handed to him expecting him to fail.But the results were astoundingly good.He finished every task with precision and single minded focus and was soon drafted into the elites.The new team worked well and was one of our best ever weapons.But someone turned traitor and handed the entire team to the enemy on a platter.All of our best officers were killed.If everything had gone according to the traitor''s plan,then no one would have returned.But those could not have imagined,that one soldier''s determination.You have seen that scar in his face?When he had arrived at the base,one wouldn''t believe how he was even alive.The number of gun shot wounds and knife wounds,the fractured bones,the doctors were at a loss on how to even begin his treatment.Adding in the fact that his blood type was rare,the doctors had given up on saving him.But then too he survived..However,those that were responsible for what happened to him were not able to escape.Within a year of his discharge he has already slaughtered all the people involved bar one.And if I am not mistaken,that man is his next target.But at this stage,we cannot openly flaunt our link with him because that man is just as powerful.Hence Ah Hai has been forced to live in the shadows.If Shi Ai had not been in danger then Ah Hai never would have made appearance."


    Back to the present:


    "Some people were meant to create ripples where they went.", Zhang Min thought.Long Ah Hai''s entry into their lives had made him change his thinking and the way he looked at the future.Tomorrow,Zhang Min decided he would apologize to Shi Ai and then he would make her channel her thoughts towards teaching that Yao Yao a lesson.But there was one thing that he will never tell Shi Ai and that was that he truly believed that she was the best person for Long Ah Hai.Even though Zhang Min himself had cast doubt in Shi Ai''s mind,he himself firmly held confidence in her.


    Unknown to Shi Ai and Zhang Min,Ah Hai was already preparing for his mission.In the dark living room stood a man with a smooth face.He had donned a black pastor''s garb and his long hair was tied back slickly.The usual dark aura was replaced by a calmness.As if the man had an abundance of patience and kindness.Another man who stood observing this new look could only marvel at the fact that a person could even change their aura.He whistled softly and said,"Knight?Is that really you?"

 Chapter 81 - A Despicable Friend

    The next morning brought a new day in the lives of Shi Ai and Zhang Min.Shi Ai who had cried again in the night had finally woken up to reality.And in her own inimitable way was already planning a new future for herself.She had made a few promises to herself and this time she was going to be true to every one of her promise.Sometime in the dark jusr before the sun graced the world,Shi Ai had come to the conclusion that what Zhang Min had said was indeed true and she really needed to accept that.Once she had acknowledged the fact,she started thinking of a way to *grow up*.She searched within herself the reason for her blind faith and abandonment issues as Zhang Min called them.It was during this time that,tiredness took over and Shi Ai fell into a deep sleep.


    At noon,Zhang Min once again stood at Shi Ai''s door and knocked softly.In his hand was a tray of pancakes decorated like a smiley.Using strawberries for eyes and blueberries and cream for a smile, Zhang Min hoped that his little sister would also cheer up. When there was no answer from inside,Zhang Min opened the door a sliver and peeped inside.


    The scene inside made his heart ache and placing the tray on the side table went in and sat next to Shi Ai''s sleeping form. Her usually rosy face was pale and there were dark bruises under her eyes.She had kicked aside the covers in her sleep and was curled up like a little fur ball.


    Seeing her sleeping peacefully made him give a mischievous smile and taking a small handkerchief he rolled it and tickled her under the nose.She frowned in her sleep and swatted at his hand. Pulling back his hand,he did it again and this time was rewarded with an angry glare and swatting at the hands.Shi Ai who looked like an angry if bedraggled cat for having her sleep looked threateningly at Zhang Min.But just then the events of last night came rushing forward in her mind and she closed her eyes again. In that one moment,Zhang Min had seen the sadness and despair in her eyes but choosing to ignore it,he said,"Come on,get up you lazy girl.How long are you going to sleep?I am bored,so bored that I even brought your favorite pancakes for you.And you are not even looking at them!Fine!I am going to eat them by myself.I am not too fond of the toffee sauce but ...what the heck!!Zhang Min laughed at Shi Ai who had jumped out of bed and picking up the tray ran to the bathroom.."Hey!!!You can''t eat pancakes in the bathroom.Bring them out and share them with me!!!


    A muffled voice shouted from inside,"I will bring them out after brushing my teeth!But I won''t share.!


    Zhang Min laughed at the little pancake thief and hoped that today would bring about a new start.


    After a few minutes,a panda look alike Shi Ai came out with the tray and sat cross legged on the bed.She gave a soft smile at the smiley face and then turning to Zhang Min said,"Thank you,brother."


    Her clear eyes stated that she was thanking him not just for the pancakes but the words for last night.Zhang Min flicked her on the nose and said indulgently,"Come on now.Let us eat.And save our energy school tomorrow."


    Shi Ai nodded thoughtfully and continued to devour the pancake.Zhang Min looked at Shi Ai thoughtfully and hesitantly started a taboo topic,"Shi Ai..Have you thought of what to do about that Yao Yao?"


    Shi Ai looked up at Zhang Min and said,"Brother..Yao Yao has proved herelf to be a despicable friend and she needs to be taught a lesson.But I cannot stoop to her level otherwise there will be no difference between her and me.You know the saying,''There is no point in arguing with idiots.First they bring you down to their level and then beat you with experience.''She is very good at deceit whereas I have no experience with that.So I am going to roll with the dice and let her expose her true colors herself."


    Zhang Min felt relieved that Shi Ai had atleast decided to tell expose Yao Yao..He had been too worried about her forgiving nature."Shi Ai!I have a plan to teach that Yao Yao a good lesson.Are you interested?"


    Having finished her breakfast,Shi Ai carefully observed and saw the anticipatory look in Zhang Min''s eyes.It seemed that he was taking this as a game.And Yao Yao was the monster.Seeing Shi Ai''s interested look,Zhang Min stated his plan and the brother-sister duo then looked forward to the school day..


    What Shi Ai and Zhang Min could not have imagined was that Yao Yao had already made her move while Shi Ai was in the hospital.The moment Shi Ai and Zhang Min,entered the school,they could feel the atmosphere was different and weird.They could even feel that some people were whispering about certain things.Zhang Min caught the words drugs and seduce so he grabbed hold of a boy by the collar and asked him,"What is everyone talking about?"The boy who was gossiping about them did not expect to be caught so suddenly but he stuttered and pointed towards the notice board .Zhang Min let him go and moved towards the notice board.There in bold words was a notice posted, "Ms. Shi Ai,due to her use of drugs and involvement in ammoral activities,has had her scholarship revoked and suspended until further notice.The investigative committee will soon decide whether she needs to be expelled and pay a fine for damaging the school''s reputation."


    "Preposterous!",Zhang Min burst out and marched towards the Principal''s office.How could they blame her and cancel her scholarship and ruin her reputation.All the students present were covertly observing their reactions hoping to catch some more gossip and see a guilty expression on Shi Ai''s face.They were very satisfied and eager to see Zhang Min go and defend the girl thus creating a scene but Shi Ai caught hold of his arm and pulled him aside.Urgently whispering in his ear she said,"You know this is Yao Yao''s doing.There is no need to react so soon.Calm down and then we can go see the principal.They have no right to cancel my scholarship and no right to suspend me without proof.But we can only do that if we handle it rationally and calmly.They want us to make a mistake and make their work easier."


    Listening to Shi Ai,Zhang Min felt a sense of calm and nodded.They really needed to proceed carefully.The two made their way to the principal''s office and requested the secretary outside to let them see the Principal.But the secretary only pointed at a nearby couch and asked them to wait.After missung a few classes and having waited for a few hours,Shi Ai went to the secretary and asked when they could see the Principal.The secretary knew of the fiasco and sneered,"Why?Is it time for you to take your hit?Can you not see the principal is busy and has no time to talk to the likes of you.Anyway you have been sispended and cannot go to class so why don''t you just crawl back into the hole that you have come out of?"


    Shi Ai''s eyes narrowed at this attack and she resisted the urge to attack.She looked at the name board and then said,"Ms Rui.Let us not discuss things that are not pertaining to the matter at hand.Like you said,I can crawl back into a hole but if your activities are revealed then you will be without a even a hole to hide in.You see I really enjoy strolling in the woods and some noises tend to be really loud in there...You know...being a cougar is not really something to be proud of."


    Zhang Min who was about to get angry having heard thesecretary felt his eyes widen at the counter attack.He could not believe his ears!Did Shi Ai really threaten Ms Rui?And seeing the sweat break out and the terrified expression of Mrs Rui made him believe that Shi Ai was telling the truth!It seems Ms Rui had been seducing young under age boys...


    Though Ms Rui recovered from the shock,she knnew that her cover had been blown so she decided to attack Shi Ai and getting up from her chair,intended to slap her and raised her hand.

 Chapter 82 - Shi Ai 2.0

    "THWACK."


    The sound echoed in the otherwise silent room as Ms. Rui''s hand descended to slap Shi Ai.But the sound was not that of a slap rather it was how her hand was met with Shi Ai''s who had used the secretary''s own momentum to push her away and step back herself, causing the secretary to lose her balance.


    Seeing this scene,Zhang Min subtly pinched himself to confirm that he had not fallen asleep and was in fact not dreaming..Did his words have so much power that Shi Ai had turned so ferocious overnight? Or had some aliens kidnapped the original Shi Ai?


    The secretary''s hand had turned a bright red from the impact and was throbbing greatly and she frowned heavily at Shi Ai while supporting her hand with the other one, "How dare you attack a school staff like that? I will have you arrested for assault!"


    Just then the door to the Principal''s room opened and a short man with a bald head stood in the doorway frowning at the scene.In a sour voice he asked,"What is all this ruckus about?Ms Rui,who are these people and why are they creating a scene here?" The secretary sent a sneering look at Shi Ai and explained,"Sir.This is the student that was suspended this morning.She has been making a fuss here and when I tried to suggest that she leave,she threatened and attacked me viciously." The secretary then trembled pitifully and soon there were tears in her eyes.The Principal was angry at this and consoled his secretary while scolding,"Ms Shi! You have already been suspended and are under review to be expelled! Still instead of thinking over your mistakes and repenting,you dare to do this!How insolent!Let me warn you,I have already revoked your scholarship and will offer it to another more deserving student!So you better be prepared to earn your way or go to a lower class school because out school does not tolerate this behavior!"


    Zhang Min never had much interaction with the Principal apart from having heard some speeches but seeing him talk now,he decided that the principal was a wuss.Once again Zhang Min prepared to be the big brother and tell them that his father would pay for her but the new Shi Ai  2.0 beat him to it.In an ironic voice she continued, "I had no idea that Principal Jung was changing his name to Madam Long."


    The principal frowned fiercely at Shi Ai and even Zhang Min looked confused. "Have you lost your mind, girl?What nonsense are you spouting about changing names?"


    The crying secretary had also stopped to observe if this girl had somehow lost her senses.Maybe they should call the people from a mental asylum instead of the investigative committee..But Shi Ai just explained,"Principal Jung,my scholarship is not something that you can make a decision on. You see my scholarship is offered by Lance Inc.,a company independent of the school and the trust that handles this scholarship is managed by Madam Alicia Long.So until and unless you are Madam Long, you cannot decide on my scholarship. Now let me address you on the matter of my suspension. If I am not provided with proper evidence of my so called law breaking and immoral activities then I will take issue with the school and not sit quietly."


    The principal had not expected Shi Ai to threaten the school. Actually they had no proof whatsoever about Shi Ai''s activities.But she had seemingly offended a couple of the higher ups and naturally they wanted her gone.Considering the fact that she was an orphan,the principal had assumed that it would be simple enough to get rid of the girl. But he was an experienced man and knew when a person was bluffing.So,he decided to call her bluff."Girl Shi.You can do and protest as you wish but let me tell you the school is not bound to give you any explanations. And the scholarship that you are being so proud of, I have already informed the representative of Lance Inc. and they are going to send someone to revoke the scholarship. Now I suggest you leave the school premises or we will call the police and charge you with forceful entry and assault. We have no space for riff raff like you here."


    Before Shi Ai could reply, a sage voice sounded,"Well said,Principal Jung. People like her need to be shown their place.Getting into elite schools and then trying to work their way into rich kid''s beds..Preposterous..Girls like her create a bad name for the entire female race. Do you think that by seducing Dr Zhang,you can hold your place here?He is a respectable man so this school has given you a chance and to give him face, we are organising the investigative committee or else you would have been expelled and thrown out already.!"


    The Principal''s tone had changed completely when he next spoke, "Lord Cheng!How are you doing and how is master Qiu Cheng?Has he recovered from his ordeal.Poor child,he went to a normal social gathering and got entangled with such people..."


    The momentarily confused Zhang Min and Shi Ai now recognized the older man as Cheng Qiu''s father,the main person behind the entire execution of the plot to drug girls.


    Shi Ai had been quiet as the man had verbally attacked her and had even stopped Zhang Min when the ''Lord'' had dragged his father into it. But now she knew why all this was happening..it seemed she had offended the powerful lord.


    Lord Cheng paused in his step as the principal asked after Cheng Qiu.He knew his son was the one at fault as he had done similar things in the past as well but he was the light of his life and only heir so Lord Cheng had no option but to protect him.However this time,his son had gone missing for five days and when he returned,the first thing he did was pack his bags and cry to leave the city.Lord Cheng had never let his son suffer so when he saw how miserable his son was,he had relented.But inside Lord Cheng had raged and if this girl''s friend Yao Yao had not called him and told about this Shi Ai''s nefarious plan to catch his son,then Cheng Qiu his child would have been here with his father!


    Since Shi Ai was the reason that Cheng Qiu ran from this country and away from him,he was going to force this girl to leave as well!


    Lord Cheng frowned at the Principal and answered,"Yes,he is doing better now.He is recovering slowly.But I promise that those who are responsible for this will be made to pay."Lord Cheng turned to stare directly at Shi Ai as he said this.


    The two old men were about to proceed towards the Principal''s office when Zhang Min could not keep quiet anymore,bursting out,"Of course it was an ordeal for poor baby Cheng Qiu.Shi Ai should have quietly laid down and let him and his friends ra** her!How dare the police or someone else intervene!Lord Cheng,it is because of fathers like you,that the entire fatherhood is looked down upon!You should be grateful that Shi Ai did not die and they got off lightly. But instead of being grateful, the esteemed Principal sir and you decide to torture the victim herself.Well let me tell you, you can do all you want but until and unless you are able to prove Shi Ai''s guilt,we are not moving from here!"


    Now that Zhang Min knew this was a conspiracy he was adamant that he would not allow anyone to bully Shi Ai.


    The Principal was fed up of all the arguing and threatened,"Look Zhang Min,you are a bright boy with a shiny future so don''t entangle yourself with all this and go back to your classes and friends.The school is not answerable to you.And who do you think you even are to ask questions!Ms Rui!Call the security guards and have these people thrown out!"


    Principal Jung and Lord Cheng waited for the security to arrive but before Ms Rui could make the call a cool voice drawled,"What a wonderful way of teaching this school has. Principal Jung is this how everything is taught in your school?If a student asks a question,are you not supposed to answer but must throw them out? How interesting. But as it happens I would also like  answers to these questions. And before you decide to use the same approach of calling security guards on me,I would advise you not to, because neither of you can afford to offend me."

 Chapter 83 - Big Sister

    "TSK tsk..what a troublesome school policy of throwing kids out."Everyone was shocked at the new person''s entry. Principal Jung frowned at the man who had just entered the office.He was dressed casually in a white shirt and rugged blue denims. The man''s attire screamed casual, yet his aura bespoke of a powerful person. The Philippe patek watch on his hand was enough to show his money. Sadly, Principal Jung failed to recognize the man and asked rudely,"Who are you?"


    The man smiled suavely and said, "As I said,I am someone you cannot afford to be rude to. But it seems you do not understand.That is no problem I can introduce myself.My name is Matt Long and I am here on the behest of Lance Inc."


    The name Long reverberated through the office. No one in country A would fail to recognize the Long name.The owners of Lance Inc. Were the Long Brothers and it was a known fact that the entire economy of many countries depended on them.They were the biggest players in the ocean. But no one would believe that Matt Long would look like this.


    He most shocked to see this person was Zhang Min.After Shi Ai''s new changes,when he had seen this man,Zhang Min had been sure that he had entered an alternate reality. Because standing in front of him had been the grim reaper but not the grim reaper...This man had blonde hair with mint blue streaks! Zhang Min would have surely fainted if the man had said his name was Ah Hai...But since they had the same face and surname,Zhang Min came to the conclusion that he must be the grim reaper''s brother.


    Principal Jung and Lord Cheng''s attitude saw a sudden drastic change as the man introduced himself. Principal Jung was almost falling over himself to welcome the man. He invited Matt Long inside but the man ignored him and turned to look at Shi Ai.


    Shi AI had stood frozen to the side as she had seen the new man.She too had been dazed as if seen a ghost.In reality she had also almost mistaken Matt for Ah Hai. It was only after he had spoken that she come to her senses. She remembered that they were four brothers but she had no impression of this man. But seeing him here gave her the reassurance she needed desperately. Though she had been standing and arguing here fiercely,inside she had been a trembling mess.


    When Matt Long''s eyes fell on Shi Ai, his eyes softened marginally and with a small smile he said, "So you are the little girl who has put the  big shots in a spin."


    Though Matt indicated he was talking about the two old men,he actually meant his younger brother who had called him in the middle of his mission and ordered him here. Matt vaguely remembered the little Shi Ai from his brother''s marriage but he had not known that Ah Hai had kept in touch with the girl. Seeing her reaction to his face he was pretty sure that she had recently seen his brother. Matt had not been pleased to come to the city from his hideout to rescue a little girl because of his brother but seeing the girl stand for herself had made him interested on this occasion.


    Without waiting for Shi Ai''s reply,Matt Long turned to the principal and gestured for them to move inside while telling Zhang Min and Shi Ai to follow him. The principal wanted to object but had to bite back his tongue when Matt Long looked at him with raised eyebrows. Principal Jung went inside and so did Lord Cheng,Matt Long,Shi Ai and Zhang Min..While the Principal and Lord Cheng made their way towards the big oak table,Matt Long went towards the small couches placed on the side and gestured for Zhang Min and Shi Ai to sit next to him.


    Wanting to establish his rule over his domain, Principal Jung kept on going towards his chair and Lord Cheng sat on the other side. Having sat where he wanted to,Principal Jung said," Mr Long, why don''t you come to the table and we can discuss everything.This is a better place. Matt Long continued to lounge and said," Principal Jung!What is there to talk about? I am very clear on what happened. You are the ones who need to understand.But do not worry the one that has to talk will be here soon."


    Just then the precious Ms Rui knocked on the door and said in a meek voice," Sir,there is a Ms Su here.She says she is here to meet you on behalf of Lance Inc. and is with Matt Long."


    Matt Long gave a charming smile and said,"Please let her in Ms Rui. Principal Jung wishes to talk and I don''t like talking..Ms Su Jinyan on the other hand loves to talk so she can do that." Ms Rui looked confused at Principal Jung as the man who had just ordered her leaned back on the couch and closed his eyes..Principal Jung nodded and soon Ms Su. was escorted inside.


    Zhang Min looked on amazed as Matt Long continued to lounge on the sofa as if he was sleeping and the Principal Jung looked more and more flustered by the minute. He needed to take pointers.


    Ms Su looked over at the side where her boss was lounging and then smiled at Principal Jung and Lord Cheng. Ms Su was a small woman with an ordinary looking,slightly rounded figure.Her hair was held up in a tight bun and she looked like a very strict teacher. But her voice when she spoke was extremely pleasing and soft.."Hello gentlemen.My name is Su Jianian and I am here to discuss the terms of Ms Shi''s scholarship. Principal Jung, your office has filed a complaint with us that due to Ms Shi Ai''s immoral conduct you wish to cancel her scholarship and offer the same to a deserving student.Am I correct?"


    Principal Jung smiled smugly in Shi Ai and Zhang Min''s direction and then nodded," Yes Ms Su. That is correct. We deplore such behavior and would like to expel such a problematic student and set an example for the future miscreants. You see we are a reputable school and cannot let such people stay here."


    Ms Su. nodded understandingly and said,"I understand. but before we decide on this matter we would like to know what misdeed Ms Shi Ai has actually done. Since the scholarship is run from the personal earnings of the Long''s,the decision rests with Mrs Alicia Long and we must file a report with her."


    Principal Jung nodded and immediately began to explain," Ms Shi organized a party last week and nvited all her fellow students. The students were all underage and yet,Ms Shi had the restaurant serve alcohol by bribing them. She then brought drugs into the party to seduce the young boys and blackmail them.But the restaurant management filed a complaint with the police as they did not want drugs on their premises. In order to save herself,she took an overdose of drugs and was even admitted in the hospital because of that while the rest of the innocent students were harassed by the police. Most of the kids are traumatized because of this and all the parents have been ringing the school constantly and pressing the school to take action. We could have directly expelled her but to be fair we decided to set an investigative committee."


    While Principal Jung had explained Shi Ai''s misdeeds, Zhang Min had been getting agitated and was about to jump up from the couch to protest but Matt along caught him by the wrist and without opening his eyes muttered," Watch kid..Watch and learn."


    This caused Zhang Min to frown.This man looked like a useless ''punk'' to him. Why did he come if he just wanted to sleep in the Principal''s office.


    Ms.Su on the other hand was nodding sympathetically with the Principal. "I understand, Principal Jung. One rotten apple is enough to spoil the entire lot. Alright, now according to your other wishes, you suggest that the scholarship be transferred to another more deserving student. Would you like to suggest someone?"


    Principal Jung thought of names but he could not think of any outstanding student at the top of his head. Just then Lord Cheng intervened and suggested, "There is another girl who is much more deserving. She is from a privileged family so she does not need the money but she deserves a reward for exposing a girl like her. Her name is Yao Yao."


    Shi Ai,who had been sitting quietly until now clenched her fingers in her lap. Yao Yao! Just how had she ever wronged Yao Yao that she had played such a game with her! She had thought that what Yao Yao had done the other  night was enough but it seemed that Yao Yao was not satisfied. She wanted to torture Shi Ai as much as she could.

 Chapter 84 - Ms. Su

    Ms. Su heard everything very calmly agreeing with the older men about everything they said. Zhang Min was getting agitated by the minute as he heard and even Shi Ai had started to feel the jitters. Matt Long on the other hand seemed to have fallen asleep on the couch.. Just as Zhang Min was about to lose his cool,Ms Su started to talk. Her voice was still pleasant and soft but now it was as if there was steel in it. "Principal Jung and Lord Cheng, let me explain the terms of this scholarship and trust to you and then we can talk about the other candidate. As you may know,the trust is under the care of Madam Alicia Long and is at present supporting the education of more than a thousand students. But this scholarship is different from all others. First, it was created for the orphans of an orphanage that Madam Long supported. Second, it is unique in the aspect that it supports the children from there in all aspects and not just studies. So of a student decided to not study but rather work,then thebtrust helps them find work. If they wish to run a business, even then support is provided. So it is a very comprehensive trust with the main of getting a child ready for society."


    Principal Jung nodded in appreciation and said," That is very commendable of the Long''s.They really do care for society." Principal Jung looked towards Matt Long to see if the man was listening to the praise but all he got in answer was a light snore. Principal Jung was infuriated at this blatant insult but had to sit quietly.


    Ms. Su smiled once again and continued," As I was saying,the trust helps the children in the best way they can. Since Ms Shi Ai is under it''s care and this is a difficult situation,this is how we are going to proceed," We will wait for the school to set up an impartial investigative committee. Once the investigation is complete,we will require all evidence in support of the investigation. The school has presently suspended Ms Shi, if it is proved that she is innocent then the school is required to follow a proper procedure and apologize.We can begin this by taking down Ms Shi''s suspension notice following the rule innocent until proven guilty."


    Principal Jung frowned at this,protesting," Ms Su.I don''t understand. We were just discussing a qualified student to pass on the scholarship to.And now you are talking about all this.."


    It was time to show her real teeth decided Ms Su.With a cold smile she spelled out what she was saying," I am so sorry.I did not know that Principal Jung was slow to catch onto things.Let me explain clearly. Our trust has been created like a family and we protect our own.From what we have researched and what you have told us,we have very different accounts of the incident that took place.So,like a family,if what you say is true then we will accept the decision and punishment the school meets out.But in the same context,if we see a member of our family facing injustice then we will also not hesitate in getting them legal aid.If in the next fifteen minutes,that notice in the school lobby is not taken down and apology not put up,you will be sued for defamation and derogatory comments against a minor,false allegation and mental harassment of said minor.In the five minutes after that we would like to see a notice about the investigation of all students involved in the incident and a statement that Ms Shi''s suspension has been lifted until the investigative committee submits it''s report."


    Having made her stance clear,Ms Su quietly folded her hands in her lap like a woman from the Victorian era and smiled patiently as if she had not just threatened the school.


    Principal Jung was speechless and could only bluster with this threat.Zhang Min and Shi Ai who had been rendered to the backseat could also feel the chills from Miss Su. Zhang Min wondered if Ms. Su had played video games..She would definitely be a dastardly opponent.


    After a few moments of charged silence, Principal Jung regained his senses and angrily bit out, "Who do you think you are? What action the school takes and the way it goes about it is up to the school and it''s board of directors. What makes you think that you can dictate anything to the school. Preposterous!! Lance Inc. and it''s people may be powerful but they are not above the school or above the law! And you dare threaten us!"


    Principal Jung was now agitatedly standing while banging his hands on the table. He couldn''t believe that these people from the company would actually threaten him. He tries to use his stance to intimidate this Miss Su but before he could say something more a droll lazy voice sounded again,"Mr Principal,were you a crow in the previous incarnation?"


    "The sleeping beauty, Mr Matt Long had seemingly woken up! Wonderful..",thought Zhang Min..And he was dreaming of crows it seemed. Principal Jung had by now turned mute and one could almost see the steam rising out of his ears. Matt Long who had no idea how aggravating he was being,continued,"Principal Jung you caw a lot!And I really hate that nasal crow sound you are making.Disturbing my sleep.Ms Su,you have explained everything to Principal Jung?"


    Ms. Su nodded primly and said,"Yes Sir.But it looks like Principal Jung is not agreeable."


    Matt Long turned back to Principal Jung and furrowing his brows asked," Not agreeable? Principal Jung.What is the matter?I thought the matter was pretty simple,you either apologize and conduct a proper investigation of the incident or I will conduct a new investigation regarding accepting of bribes by you in this school."


    Principal Jung''s expression was now so comical that Zhang Min and Shi Ai were having a hard time controlling their laughter.Oh!How the tables had turned.. At this time Lord Cheng was the one who spoke," Mr Long!What is the meaning of threatening an upstanding individual.Also the school''s chairman and board of directors are responsible for the Principal and you have no say in this.I am a member of the School Board and not Lance Inc.!"


    Matt Long turbed to look accusingly at Miss Su who then said sheepishly,"Sorry Mr Long.I had not gotten to that part yet.You were resting and if I had shown this earlier then your sleep would have been disturbed sooner..Nodding Matt Long turned to the two old men and said,"Lord Cheng,you are the only other member of board this school has.Rest of them have all resigned and sold their shares to me."


    This time Matt Long sat next to Miss Su and waited for the file that Miss Su held out to be passed to Lord Cheng who snatched the file in a split second. In that file were the signed resignations of all the old members as well as rights transfer certificates. Principal Jung now broke out in a cold sweat and simply flopped down on his own chair. It looked like the weight of the world had fallen on his shoulders.


    Seeing this Matt Long just smiled and said,"Principal,your five minutes are already up.You have ten left. We will be nearby and come in ten minutes.Alright?"


    After having said what he wanted to say,Matt Long turned around and left the room whistling. Miss Su,polite to the core,bowed a bit before saying goodbye.She also gestured for Zhang Min and Shi Ai to follow them.


    Shi Ai and Zhang Min made their escape and followed Miss Su to go to Matt Long. After exiting the school gate,they found Matt Long in a small soup restaurant. Matt Long grinned at them and asked,"So,what did you guys think of my performance?"


    Shi Ai and Zhang Min looked at each other before Zhang Min nodded and said,"It was like watching a drawing room comedy..And the best performance was where you pretended to sleep."


    Matt was offended at that and said poutingly,"I was not acting.I really did enjoy a nap. But remember that Life is a drawing room comedy and we must catch up our sleep when we can! What profound lines I just said.Well done Matt!"


    Shi Ai: ".."


    Zhang Min:".."


    Miss Su: "He is always like that." *shaking her head internally*


    Matt:"Anyways,my job here is done. This problem will have been solved in the next few minutes. And my next job was to introduce Miss Su to you.So Zhang Min and Shi Ai this is your new trainer Miss Su that Ah Hai told you about and Miss Su this is Zhang Min and Shi Ai-your new punching bags..I mean students.."

 Chapter 85 - Big Sister Su

    "Miss Su..this is Zhang Min and Shi Ai,your new punching bags..I mean students.."With this cryptic statement Matt Long was ready to bid goodbye. He had fulfilled the request set forth by his little brother to introduce Miss Su to the kids. But before he left,he had a mission of his own. So,he turned to Shi Ai and observed her carefully as she stood straight while greeting Miss Su. Matt''s stare caused Shi Ai to look in his direction and smile. Matt gave a small smile back and waited for Miss Su to finish her introduction,"Student Min and Student Ai, I have agreed to take over the training for your physical fitness as well as teaching you the strategic games. This morning was a test and all I can say is that at least you people have the good sense to know when to keep your mouths shut. From tomorrow,I will begin your physical training so you be prepared. Dr. Zhang and Mrs. Zhang will have by now left for a holiday on our request so you will be under my guardianship until their return so plase do not aggravate me or you will really be sorry."


    Zhang Min was dreading the training,From their introduction as being punching bags,he could actually imagine being hung upside down a tree branch and being used for the purpose of punching.He shuddered at the thought. He was physically fit becaue of the sports he played but he did not think that is what Miss Su meant..And from what he had seen of her until now,Miss Su did not look scary but it was only to fool you.The woman even threatened people as if she was discussing a slight change in the weather!


    Shi Ai on the other hand was nodding quietly to everything being said. She knew that Ah Hai must have asked his brother to arrange everything and she did not want to seem ungrateful though she was also feeling very apprehensive inside.Satisfied that she had sufficiently explained her stance,Ms Su retreated and sat back demurely.Seeing his chance,Matt made his move,"Miss Shi Ai,why don''t we take a small walk outside in the fresh air and Zhang Min and Miss Su can wait hereand order some soup."


    Shi Ai had a mind to thank Matt Long already so seeing this as her chance,she nodded and hurriedly got up from her chair. Zhang Min wanted to protest.What fresh air!They had only just come inside. And soup..He knew for sure he would land in the hot soup if he made the tiniest movement..


    Outside the soup restaurant:


    Matt Long took hold of Shi Ai''s hand and wound his arm around hers. Shi Ai,who had been about to thank him was a little non plussed as she was not used to skinship so Matt took his chance and spoke first,"Little sister..growing up is tough and the partner you have chosen for yourself requires you to be the toughest. Think of these times as an obstacle race and you only have to finish the race to win. And little Shi,remember always that you always have family here. My contact details are with Miss Su and I have already asked her to pass them to you and Zhang Min. And remember there will be times when the devil in you will say that whatever you do I''d not enough but remember this that you are a diamond who is only being polished so that you can shine the brightest."


    With that, Matt Long let go of Shi Ai and stepped back.Shi Ai wanted to say thank you but her words were caught in her throat. But her eyes spoke the words she couldn''t and Matt Long accepted them with a nod.


    Just when she thought that he was about to leave,he turned around and taking hold if her wrist,placed something on it that he had just taken out of his pocket. Shi Ai looked down and saw a delicate rose gold watch on her wrist which Matt Long was now deftly locking in place. When she thought to protest and refuse he have her a silly grin and pouted effiminately, "This is a first time gift from your big brother so you cannot refuse it.And I want you to keep it on you always!Promise?"


    Shi AI nodded once again and this time Matt Long smilingly patted her head and went away around the soup place.Shi Ai was left wondering if her neck had by any chance been replaced with a spring. She could almost feel her neck muscles ache because of all the head bobbing she had done. She looked down at the pretty watch with the little diamonds inside and smiled happily to herself.Her family was getting bigger and bigger. With a spring in her step,she made her way back to the soup restaurant unaware of the fact that her interaction had been observed by a pair of seething hateful eyes.


    When Shi Ai returned to the table, Miss Su was sipping her soup while Zhang Min was staring at the soup as if it were poison. Only when he saw Shi Ai did it look like he had found an antidote as well.


    With a murmured thank you,she took her seat and started to sip her own soup quietly. Unknown to the two youngsters, miss Su had been observing them and she did not fail to  notice the new addition of the watch on Shi Ai''s hand. Her eyebrows rose quietly at this but she said nothing.


    Once the soup was over alongwith the stipulated time given to the school,she once again instigated a conversation. "Miss Shi and Master Zhang, you can now address me as Sister Jinyan. Since that is my name. As I said we will begin our studies tomorrow with physical training after which you will be coming to school on foot. After school, we will be having strategy meetings and then self defense training. For now I will help you focus on your current nemesis,I guess her name is Ms Yao and then you will be presented with new challenges each week. If you think the training is going to be difficult,then you are thinking wrong.The training is going to be deadly with only the beginners level being difficult. I cannot make you as perfect as me but I will make you be the best to your ability and that means that I will be taking into account Ms Shi''s health as well.At the end of your training,you will have to clear tests set by the fop who just left and if you think it will be easy then let me warn you that man is twisted. Zhang Min,yes I am referring to Matt Long as the fop,so clear that expression off your face. Matt Long is a genius and remember ''genius'' is just another word for crazy. Now please go to your respective classes. You guys talk tol much."


    Shi Ai :"..."


    Zhang Min: "..." (But we never said a word)


    And both had been dismissed after being accused falsely..Miss Su just rolled her eyes and snorted,"I am talking about the internal monologue you have going on Zhang Min. It''s too loud."


    Once again when Zhang Min and Shi Ai entered the school gates,they could feel the gazes and stares of students but this time they were of amazement.Just what had Shi Ai done to make the school retract their previous notice and pin an apology to the notice board. The rest of the day then passed relatively peacefully..


    The ''fop'' who had just finished his task typed out a message as soon as he was out of sight, into the phone," Mission successful! She now has a tracking device on her wrist. Happy now?Good..take care of yourself."


    After having done that,Matt Long shook his head full of colorful bangs left the area whistling an upbeat song but his eyes suddenly turned cold.


    Because someone had been following him. This was why he had even pretended to come this far walking. Knowing that an alleyway was right around the corner, he walked leisurely straight into the alley waiting for the person tailing him to follow him here.Which she did..What Yao Yao did not know was that she had just created a trap for herself to be caught in..because the moment she turned into the alley,there were no cameras to keep an eye on what happened to her.This was why Yao Yao found herself pressed face first into a wall with a man pressing behind her and her hands twisted behind her back.A creepy voice then whispered in her ears., "To what do I owe the pleasure of Miss Yao following me?"

 Chapter 86 - Help Me

    With her hands held behind her back and her face pressed against the wall,Yao Yao tried to escape but was unable to move. A creepy voice then whispered in her ear, "To what do I owe the pleasure of Ms Yao following me?"


    Yao Yao who had been struggling until now to get free stilled at this..This was no random attack.This man even knew her name. A little scared now,she stuttered,"Who are you?"


    The man tightened his hold on her wrist and said,"Who I am is not the point,Ms Yao.The point is why were you following me and what I am going to do about that?"


    Yao Yao struggled desperately to get out of his escape but it was no use.She could not even budge an inch. Finally,she threatened,"Let me go or I will scream."


    This caused Matt to let out a low laugh and he said in a growl,"Ms Yao,you would have screamed already if you wanted to do that.But for whatever reason, you have decided to follow me and are under the false assumption that I am not dangerous. So for the last time,tell me why you are following me or I will make sure you are not able to talk for sometime."


    Thoroughly terrified,Yao Yao started to babble," You are Shi Ai''s ''knight'' aren''t you?I have seen her drawings and apart from the hair,you have the same jaw and face structure. I just wanted to know more about you.I am her friend after all. You are also the one who is responsible for the school not expelling her. I think that she has told you about me. She is not very sociable and I am her only friend. So I know about everyone in her life."


    Matt was tempted to gag after he heard Yao Yao claim friendship with Shi Ai. He had heard the entire police conversation she had about Shi Ai with the detective. If this was a friend then one would not need enemies.


    Pretending to go along her claim,Matt loosened his hold on her and asked,"If you were curious,you could have just asked Shi Ai when you spied on us.There was no need to follow me,was there?" Matt had known that Yao Yao had been seeing them when he gave Shi Ai the watch. So he decided to put her in a spot.


    But Yao Yao was always a quick thinker and she had already formulated a story which she now told Matt,much to his amusement,"I wanted to tell you something.Shi Ai is cheating on you. There is a senior boy in our school.His name is Zhang Min and they claim they are cousin brother and sister.But that is only for looks as the school does not allow romantic entanglements.I never said anything because I thought that the ''knight'' was a figment of her imagination. And I could see that Zhang Min and Shi Ai were doing well. She had stabilized from her aggressive nature.But now I know that you are real,I could not stop myself. I can see that you are older than her and probably richer. Please be aware she just wants to use you to be her sugar daddy. She calls you Knight so you must have been good to her and she is using your kindness against you!"


    As Matt heard this explanation,he almost did a slow clap for the girl. She would make an excellent story writer. Within a few minutes and with a few words,she had turned a simple innocent Shi Ai into a conniving gold digger. What talent this Yao Yao girl possessed.


    Well,since the girl wanted to be a busybody and waste her time who was he to object? So, Matt let go of her hand and stood back a step with his arms crossed in front of his chest. He was pleased to see the marks he had left on the girl. It was little suffering compared to what Shi Ai had suffered because of her.


    It took a moment for Yao Yao to realize that her hands had been let off. Bringing them to the front,she realized that they were all red with clear finger prints on her wrists. Her shoulders screamed in pain as they had been held in an uncomfortable position for too long.. She slowly brought a hand upto her cheek and winced when she felt the scrapes and scratches on her cheek from being pressed against a rough wall. Her eyes were filled with tears and she looked at Matt in a mixture of accusation and reproach as if silently telling him to have not been rough with her.


    Ignoring her Matt continued in a somewhat anxious voice,"Do you have any proof? You say you are her friend,yet here you are sabotaging her. Shouldn''t you be supporting her? You same the real me only today and already decided to help me?What about confronting your ''friend first? You could''ve tried to talk her out of it. Tell  me Ms Yao,why did you not do that but rather came to look for me? And don''t friends cover for friends?" Matt then looked lewdly at Yao Yao giving her a once over before saying, " Or is it that you want a sugar daddy for yourself? Because if that is the case,I am willing to consider you,after you prove that Shi Ai and Zhang Min are really a couple. And Shi ai is cheating on me."


    The gaze that Matt had subjected her to would have given any girl the creeps but Yao Yao was excited by it. He could feel a wave of disgust spread through him at the arousal in her eyes. The girl was not even eighteen yet but the filth in her was too much..Were all the younger generation girls really like this?


    Yao Yao felt the change in the man as his stance turned colder and she felt a shiver run through her. Trying to come across as a shy girl,she immediately lowered her lashes and claimed,"No no..I don''t want a..a sugar daddy.I did not mean that.I just felt that a handsome man like you must be treated well instead of shabbily like Shi Ai is treating you. And I have tried to talk to her in the past about her promiscuous ways,she is used to changing boyfriends like an person changes socks! Others have been hurt by her. Her last boyfriend was a boy called Cheng Qiu and he was so hurt by her cheating ways that he chose to leave the school and waste a year than stay here and be in pain. I..you can give me your number and I will get you the proof that Shi Ai is not a good girl!"


    Matt looked at her thoughtfully as if considering what she had just said. After a minute,he warned,"No..I will give you four days worth time.After four days,you will come here with the proof. Let me tell you if you dare to come without proof, you will leave with proof of my viciousness.And now scamper from here before I change my mind and leave you here as food for dogs." Frightened,Yao Yao escaped at the speed of lightning.


    As Matt Long watched the disappearing back,he could not help but wonder. He knew there were people who liked to bully and derived pleasure from it. There were sadists who got off on hurting others.But they usually had more than one target victim or at least there should have been some instances like these in the past. Or even if Yao Yao was just a bored rich girl, why was she so willing to stoop so low? Had Shi Ai hurt her unknowingly to incur such hatred. Or was the girl being instigated by someone else. Matt took out his phone and sent the recording he had just done to Su Jianan with the instructions to pass it to Shi Ai and Zhang Min. He also decided to let Miss Su know his own observations about this matter. Something was fishy but what?


    But once he had passed the matter to Miss Su,he put away the matter to rest. His little brother had fallen for the little girl even if he was not yet aware of it. Because ever since that woman who had been Ah Hai''s *friend* had betrayed him, Ah Hai had not treated any woman with kindness. Not even his elder sisters in laws, Alicia and Mi Rae had been given any consideration other than being their brother''s wives.


    A long sigh escaped Matt. He guessed he was he only brother who had to yet to feel love..A pair of faint smiling eyes flashed in his head but he did  ot who they belonged to. Putting his hands in the pocket of his jeans, Matt kicked a pebble lightly as he walked the road to his humble abode. A lonely figure..

 Chapter 87 - End of Yao Yao (1)

    Su Jianan was working on her report to send it to Long Ah Hai when she received the recording that Matt had made. After listening to Matt Long''s theory,she was also curious to get to know more about this Yao Yao.From what she heard about Shi Ai''s and Zhang Min''s plan,she was satisfied that her new students at least understood the basics of strategizing and were not totally dumb in that area. She had been hesitant in taking them under her wing and had directly refused Long Ah Hai when he had emailed her. But that man was good at using under handed techniques and knew that she would not be able to say no to Matt so he used his brother to make her agree. And now it seemed their main nemesis was leveling up her game.


    Sighing,she picked up her phone and sent a message to Shi Ai and Zhang Min to come to her room. She had taken over the biggest guest room on the first floor in the Zhang household much to the vexation of Uncle Chu-the butler who insisted in a stoic way that the room was reserved.Who it was reserved for he wouldn''t tell her so she did what she wanted. Once they were here,she would play the new recording. She wanted to see the reaction Shi Ai had after more betrayal.


    For now,she was going to teach them physical training and self defense techniques but from what she understood though Zhang Min came across as emotionally mature and perceptive, he would need more emotional build up than Shi Ai.


    Zhang Min and Shi Ai knocked on Sister Su''s door in the evening,the moment they were home. Zhang Min had never feared entering a room in his own home as he did now. A polite,"come in: was commanded from inside. The two looked at each other and went inside.


    Shi Ai was amazed at the room which had been transformed. Gone was the dresing table and in it''s place was a big magnetic white board with all kinds of diagrams and quotes..A small round table was scattered with many papers and an open laptop in the middle.The french doors which opened to a small balcony that was now covered with yoga mats and even a punching bag hung on a hook. Shi Ai thought that this place probably looked like a police strategy room. But before she could take more flights of fancy about the room, Yao Yao''s voice echoed in the room,"I am Shi Ai''s friend.."


    Shi Ai stilled and sat in a nearby chair as she heard the entire conversation between Matt Long and Yao Yao. After the conversation, Su Jianan narrated all of what Matt had messaged her and waited for Shi Ai''s reaction. She sat there still without any movement while her blank eyes stared straight ahead. Zhang Min was getting worried when she finally broke into a cold smile that sent chills through Zhang Min and impressed even Miss Su. She then said," Yao Yao does not seem to remember that others can lie as well.And she has a really bad habit of talking too much.She probably thinks that I never heard all the things she has spouted for the past few years. Zhang Min, we need to make a change to our timeline.Instead of tomorrow,let''s start now."


    Within a few minutes,Shi Ai had made a call to the one person who was Yao Yao''s achilles heel and struck a deal with him. The next person to receive her call was Yao Yao''s father who received an anonymous tip from Zhang Min that his daughter was involved in illegal activities. Mr yao planned to stand for the local elections this year and could not let his beloved daughter put a blemish on that. And knowing the fact that she had been taken in recently for questioning,he was worried and tried to hurry back from overseas,where he had gone for his business.


    The stage was now set and only the lead actress and villian were missing. Shi Ai,then made a phone call to Yao Yao who answered on the first ring.Before Shi Ai could say a word,the best actress spoke about,"Shi Ai!How are you girl?I have been so worried for you.We''d partied together but suddenly the police had arrested us!You know my father,he grounded me so I did not even know how you ere doing?And then,when I went to school today,everybody was gossiping about how you had used drugs! I wanted to ask you but I felt so bad. And then there was the suspension notice.I am glad that someone had that turned over for you.Do you know who did that?"


    Shi Ai''s expression had gotten colder than the arctic as she heard Yao Yao''s fake concern. Zhang Min was pretty sure that in the future, Shi Ai and Ah Hai were going to freeze anyone who dared to oppose them and gain their enmity. Shi Ai could clearly hear the slight gloating and digging for information in her voice. She cursed herself for being deaf all this while. How had she never realized this undertone in Yao Yao''s voice? Had she been so desperate for a friend?


    Thought Shi Ai''s expression was cold, her voice was the same calm and soft voice that she usually had,"Yao Yao.I am doing fine. I am also sorry I have been busy and unable to talk to you. I know how worried you must be. I''ll tell you hat,we should meet up some place for catching up. I have lots to talk about."


    Zhang Min,who was observing the chat,started to make slash motions across his neck as Shi Ai spoke making her lose her concentration. Fixing a time and place for tomorrow,Shi Ai cut off the call before she could say anything more and frowned at Zhang Min,"What were you doing just now?"Are you trying to sabotage me even before I have started?"


    £¬

 Chapter 88 - End of Yao Yao (2)

    "What were you doing just now?Are you trying to sabotage me even before I have started?",Shi Ai frowned at Zhang Min. Zhang Min on the other hand flicked her on the forehead and said,"You were over acting. Thankfully Yao Yao is not a very bright bulb in the market." Seeing her confused expression, Zhang Min shook his head and explained with a deep breath," Shi Ai,you don''t talk. Most of the time another person has to ask you to meet up and even then you agree as if you are very reluctant to do so. You never speak too much and babble like you were doing just now! This is called overkill! You are a reticent person unless you are in the company of people you are comfortable with!And you may have considered her a friend but even subconsciously you were not very comfortable with her so you never spoke much. So she has never seen you in your element and her image of you is just that. If you are so enthusiastic about meeting her and talking,she is going to suspect something!"


    Shi Ai agreed with what Zhang Min had said and reflected on her feelings internally. She really was a clueless fool who had no sense of self awareness. But it was better late than never! Shrugging her shoulders,she decided to not be a fool any longer. Miss Su who had been invisible as air throughout, chose that moment to speak up,"Shi Ai, Matt Long wants you to find the reason that Yao Yao has done all this and her animosity towards you. So please be careful to find that first.Alright?"


    Shi Ai nodded her head in understanding. She,too wanted to know why Yao Yao had chosen to be her enemy. Shi Ai had always thought well of Yao Yao. She remembered when she had first come to the school and sat worriedly. She had never been to a proper school before as they had earlier been taught in the orphanage and later as she had recovered she had done a lot of self study. When she had come to the middle school,all the students already had their own groups of friends and hobby clubs. She had stuck out like a sore thumb. Initially she had tried to mix up but after a while when she had felt unwanted,she had retreated into her own shell. It was Yao Yao who had approached her. Had it been hatred from the beginning and if so why? Or was it something that had grown on her? They would have their answers tomorrow.


    The next morning,Shi Ai went to the cafe where she was set to meet Yao Yao an hour earlier than the appointed time. They had already booked the entire place for this and cameras and microphones had been set at all the tables and every possible angle.


    Su Jianan was pretending to be a customer and was already sitting in her place at a table in the corner. Since Matt had already been recognized by Yao Yao,he had not been a part of this mission. Zhang Min was going to be sitting in the car and would enter at the opportune moment. Shi Ai had dressed carefully for this confrontation forgoing her usual casual attire and wearing a dress with some light make up.


    Yao Yao arrived on the dot as she stood at the cafe''s door and scanned the surroundings. A woman sat at the side table while a bald man on a small table talking animatedly to some guy who was wearing a red baseball cap with his back to the door. And in another corner a young girl was sitting sipping a glass of water.


    Yao Yao frowned as she wondered why Shi Ai was late. She hated waiting. Just then the ymgirl from the corner called out,"Yao Yao?"


    Yao Yao turned automatically towards the sound and did a double take as she recognized the young beauty to be Shi Ai.


    She wanted to frown but putting on an expression of surprise went towards the table and leaning down pressed an air kiss on her cheek. In her gratingly nasal voice she greeted," Hi,Shi Ai. You are looking really really pretty. I almost did not recognize you! Why did younget a makeover girl? And why? Have you fallen in the company of some bad people.Or is it because of that Zhang Min that you have changed your style of dressing. Let it be,I won''t tell you anything about him. Now tell me all that has been going in with you! Everything has been going wrong ever since that day! First we were supposed to meet for karaoke which snowballed into a big party! Then that police raid and questioning! I was so scared then that I almost pe** my pants.And then all those rumors about your drug abuse which were abruptly silenced.."


    Yao Yao finished her monologue, leaving her last sentence hanging,as if expecting an answer to that first.


    Shi Ai was amazed that Yao Yao could act so naturally after being so vicious!


    In a neutral tone,Shi Ai answered," Yao Yao, I will tell you everything you want to know but before that I want you to answer some of my questions. Tell me Yao Yao will you answer truthfully?"


    Yao Yao felt as if something was wrong but she could not pin point exactly because usually Shi Ai would answer what was asked of her. But still she looked into her eyes and said, "Of course Shi Ai. You are my best friend. I will always be truthful to you.


    Shi Ai almost scoffed at this answer and even Zhang Min whobwas sitting in the car listening in almost laughed out loud.


    The next minute Shi Ai dropped her bomb,"Yao Yao,why do you hate me so much that you would do this to me?"

 Chapter 89 - Yao Yaos End (3)

    "Yao Yao,why do you hate me so much that you would do this to me?"


    Yao Yao''s expression of anticipation was frozen when she heard Shi Ai ask this question. Stammering,she tried to deny this and said, "Shi Ai! What are you talking about. You are my best friend. Why would I hate you? Tell me who has been stuffing that head of yours with all this shi* about me? Is it that Zhang Min? He just hated me and wants you all to himself Shi Ai!" Yao Yao''s expression by now had turned from frozen to almost crying with shiny moist eyes and trembling lips. But Shi Ai was unmoved and asked once again," Your action are that of someone who hates Yao Yao not someone who is a well wisher."


    Once again Yao Yao was in denial that Shi Ai knew the truth. Yao Yao thought that Shi Ai was only guessing and doubting her making her want to confess. So she decided to do her best and make her feel guilty. In a voice that was progressively pitiful and getting higher in pitch she cried," Shi Ai! How can you say this to me? I know I was the one who arranged everything that night but you know that it was not my fault.  You talk as if I have intentionally hurt you. Because of you,we were in the police station,mentally tortured for so long and yet you are the one who is saying all this. Is it because now that you have Zhang Min as a friend that you wish to discard me since I am no longer useful? If that is what you want then you could have just told me instead of saying all such hurtful things."


    And now Yao Yao was crying with all her might.Shi Ai observed the performance and thanked the fates that she had the foresight to reserve the entire place or by now everyone present in the cafe would have judged her to be he biggest scum on earth. Since the girl had put up such a wonderful performance, Shi Ainlet herncontinue while she started to check her phone and browse through it. She almost laughed out loud when she received a text message from Zhang Min,"Miss Yao Yao needs to be nominated for the Oscars!"


    Yao Yao who had just done so much of crying,had covered her eyes with her hands and now had to peep through her fingers to see if someone come to scold Shi Ai yet or to console her. After all she had done a spectacular job,if she said so herself. But not only there was no one coming into console her or scold Shi Ai but the cafe seemed to have emptied. How was that possible? People always poked their noses in other people''s business. Just then an older lady who was as wide as the door she was coming through charged in and with her hands on her hips looked down at Yao Yao and began scolding her," You drama queen! How dare you scare away my customers? Wait till I give you a beating! Stop your crocodile tears now and pay for the customers who ran away because of you. Do you think Mama Joe''s cafe is for putting on acts!" With that the fierce woman,pulled Yao Yao''s hands away from her face and began to drag her from the chair. Realizing that her plan had backfired,Yao Yao tried to resist but the fragile Yao Yao she was no match for the sturdy Mama Joe and she was successfully dragged from her chair towards the cash register.


    It was at this point that Yao Yao caught sight of Shi Ai''s uncontrollable grin that she realized that somehow she had been exposed and Shi Ai really knew the truth which is why she had set all this up. And at that moment she thought back to what Shi Ai had said,"I have lots to tell you..." That was not something that Shi Ai would normally say..


    She snapped her hand out of the woman''s and marched back to the table. Her tears had evaporated into thin air and with a snap,she sat back in her chair and stared at Shi Ai with narrowed eyes.


    A single cold word came out of her mouth,"How?"


    Shi Ai''s face had also turned grim and picking up her phone she played the video Ah Hai had given her and played it. It was the video of the police interview. Yao Yao saw the video but simply leaned back and said  nothing. So that is how Shi Ai knew about her. But Yao Yao was a quick thinker. As soon as she saw the video, her brain started jotting down various points, "Matt Long was a very powerful man to have been able to get a confidential statement from the police. And another that if Shi Ai knew this then she must also know or at least doubt that Yao Yao had something to do with her suspension. Yao Yao''s eyes narrowed to slits and she stared at Shi Ai with her mask dropped. Gone was the innocent miss expression replaced with a vicious look of hatred. In a low voice, Yao Yao said, "So someone was finally able to knock some sense into you,eh? Really Shi Ai,you are too pitiful. I am sure that even when your sugar daddy must have said anything against me you would have defended me until he was able to procure with proof. I am right, aren''t I? So finally you know the truth and I can drop the pretense..tch tch! There is so much corruption these days.I had just started enjoying myself and was exposed because this video was leaked!"


    The ugly expression and words pained Shi Ai though she had prepared herself for it. And she realized that Yao Yao had really manipulated her well because she had indeed wished to defend Yao Yao until Ah Hai had shown her the proof..E

 Chapter 90 - End Of Yao Yao (4)

    Collecting herself,Shi Ai asked once again,"Now that you know that I know the truth,why don''t you tell me the real reason for your hatred of me?"


    Yao Yao said nothing for a while as she kept staring at Shi Ai. When Shi Ai had almost given up on getting an answer out of her,the girl said,"Because I was jealous."


    This reason was something that Shi Ai could not have imagined. Yao Yao was jealous of her? Yao Yao had everything that Shi Ai could only have dreamed of into either past,a loving family which doted on her, the ability to make friends and be sociable. Everything. So what did Shi Ai have that would make a gifted girl like Yao Yao jealous?


    Yao Yao saw her confusion and explained proudly," You are wondering why I would be jealous of a poor orphan like you. No parents,no money,no friends. You had nothing that I could have wanted. But you had pride. And I hated that. With your sad looking eyes and delicate face,you caught the attention of every male in the school from the moment you entered. All of them wanted to take care of you. Including my fiance- Hao Qin. You don''t know who Hou Qin is do you? He was in the senior year when you entered the school and is about three years older than us. You collided with him in he hallway and then gently apologized to him after which you forgot him But he, do you know what he did. He came to me and told me that I should befriend the lonely girl who was new in my class. How kind of him! When he has never been kinder to me and always trying to break off his engagement with me. But to make him like me, I even befriended you. But were you grateful for that? No. You took my friendship as of it was your right. I used to call Qin Qin everytime to tell him how I had been kind to you and he always heard them. But he still tried to break off our engagement six months ago! I told him I was being good and do you know what happened? He asked me who were you and what being kind to you had to do with them! All this I had done for him and his approval and in the end I got a blank refusal. But I did not let him break off the engagement and made his parents side with me. He said he had fallen in love with another girl. That is when I decided that I would teach everyone he liked a lesson. He had been kind to you once so you would be the first to go. And then I am going to find his girlfriend and get her out of the picture as well! No one and I mean no one can come between Hao Qin and me"


    Shi AI was in shock. She knew that every human mind worked differently but this was beyond her belief. Yao Yao had done all this just because of a passing remark made to her by her fiance. Shi Ai naturally did not remember meeting this fiance and she knew that this person would also not have remembered her naturally. If the person was a senior when she entered the school so they were school mates for six to eight months at most. The saying that, ''the path to perdition was paved with good intentions'' was definitely true. The guy had tried to be kind and instead unknowingly put a target on Shi Ai''s back. What misfortune.


    Yao Yao was getting impatient seeing Shi Ai sitting still like a statue so she knocked on the table loudly and rudely said," What? Are you gloating that you caught the attention of my fiance? Don''t be too happy because soon your reputation is going to be in tatters.And then no boy is going to think of you as a miss goody two shoes. You will be known as the Sl** you are who bewitches men with her pitiful story and fragile little body. It was no wonder der that those boys wanted to use you. I really wish they would have. Then you would have been known as used property. How cunning of you to keep your relationships hidden. Zhang Min is your brother and Matt Long is your Knight? What a load of bullsh**! But I am onto you Ms. Shi Ai! And now you must be wondering how I know the identity of your so called Knight. Well, because of your drawings! You have a habit of leaving your drawing book lying around you see. I had not planned to initially use this drawing against you but it was too good an opportunity to pass up ever since I discovered his identity. A seventeen year old lusting after a man who is more than thirty years old makes for a good headline,doesn''t it? Add in the fact that the man''s company has been sponsoring your tudies for the last so many years gives people a very clear idea about how you have used your body well even as a kid. Your reputation is going to be in the dumps very soon,Shi Ai. What?Cat caught your tongue? Or have you forgotten to speak in shock?" Yao Yao was now mocking Shi Ai over her impending victory and Shi Ai''s apparent ruination. She had definitely done something to make this a possibility before coming to meet Shi Ai. Yao Yao worked really fast,Shi Ai mused. She had not just discovered Matt Long''s identity in a few hours but already found the best way to use it against her!


    But this time, luck was on Shi Ai''s side. Looking at the gloating face, Shi Ai said softly,"Yao Yao, from this day onwards you can harm me only in your dreams. Do you think that I would take quietly all that you have done wrong to me? Then you need another think! You see,I repay every deed-good or bad with interest."

 Chapter 91 - End of Yao Yao (5)

    "I pay every deed, good or bad, back with interest." Yao Yao felt a chill pass through her at these words but she soon scoffed it away. "You? What are you going to do about it? You are hardly able to solve your own  problems. Should I be scared that you are going to create problems for me? How ambitious of you! Or are you going to make your sugar daddy do it for you? Well it''s too late for that as well. You see you are underage and you are in a relationship with him so naturally that is akin to paedophilia and needs to be reported." Shi Ai stared at the face of this person she once thought that she had known and said," Yao Yao,your biggest shortcoming is that you talk a lot. Do you know that? To cover your character you tend to behave like you are an airhead and in that air headedness you tend to tell lots of lies and some truths. So let me give you a gift..It was because of Hao Qin that you targeted me,right? You talked to Hao Qin about me,hoping to make him see your kindness? But you forgot that you had forced his hand, to keep him engaged to you so he knew that you were very cunning. That day when I agreed to meet you for Karaoke it was because I had received a call from your precious fiance asking for my help to convince you to break off the engagement. "


    A FEW DAYS Earlier


    Shi Ai had been studying when she received a call from an unknown number. Usually she refrained from answering unknown callers but that day she had mistakenly not checked the id. A nervous male voice asked,"Is this Ms Shi Ai?"


    And when she had answered in affirmative the boy had started blabbering," Hello.My name is Hao Qin. You must have heard of me,I am Yao Yao''s fiance. I have heard Yao Yao talk about you and know that you are a good friend. I have something very important to discuss with you. I ...I need a favor..If you could help me I would be grateful..."


    Surprised and shocked at Yao Yao''s usually absentee fiance calling her out of the blue,Shi Ai had taken a bit too long to reply, making the young man believe that she was willing to be helpful. In the next instant, Hao Qin told her," Look Shi Ai,I am in love with another girl and do not wish to string along Yao Yao. Don''t get me wrong,I have not cheated on her and am yet to ask the girl but Yao Yao and my parents are adamant in not letting me break off the engagement. Miss Shi,the engagement was fixed when we were kids and if I had not been in love with someone else I may have proceeded with the marriage. Ihave tried explaining this to my parents but they are not willing to listen and have only said that the engagement can be broken only if Yao Yao is the one does it. I have tried speaking to Yao Yao but she is being unreasonable and has threatened me that she will harm the girl I love if I talk about breaking up again. Miss Shi,please try talking to her or I will be forced to break off all ties with my parents also.."


    Shi Ai had refused to believe that Yao Yao would really harm anyone and tried explaining to Hao Qin that she said what she did in a moment of anger and pain. Shi Ai had even felt hurt on Yao Yao''s behalf that the person she had loved did not love her in return. But she knew that love could not be forced and had told him that she would try and talk to Yao Yao but not to expect too much. This was also the reason that she had reacted so vehemently when Ah Hai had tried to break off their engagementand assumed that he had fllen in love with someone else.


    Back To The Present:


    "Hao Qin.",Shi Ai called out the name softly and in came a boy dressed in a denim jacket and cargo pants with a baseball cap covering his head. Yao Yao was shocked to see her fiance who stood in front of her staring at her with so much hatred and disdain.He had been the one who was sitting in the cafe with his back to the door,when she entered. Knowing but not accepting that he had heard everything, Yao Yao put on a pitiful expression and said,"Qin Qin! I have been set up! Shi Ai is the one who has set me up. Please believe me. I did not mean all that. You know me since we were kids so you know that I am not that sort of a person!Please Qin Qin.I was only angry at you which is why Shi Ai was able to make me say stupid stuff like that. You have to believe me please.I love you..please do not look at me like that.." And now Yao Yao was really crying because she did not want to lose her beloved fiance.


    Hao Qin was a tall lanky boy who was on the verge of manhood.When he had called Shi Ai for help he had not held much hope and had only thought of her as a last resort.. So when Shi Ai called him last time and said that she had found a way that could help him break off the engagement,he had been over the moon and immediately agreed to whatever she planned. He had not expected to be exposed to this side of Yao Yao though he had always suspected something. He thought back to the time when they had been young teenagers and he had found a small pet kitten. Yao Yao had once asked him if he loved her or the cat more and being the boy he was, he had answered the cat. At the time he had not understood the love between boy and girl so he had said it as if it was obvious. But the cat had soon disappeared mysteriously never to return. He had always wanted to ask Yao Yao about it but today he could say for sure that it was Yao Yao who had then harmed the cat. He shuddered to think just how many more people she could have harmed over the years because of him...if his unknown comments had brought such arm to his kitten and even Shi Ai.


    Hao Qin looked at Yao Yao''s pitiful face and said," It is precisely because I know you since I was a kid that I can believe all that you have said. You have always carefully maintained your image in front of the elders which is why they blamed me for trying to break off the engagement and shirking off my responsibilities. Thet cursed at the girl I was in love with even though she was innocent and not even aware of my existence. Well guess what,they have just received a video and audio of your tender promise claiming to harm anything that I like. How nice of you to help me. And so I thank you very much for giving me my freedom. Yao Yao, what you sow,so shall you reap. You wanted to ruin Shi Ai and her reputation but now you are the one who is going to suffer the same."


    With that HAo Qin turned to go but his wrist was grabbed by Yao Yao.She was screaming his name hystericlly and even shouted," You cannot do that to me Qin Qin! I will not let you go! You belong to me and only me! If you think that by letting the elders break off the engagement, you are free,then you are mistaken!My father will never leave you! And do you think by not contacting the girl you love,you have kept her safe!Do you think she will be with you if she sees the pictures you have collected of her! I will expose you in front of her!"


    *smack* The loud voice echoed in the cafe and even Shi Ai who had been observing everything silently was shocked at this. Hao Qin had slapped the Yao Yao hard on the cheek which had caused Yao Yao to fall and her face to start to swell.


    Yao Yao was in shock and leaning against a table was still muttering gibberish and threatening words. She was someone who had never faced violence. Shocked with the sudden turn of the events and then Hao Qin''s slap,she had lost her senses.


    Hao Qin looked disgusted and turning to Shi Ai said curtly,"Thank you,Miss Shi for your help. I will take your leave now."


    With that Hao Qin left the cafe without looking back.

 Chapter 92 - End of Yao Yao (6)

    Yao Yao was in shock and leaning against a table was still muttering gibberish and threatening words. Seeing the state she was in, Shi Ai felt her heart ache. Her impression of Hao Qin was not good. The man had not needed to slap her. Zhang Min messaged Shi Ai that they were ready to deliver the second blow but Shi Ai hesitated. She wanted to teach Yao Yao a lesson but she was not heartless. Whatever this Yao Yao had done,Shi Ai could not fight her conscience and stoop to Yao Yao''s level. So getting up,Shi Ai made her way to walk out of the cafe door.


    Miss Su who had been watching this raised her brow an shook her head exasperatedly while muttering,"Sentimental fool." By now Zhang Min had also realized that Shi Ai had decided to step back and stop their plan midway. Running out of the car, he stopped Shi Ai as soon as she came out of the door. Taking hold of her arm in a rough way,he dragged her to the side and whispered furiously,"What do you think you are doing Shi Ai? Are you going to let her be? Look I know you are feeling bad but please try to remember what she has been trying to do to you. Do you think she will stop just because you helped that Hao Qin break up with her? She will be even more vicious in the future.. And you were lucky these times but will that be the case always? No! What happens when her plan succeeds next time.. Will you then regret this day?"


    Shi Ai stared ahead mutely, making Zhang Min think that she had indeed decided to leave halfway. He was about to curse and go inside himself when Shi Ai said," I think we need to change the plan a bit."


    Zhang Min stopped in his tracks and heaving a sigh of relief,he asked,"How?"


    Hearing the changed plan,Zhang Min was satisfied and said,"Alright. You go back inside and I''ll take care of it." Zhang Min then ran back towards the car while even Miss Su smiled at the new plan. So the kids knew how to change strategy mid way.


    They had earlier planned to first take away her fiance,then her father and then her reputation. But it seemed Shi Ainhad now decided to change the order of things. First the fiance then the reputation,leaving the girl with her only hope-her father. And then taking away the last thread as well. Now they just had wlto wait and see if everything fell into place.


    Yao Yao,was now standing where she had been sitting earlier and there was fire blazing in her eyes. The moment Shi Ai entered the place,she picked up a glass and threw it straight towards  Shi Ai''s head. Shi Ai dicked aside deftly but still was nicked by the glass near her ear. However she did not feel any pain as she was focused on Yao Yao.


    Yao Yao stared at Shi Ai and spat out a mouthful of blood. Her beautiful face was now marred with the red handprint and the hatred in her eyes. Her usually well coiffed hair,fell around her face making her resemble a wild animal. But the despair she was in, a moment before was covered. Sneering at Shi Ai she said, "Di you think you have won? By helping Hai Qin. You have no idea of the disaster you have invited and you will regret the day you chose to help that boy."


    Shi AI paid no heed to the threats and simply said,"Yao Yao,I know I have not yet won but you are in no place to make threats. And now let me give you something more. This is in return for the surprise you prepared for me before coming here.You see that big projector screen behind me? Now watch it carefully."


    That said,Shi Ai moved further away but was careful to not turn her back on Yao Yao lest the girl attack her again..


    Yao Yao looked as the screen lighted and on that was the forum of their school. But it was logged in from her shadow account and all the malicious articles she had written in the past were open. Soon the screen changed to the article she had prepared before coming here. It highlighted a picture of Matt Long gifting her the watch and anyone could see that the watch was expensive as well as the age difference between the two people. But it had not been published. Yao Yao looked at the time and realized that it was over the time she had set so Shi Ai must have stopped ot from being published.  She was about to react but once again the screen changed and this time another article popped up from her account. It was an article of how Yao Yao was seducing the teachers to gain credit scores. It showed pictures of Yao Yao''s blank test papers versus her results. There were also pictures of Yao Yao with two senior professors in delicate positions. Yao Yao felt her brain go blank as the pointer on the screen went to the top right corner and clicked on the PUBLISH button.


    Immediately the screen moved to the Homepage of the forum and Yao Yao could see the hits as the students from their school read about her shameful secret.


    Shi Ai noticed that Yao Yao had gone blank once again and said,"TSK tsk,because of you and your ways even those professors are going to lose their jobs. Not that they don''t deserve it After all as you said in your article about me having se*dual relationships with someone underage is a crime and needs to be reported.Soon those professors will be arrested by the police..And do you know what they will say? They will all claim that you threatened and seduced them..They will naturally not be able to escape the law but your reputation will be in tatters too."


    Yao Yao reacted violently and moved to attack Shi Ai. Like a mad woman,she ran towards Shi Ai with her clear intention of choking Shi Ai to death. Her hands clenched around her neck and started to tighten. Shi AI was pushed against the wall and her breathing started to shorten. She tried to get Yao Yao''s fingers to loosen and scratched at her hands but Yao yao seemed to have gained super strength from her anger and Shi Ai was unable to get out of the choke hold and soon started to black out.


    Just before she could lose her consciousness, Yao Yao was pulled away and Shi Ai slid to the ground,coughing and breathing hard. The finger marks around her were clear and even after being held back by Miss Su and Mama Joe (the cafe''s owner), Yao Yao was trying to attack Shi Ai. Just then the bald man who had been sitting with Hao Qin stepped ahead and placing the handcuffs around Yao Yao''s wrist,started to read her rights,"Miss Yao Yao,you are being arrested for attempt to murder of Miss Shi Ai. You have the right to remain silent..."


    With that the man dragged Yao Yao to the side and began to pull her out to push her into the police car which had arrived outside. Zhang Min had rushed from outside and was rubbing Shi Ai''s back,and helped her slowly sip some water. Miss Su also looked at the red marks on her student and nodded with respect,before ordering,"Take a breather, then go to the hospital and get admitted. A police officer will soon be there to take your statement. The rest of the plan,we can execute later."


    With that Miss Su turned and left the cafe. Zhang Min and Shi Ai looked at each other and once Shi Ai had sat down on a nearby chair,Shi Ai gestured to Zhang Min to make the next call. Soon,Zhang Min took out a disposable phone from his pocket and called the number.


    An Older man''s voice answered the phone with a "Hello"and Zhang Min changed his pitch saying into the phone,"Mr Yao!Your daughter is in trouble and so are you. Check your email and soon you will know. I can help you but I have a few conditions. I will call you ahain in an hour,once you have had time to assimiliate the situation.Goodbye."Zhang Min then ended the call while Mr Yao was still shounting into the phone demanding an explanation in a high voice.


    Mr Yao was really worried.His daughter was the apple of his eye and the man had said that she was in trouble..Mr Yao immediately opened the email and clicked on the link,after which he simply sat on his chair in shock..

 Chapter 93 - End Of Yao Yao (7)

    Mr Yao stared at the email in shock.His daughter-his precious innocent daughter had been having an affair with the school professors?How?How was that possible? Just then another email notification popped up on his screen. It was a picture of Yao Yao being arrested by the police. He checked the time on the photo and realized it was only from a few minutes earlier. He immediately called his secretary and closing his laptop,rushed out of his office barking orders to cancel all meetings for this day. Why was his daughter getting in so much trouble these days he failed to understand. First they were taken in for questioning because she has attended a party..Yao Yai must have started to mix up in bad company...Wasn''t that girl who she was always talking about the one who had organized the previous party. And today also Yao Yao had told him that she would be going to meet her.Mr Yao sat in his car as he ordered the driver to drive towards the police precinct. He first needed to get his child out and then handle the anonymous caller and the person who had sent the mail.On his way he read the contents of the email and all the misdeeds his Yao Yao had apparently done. His heart ached and he was having difficulty in breathing. He could hardly believe the girl he cherished so much would turn out like this. But there were supporting evidences..There was also a video of the party that she had planned in the hotel the day they were arrested proving that Yao Yao had organized the party in Yao Yao''s name.Just then his phone started to ring and it was the Hao couple calling. He knew that they must have also received some da*ning information about his daughter and that was the reason behind these calls.However he had no time to soothe these people''s feathers. He called a number on his phone and barked,"Someone is out for my daughter! Find them and I want the details of this user I have mailed you about."How dare someone write about his daughter on the school forum.Even if she had childishly committed a few mistaked,she was the victim! Those professors were all adults and had no right to touch her! He didn''t understand why she hid the fact that she was the one who had organized the party but he ignored it as rebelliousness. The next moment,his phone dinged with a message from Hao Qin''s father. It was a video clip. Mr Yao. played the clip and grew even more furious with everyone for targeting his precious daughter! He was about to call the Hao''s when the clip was followed by another message,"Our son had repeatedly tried to get out of the engagement arrangement but we persisted because we thought Yao Yao was a good girl. But it seems we were mistaken so we are cancelling the engagement. As the multi billion joint venture that was to take place between our companies was based on the mutual understanding of future familial relations which is now not valid anymore,we are withdrawing from the partnership. Due to our long standing relationship,we will give you fifteen days to repay the amount to our company."


    Mr Yao. rubbed his forehead with his fingers and wondered if he had offended the Gods! On one side his daughter was suffering and the other,the Hao''s had dealt them a serious blow. If he had to stop the joint venture mid way and withdraw the investment,his business may as well go bankrupt. One thing was made clear,whoever this was had planned everything well and had the support of someone powerful. Just as they reached the police station,Mr Yao made one final call and the moment the pparty answered the call he barked into the phone,"Keep your men ready!"With that Mr Yao alighted the car and was greeted by the lawyer waiting just outside. The lawyer came ahead and said,"Sir, Ms Yao has been charged with attemot to murder." Mr Yao stopped mid step and turned to stare at the lawyer. Attempted murder was no small or petty crime. This was serious. Just what had Yao Yao entangled herself in?


    Still,he charged inside and since the lawyer had already paved the way,the officer let Mr Yao go in and meet his daughter. Inside a dark room, Yao Yao was sitting on a chair,staring straight ahead. She did not even turn her head to acknowledge her father. Mr Yao was shocked to see his daughter''s pitiable state and running to her gathered her in his arms while petting her head.


    Yao Yao who had ben sitting there blankly ever since she was arrested,broke down and started to wail loudly. Her voice was full of despair but her eyes were full of her impending victory. She knew her father well and knew that he would get her the retribution she had promised Shi Ai. The more she cried the more Shi Ai would have to pay.


    Mr Yao''s arms tightened around his daughter and his expression turned fierce. In a low voice he tried to question his daughter, "What happened Yao Yao? Tell your father and don''t be scared, father will not let anyone harm you."


    In a breaking voice Yao Yao explained how Shi Ai had collaborated with Hao Qin to help him get together with his girlfriend and betrayed her in the process. So in her grief and angered at the betrayal,smmhebhad attacked Shi Ai who had used this opportunity to put her in jail and further harm her. Miss Su who had been observing the scene from another room shook her head.Miss Yao was a formidable  enemy indeed. The girl certainly knew how to twist the truth and even Mr Yao who was blinded by his daughter had failed to differentiate between his daughter''s lies

 Chapter 94 - End Of Yao Yao (8)

    Miss Su then called Zhang Min to ask if they had checked into a hospital yet. When Zhang Min gave an affirmative answer she gave a satisfactory nod and then explained,"Soon,you will have to face a few goons sent on behalf of the saddened father. Refrain from contacting Mr Yao until those goons are gone. Now you understand why I ordered  you to check Shi Ai into hospital? Though we have Mr Yao at the edge but a desperate man will not necessarily stop from using any means. Mr Yao has only that girl as his family after he buried his wife seven years ago so he is going to fight you tooth and nail.And just like he is Yao Yao''s last hope she is also hi last thread tying him to this world. So his first thought once he manages to get her out is going to be to bury Shi Ai six feet underground. This "is why Long Ah Hai sent me..To play games with the adults."


    Zhang Min pulled a harsh breath at this declaration. Actually they had only planned Yao YAo''s downfall to this extent.To get her expelled and in prison. But Miss Su had told them that it would not be enough.So though they had not understood,they had agreed to go along with her plan. Both Shi Ai and ZHang Min had a naive view of looking at the world.They would not think that an adult would stoop to revenge himself against them. They had thought that he would simply take Yao Yao away from here and help her live a new life. Isn''t that what most parents would do? But he was planning to send some goons..


    Once Yao Yao had calmed down,Mr Yao came out of the room and went straight to his car. There,his secretary had already reached with the information Mr Yao had ordered him to bring. He read through the notes carefully and talked to himself,"So,the girl is called Shi Ai.An orphan brought here with a guardian.Now being fostered by the Zhang Family.She was hospitalized and in intensive care?Because something happened at the party?"Mr Yao. frowned and stared at his secretary and coldly claimed,"This report is incomplete."


    The secretary felt his blood freeze at the tone and stuttered," Sir.Someone has deliberately suppressed the information regarding the girl. We..we have discovered that Ms Yao had some sort of a problem with the girl which is why she tried to sabotage the girl. The girl has had some sort of a life threatening disease and so she almost died and is again in the hospital. Also,whoever''s is behind her is very powerful


    They have only let through limited information. She is no simple orphan."


    Just then Mr Yao''s phone rang. Answering the call,he gave out the address of the hospital and told the man on the phone,"Just scare her a bit. And get her to draw back the police complaint.Be careful and don''t get caught."


    The secretary listened quietly to what was being said and wanted to protest but he did not dare to interrupt. However once the boss had finished the call, he continued to give his report and said," Sir, investigating person thinks that this may somehow be connected to Lance Inc. They are the sponsors behind that girl''s education and also behind the recent investigation being conducted by the school. Even Lord Cheng had to back out in their face. Since the Hao industries are planning to withdraw,then they must have been offered a better deal.Isn''t that possible?"


    Mr Yao looked thoughtfully at the secretary and silently agreed with him this ordering,"Arrange a meeting with the top shots from Lance Inc.." He then turned to the lawyer and barked at him,"What about Yao Yao? Have you arranged bail for her?"


    The lawyer looked down and said,"Sir,as of now the bail has been rejected as there were witnesses who came forward to testify against Miss Yao. So she may have to stay here until maybe she confesses of her guilt or Miss Shi Ai agrees to withdraw her complaint."


    The atmosphere turned deadly after the lawyer said this.Mr Yao looked at the lawyer threateningly  and said in a low voice,"Are you saying that you are useless and because of your incompetence my daughter will have to spend a night in prison? You better think again mr. Lawyer because the longer my daughter stays in jail,the faster I will make you lose your license for practicing law. Understand?"


    The lawyer nodded and excused himself trying to get each and every contact he had ever made in the world of law. Mr Yao may not be very powerful but he was also not someone to be trifled with.


    Once the useless people were gone, Mr Yao learned back his head against the backrest and covered his eyes with his arm. Silent tears rolled down his ruddy cheeks as he accepted the fact that he had failed as a parent. He silently apologized to his dead wife and hoped that nothing would go wrong from here on out.


    The driver who had just seen his master being like a roaring lion was saddened to see his master feeling so wronged. He did not know or understand who was tight or wrong. But he wished that everything would be resolved soon..


    In the hospital, three men dressed inconspicuously made their way to the general ward where they were told their target had been admitted. They carried no weapons because they did not think it necessary to scare a young girl. Never would they have imagined that they were walking into the enemy''s trap without any way to get out. Their arrogance would be the only saving grace they would have when they would be arrested and found not carrying weapons. Their end was also near...

 Chapter 95 - End Of Yao Yao (9)

    As the hired goons made their way into the hospital empty handed,they were easily able to find Shi Ai''s details by claiming to be her family. Once inside, they found Shi Ai sleeping peacefully on the bed. The men looked at the delicately sleeping girl and thought once again that this job was going to be a piece of cake. One of the guys wert ahead and shook the girl''s leg vigorously,making her snap up. Shi Ai opened her eyes and was about to let out a scream when her mouth was covered with a rough hand. Her eyes widened and she looked scared at the sight of the three men standing there. The man who had covered her mouth then said,"Look miss!We are not here to harm you. In fact we are here to help you. The girl who you have put behing bars is no simple girl.You must know that. Her father is a big businessman. He can compensate you for your injury. Why involve the police and create a mess? So if you agree to not scream,I will take my hand off and then we can decide on a reasonable compensation?" Shi Ai nodded in agreement and the goon then took his hand off.


    Crossing his arms in front of his chest,he then asked,"So what is the amount you think is suitable for the damage you have been done?Tell us and if it is reasonable then we will get it for you."Shi Ai looked at them in the eye and asked haltingly,"Who are you?And why have you come here?"


    The goon just chuckled and said,"Girl,who we are and who sent us is not really important. Do not waste your and our time. Fix a price and do it fast. My friends here are impatient for some action. Let me warn you that if you name a price too high,we will simply bash you some more and then you can keep looking for us to get a compensation,if you are able to stay alive. The same goes if you do not agree to take compensation and persist in pursuing the young miss."


    By now,Shi Ai''s eyes had turned cold but the goons had failed to notice this. In a soft voice she asked,"Who sent you? If you tell me then I will also let you leave otherwise,you can be assured that you will be going to the prison yourselves to keep the young Miss company."


    The first goon laughed at this and even the other two let out a chuckle. "This is the first time I have seen an ant threatening an elephant!" The ant in question smiled and once the bout of laughter was finished said,"You might want to look behind you,Mr Elephant.."This caused the goon''s face to form a scowl and the moment he turned around,there as a single boy standing there. The goon who had worried for a second that maybe the girl really had something up her sleeve,smirked and looking the boy up and down said,"What? So now two ants are going to attack us? Oh we are so scared!" The smirking face then turned serious and the goon threatened,"You have five minutes to decide how you want to withdraw your complaint. With money or with a good beating."


    Zhang Min who had just been called another ant pulled up his sleeve and calmly (only on the surface..inside he was a mess)walked to the goons,all the while channelling the dark aura that he had seen the grim reaper wear like a cloak. He thought he had succeeded atleast one percent because the goons scowled at him and moved back a step. Then with a small smile,that he had practised in front of the mirror,Zhang Min said,"You did not see properly Sirs.Since I was blocking the way. You must look at the doorway again.


    And this time there were two policemen standing there with their guns pointed at the goons. Zhang Min then smiled and said,"There there Sir. Now you need to decide weather you want to take names or accompany Ms Yao!I promise you that she is a very boring person so think carefully." The goons looked at each other in silent communication. They had been told that this was a simple mission of scaring someone..So naturally they did not want to get caught in this just for a petty reason. The boss would come out of it unscathed but they would get a record so they immediately agreed to take names and escape.


    In the Yao Family Mansion:


    In a dark room of the Yao family mansion, Mr Yao kneeled in front of a life size portrait of his wife. His face was red from crying and his voice hoarse. He was apologizing again and again to his wife,"I am so sorry honey.I could not protect our daughter. I tried to keep her pure like you were but see how I miserably I failed.I am sorry...so sorry honey..Don''t you worry honey,I have already asked the lawyer to prepare a fake medical illness certificate for our daughter and soon she will be brought out of that dirty vile prison. Honey,I will bring her to see you soon.I know I have not brought her over many times but I did not wish her to feel the pain of missing you...I am sorry honey for all my sins.It is because of me,our daughter has turned out like this." Mr Yao had lit candles and was bowing again and again in front of the portrait.Just then his cell phone rang and he Mr Yao frowned. Just as he had expected,those goons had been caught.And they had named the culprit,Mr Hao. Mr. Yao smiled at this.This was what he ha expected. It was not enough to harm the Hao''s but it was enough to damage their reputation. "This Shi Ai girl was really smart",he thought to himself.

 Chapter 96 - End Of Yao Yao (10)

    "This Shi Ai girl was really smart."he thought to himself. Once he had finished the call, he dialed the lawyer''s number who then answered,"Sir, Miss Yao has been bailed out and I will escort her home as soon as we finish the formalities. Sir,you need not worry,the national media has not shown any interest so whatever the school forum says,we can sue a few people and get them to silence."Mr Yao nodded satisfactorily and went out to order the housekeeper to prepare a welcome feast for his daughter. Tonight,he will not let her think back to the bad day but will help her keep only good memories.


    Mr Yao then went to his study and sat on the armchair with his eyes closed. The rocking motion of the chair soothed his nerves which had been strung tight until now. Never had he regretted having a daughter as he did today..And the lengths one had to stoop to protect your loved ones.Mr Yao,had bribed a psychologist doctor friend to prepare a fake mental illness report for Yao Yao where they showed that Yao Yao was mentally unstable and could harm herself if she had a breakdown. On the basis of this report,Yao Yao had been released on bail and under observation. There was another thing that struck Mr Yao and he immediately picked up his phone and then ordered his secretary to order a beautiful pure white dress for his daughter. She may have done bad deeds and soiled herself,but to him she would always remain pure like the color white.


    Soon Yao Yao reached home and ran into her father''s arms. She was shocked when she was told that she had been declared mentally unstable to get her out of the prison and that she had to conform to the lie. She wanted to protest to her father  ut seeing his haggard look ,she felt guilty and quietly said,"Daddy,I am going to go and take a bath..I feel very dirty.."


    Mr Yao who had been stroking his daughter''s head stopped immediately and said,"Yes..do that and after that we will have a dinner of all your favorite foods. Tonight I am also going to take you to meet your mother in her room so you must clean yourself well."


    Yao nodded and ran to her room. Though there was nothing on her face that showed her inner feelings,her heart was seething for revenge and with blame against Shi Ai. This time Shi Ai had dealt her a fatal blow and even harmed her image in front of her father. She will have to pay the price for it.


    An hour later:


    Yao Yaoband her father savored a rich meal. The housekeeper had brought in the freshest seafood on her father''s orders and everything was made just the way the young Miss liked it. Mr Yao served her lovingly and Yao yao was tempted to cry at his kindness. Her hatred for Shi Ai was intensifying by the minute and the more kind and caring her father was, the more she hated Shi Ai. And this time Yao Yao was unable to hide the growing darkness within her. Mr Yao sighed internally and decided to have a talk with his daughter soon.


    After the meal was done,Mr Yao dismissed the servants and then taking his little girl by the hand took her upstairs to meet her mom. Yao Yao had always been aware of the room''s existence but was never allowed inside. Inside the room,she looked around curiously but the room was pitch black except for the little flames cast by the candles around her mother''s photograph. This was the first clear picture Yao Yao had seen of her mother and her face showed her surprise. Yao Yao was just the image of her mother.


    Mr Yao smiled at the wonder on his daughter''s face where she looked innocent and child like again. Holding her wrist,he brought her nearer to her mother and then said,"You see Yao Yao..you are the spitting image of your mother. And not just in terms of looks but even in mannerisms you were just like her and seeing you was like seeing her again.This was also the reason why I always over looked any mistakes you made. I was similarly indulgent with your mother also."


    Forgetting everything,Yao Yao looked at her father with shining eyes.This was the first time her father spoke of her mother and she could feel the love in his voice.So she tirned to look at the picture even more intently. Seeing her absorption,Mr Yao continued with the story,"She died shortly after giving birth to you and having you was my biggest happiness as well as my pain because seeing you reminded me of how she had turned impure too." Mr Yao''s voice had now hardened and suddenly Yao Yao felt frightened.


    His voice was now eerie as he continued,"She too had been seduced by another man and decided to leave me and run away. But I did not let her. And I even forgave her for cheating on me and accepted you,another man''s spawn. But that man had corrupted your mother to her soul and she tried to leave me again and again until I was forced to sent her to the heavens so that she would not leave me. You see,she has forever been Mrs Yao now. Once she was gone,I gave all my attention to you hoping to keep you pure. But once again,I failed and you have been infected with impurities like lust and hate. And so to keep you safe and pure,I am sending you to your mother.She will take care of you in the after life now.."


    With that,a frightened scream echoed in the empty mansion as Yao Yao''s wrist, which was held by her ''loving'' father was slit...

 Chapter 97 - A Twist Of Fate

    " In a shocking turn of events,Chairman Yao of Yao Group of Companies found dead with his teenage daughter bleeding from the wrist.It is being speculated that after a scandal breaking out because of the young girl,Mr Yao was extremely angry and tried to talk to his daughter,who then killed her father in anger and then proceeded to slit her wrist. The only daughter of the esteemed late Mr. Yao was said to be suffering from dementia and split personality. Miss Yao is currently hospitalized after her suicide attempt and the police are awaiting for the doctor''s answers before they procees.The Yao Group has suffered a severe damage and has currently become the best prey in the market after the demise of their leader and an emergency meeting of share holders and board of directors is being held to discuss their further course of action. Please refer this section for further news about the shocking truth of the high society."


    Zhang Min and Shi Ai were both staring in shock at the flashing news they had just read on their phone screen..Yao Yao had murdered her father? No..that was just not possible..She could be as crazy as an old bat but the girl had loved her only parent with complete devotion. No child could kill their own father.There was something wrong with this news. Maybe it was some kind of a hoax?.They needed answers but the only person who could answer them at present had locked herself in a room. Well,they could guess she was angry at something since last night but never could they have known something like this would take place.


    Zhang Min thought back to the events of yesterday.Once the goons had been caught,Zhang Min had tried calling Mr Yao. Their plan had been simple,let Yao Yao stay in jail until and unless Mr Yao agreed to shift Yao Yao to a different school in another country. Once he agreed to this,they would have withdrawn their complaint. Heck he had also thought that he would tell everyone that those photos were editer though they were not...But the man had not answered their calls. Finally Zhang Min had given up and thought to himself,"Let him do what he wants to. We can handle everything later..But now..


    Shi Ai on the other hand was rotting in guilt. And it was kiling her. She knew that Yao Yao wouldn''t have done this normally but yesterday was not a normal situation. She had lost a fiance she was obsessed with. Her plans for Shi Ai had been foiled and instead a counter attack had been launcehd against her with her finally ending up in prison,,Maybe this had been too much for her and she had snapped!Shi Ai was cursing herself for being so ruthless..She felt that she should have restrained herself.. Shi Ai looked down at the article and tried to see if they had mentioned which hospital Yao Yao was in.. She would kowtow to Yao YAo and beg for an apology..


    While the teenagers were in shock,Miss Su was angry beyond belief. Her new punching bag was on the verge of tearing as it took hit after hit. As sweat dripped down her face,Su Jianan thought back to her failure ofblast night. She had once been a brilliant military strategist and had retired voluntarily so that she could form a family with the man she loved. But she had failed in that. When Ah Hai had asked her to guide these kids,she had been rather insulted thinking he was insulting her capabilities. But last night seemed that he had over estimated her! She had failed to predict that Mr Yao would be a psycho himself. Maybe her brain had turned rusty from lack of use! What a rookie mistake!


    The incessant ringing of her cell phone brought her back to the present and she glanced at the caller id as a smirk spread across her face. Without a hello or any other greeting she said,"Calling to gloat,are you?"


    There was a pause on the other end before the caller replied,"Of course I am. Big sister Su Jianan has failed to predict and prepare for all contingencies for the first time..."


    Before the man could continue,Miss Su interrupted,"Not for the first time.I failed in my personal goals also..No one can predict nature. And you may have succeeded this time but remember Ah Hai that every dog has his day."


    The pastor on the other end of the phone smiled at that and said," Yes,you are right.And to be perfectly honest,I called you not to gloat but to remind you that have some mercy on your punching bag.It is not his fault. Nobody could have predicted what happened last night."


    Miss Su scowled and stared in the distance before claiming accusatorily,"You did!"


    "That is because I am nobody!",came the pat reply.


    Miss Su smiled at this and answered,"Yes you are..And I know why you have called me. Go back to your work and stop worrying like a mama hen. I''ll go and soon explain everything to the kids. And Ah Hai,thank you for last night. You saved all our combined a**es."


    "That was me saving my people,big sister!", replied Ah Hai before ending the call. Miss Su shook her head and cursed the day when she bacame one of Ah Hai''s people. This made her think of last night and all that had happened needed to be explained to those two naive and innocent lambs downstairs.Miss Su prepared to take a bath as she thought how to explain causing the least damage.


    Last Night:


    Once the goons had been arrested last night, Zhang Min had tried calling Mr Yao to strike a deal with him.But the man had not answered any calls. This had caused Su Jianan to have some doubts and so she tapped into the man''s phone. On investigating she realized that Mr Yao had ordered a pure white dress for his daughter. She had thought about the obvious odd requesty but then thought nothing of it and quietly kept monitoring his phone. It was only when the lawyer called did she come to know that Mr Yao had already found a way to save his daughter by claiming mental sickness.This had caused her to research deeper nto the man''s history because it was no easy task getting a medical certificate so soon. During this research she dug out that Yao Yao''s mother also seeming had the same illness and had committed suicide due to this. That piece of information had not just shocked her but brought forth a foreboding feeling. She had immediately called her spy in the Yao''s household and asked about the situation. The seemingly normal atmosphere that the spy had reported had shocked her even more. It seemed Mr Yao had forgiven his daughter and ordered the house to prepare a meal for her after which he had ordered all the servants to take a leave..Her favorite. Su Jianan had rushed to the Yao villa then.Because something told her that Yao Yao''s father had prepared her last supper for her.


    But she had been too late.She had reached the villa in time to hear the horrendous screams of the girl. She had no idea how she was going to explain this when she had heard another unexpected sound of a gun shot. Though she was used to the loud guns,hearing it so unexpectedly had made her freeze in shock.Just then the main door to the villa opened and a man in white church robes came out of the mansion.Su Jianan was an experienced woman and had hid herself well and she immediately recognized the man who came out. As if carried by the wind,his voice came,"The girl is not dead...yet. But the real psychopath is. Call the ambulance in a few minutes."


    Ah Hai was about to walk away when she asked,"Why kill him and why let her live. He was not a problem. She was the one who was..."


    "He was the real problem. Why would a spoilt little girl pretend to be miss goody two shoes all the time..It was understandable that she did that in front of her friends but at home,she should not have to worry about hiding the darkness inside her.She may not have understood ther reason bit somehow she knew that she had to maintain her image. Her obsession with Shi Ai was not because of a passing comment but because Shi Ai was everything she could never be..And Mr Yao had already planned to kill her and next he was going to aim for Shi Ai. Zhang Min and Shi Ai don''t need the girl''s death on their conscience so she will live for now.."


    After that Ah Hai had disappeared into the night and Su Jianan had returned home in anger.


    Present:


    Su Jianan finished her bath and feeling calm,made her way down the stairs to explain the situation. On the way down she read the news that Yao Yaohad lost the battle of her life..She shook her head,Somethings were never meant to be.

 Chapter 98 - A New Beginning

    Eighteen Months Later:


    Mora than a year had passed since Yao Yao''s death and their training with Sister Su Jianan had begun. Shi Ai was set to celebrate her birthday today. It was special becuase it was her eighteenth birthday! Shi Ai woke up with a smile on her face. She was happy to have a family to celebrate her birthday with. Though,truthfully she had never been alone in celebrating her birthday. Shi Ai had not known her birthday so she had officially celebrated the day on the birthday of big sister Alicia,whose hand she had held as she came into the orphanage. It was also on her birthday that she had been admitted into the hospital and been discovered with a heart condition. So this day had held many mixed memories for her.


    But tonight,Shi Ai was not thinking any of those things. Aunt Luo had planned a party for her daughter and invited all their friends and families. Because she had been recognized as Aunt Luo''s orphaned neice,people had been more welcoming for her and Shi Aihad taken tobcalling the Zhang couple as Uncle and Aunt. Aunt Luo''s purpose in celebrating tonight was two fold, celebrate Shi Ai''s birthday and get her a boyfriend. Aunt Luo had only met Ah Hai once and did not have a very good impression of him. This was her ''subtle'' way of making Shi Ai forget him.This was why she had invited many rich boys for the party as well.Shebreally hoped someone would fall for her and woo her.


    Shi Ai looked at herself in the mirror and sighed.She was finally eighteen! She twirled in front of the full length mirror as she admired herself. She looked really pretty,she thought arrogantly to herself. Dressed in a blush pink gown,with a sweet heart neck and shimmering skirt, her hair tied up softly and curled to fall around her face,she looked like a princess doll come to life. Her training from the past year had given her a toned look and glowing face. With only a dab of lip gloss and no other make up,a she was ready for the party.


    Just then a knock sounded on the door and soon Zhang Min entered the room. Shi Ai turned to look at him and the boy felt his mouth fall open. After a few shocked seconds,Zhang Min said,"I am always amazed by your beauty,little sis!Come on princess,I can see you are ready to cause murder and mayhem." Bending like a hero from olden days, Zhang Min offered his elbow to his sister.


    Shi Ai let out a giggle at this and then bowing back like a princess murmured,"Thank you Crown prince!You look ready as well.All the girls are going to swoon. I hope you have smelling salts with you to revive them.."


    Zhang Min who had always had a lean and tall body had filled out after receiving strict training from Sister Su. With wider and muscled shoulders,coupled with a charming smile,his fan following had increased a hundred fold.


    Zhang Min grinned at his sister''s compliment and shrugged," Since they are the ones falling over,they should carry their own medicine."


    Shi Ai shook her head and slapping him on the arm said,"What a narcissist you have become." The two siblings then walked out of the room to go downstairs for the party which had already begun.


    When they started to descend the stairs,there was an awed silence as everybody admired the striking pair. The girl looked like a picture of alluring innocence whereas the boy looked like a young prince. Even the uncles and aunties present in the ball felt that Mrs Zhang''s family had all the beauty genes,whether it was her own children or her cousin''s daughter. Every boy wanted to make Shi Ai his girlfriend and every girl hoped that Zhang Min would at least look at them..


    Soon,Shi Ai was surrounded by a group of boys and girls all eager to wish her a happy birthday. She smiled happily and accepted the wishes gracefully as she listened to the chatter around her. In the last year,Shi Ai''s personality had once again changed or as she preferred to call it evolved. A person''s experiences changes them and their personality. As a kid she had been cheerful and social but by the time she joined middle school after the shocking discovery of her age and the heart treatment,she had become reticent and aloof. After Yao Yao,she had held some bitterness in her heart and mistrust towards others ..But Sister Su had helped her see the many facets of humanity and Shi Ai had formed a deeper understanding of those around her. But this was all in theory.She wished to experience the harsh reality of life and she would soon announce her decision to this new family of hers. From an aspiring artist,she had changed her career goal to becoming a social worker. Right now,her mind was occupied by these thoughts though her face showed nothing.She was practicing her speech to present to Uncle Zhang and Aunty Luo to give a plausible explanation. She was sure that they would not object as they had always been supportive of her but the objection would be to something else that she was going to propose to do. Before that she wished to look for her past. Why and how she had ended up in the orphanage.Why had she not known her age. Her nightmares,her fear of closed spaces were all somehow related to her childhood. She was going to go back to country C soon..


    There was only one thing she was waiting for before she left.. Ah Hai ..Hebhad told her that his undercover mission would be a long one but he had promised to send her proof that he was fine at least once a year. She had yet to receive anything..Though if she went according to the calendar year, it could mean that there were still six months left to his given timeline. Shi Ai had once said this to Sister Su and the reply she had given had almost scared her out of her wits. "Little Shi Ai. Di you realize that assuring you of his safety may result in him breaking his cover. And you have watched enough thriller movies to know what happens when a persons cover is exposed.Reality is a hundred times harsher." After that, a part of Shi Ai had hoped that he would never take such a risk and another part of her hoped that he would keep his promise.


    She was jolted out of her gloomy thoughts by the sound of applause. Zhang Min had brought out a cake and was inviting her to cut it.Shi Ai laughed at the cake''s design and vowed that she would do something similar to him someday...Knowing her obsession with Ah Hai, Zhang Min had gotten a cake in the shape of a Knight In Shining Armor. He wanted her to cut and eat Knight..But before she could reach the stage,Uncle Zhang came forward and said,"Wait a minute. There is a gift she needs to receive before she cuts that cake." Dr Zhang then glanced at the cake and continued," It is from her Knight,her fiance."


    This caused Shi Ai''s eyes to widen and she almost ran to get the delicate box out of Dr Zhang''s hands.Even Zhang Min had a comical expression on his face..Seeing the Knight cake and Dr Zhang''s gift plus Shi Ai''s princess like attire,everyone thought that is was an inside joke and thought nothing of Dr Zhang''s words since old fashioned Knights did not exist anymore. But they were all curious about what she had received. Because seeing the gift had almost made Shi Ai glow. A few minutes ago she had looked breathtaking but now she looked like an ethereal goddess.


    Shi Ai looked at Dr Zhang with questioning eyes,asking him wordlessly if what he said was true. Seeing her hopeful look,Dr Zhang lowered his voice to a whisper and said,"Yes..it is sent by him. I got it this morning. Even I am not aware what is in the box.All I know was that it was to be handed to you tonight.Shi Ai took the box out of Dr Zhang''s hands with nervous fingers. She was happy that he had sent her the proof and happier that it was in the form of a birthday present. It was the best proof that she could have hoped for.


    Slowly she opened the lid of the box and peeped inside. Seeing her look of anticipation made a few girls so curious that they were tempted to snatch the box out of her hands and see for themselves what the gift contained.

 Chapter 99 - A Binyeo

    Even before Shi Ai could open the box,a girl exclaimed dramatically and loudly. When everybody turned to look at her she blushed and pointed,"That box looked familiar. I was trying to think where I have seen this unique shade when it suddenly struck me,:This is the patented box of designer Jean Pierre!"


    Anybody who had even a minor interest in the fashion industry had heard of the designer. She was known to make only two pieces of jewellery a year. It was said to be entirely handmade,unique and for private collectors only. Jean Pierre had recently been in the news when she had cancelled an order from a big celebrity so that she could design something else. Nobosy had known what it was she was working on and no one had come forward to boast. One of her assistants had leaked the information that whatever Ms. Pierre was designing was part of a couple set and the design belonged to the customer himself. But since there were two pieces,she had not taken on anyone else''s requests.


    All the girls felt even more jealous while some even speculated why Dr Zhang would give an orphan niece such a valuable gift..like someone who someone courting her..


    Finally, Shi Ai lifted the lid of the box and felt her eyes widen in amazement. Inside was a hair clip with a long stick decorated with a beautigully carved phoenix on one end. Its wings were spread beautifully and it''s green eyes seemed to be staring straight at Shi Ai. Most of the students were almost disappointed at this gift as they felt that it could not live upto the hype. But Shi Ai clutched the clip to her chest with bright shiny eyes and caressed the phoenix lovingly.Just then a young boy named Bo Jian,who was a friend of Zhang Min,came forward and stared intently at the piece in Shi Ai''s hand. Bo Jian belonged to a family that had been in the jewellery business for more that three generations.Seeing his absorption with Shi Ai''s gift,,Zhang Min came forward and asked what the matter was. What the boy said next,stumped everyone. "This is a modern Binyeo. A binyeo is a hairclip from the joseon dynasty where the girls put this in their hair when they turned adults. If this design is the one made by Jean Pierre then the other is a a dragon piece which makes for a perfect pair like yin and yang which can also stand for wedded bliss. Also you see the imperial jade eyes of the phoenix? Those pieces are real jadeite. This simple clip is more valuable that all the jewellery here combined." Jian''s eyes then turned to Shi Ai and he asked seriously,"Miss Shi,do you really have a fiance who has gifted you this? Because if that is so thenhe really values a lot.."


    Shi Ai was overwhelmed with the thoughtful gift that Ah Hai had sent her and ran upto her room. The abandoned guests and the silly cake forgotten. She tied her hair into a side knot and looked into the mirror. The clip matched her to perfection. Had this really been designed as part of a set and was it his design?,she wondered to herself. Her eyes would not leave the mirror..and the  beautiful hair accessory..


    Downstairs,Zhang Min tried to control the situation as suddenly everyone started to gossip. He gestured the servers to take the cake for  ow and soon music started to play. The host came forward and expertly handled the situation inviting everyone to the dance floor. Zhang Min glared at his father and walking to him whispered,"Dad! You could have given her the gift later or even before the party!Why did it have to be now."


    Dr Zhang looked at his son seriously and said,"Because I happen to value my skin.Your mother wants to encourage Shi Ai to date other boys. And you went along and invited those boys here. Do you hate these friends of yours? What do you think will happen when one of these becomes Ah Hai Long''s love rival?"


    Zhang Min''s frown turned even more ferocious as he protested,"But he himself asked her to date! What Shi Ai feels for that man is puppy love!"


    Dr Zhang rebuked Zhang Min and said,"Min Min, be that as it may be,it is not upto us to shove others in her face. And any boy that wishes to woo the girl needs to know that she already has someone in her heart. Also boys this age are just out to have fun and not serious about relationships. Shi Ai does not need that.Now stop bothering me and go have fun at this party. You did what you thought was right and I did what I thought was right.Now scram."


    That said,Dr Zhang left the party. Once Dr zhang was gone,Zhang Min was approached by Bo Jian. In a low voice,Jian asked Zhang Min,"Min Min? Is your cousin really engaged?"


    The hesitating voice made Zhang Min tilt his head to the side as he scrutinized his friend. The anxious look in his eyes confirmed the doubt Zhang Min had.


    Smiling a little wickedly,Zhang Min teased,"will wonders never cease? The mighty Bo Jian is interested in my sister?"


    Bo Jian could feel his ears turn red at Zhang Min''s teasing so he grumbled,"Shut up and tell me. I don''t want to snatch someone who belongs to somebody else. Who is the boy? And does he really appreciate Shi Ai. If he really is her fiance,why did he not come here himself instead of just sending over a gift?"


    Zhang Min realised that poor Bo Jian had fallen deep for Shi Ai. Since these feeling were sincere,Zhang Min said honestly,"Sigh!!She does ans doesn''t have fiance. It''s complicated so bear with me. Shi Ai believes herself to be in love with someone already and has made him promise to marry her once she is grown up. Regarding the other party,thought he does not seem to be in love with Shi Ai, he does care for her. And so as far as those two are concerned,the future is in the air. Now if you are able to snatch Shi Ai''s heart completely, I think the personn may not protest too much. But I cannot be too sure because he is an enigma to everyone."


    Bo Jian heard the explanation and answered his own question after that," And that person is a soldier?"


    Zhang Min smiled at that and sharply replied,"You have good observation skills,Jian.You guessed that from the cake?.So tell me,are you still going to woo my sister?"


    Bo Jian seemed deep in thought as he thought this through. Before he could reach a decision,however,Shi Ai returned to the party.


    And at that moment,Bo Jian''s principles flew out of the window and he vowed,"I am going to do my best to woo her and make her mine. That missing Knight can remain missing."


    His piece said,Bo Jian started to move towards the beauty but was stopped by Zhang Min who warned in a lethal voice," I will not interfere if you try to court her. You are a good person and you will have my blessings.But any underhanded methods and you will pay for it with your life.or more.Remember that."


    Bo Jian felt his brows rise at this. Was Zhang Min encouraging him or discouraging him? Shrugging his shoulders,he moved towards the girl who he had decided was going to be the future Mrs Bo..His anticipation increased as he moved closer to Shi Ai but then so did his displeasure.Shi Ai was wearing another man''s gift. He laughed to himself. He was already becoming possessive of her and they were yet to go for a date.. Once he reached Shi Ai,he extended his hand and asked,"Miss Birthday girl,will you do me the honor of a dance?"


    Shi AI looked at the extended hand and smiled softly. She recognized Bo Jian and the fact that he had told her about the hairpin made her feel grateful so she placed her soft and small hands into his large ones and let him lead her to the dance floor.


    On the dance floor, Bo Jian placed a hand on Shi Ai''s waist and pulling her closer but still at a respectable distance,began the dance. He felt a jolt of electricity pass through his hand at the touch and looked at Shi Ai to see if she had experienced anything similar. But,she was not even looking at him,just looking around at others dancing. Jian cleared his throat and said, Thank you for inviting me to your coming of age party!"


    This sentence brought Shi Ai''s attention back to Bo Jian and she said softly,"You are welcome. You are Brother Zhang Min''s good friend after all."


    In one sentence,Bo Jian felt that Shi Ai had drawn a line between them but he marched on,"Miss Shi,can I be your friend also?"


    Shi Ai looked into Bo Jian''s deep eyes then and answered without thinking much,"Of course.We can be friends."

 Chapter 100 - Another Leap-A Married Man

    Three Years Later:


    There was a  buzz in the air at the head office building of Knight Security Services. From the secretary to the top order directors had been instructed to stay on alert. The original boss of the place,  Long Ah Hai was coming to the office after almost five years. No one knew where he had been these past few years. Some speculated that he had been in a foreign land fighting terrorists while some felt that he had been living in the country itself but undercover and had busted a few drug and human trafficking rings. It is said that there is no smoke without fire. So if there were so many gossips and speculations, one could not help but wonder why. The reason behind this speculation was simple,Long Ah Hai had been awarded by the government, two medals for his exceptional service to the country. Since Ah Hai had been in the army of country C,the government had asked for his help and expertise in these cases and he had finished them successfully so the President of country A had awarded him many appreciation prizes and medals.


    However there was yet another reason for today''s excitement. Today, Long Ah Hai would officially takeover as the CEO of Knight Security Services.Ever since the company had been established, Ah hai had worked behind the scenes and no one but his second in command had seen him clearly. Those who had attended any meetings with him had always whined about the darkness around him because of which they could not see him. Now was their chance


    The media was camped outside the building to catch a glimpse of Long Ah Hai. After Long Ryu, this man was the most reticent brother as far as they were concerned. Neil Long and Matt Long were both public figures and even Long Ryu had been a visible though cold because of his role as CEO of Lance Inc.. while Long Ah Hai was the most mysterious one. Being the youngest he had been at first protected and then due to his chosen occupation,getting a picture of him had been impossible. The only picture the media had of him was an old one that they had to use everytime the man was mentioned. And still the man occupied the Nation''s Most Handsome Bachelor''s title. But today they would be able to capture him on camera.And not only that they were even invited to have an interview with him. Today their live streams were going to get amazing viewership!


    With everything buzzing,the man responsible for all this,at present stood in his apartment,getting ready to leave for the office. He was dressed in a Zegna Bespoke dark black suit paired with a black suit. The suit and the vibe of the man matched that of a businessman but his face was that of a villain. Cold and Hard. With his hair tied up in a top knot,the man looked like a women''s fantasy bad boys.


    The clock struck 8.00 as he walked out of the walk in closet. A small curled up lump sleeping under the blankets brought a rare smile to his lips and closing the blinds that were letting light in,he went to the underground car part to get his car.


    Working in the security tended to make a person paranoid and with reason.Long Ah Hai had seen the madness of humans in almost all forms.This was why no one knew his address and no one drove his car for him. As a matter of fact,all the brothers drove their own car because of what had happened to their parents who died because of someone''s mad grudge against them.


    Driving out,he soon reached KSS headquarters. But seeing the circus outside,he was almost tempted to turn back and go home. Shot,his second in command, had asked him if they could announce his arrival and he had agreed. He should''ve known that,with Shot''s style,his announcement would be vastly different than what Ah Hai had thought..This was the reason why Shot handled their PR.But he was too flamboyant.  The moment the black Dodge Coronet stopped in the compound,the media persons wanted to rush forward to get a look at him. But nobody dared to. They had already been instructed that Long Ah Hai valued his own personal space and did not like human touch. So they waited until the man alighted from the car.


    Goosebumps. Every male and female reported had goosebumps when Long Ah Hai alighted from the car. His face looked like it had been carved out from stone. His eyes were covered by sunglasses but even those sunglasses did nothing to hide on the man''s beauty. A scar stretched across his left cheek and disappeared under the frame of the man''s sunglasses but instead of detracting from his beauty,it looked as if the sculptor had purposely left a mark of on him.


    The man did not bother to even look at the corner where the sound of flashes were echoing every second and moved towards the entrance. Once inside, Knight looked around with his eyes and was satisfied. Thankfully his staff was well trained and they had not created a ruckus inside. They all stood there respectfully and though there was curiosity burning in their eyes,they were trained enough to keep it limited to their eyes. He nodded in satisfaction and moved towards the conference room for the upcoming announcement. Only after he had made the announcement, would he be meeting and greeting his employees. He wanted to get the outsiders done first.


    Inside the conference room, the journalists all sat straight as they waited for the announcement that had brought back the KSS'' reticent CEO.


    Soon the man stood on the stage. In a silky voice he started," Welcome to the KSS headquarters. Thank you for taking time to xommcome here at our behest. As you all know KSS has been the biggest company in cyber security as well as personnel security in these past few years. We would like to announce we are now moving in a bigger direction and expanding the company. In the first step, KSS is entering the entertainment industry. You will be receiving the details soon of our artists and upcoming shows.Thank you."


    Entertainment Industry? Everyone was in shock. It was not uncommon for bigger companies to invest in this field but no one directly started their own company and it was practically unheard of from a company which provided security services... but no one dared to doubt their abilities to succeed. Everyone believed that Long brothers could not fail at anything.


    Once the journalists had been briefed about the company,they moved onto personal questions.


    The first journalist was bold enough to ask," Mr. Long,after staying away from media for so many years,it is this new development that you have chosen to come into the lime light?"


    A straightforward answer was given to the journalists, "Yes."


    The journalists waited for Long Ah Hai to expand on the answer but realized that he was not going to say anymore.The man was once a soldier and they were reminded of the fact. His answers were short and concise. This brought forward a new question..


    "Mr Long,you have recently received the highest honor for serving the country. Can you explain the service yoy have done for receiving this special honor?"


    "I could but then I would have to kill you.."


    An awkward atmosphere was created at this answer. A few experienced journalists laughed to ease the tension since nobody knew if the man was serious and tried to change the topic.


    Another journalist then stated, "Mr Long, no one had seen you in the past and yet you were labeled the most handsome bachelor of the nation. Would you like to say anything about it?",questioned another journalist.


    Long Ah Hai turned his cold eyes to this journalist and answered,"I think that such a label Most handsome bachelor should belong to my brother, Matt Long."


    The journalists all grinned at this and someone even commented,"Mr Long,you are being modest. One would not expect something like this from a man as bold as you."


    This time Ah Hai graced them with a smile which shocked everyone present. They were mesmerized and dared not blink in case they missed this beauty. What the man said next however shocked them even more.


    "I am not being modest at all. You see,I do  ot deserve the title,not because I am less handsome than him but because he is the only bachelor among us brothers.."


    It took a moment for everybody to even ascertain and absorb the fact of what had been said. Long Ah Hai had just declared that he was married..


    Just then everyone''s eyes fell on the man''s beautiful hands. And there, glinted a simple wedding band on his ring finger.


    Everyone: "..."

 Chapter 101 - The Pink Haired Girl

    Just then everyone''s eyes fell on the man''s beautiful hands. And there, glinted a simple wedding band on his ring finger.


    Everyone: "..."


    There was a sudden silence resonating in the hall.And then all of a sudden noise started to burst from all angles.The reporters who had been behaving carefully until now forgot their terror and started to throw out their questions excitedly. The scene looked like a congress of monkeys and since the reporters were all chattering like monkeysAh Hai was amused and just sat back pretending to not understand a word.


    His second in command,Shot,who was also in shock gathered his wits in a minute and rushed to the stage. Picking up the microphone he ordered into it,"Ladies and gentlemen. We are not in a zoo. Please be patient and ask your questions one by one."


    Finally the atmosphere calmed a bit and the journalists once again started to question,"Sir,can you tell us who you have married and when?"


    "A girl. I married her sometimes ago."


    Once again everyone: "..." Is this person joking? Everyone could not help but wonder. Anyway guess it was a relief that he had not married a guy..that would be a big loss to the female race..


    Seeing that at least the man was answering even if a bit ambitiously,another journalist dared to ask,"Can you tell us a bit more about her?"


    "She is 167cms in height with a slim built. Her skin color is fair while her hair is short and pink."


    Shot,who had thought that they had salvaged the situation,stared in horror at his partner cum boss. Nobody could accuse Ah Hai of being obtuse. But this was crazy. They wanted him to describe his wife!Not some wanted criminal.


    The journalists were tempted to pull their hair out right now. They had thought that Ryu Long  was difficult to get information out of. But this guy was too much. They almost pitied the enemy who ever caught hold of Long Ah Hai and tried to get information out of them. The person would be tempted to cut their wrists in exasperation! And he was being friendly apparently at present.


    But they were also relentless and once again rallied. The experienced journalist posed a direct question instead of an ambiguous one. "Please tell us her name and what qualities attract you most in that woman."


    "Her name is Mrs Long Ah Hai and I like the fact that she is herself."


    Every person at the venue and those watching live streams: ".."


    Neil Long and his wife Mi Rae who were also watching the live stream shook their heads in exasperation. Mi Rae poked her husband''s hard muscled stomach with her long nails and said,"He is even more insufferable than you and you are laughing! If he did not wish to tell them about her,he shouldn''t have mentioned his marriage! Do you think the media going to stay quiet? They are going to pester us for information."


    While Mi Rae worried,Neil was laughing at his baby brother.


    Finally the joke called the press conference was over and just like Ah Hai''s second sister in law had predicted, Neil and Matt Long for information about their brother''s relationship status. However,not to be outdone, Neil and Matt Long also gave only twisted answers to the media amusing the citizens with their witty replies.


    Long Ah Hai then proceeded to his office on the top floor followed closely by an exasperated Shot who was tempted to chuck the files in his hand at Ah Hai''s head. He would have done it too but because the man was a mind reader,before Shot could move his hands,Ah Hai said,"I would advise you to not do that. You are sorely out of shape and practice whereas I have just returned from undercover and at my prime.."


    Knowing that Ah Hai was right,Shot dropped his idea and followed quietly.


    LATER THAT NIGHT:


    Ah Hai opened the door of his apartment to the smell of popcorn. It was then that he remembered that tonight was a movie night. Every week,him and his pink haired Sprite watched a movie. They had not broken that tradition for the last year since the time they were married but he had almost missed it tonight. Discarding his suit jacket he opened the top two buttons of his shirt and went to sit on one of the bean bags in his living room. If anyone wolerento come here they wouldn''t believe that Long Ah Hai was married. This was because there was no sign of a woman living in the house. It was decorated in a way what one would call a man cave. The only colors in the place were black and grey.


    Tired and feeling comforted at the buttery smell,Ah Hai leaned back and closed his eyes. He was about to fall asleep when a light weight deposited itself into his lap. Smiling slightly,his arms went around the slender waist and pulled her more comfortably closer,using her back as a pillow.


    "We need to move to the couch."Ah Hai mumbled into the back. The girl smiled and getting up off his lap,puled at his hand to move them to the couch. The couch was the only new addition she had made to their home in the last year. She liked to cuddle and be comfortable.The bean bags were good but they were not cuddle friendly so she had insisted on getting this.


    Ah Hai fell back on to the couch and also pulled her along this time using her like a soft toy by throwing his leg over her the minute they lay down and spooning her soft body with his hard one. The girl picked up the remote that lay on the side table and soon the movie started to play. The couple was engrossed in watching the movie and eating popcorn. The girl was looking at the movie and stuffing popcorn into her mouth from a large tub of popcorn while offering some to her husband behind her.Two hours later, Ah Hai had a peaceful child like expression on his face as he slept soundly while the girl had also seeming fallen asleep. Once the credits staryed rolling,the girl''s eyes snapped open and she carefully turned her head to observe her sleeping husband. This was also a routine she had formed when they watched movies. He always fell asleep midway.


    But she was glad that he did. She knew this was the only time her man ever got some restful sleep. She would hold him every night if he allowed her but he did not like to be touched. She smiled as she thought of the first time she had plopped herself into his lap after their mariage. How bold she had been. And Ah Hai had almost thrown her onto the other bean bag. But she had persisted until he had allowed her this little intimacy. These few hours were the only ones that he let her be close to him physically. Rest of the time they were mere best friends.


    Yes!She was her husband''s best friend while he was hers. They were not lovers or even in love. Or rather he wasn''t in love with her. She had  always been in love with her husband.Their marriage had been done to fulfill a need and it was tacitly understood that they would seperate once the need was over. But she was the one who had been in need and she did not want to only take and take. So she had studied her husband closely and pestered,coaxed him,pranked him until he atleast began to view her as a friend. Though she was pretty saddened that he did not view her as a female. As made clear by the fact that he could hold her and have no physical reaction for even a moment. But she had time,she consoled herself. A lot of time in the world. After all she had married the man she had proposed to. She would find a way into his heart the way she had into his lap and into his life.She thought back to the first time he had chosen a movie for her,she had been insulted that he thought of her as a kid but now she loved watching these Tom and Jerry movies. She had realised over time that these movies helped numb his brain to the horror of the real world and he really did enjoy them!


    And so Shi Ai restarted the movie and closed her eyes,knowing her hubby would wake up soon from a nightmare and then they would have to sleep seperately for the night. She placed her hand, which had a matching wedding band like his,on his arm and fell asleep peacefully. The sound of the movie and a couple''s peaceful breathing the only sound left in the room.

 Chapter 102 - How Did She?

    A little while after Shi Ai had fallen asleep,Ah Hai''s eyes snapped open and as he looked at the time,he realized that he had fallen asleep..again! He looked at the little pixie- like creature in his arms and wondered how she did it? Never had he ever let his guard down in the past enough to fall asleep in the presence of another man or woman. But now it seemed to have become a habit. Ah Hai smiled a bit at her child like innocent face looked like a little bun,making people want to bite her and then extracting his arm from under her,he carefully maneuvered himself and stood up. Picking her up,bridal style,he took Shi Ai to her bedroom and placed her on the big bed. Putting the warm blanket on her, he then brushed back the hair on her forehead with his large palm,before straightening and walking out of the door.


    In the living room,he turned off the television and then cleaned up the bucket of popcorn and the crumbs. Once the living room and kitchen were cleaned up,he heated up the dinner in the microwave that Shi Ai had left in the microwave and slowly ate. Usually,he would be watching the news at this time but today he was not in the mood to do so. There was a question from this morning echoing in his head. "Why do you like her?" Though it had seemed he had purposely not given a straight answer,in reality he had given an honest answer. He liked her because she was herself. Direct and to the point. Sometimes sweet and sometimes sharp. After his teenage experience with his brother Neil''s ex,Ning Ning and then seeing his eldest brother Ryu being harassed by Leona Knight ,had made Ah Hai wary of the female race and their tricks.


    Both his brothers found amazing wives after their experience but by then Ah Hai''s mistrust had already become deep rooted. It had even taken him a long time to welcome his eldest sister in law,Alicia Long into the family.


    But Shi Ai was different from every other girl because she was almost like him. Direct and she spoke her mind.


    When they had returned after marriage,he had been hesitant about talking to her about their living arrangements but she had said directly," Since we are married,we must live together so as to not arouse suspicion. Brother Ah Hai, you need to prepare a room for me.I will bring my things over in the evening."


    And that had been the end of their discussion.


    Even the movie nights had come into effect because of her.


    They had been eating dinner one day when she complained," I am bored! But I do not wish to go out. My dear Mr husband,please find a good movie for us to watch. "


    AH Hai had been amused and asked her,"Mr Husband?"


    She had shrugged her shoulders and just said,"You are my husband so why not?"


    Letting her comment go,Ah Hai pointed to a small button in the wall and said,"Press this and my movie collection is behind that. You can choose what you wish."


    Shi Ai had skipped to the wall. And then stood there dumbfounded. When she had yet to choose a movie after a few minutes,Ah Hai had asked her what was the matter and she had turned to him and whispered," Ah Hai you are not a 5 year old..Why do you only have Tom and Jerry movies?"


    Hebhad been about to give a standard answer but found himself muttering the truth about how he hated almost all other genres,be it action,thriller or horror. He actually said that he saw enough of it in real life and did not need to see  it for entertainment also. He had expected Shi Ai to look at him weirdly after that but she had instead nodded and agreed with what he said. After that, without making a fuss, Shi Ai had chosen a movie and asked him to join her which he had done.


    But then she had moved again and plopped herself directly into his lap. He had been shocked at this sudden attack. No one had ever dared to invade his personal space but this little girl treated him as if he was the couch.In explanation she told him,"That couch is too cold. I will catch a chill so I would rather sit on something warm."


    Uncomfortable,but unwilling to push her off,Ah Hai had closed his eyes and pretended to sleep but somewhere along the way,it had become true and the sleep that used to forever elude him since he became an adult,started coming easily. Ah Hai would have worried that he would become addicted and want to sleep with Shi Ai every night but thankfully, Shi Ai came home only on weekends. During her week she stayed on campus as it was more convenient.


    Ah Hai came out of his musings only when the fork he was eating with clattered loudly against the plate,making him realise that he had been feeding himself absolutely nothing..he had forgotten to put the food in his plate! Shaking his head in disbelief,Ah Hai focused on eating his food instead of going off to La-la land. Sigh!He was in for a long night with the new company''s paperwork.He hated paper work with a passion!.But at least he felt refreshed


    THE NEXT MORNING:


    Shi AI woke up in her own familiarly soft bed early in the morning and as was her habit,ran straight to Ah Hai''s room to snuggle under his blankets. This was also a small achievement she had made during the initial days of being married. The first time this had happened had been because of a nightmare. She had been screaming from a nightmare and Ah Hai had carried her into his room so that she could sleep without fear. She had then made a point to run to his room every chance she had.He knew that she was misusing the leeway he had given her but still indulged her.


    Today however,her mad dash to his room was obstructed by a wall that stood in her way. Since she had been scurrying like a mouse,she failed to see it and dashed straight into it. Her nose was the first to be hit and she would have bounced off it and hurt her bu** in the process if said wall had not caught hold of her by the arms and directed her towards the kitchen.


    She frowned at Ah Hai and whined,"I don''t want to eat!I want to sleep some more!"


    She was ignored and made to sit in the chair while Ah Hai turned to the stove to get the omlette rice he had prepared for her. Shi Ai looked down at the glistening steel table and almost screamed in fear. Her hair looked like a bird''s nest with twigs sticking out in all directions. Patting her hair back into place as much as she could,Shi Ai ran back to her room,mumbling,"I''ll just brush my teeth and be back!"


    Since Ah Hai was already dressed for office,she hurried back in case he got late because of her. Within a minute,she was back in her seat and two steaming plates of Omlette and rice were placed on the table. The two of them ate in companionable silence and were almost done when Ah Hai asked,"Did you see the press conference yeterday?"


    Shi Ai looked up and after swallowing the food,rolled her eyes,complaining,"Yes I did! And let me tell you that was a horrible description!I felt like a criminal!And I will have to change my hair color now!".she pulled at her soft bubble gum pink hair and looked at him accusingly with a pout


    Ah Hai grinned at Shi Ai''s tone making her dazed for a minute.Not that he realized it as he continued," That was the aim! This color makes me think of the candy floss I used to eat as a kid and you wouldn''t change it when I told you to."


    "HA! Mr. husband! You wait and watch now..You will soon regret doing that and beg me to bring the old color back!"


    Ah Hai was even more amused and bantered back,"I''ll just tell everyone your new hair color then!And either way,I won''t be seeing you until next week."


    In the next second,Ah Hai had a premonition that he was not going to be happy soon. Shi Ai had a very scary smile on her face. She said two words which made him deflate like a ball of hot air.


    "Winter break.The university is closed for two weeks. Frozen blue hair color here I come..."

 Chapter 103 - KSS And Shot

    After breakfast,Ah Hai dropped a kiss on Shi Ai''s forehead and bid her goodbye with a stren order to,"Behave." Rolling her eyes at his,Shi Ai stuck out her tongue and teased him by making faces at him,causing him to chuckle before leaving.


    Soon,Ah Hai''s car reached the headquarters and this time thankfully there was no one in the compound. Ah Hai made his way in causing all the employees to actually scurry away with a scared expression. KSS Security mainly employed Policemen and Military personnel who had to leave their jobs due to the injuries or other personal reasons. So most of them were well honed in detecting killing intent. And even if they were not skilled enough,Ah Hai''s black face would be telling. He marched up the stairs and everyone wondered if someone on a lower floor had done something wrong and the boss was so angry that they would not even wait for a lift. But they were wrong. Ah Hai actually climbed the fifty plus floors to his office in a matter of three minutes and strode in without breaking into a sweat. A slim woman in a simple black skirt and white shirt stood up at his entry and bowed. She was about to introduce herself but was ignored as though she was a piece of furniture.


    Shot who was the only other person with his office on the same floor saw this and smiled at her reassuringly. ''Don''t worry Miss Mo. He is always like this. You can introduce yourself later."


    With that,Shot followed Ah Hai and stopped at the door to Ah Hai''s inner sanctum. But he knew he would never hear an "enter" if he stood there so after the perfunctory knock,Shot opened the door and planned to walk inside. However,he had not even taken a step inside when a flying object came directly to hit him on the nose.. He ducked in time and the thing smashed into the door that had just closed. Thank the fates he had good reflexes of presently he would have been the one on the floor with pieces of his broken skull scattered around like these glass shards from the paper weight that once graced Ah Hai''s desk.


    Angry,he looked at Ah Hai and said,"Knight!Are you trying to kill me? Have you forgotten I am your brother in arms?"


    Knight looked up indifferently and said,"I remember.This is why I aimed at your head giving you a chance to duck. I would rather have aimed it lower so that you would not be able to make someone like you anymore.."


    This caused Shit to almost cross his thigh lest,Knight attacke his family jewels.


    Rushing to the chair opposite of Ah Hai, Shot questioned him,"What has you so angry in the morning?Did you have a fight with sister in law? Do you need to guide with ways to woo her? Though poor girl must be blind to have fallen for an ugly mug like you?" Now that he had eased into the topic,that Shot came for originally,he continued to ask,"By the way Knight,you are very ruthless. You have kept sister in law in hiding for so long and then you are not even telling us anything about her! Come on I need more information. And don''t you dare play Tai Chi with me! I need information."


    "What more do you need to know?I told everything yesterday. Oh..her hair color may not be pink anymore..!"


    Shot,who was an avid gossip when he was not on a mission was tempted to bang his head against a wall. Just what sins had he committed in the past life to have a friend like this. "Are you telling me that your wife''s hair is not pink any more. KNIGHT LONG! Is that information important? I want to see her and meet her and get to know her personality!I want to know why have I never heard of her before!"


    Ah Hai had already returned to his work with his head down, looked up at this outburst and said,"No. And you have heard of her."


    Shot frowned at this. He already understood that Ah Hai must have his own reasons for not bringing the person out but what did he mean that Ah Hai had told him about her before?


    He looked scrutinizing at Ah Hai before accusing,"I have a very good memory. I would remenber for sure if you had ever spoken about a girl!You never have! I have even wondered if you are gay since you have never even looked at a girl let alone talk about her! Take the beautiful Miss Mo for example. You treated her like a piece of furniture!"


    Ah Hai rubbed his forehead at Shot''s nagging and said,"Shot!I can make you work overtime if you have nothing to do!And I clearly remember telling you many years back that I was engaged!"


    Shot could feel his eyes widen! He remembered, once, Ah Hai telling him about a fiance who was a child. He looked up at Ah Hai in horror and said,"You married a kid!"


    Ah Hai looked at Shot as if the man had lost his marbles and pointed out,"She was a kid then!She has grown up now,obviously." The faint sarcasm in Ah Hai''s tone that he made no move to hide,incensed Shot and he accused,"Knight my friend,now I know why you never looked at another girl! You were in love with a kid! You cradle robber! That is what you are,even if you are a romantic one,waiting celibately for your loved one to grow up!" With that Shot started to say loudly in a sing song voice,"Knight is in love...Knight is in loooooooove!!"


    The next moment,poor Shot found himself being lifted by the collar and thrown out of the inner sanctum unceremoniously. It was only then,before he could have the door closed against him,did Shot blurt out the real reason for his coming to Ah Hai. "The person you wanted to poach from SetStar Media is here! They say they will only talk with you so you better be prepared to see them! They are key to the new company''s policy so we have to bow to them for now."


    Ah Hai''s eyes bored into Shot''s so sharply that Shot was sure he would be dead on the spot if looks could kill. If not for his military training,Shot was very sure that he would not have been able to stand.


    Turning back to his office, Ah Hai said, "They had already agreed before the announcement but now they want to play games..Fine!Since they want to play games we must accomodate them.Put them in conference room two and ask them to wait."


    Relieved that Knight had agreed, Shot turned back to leave instructions when suddenly Ms Mo. brushed past him and caught hold of Ah Hai''s sleeve. The man stopped and turned to glare at her. Seeing the wonan''s guts,Shot was tempted to murder and himself.Every employee who worked for KSS knew never to touch the CEO. This was the very first rule they were thought!It seemed that Ms Mo was going to bacome an example...


    Seeing the woman clutching at his sleeve,Ah Hai softened his tone and asked,"What is it?"


    Though his tome had gone softer,the rection of the two people in the room couldn'';t have been more different.Miss Mo assumed that he had been taken in by her beauty and thus spoke softly to her while Shot wanted to go and hide himself from the snake that was about to strike.


    In a soft and sultry voice,Miss Mo said,"Sir!I am a new employee with KSS and just wanted to introduce myself..."


    Looking down at the hand that was still clutching his sleeve,Ah Hai pushed her hand down with the tip of a dagger that had suddenly appeared in his hand. The girl had the biggest fright as suddenly a cold and pointed metal was pressed onto her wrist almost causing it to be pricked before she snatched her hand away. She clutched her wrist to her chest unable to breathe. Ah Hai wa satisfied and thus said,"If you are new then you should not have forgotten the first rule that this company has. I will let you be for now but next time your hand will be seperated from the rest of the arm. Shot! Since Miss Mo has a contract with us, let her work as the janitor here. I have already borrowed an assistang. He will be here soon."


    Miss Mo was a qualified assistant and had been the top student in her university. Though getting a job at KSS was like a dream come true,she would not work as a janitor! And she would not even work for a madman who would cut off their employee''s hands for such a small things. She looked down at her hands which were fine for now and said,"I resign!" and ran out of the office as if the hounds from hell were chasing her..

 Chapter 104 - A Beautiful Woman

    The frightened Ms Mo ran all the way down and out of the reception area with big fat tears in her eyes and rolling down her soft cheeks. Her tears created a stir in the otherwise silent place and soon people were gathering around coffee machines and inside washrooms gossiping about the abrupt departure of the beautiful assistant. Ans the reason for it. Some thought that the CEO must be so scary a man that his assistant did not even last half an hour..


    Shot could only shake his head at Knight. People believed Ah Hai was averse to touch because  of his experiences in the military but Shot knew better. Ah Hai had been like this even before he went inside the teams officially. Back in their army days,Shot had been team leader and he had studied every team mated profile before choosing them. Knight''s file was a big maze of messes all over. And he had also seen many things covered up in that file. If one were to study it carefully they would know that the file hid more information than giving it.


    Shot understood that it could be because of his high profile background but he had always been curious about things. Whatever the reason, Ah Hai was a paranoid bas**** who hated to be touched. But it was also this paranoia that had saved his life on their last mission. When those traitorious villagers had hugged them to show their gratitude but instead rubbed that medicine on them..if Ah Hai had also been hugged then...Shot shook himself out of the past and looked at the closed door in front him. Ah Hai had already gone inside and those people were waiting for him..since Ah Hai had said he would come,Shot could only entertain them until the man deigned to make an appearance.


    Shot decided he would even try to find the reason for this sudden unplanned visit and help his friend a bit.


    A lingering flowery fragrance was left in the corridor as Shot made his way to the meeting room. The door opened to a beautiful woman dressed in a short red dress sitting on the couch in the corner. She sat languidly and gracefully as if she was a work of art,which she was. Her long blonde hair fell gracefully over her bare and delicate shoulders. Her cat eyes looked bored as she looked around the room. There were three other people in the room but they might as well be invisible because this woman cast a shadow over them all.


    Her eyes turned to him and instantly sized him up. And then deemed him unworthy.  Shot was amused at this and turned his attention to her agent,Mr Luke. It seemed the entertainment industry''s princess did not wish to talk to anyone but Ah Hai.


    Mr Luke bowed to him as soon as his attention turned to him and Shot nodded his head in acknowledgement.  Shaking hands,the two men sat on the opposite sides of the conference table, leaving the position of the head empty. The last man was the scout who had negotiated the deal with Ms Silvia Gray. Miss Silvia was to be the first artist to have signed up with KSS media making their entry into the entertainment industry. But it seems she was going to renege on her agreement. Or  she wished to renegotiate,now that she knew who the top player was. Tsk tsk. Shot happened to hate those who tried to misuse their power. And it seemed that the saying fair of face and dark of heart was true. Shot estimated he had forty minutes to save this beauty from the beast they had invited. With a charming smile,he said, "Mr. Luke, I think there is some problem that you are facing? Haven''t you already finished your contract with the other company? We were supposed to sign the contract today but now you are refusing.."


    Mr Luke grimaced and gave a sly glance towards Miss Silvia and explained," Yes,we have already cancelled the contract but there was something we had planned for the damage control that her reputation would suffer because of her abandoning her debut company. But because of the new announcement that seems a bit impossible. This was why we have requested a meeting with Mr Long. Of course if he refuses to meet then Ms Silvia has other companies who will be willing to agree to our terms." Shot''s eyes narrowed at the subtle threat in the agent''s voice and he decided on the spot to let them suffer Knight''s wrath. Negotiation was part of business and acceptable. Blackmail was not. Shot did not understand why Knight had chosen to enter the entertainment industry. His brother who was a business tycoon had never shown interest in that and neither had Ah Hai in the past. In fact this industry was the dirtiest in the industry. Even in the army,you knew the enemies even if they were hidden. But in the world of entertainment,there were no friends only enemies. One would never know who would stab you in the back. It was like a muddy gutter where youy were bound to get dirty. Shot messaged Ah Hai to hurry his a** here.


    His message was answered in the form of a door opening as the man of the hour entered. Even the lazy Miss SIlvia sat up straight at the Ice man''s entry. Her eyes which had been reflecting boredom were suddenly lit with an unholy light and Shot could almost imagine her thoughts of seducing him. Ha!she could try..Seducing an Iceberg would only lead to the sinking of the Titanic!Without a word,Ah Hai marched in and sat on the empty chair at the head''s place and without even glancing sideways,picked up the file from their employee and looked at Mr Luke.


    Mr Luke was an established and experienced agent. But seeing this man in flesh almost scared him like a green newbie. Clearing his throat,Mr Luke explained,"It''s like this..Miss Silvia has been with her company since her debut and that was the company which gave her a break. If Miss Silvia were to abandon the company without a valid reason then it would negatively affect her image. Anf this would be a loss to not just her but your company also. So.."


    Ah Hai kept staring at the man without prompting the man to continue so,once again Mr Luke hesitantly continued," so we had planned to spread the news that Miss Silvia was engaged to you and this was why she had left the company. It would be beneficial to your image also as everyone would think that you had established the company for a woman who was important to you but ..but yesterday''s announcement came unexpectedly and now we are worried that this plan would not work.."


    After Mr Luke had finished talking he looked at Miss Silvia who nodded and waited for Long Ah Hai to respond. When the man did not say anything,Mr Luke continued,"If you agree,then Miss Silvia can pretend to be your fiance or wife and then once your company is established,she can announce that you two have broken up."


    Ah Hai gave a harmless smile at this causing Mr Luke to relax a fraction and thinking that the man agreed. But Shot was afraid. Miss Silvia was a snake but she was an important one. She had just signed a Hollywood movie and her role would be an important one in establishing their company.  But if Ah Hai let loose his temper then..


    Before Shot could intervene,Ah Hai''s smile gave way to soft words. "Ofcourse once you spread rumors,my wife will have to take a backseat and then later on your fans will accuse her of being a home wrecker and attack her. Do you take me for a fool,Mr Luke?" Everyone could feel the power emanating the man who was ready to attack.


    Just then,the door to the room opened once again and an older gentleman stepped in. Greeting everyone with a slight bow,the man said," Hello,I am Assistant Yang. I am sorry for suddenly barging in but the young Master had requested some documents.."


    With that Assistant Yang,who had once been Long Ryu''s assistant and interim CEO took his seat behind Ah Hai. Seeing Assistant Yang,Knight''s mood had lightened and he was tempted to give a genuine smile but stopped himself in time. This was why his brother had told him this morning to not hire an assistant. Long Ryu''s mist trusted man was going to stand by Long Ah Hai.


    Ah Hai looked at the documents handed to him by Assistant Yang and was satisfied. This was called efficiency.


    Directly turning to Miss Silvia,Ah Hai said,"Miss Silvia, we have a slight problem..Let us talk clearly. Why don''t you join us on the table?"


    £¬

 Chapter 105 - A Beautiful Woman (2)

    "Miss Silvia, please join us on the table as we have a slight problem."


    The woman moved with grace. Her every movement was resplendent of a beautiful peacock. Shot could see why the people were crazy for her. She was a mixture of innocent looks and seductive movements. Shot could guess the woman''s real nature but was still tempted. He turned to observe Knight if the man was also affected in any way and he was not disappointed. The man was looking at her as if she was prey. Now the question was did Knight want to eat or only kill? He would bet on the latter but one never knew.


    The woman sat on the chair that her assistant had just vacated and offered to her. She was now sitting on Knight''s left side. Shot expected Ah Hai to either cut the woman down to size or give in to her demands for now. But something that he had not expected happened.


    In a totally charming and definitely not ''Knight'' style the man smiled at the model and said,"Miss Silvia..you are only twenty four years old this year and have already been in this industry for a few years. You know if you were to claim to be engaged to me an almost thirty year old man,don''t you think that it will rather negatively effect your image? Also, I wonder on whose side your agent is since he is guiding you so pathetically. You seem to think that you can back out from the contract at this juncture but that is a dangerous misconception. You have already signed a preliminary contract on the basis of which we have advanced you the money for your contract termination. Now if you were to back out,you would have to pay us back a few million dollars for breach. So you need to think carefully before you try to threaten us. As a matter of faith,I would like to also gift you this file. I think this will encourage and help you in making a final decision."


    While Miss Silvia accepted the file,Knight made a gesture to Shot with his fingers. Shot felt his eyebrows reach his hairline at this gesture but followed the orders and typed out a message.


    Mr Luke was curious and worried about what Long Ah Hai said and tried to lean over to take a look. What he saw made his eyes bulge and he was about to snatch the documents from her hands but was pushed down forcefully by someone from behind. Mr Luke turned around and stared at the big burly man who stood behind him. Nobody knew when the man had come in but he did not let him move.


    Mr Luke stammered and tried to protest,"Silvia,this is a ploy. They want to separate you so that they can exploit you. All this evidence is falsified. Silvia,listen to me. Please please.."


    There were tears in her eyes when she looked up at her agent. No man in the room could have remained immune to her silent tears and Shot got up from his chair and placed a box of tissues in front of her as well as a glass of water. Like a little girl she held the glass with two hands and drank thirstily.


    By now Mr Luke''s voice was starting to rise and everyone could feel it irritate their eardrums. He was silenced the next minute when Ah Hai had thrown a ball of paper into the man''s mouth. And the guard now had a hold of the man''s arms behind his back making him look like a struggling  fish stuck on a hook.


    After a few moments Miss Silvia Grey no longer looked like a worldly woman but a vulnerable,betrayed one. In a trembling voice she looked at her agent and began,"uncle Luke, why? Why did you betray me? I thought that you understood me and would protect me against the wolves but in face you were the one selling me! And you call yourself a top agent. You are nothing more than a gig*lo! In fact you are worse because at least they don''t hide behind a respectable facade."


    The guard took out the paper ball and let the man speak. By now the man had stopped struggling and was glaring at her hatefully! Rudely he accused,"Because you refuse to sleep with any producers! The higher ups groomed you and made you so popular so that you would fetch them biggest producers with your beauty but you kept refusing! They had no way to force you because of your success and increasing fan base.Of course they needed to bring you down a notch! So they planned this. They asked me to make you leave the company and I convinced you to do that. And it was very easy thanks to your stupidity! Once you left the company,they would smear your reputation to smithereens forcing you to accept their terms thereafter! You were so eager to escape those lecherous offers that you accepting everything with gratitude! Long Ah Hai would have been the perfect man to begin smearing your reputation and making a mistress out of you but.."


    "But I found your ploy and exposed it." ,Ah Hai finished for the man. "Mr Luke,I do not like being used. I hope you understand that. Now,you may leave the office and please don''t come in front of me again or you will regret it. And do not try to use what happened just now because your deeds have already been exposed in the media." Ah Hai clicked on a remote and the screen on the front wall lit up. The breaking news made Mr. Luke so mad that he tried to actually attack Ah Hai but before he could even move an inch,he was hauled away bu the guard.


    The news was still playing in the background and Miss Silvia stared at the screen as the reporter said," In breaking news today,Mr Luke of Star Set Media has been exposed of forcing his clients onto prostitution and se* trade. Mr Luke is claimed to be the biggest agent in the company and the police have claimed that they have evidence of the media company''s involvement also. Mr Luke''s number one client is the country''s most beloved daughter Silvia Grey. We have tried to contact her and the PR at Star Set Media but both are unavailable for comment. Many small time artists have come forward and testified for this scandal thus exposing the dark underbelly of this shiny and glamorous world of entertainment."


    Silvia could feel her career crash in front of her eyes and accepting defeat she said,"Mr. Long. I am sorry to have wasted your time. I understand that after this no one is going to believe in my innocence and I have no way to survive this place with my dignity intact. I will take your leave.And..thank you for saving me from their clutches..."


    With that Miss Silvia got up from her chair and was about to leave but Ah Hai stopped her and said,"why don''t you have a seat first,Miss Silvia? This is only the beginning for you and not the end."


    Just then another scene started to play on the news channel and Silvia  was startled as this was almost a live feed from this very room. The first thing that played was Silvia asking Mr Luke that why he had betrayed her. From there on the entire conversation was played out on the screen after which the journalist came back and started to explain how Miss Silvia had been trying to protect herself from all this fornall these years all alone. Though there were some people who did not believe in the girl''s innocence,most of her fans rallied and started to support her on the internet and left her encouraging messages on her Weibo account.


    Thus,on the second day of KSS Media''s entry,it''s biggest competitor''s reputation was smeared and dragged through the mud.


    Silvia Grey looked at the men on the room as of they were her heroes and falling her knees started to thank them emotionally by kowtowing to them.


    Ah Hai looked at the poor girl and getting up from his chair left the office to afford her some privacy. Assistant Yang also felt uncomfortable and got up to leave. Shot was the only one who stayed and was now helping the girl sit up on the sofa.


    Seeing the scene Ah Hai nodded and then said to Shot,"Bring her up once she is a bit stable. There are still some things left to discuss."


    With that the two men left the room leaving behind curiosity and questions.


    *If you are reading this book anywhere other than webnovel then please know that it is stolen. Please go to webnovel website to read the original version and support the author.Thank you. *

 Chapter 106 - My Selfish Reasons

    Assistant Yang followed Ah Hai upstairs and then to the man''s room. Once inside,Ah Hai turned to him and gave the man a hard hug almost crushing him and scaring Assistant Yang out of his wits. Long Ah Hai was not known as someone who would hug you! Crush you maybe.. Moving back, Ah Hai then said,"Welcome back to the workforce Assistant Yang.Though my brother has forced you out from retirement,you are the best assistant one can have. And I know that you are here to spy on me but I won''t hold it against you."


    Assistant Yang smiled at the man in front of him and kept silent. He had seen this boy grow up,lose his way and then find it to become the man he was today. He would have come out of retirement anytime for this kid. Assistant yang smiled and said,"Little master!You are too much!Of course I am no spy!I am only here to help you and guide you. I wouldn''t dare to spy!"


    Ah Hai rolled his eyes saying,"Yes and the sky is purple!". Assistant Yang was like a brother to him so he felt comfortable with him and did not feel the need to maintain his scary aura. In fact he was pretty sure that Assistant Yang would laugh his a** off,if he tried to scare him. Soon Ah Hai and Assistant Yang were both immersed in work. A little while later the doors pf the private elevator opened and a now composed Miss Silvia Grey walked into the lobby. Her composure was back and so was the natural elegance. Assistant Yang bowed to her and guided Shot and Miss Silvia to Ah Hai''s room.


    Ah Hai looked up and his face carefully scrutinized the woman in front of him. He leaned back in his seat as he gestured for her to sit opposite him. Ah Hai then looked at Shot and said,"Shot,you need to handle Miss SIlvia''s PR for now and act as her agent. All her files and upcoming projects are there in a file with Assistant Yang."


    Shot looked at Ah Hai and rolled his eyes at him. Knight had just dismissed him! He could have just said that I need to talk to the beautiful woman alone!There was no need to put him to work! With a murmured,"Excuse Me.", Shot left the room closing the door behind him.


    Once the other man had left there was silence in the room. Silvia could feel her throat dry as she stared at the man in front of her and gathered her courage. In a soft but slightly hoarse (because of her crying) voice she said,"Thank you Mr. Long for saving me from disaster. I never would have been able to live if I had to sell myself! And to think I was about to create problems for you.Mr Long.,you have no idea how I have protected myself for so much time.I had even thought about retiting but I had no id Mr Long,I have already signed the contract with your company and now it is upto you how you handle my PR. And my work. I..I also want to thank you for saving my reputation in this mess."


    Ah Hai did not say anything to accept or reject her gratitude. He just stared piercingly at the woman,soon making her uncomfortable. This was starting to make Silvia feel like squirming but she persisted as she was trained. Able to stand pressure,she cleared Ah Hai''s test who then said,"Miss Silvia,the company may be named after a Knight but I am no Knight in shining armour. There are hundreds of female actresses in Star Set Media but I chose to bring you over. You have already seen that I could have destroyed you alongwith that man.So don''t you think I might have my own selfish reasons to keep you here and help you out?"


    Silvia felt as if the sky had fallen on her as she heard this. The man was right. Atleast she had known Star Set''s motives but KSS was a totally unknown quality. She clenched her hands and consoled herself,"No matter.She had survived this long.She would thrive in the future as well. Come what may. So with fire in her eyes she stared at Ah Hai and said," Mr. Long,I am indebted to you. And you are correct I will do anything as long it is within moral and legal bounds to repay the debt. However please know that I have not survived in this industry on my moral grounds only to surrender now. As I said, I still have the option of suicide if nothing else works out. And tat would be more harmful to you since I am the first known celebrity to sign up with you."


    Ah Hai was amused at this though there was no change in his expression. In an indifferent voice he continued,"Miss Silvia, you are unique in the ability that you are threatening me with harm to yourself. Well played. Anyways let me assure you that your integrity will not be attacked in this place and neither will you have to compromise in any way. You have full autonomy to form your own team as long as those people clear our standard work ethics procedure.My reason for collaborating with you is something unique. And since you say that you are indebted to me,why don''t you help me out?"


    Miss Silvia was curious now. She had been truthful in her gratitude and was willing to help as far as she could. But what would a man like Long Ah Hai want from her that he could not get his own? So she leaned forward and said,"Tell me.I will do my best!"


    The next words,however shocked her and rendered her speechless while filling her with unbridled terror.


    "Shi Ai! Jog your memory Miss Silvia and tell me about your childhood friend Shi Ai.."

 Chapter 107 - A Beautiful Facade

    Silvia Grey could feel the heat rise as she tried to think of a way to answer Long Ah Hai.Stuttering a bit,she asked,"Sh shi Ai? I do not remember anyone by that name Mr Long! I am sure you are mistaken.."


    This time Ah Hai deliberately lowered his gaze and decided to out wait the woman. He did not like liars and right now Miss Silvia Grey was lying.Silvia tried to avert her eyes but the strong gaze would not let her,leaving her with no option but to lower her gaze. Getting more nervous by the second,Silvia tried to stammer out an explanation,"Mr. Long, I really am not aware of the person you are looking for. I am sorry that you have wasted your time in having hope for me. I have met and befriended so many people over the years that I really do not have any memory of such a person. I am sorry."


    Getting up from her seat,Silvia Grey bowed and then said,"In case..in case I remember something I will let you know."


    She had almost escaped to the door when the man''s cold voice interrupted,"Do you need me to threaten you Miss Silvia. I can use the fact that you have just signed with this company and then proceed to ruin your career. I can throw you out right now and make you an accomplice instead of a victim in the eyes of your dear fans. I have a million ways to ruin you Miss Grey and if you think that KSS media is important to me then you are mistaken. I can establish a hundred other such companies so please take a seat and start the story.


    Sighing deeply,Silvia closed her eyes and then opening them sat in front of the man. Her eyes held a stubbornness that come what may she was not going to co operate. Ah Hai waited for her to speak and she silently stared at him.Finally the cold war was broken after a few minutes when Silvia was unable to withstand the pressure.


    In an irritated voice,she said,"Shi Ai is dead!And I don''t know why you are curious about her. She died almost 10 years ago!"


    Ah Hai absorbed this piece of news and cocked his head to look at her.


    In a conversational tone,he answered,"Then would you mind telling me why there is no record of her death?There is no death certificate. No report. Nothing. She seems to have never lived or died.."


    Raising her chin,Silvia stared at the cold man and asked,"Why are you interested in this anyway? Whoever she was,whether she lived or died,the hows and the whys..how are they your concern? And how did you link her to me?"


    "If you did not want people to know then you should not have put her picture in her home. Someone recognized her and wanted to know about her. I am just a small investigator. And your reaction just now was very interesting,Miss Silvia! You were young neighbors in a small apartment building in country C,weren''t you? But suddenly, eleven years ago,Miss Shi Ai disappeared into thin air and you moved here with your parents. Don''t you think anyone who would know of this situation would find it a bit fishy.."


    Long Ah Hai''s insinuations made Silvia realize that this man had done proper research and he was looking for something specific from her. But she did not understand how mush the man knew and how? As fas as she knew,Shi Ai and Shi Xaio were both dead. Her parents were also long gone.The only other people who would know about this were Mr and Mrs Shi and they would not gain anything from this and would not be curious. Also,she knew that Long Ah Hai was richer than hades so he had no need to blackmail her but she could not understand what he wanted. So she decided to repeat the smae story she had told the police many years ago.


    "Shi Ai..she was thirteen that year and her sister was eight. We lived in a very poor neighborhood so all the parents had to go to work. Shi Ai was usually left to baby sit us and as she grew up she started to resent,having to take care of us. She wanted to go out with boys her age and have fun so she used to lock us up in the cupboard and go. This caused us a lot of trauma and a fear of closed spaces. One day, I cried a lot and complained to my parents who then did not send me there again. Her parents were angry at her for this and gave her a beating making her even more angry and resentful. But she pretended to have learnt her ways. Then one day,they were gone longer and Shi Xaio was having a tantrum so in her anger so she threw some things around and mistakenly caused a gas leak. By the time the adults came back their house had been burnt to ashes and both the girls had been gone.. My parents had a strok of luck in their business soon after that so they moved here to help me get over the shock and so that they can have better prospects here. I don''t know why her parents did not get their death certifacates or what the problem was. I was just a kid. And it was a painful time for me also Mr. Long. I would rather forget that miserable period of time. Now if you would excuse me Mr Ah Hai, I have somewhere to be and would like to take your leave."


    After she had left, Ah Hai picked up the phone that was left on the table and spoke into it. "You heard everything."


    An emotional voice answered,"Yes. And I know she is lying.." Shi Ai answered slowly..


    £¬

 Chapter 108 - Break My Heart

    In a small voice,Shi Ai said,"She was lying. But why?"


    As Shi Ai''s voice went progressively lower,Ah Hai knew that she was trying to compose her emotions. He could feel his heart break for her. The first clue she found relating to her long lost sister was lying. He knew that she was desperate for information and all she could see were dead ends. Ah Hai packed his work and left the work. ;


    Assistant Yang was not shocked by this because he knew that is how the brothers were and conveniently went to work on rescheduling the man''s meetings. ;


    Ah Hai reached his apartment at top speed and marched straight into Shi Ai''s room. And there the little pixie was sitting cross legged on the ground,with her eyes swollen big. Shaking his head at her,he sat on the ground and put her in his lap. She sniffled a bit and buried her face into his neck. A few minutes later,Shi Ai had composed herself and apart from the occassional sniffle,she was silent as she heard Ah Hai''s steady heartbeat.Ah Hai looked down at the pink hair and said,"Xaio Ai!You did not change your hair color today?"


    Shi Ai looked up at him and pouted before replying,"There are thousands of women with pink hair!I will not change my color for now. I really really like this."


    Xaio Ai..Ah Hai was the only one who called her that.The only person who even knew that her real name was Shi Xaio. After her eighteenth birthday,Shi Ai had started having horrible nightmares and she had chosen to take guidance from a counselor to see if there was any reason behind these recurring nightmares. But the problem was Shi Ai never remembered what she dreamt of, only that is caused her to break out in a sweat and wake up screaming. It was during this time that she discovered the letter that Aunt Wu had left for her to read on her eighteenth birthday,whichbshe had forgotten about.


    Aunt Wu had documented the times that she had those nightmares from the time she came to the orphanage and what she screamed about when she woke up.


    It seemed she usually woke up shouting the name Shi Ai or jiejie( meaning sister) most of the times. Shi AI had found it odd that she never screamed for her parents only a sister. This had made her firm up on her decision to find her buried memories and her parents as well as this person called Jiejie. This had made her discover the fact that she was in fact Shi Xaio and not Shi Ai and also remember that it had been her sister who had left her at the orphanage. In honor her sister, she had chosen to keep her name Xaio Ai, her own name and her sister''s name. Though Ah Hai was the only one who called her Xaio Ai


    Shi Ai was jolted back from the present when she felt a firm tug on her hair. With his big hands clenched in her hair,Ah Hai made Shi Ai look into his eyes and said,"How many times have I warned you to not think of the past. I made you a promise to find out the past and you know I will but if you torture yourself like this then I will not tell you anything. Xaio Ai, you know whatever it was your sister was protecting you from was dangerous and we have to be careful of that fact. Silvia Gray is lying but the question is why? ;


    You heard her voice,she was scared out of her wits when I took Shi Ai''s name. So even if your sister survived or not,I have kept a close watch on that woman and we will know. Do not torture yourself until then. And now get up and wash your face. We are going to have lunch."


    With that Ah Hai dropped a light kiss on her lips and pushed her off his lap.


    Shi Ai crawled off his lap and went straight towards the washroom. She seemed to not realise that her lips were tingling and her fingers were still touching the warmth there. Since when did Ah Hai start to get like this with her? She wondered of it was just a comfort kiss or something more?


    Shaking her head,Shi Ai washed her face and applied a light layer of makeup before leaving the room. Ah Hai looked her over and making a face complained," You had to go and ruin your beauty with goop.Long Shi Ai! When will you stop applying this paint and come with me the way you are? "


    Shi Ai gave him a sassy reply and said,"this is a woman''s war paint. It makes her look pretty."


    Ah Hai stared at Shi Ai and then leaning forward whispered in her ear,"Shi Ai. Let me tell you a secret. War paint does not make anyone look beautiful. It us for war so naturally it makes you look ugly...like you are now!" He finished off with a wink and ran forward as Shi Ai rushed after him to hit his arm for calling her ugly! The two people left the home hand in hand laughing and teasing each other.


    Silvia Grey on the other hand,sat in her room with the blinds closed and utter darkness surrounding her. Her head was filled with dark thoughts of the past and every now and then she would let out a shudder. Today was a dooms day for her. Just who had she offended recently that this happened. Silvia stared at the photo frame in her hands and traced the features of the girl standing with her. In a small voice she kept whispering,"I am sorry Shi Shi. I am sorry.." After crying her eyes out,she let out a hiccup and then wiping her tears made a call to a private investigator. ; She needed to know why that man was asking about Shi Ai.

 Chapter 109 - A Big Wolf

    A black maserati raced it''s way out of the apartment''s parking towards the outskirts of the city. Out of the two occupants in the car,one was relaxed as he drove with one hand on the stearing wheel and the other holding his wife''s hand. The other party was somewhat angrily and half heartedly trying to get her hand out of the man''s grasp.


    Finally,giving up after a while,Shi Ai let her hand stay in his and even locked their fingers together.


    After a while of peaceful driving,Shi Ai realized that they were going towards the outskirts of the city. Finally,she turned to Ah Hai and asked,"Where are we going?"


    Ah Hai just gave a look and said,"You will know when you reach there."


    Shi Ai rolled her eyes at him and muttered under her breath,"Of course I will know when we reach there. It''s not like I am dumb that I won''t know after reaching there also."


    Ah Hai threw the smart aleck a glance and said,"I can hear what you said,you know."


    "Of course you can!You have the hearing of a wolf!"


    "Shi Ai..wolves have strong sense of smell.Now Bats,on the other hand, have good hearing..."


    "Whatever.." came the sullen reply. Shi Ai wanted to pull her hand out of his grasp and cross her arms but she knew he wouldn''t leave it.


    Staring at their adjoined hands,Shi Ai missed what he said next and looked at him in confusion..making Ah Hai repeat,"I said that, I do have wolf teeth?"


    Amused at her innocence,Ah Hai clarified,"Wolf teeth,my dear. The better to eat it''s prey with.And ofcourse you are my prey."


    This statement was followed by an expression so l.e.w.d that if it had been anyone else they would have reported Ah Hai to the authorities for indecent behavior. Shi Ai could only blush and look away.


    Ha! Shi Ai wanted to really kill herself for blushing so easily! Ever since she was a kid,shebwould blush at the smallest compliment making her face turn red. In the initial days when Ah Hai used to tease her, she remembered her face used to be red all day long. She had prepared so long and hard that she would not turn the shade of a tomato but here she was.. Red again.


    Frowning and unreasonably angry,Shi Ai scolded Ah Hai,"Give me my hand back!"


    Ah Hai had really forgotten that he was holding her hand. To him it had felt as if it was a part of him. Even  now he did not want to let go so he refused,"You said I could hold your hand for eternity and now you want it back. Are you reneging on your promise to me Shi Ai? Are you not a woman of your word?"


    Shi AI stared in horror at the man in front of her. The man she had thought of Ah Hai was a knight. A braveheart. Who was this person that she had married? He hardly ever spoke in the past and now he was suddenly a drama queen. The saying that appearances can be deceiving was apparently true. Of course Ah Hai had successfully made Shi Ai forget her grief from earlier and her objective of taking her hand back now without her realizing it.


    Soon they had arrived at their destination. A carnival..


    Shi Ai looked around in amazement at the colorful banners and displays. There was everything from giant wheels and merry go rounds to games! Shi Ai had never been to a carnival and neither had Ah Hai.  Once when she had confessed that she always wanted to go there,Ah Hai had promised her that they would go together but she had forgotten about it. Now it seemed that he had not..


    Throwing her arms around his neck,Shi Ai smacked a small kiss on his cheek and hopped off the car.


    Running straight inside with the enthusiasm of a kid,Shi Ai was already playing a game by the time Ah Hai followed her in. It was one where they had to burst a circle of balloons with  bullets to win a soft toy but the number of bullets should not exceed five to win the grand prize. Shi Ai had been able to burst only two and the rest were all empty shots. She tried to cajole the stall owner to let her buy the grand prize but he wouldn''t do that.


    Shi Ai had fallen in love with the soft toy at first glance. It was a wolf disguised as a pirate. She felt that since wolves were what they had been talking about on the way here it was the best momento for today but she could not hit it.


    She looked pleasingly at Ah Hai and almost begged fluttering her eyelashes,"Please...Please."


    Ah Hai narrowed his eyes and said in a decisive tone," No."


    Not giving up,Shi Ai grabbed his arm and said,"Please,pretty please."


    Ah Hai looked down at the two fair hands which were now clutching at his arm and said,"Why are you holding onto me now? You wanted me to leave your handbag while back."


    "Ugh!childish!" Shi Ai thought to herself but did not say it out loud. Instead she tried to act cute and said,"Aiya..I was only kidding.of course I want you to hold my hand for eternity."


    Ah Hai looked at her in disbelief but then taking the gun,fired five shots rapidly..leaving both the stall owner and Shi Ai speechless..He had not hit even one balloon. Ah Hai was even more pathetic than her..This caused Shi Ai to break into laughter and between giggles she said,"Ah Hai,thank God you were not a sniper in the army!"


    Ah Hai smirked at the irony. The sniper who was known to kill multiple enemies with a single pull of the trigger was being laughed at for not hitting the target with a toy gun. Even the stall owner was about to laugh out loud when suddenly Ah Hai turned backward and placing the gun casually in his shoulder,fired just four shots randomly.


    The laughter of both the other people stopped abruptly and even some of the onlookers were surprised. Ah Hai had burst all the balloons on the make shift wall not just the ones on the circle. The onlookers all started to clap and some of the girls even jealously accused their boyfriends for being useless. Ah Hai turned to look at Shi Ai who just said,"Show off!" And then ran to pick up the big bad wolf who was then hugged and kissed while the real wolf was left behind.


    Shi Ai and Ah Hai then went hand in hand throughout the carnival,each treasuring the small moments and somewhere thankful in their hearts for their difficult childhood that they were able to come here together and be each other''s first partners.


    Towards the end of the day,the two of them were so tired that instead of driving back they  looked two rooms in a nearby hotel and decided to stay in. Shi Ai who was so excited throughout the day,fell face first on the bed,hugging her wolf to her c.h.e.s.t.


    Ah Hai on the other hand had dropped his happy face the moment the door to his room closed. Opening his messages,he checked the activities of Miss Silvia Grey after she left the office and then started to finish the work that had been left incomplete due to his abrupt departure.


    Innumerable calls and meetings later, Ah Hai finally discovered the the person who Shi Ai had informed about this investigation. He then ordered Assistant Yang to leave a few old pictures of Shi Ai for the woman''s  private detective. Soon they would have reached the mystery of Shi Ai''s past and then the two of them would be able to live peacefully and separately.Ah Hai leaned back on his bed as he rubbed his c.h.e.s.t slightly. The area over his hear was hurting a bit. And he knew the reason also. He had gone and fallen in love with the little girl. But he knew he had to set her free. Being with him would be a curse for her. Every person he loved had to suffer the consequences. There was also the fact that he was tainted. The mistakes of his youth were a black spot that would forever mar his heart. They had married to save her and once he was assured of her safety,he would go back to his own mission. His revenge.


    He was glad that he had decided to be her friend at least. She was a breath of fresh air in his stale life. A light for his dark future. Ah Hai clutched the small picture that they had clicked in the picture booth and safely tucked it into his wallet.


    * if you are reading this novel on any website other than then please know it is pirated. If you are a reader here then please know that this message has not increased the  number of coins you spent.*

 Chapter 110 - A Bump

    Early in the morning, a steaming cup of coffee was placed in front of Long Ah Hai as he watched the sunrise from the balcony of his hotel room, sipping the bitter brew. This was his life for the past decade. Every morning, every sunrise he had seen and waited for another day to pass. Nightmares were his constant companion and he preferred to stay awake then relive those moments. The sunrise was the most peaceful moment of the day. He closed his eyes in salutation of the sun when suddenly the peace of the morning was shattered by an ear piercing shriek. Recognizing the voice, he sat up straight and jumped into the balcony of the room next door where Shi Ai had been staying. Ready for combat and to fight any intruder, he stumbled a bit when all he saw was a shapely bu** covered in pink silk bottoms, sticking out from under the bed.


    Scowling, while he tried to calm his racing heart, he called out to Shi Ai, "Heya! Xaio Ai!why are you screaming this early in the morning? Did you by any chance see a lizard?" Ah Hai remembered with amus.e.m.e.nt how once his elder sister in law had panicked at the sight of a little reptile and gave a small smirk. However, his question was answered by another ultrasonic scream causing Ah Hai to wince, followed by a loud bump sound.


    This sound successfully distracted Ah Hai''s eyes who had glued themselves to studying the piece of art that was on display. Finally, the pretty piece wiggled it''s way out and turned to look at him. Rubbing her head, Shi Ai glared at the man in front of her and asked, "What are you doing here? And how did you get in?"


    She was rubbing the back of her head as she questioned him. His sudden voice had startled her causing her to jerk in panic, thus hitting her own head in the process.


    Seeing her wince, Ah Hai ignored her question and went to check on her head. There was a big bump on the back and it had already swelled to the size of an egg. Shaking his head, Ah Hai went back to the balcony and jumping over it again to bring her an ice pack.


    Shi Ai rolled her eyes. At least her question of how he got here had been answered. Ah Hai came back the same way causing Shi Ai to point out ironically, " You could have used this thing called the door, you know." Shrugging his broad shoulders, he replied, "This is faster and more effective."


    It was only when Ah Hai kneeled in front of her did Shi Ai realize the intimacy of their position. She was dressed in a thin tank top and shorts whereas he was..not dressed.


    Shi Ai wanted to cover her eyes as she watched the male sinewy muscles flex but she wanted to admire them even more. Though they had become comfortable with kinship this was an all-new level of intimacy. Dressed only in black drawstring pyjamas, as Ah Hai pressed the ice pack to the back of her head, all Shi Ai felt was heat as she absorbed the fragrance of his unique male scent.


    Her hands wandered on their own and touched the small tattoo he had on his c.h.e.s.t, just over his heart.


    The small touch caused Ah Hai to stuffed in surprise and he flinched. But Shi Ai seems not to recognize it and continued to trace the date etched there. Ah Hai wanted to move back when he felt her touch on his tattoo but he held himself still, letting her touch.


    The look of innocence and marvelling on her face was a temptation to him. Ah Hai stared at her pink lips that were a few inches from him. So kissable they looked. As if scorched by the heat, Shi Ai broke out of her trance and looked straight into his eyes. Her inexperience caused her to believe that Ah Hai was not moved by what happened just now. If Shi Ai had been a bit experienced, she would have recognized the glitter of d.e.s.i.r.e in his eyes.


    Hesitatingly, she took her hand to her head and took a hold of the ice pack, looking at her feet the whole time.


    Finally moving back, he scrutinized her carefully before asking her, " why did you scream in the first place? And what were you doing under that bed?"


    This question reminded her of what she had been doing and she quickly moved from her sitting position to get under the bed again. Once again Ah Hai was presented with the delectable view. But this time he was unsure that he would be able to resist so he cleared his throat loudly and said, " Xiao Ai, I am well aware that you have a shapely figure. Why are you presenting it to me is the question I would like an answer to."


    This caused Shi Ai to almost bump her head again but she immediately wriggled out. Since she did not have eyes at the back of the head, she even missed the man''s outstretched hand that was mid-air being pulled back hurriedly. Coming out she smiled her million-watt smile at Ah Hai and said, " I was happy because Brother Min Min is coming back! In my excitement, I dropped my phone and then mistakenly kicked it under the bed. I am sorry I scared you but let me tell you that you scared me even more! And this injury is your responsibility so now you have to take care of me!"


    Bowing like a real knight, he said, "As you wish my princess! Why don''t you freshen up and I will order some breakfast for the two of us."


    With that, the man marched back to the balcony but this time Shi Ai called out, " There is a door in this room!"


    Ah Hai turned back and answered ruefully, " Yes but I don''t have the key to my room."


    With that, the man was gone leaving behind a zoned out ShinAi.


    A little while later, a pair of sneakers jumped inside the balcony of Ah Hai''s room. The table was set with a number of plated which we''re all covered. Deciding to take a leaf out of his book Shi Ai also used the same method of getting in the room much to the amus.e.m.e.nt of Ah Hai who was standing there leaning against the French doors with a smirk on his face. He repeated the same lines that Shi Ai had told him, "There is a door to come into the room you know."


    "This is more fun", came the flippant reply.


    Soon Shi Ai asked the question that had been going round and round in her mind. A bit hesitantly she asked, " why do you have a date tattoed on your heart?"


    Ah Hai paused in the middle of taking a sip of his juice before answering, " It''s the date of my last mission that I undertook for the Army of Country C. It is when I lost all those brothers who fought with me hand in hand but because of someone''s betrayal, their glorious lives we''re cut short."


    Having said that, Ah Hai places down his glass and went back into his room. Shi Ai cursed herself for her stupid question though. Of course, there must have been a reason for that date to be there. It was a scar, not a tattoo. Things like these only left emotional scars so Ah Hai had chosen to have a physical one as well.


    Getting up, Shi Ai followed him into the room and seeing his standing against the kitchenette counter with his head bowed, she wound her arms around his waist and put her head in the middle of his shoulder blades.


    Like the jerk he was, Ah Hai, took the comfort she offered him and keep his head bowed but his hands took hold of her wrists and turning within her embrace he put his arms around her as well and placing his chin on her head closed his eyes.


    Anyone who could have witnessed this scene would have known that this was a couple made for each other. They fit together like pieces of a unique puzzle, be it physically or emotionally.


    Shi Ai listened to the heartbeat of the man and her eyes were moist. Maybe just maybe they we''re making progress and he would someday give up the idea of leaving her. She crossed her fingers almost hated him for making her wait for so long. But in the end, she could only love him all the more.

 Chapter 111 - Confession of Silvia Grey

    The curtains blowing into the room of a luxury apartment on the thirteenth floor were a testament of the cold wind blowing inside. But the occupant was unaware of the bite in the air as she read the limited report that the private investigator had compiled and her face turned paler by the moment. The private investigator was an experienced man who had once worked in law enforcement. He observed the woman in front of him as he made his verbal report. "As you can see there is not much information in the report. Please be assured that I have tried my best but the person suppressing the information seems to be very powerful. In fact, from my experience, I can even tell you that this little information that I have gleaned is also because of that individual. They mostly wanted you to have these crumbs of information so that you would beg them for more. Madam, if you do not mind me asking, is this person very important to you? Because I have a gut feeling that whoever this person is, they are not simple but rather dangerous. Though they wanted you to get the information, they made it extremely difficult to obtain. And all clues could be easily missed."


    Silvia Grey looked at the investigator and gave a shaky nod. Looking at the man in front of her she questioned softly, " Do you know someone who can provide personal security? And I need someone who is good."


    The man narrowed his eyes and said, "Of course I know and you should know too. You have recently signed a contract with KSS Media and they are basically a security company. Who better than KSS. They are the best. Within our field, Long Ah Hai is known as a God. There is no person he cannot save or kill. And he is known to maintain the same standard for all his employees, you could ask him for help."


    Silvia Grey looked at the man blankly and muttered, "You want the dog to protect the bone?"


    Though it was muttered softly, the man heard it and his eyes widened. In a hesitatingly soft voice, the man asked, "Miss Silvia, are you saying that the man suppressing this issue is Long Ah Hai?"


    Silvia nodded gloomily as she pondered her future course of action. The private investigator was suddenly scared to the bone as he bowed and said, " Miss Silvia, thank you for using my services. If you have any need in the future, please feel free to contact me. For now, I am sorry I can not be of more help." Just as the man was making his escape, he turned around and advised, "Miss Silvia, that man is known to get what he wants. I think it would be better if you compromised timely. He has a certain amount of patience which if it runs out, there will be a blood bath. There is a principle that he is known to follow. It goes something like ''Saam,daam,dand, bhed'' it means that one must follow these steps to get what they want. The first "saam" is to cajole. The second is ''dream'' which means to pay a price to get what you want, the third means to punish and the fourth means to threaten those close to you. Please try to compromise at the soonest. Goodbye."


    Silvia Grey heard the words and nodded her head. It had been two weeks since that day and she had hardly slept a wink. She had been so preoccupied that she had not even for a moment spared a thought to the betrayal of her trusted assistant. Now coupled with the investigator''s words, she felt that surrender was her only option. In front of her was a deep valley and or the other side a deep well. She had to jump either way and hurt herself.


    A little while later, Silvia picked up her phone and made a call to the man called Assistant Yang. He had approached her last week to let her know who to contact in case she needed it. The phone was answered on the first ring, "Miss Grey. How may I help you?"


    Silvia was tempted to snort at this but holding it in she said tersely, " I would like to request a meeting with Mr Long. How soon can it be arranged? "


    With a simple smile in his voice, Assistant Yang answered, " Miss Grey is a special case so of course, Mr Long is available at all times. Please come at your convenience."


    Silvia smiled ironically as she placed the phone down which had been disconnected.


    A little after two hours, Silvia had tied her hair in a chignon and with big glasses covering her face, entered the KSS building. After announcing the person she came to meet, she waited while Assistant Yang came down to fetch her. Her appearance for no apparent reason caused a lot of curiosity but nobody dared to ask.


    With a slight knock, she was sent in. Long Ah Hai was sitting at his table studying his files and did not even bother to look up from his work when she entered. To someone who was used to a certain amount of adulation from the opposite gender, she was a little disconcerted at this and was jolted out of her thoughts by a cold voice, "Miss Grey. Are you here to stare?"


    Shaking her head, she made her way to the chair opposite him and sat. Clearing her throat, she began, "Mr Long, Before I tell you anything, I would like you to answer something." Placing the picture of a young girl in front of him, she asked, "How do you know this girl?"


    Ah, Hai glanced at the picture for a moment before his eyes flicked back to the woman. C.o.c.king his head he answered, "She is my wife."


    Silvia felt as if the sky was falling on her head. Stuttering she said, "I want to meet her.."


    "No.", came the final reply.


    Before Silvia could protest or plead, Ah Hai continued, "Miss Silvia, I have answered your question. It is now your turn."


    Silvia twisted her fingers and gulped, a little afraid. In a scared voice, she said, "I hope you and Mrs Long won''t hold against me what I am about to tell you. Please know that I was also only a teenager when all that happened."


    Breathing deeply she continued, "Your wife is called Shi Xiao and the other girl that you saw a picture of was her elder sister Shi Ai. Shi Ai and I were the same age and best friends. I don''t know very well all that too place but Shi Ai and Shi Xiao were in a fire. Their house burned down and I genuinely believed that the two of them had perished. I am glad that at least Shi Xiao survived the fire. Mr Long, please let me meet her."


    Ah, Hai was unmoved by the display of emotions and said once again coldly, "No."


    This answer caused Silvia to almost lose her rationality and she dared to demand, "Why not? All I want to do is meet her! You are the one who brought her to me and I don''t know what you are up to!"


    Ah Hai smiled at this and silkily replied, "Miss Silvia, my answer is clear and straight forward. My wife''s past is a mystery I am trying to solve. Until I know for sure that you are not a threat to her, I will not even let you see her, meeting her is an altogether different topic. Secondly, I want the whole story and not a censored version. This is your last chance to come clean. But for now, I can see that you genuinely believed that Shi Ai has died so let me tell you both the sisters survived the so-called fire. Now shall we continue with your story?"


    Silvia absorbed this new information and decided to just blurt out everything.


    " We were neighbours in a rundown area. Both sets of our parents were working hard to make a living so we were often left to our own devices. But while my parents saved and scrimped to get out from there, the Shi parents were not what you would call good people. Their father was a gambler who often used his wife as a bargaining chip. And lost most of the time so that his wife was considered nothing more than a p.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.e."


    Ah Hai felt his insides clench at this new piece of information. He thanked the fates that he had not let his wife listen in on today''s confession. Though there was no way to verify the information,  for even suspecting something like this would have hurt her tremendously.


    Looking at Silvia carefully he gestured for her to continue and what she told him next caused him to snap the pen in his hand into two. The usually grim aura that surrounded him was intensified making him look ready to kill.

 Chapter 112 - The Darkness

    Ah Hai had been sitting in his chair for the past few hours as he analyzed over and over what Miss Silvia Grey had revealed. He had alsways wanted to protect Shi Ai from the darkness in the world but the more he tried the more that darkness tried to engulf her. Though Silvia had left a while back, Ah Hai had yet to pick his phone to make a call to Shi Ai. He thought back to the words that Silvia had told him, "The girls'' father was addicted to gambling and their mother was addicted to drugs. I don''t know how or why, as I said I was young. Also what I am telling you is something that I have only understood as I grew so they are mostly assumptions. Their mother was a beautiful woman and most men liked to cheat their father so that they could have a chance with her. I guess she hated to be used or I don''t know but whenever this happened,she would lock both girls in the closet with their mouths and hands tied. As Shi Ai got older,she started to understand the pattern and most of the times managed to bring herself and Shi Xaio to my hose to escape. But one day something out of the ordinary happened. She got late in leaving and her father brought the men home to settle his debts.


    One of those men then took a fancy to Shi Ai who was an early bloomer. Shi Ai''s father tried to sell her but her mother was lucid enough that she refused and handled the man on her own by begging and pleading. She slapped Shi Ai and ordered her to go into her own room. But her father had already gained ideas. His daughter was his property like his wife. But his wife was getting older and could not be used much but his daughter was a fresh flower who would gain him a very good amount. You might want to know how I this. It is because after she went to her room,her father followed her and took her back to the room where those men were using her mother. He told her these things himself! Shi Ai was scared and ran to my home and continued to vomit for an entire day. She refused to go back or send Shi Xaio back for fear that her father may sell any of them."It was at this stage that Silvia had paused and her expression had turned bitter.


    "Finally, I was able to convince Shi Ai to go back but her nightmare had come true. A new ''father'' had come to their home to adopt her. By now Shi Ai''s eyes had been opened to the horror of the world. That man requested Shi Ai to sit on his l.a.p but she refused. Seeing this her father coaxed Shi Xaio to sit,who was still unaware and happily sat on the man. Once she had agreed the two men went to discuss some ''business''. Once her father went out,Shi Ai ran back to my place and told me everything. She could have been saved..if I had not made a mistake.."


    Silvia Grey was crying earnestly now but Ah Hai paid her no mind. He had already connected the dots. Whatever happened,Shi Ai had managed to save Shi Xaio by leaving her at an orphanage before she went back to face those demons. She had been a truly brave elder sister. He knew this because the one thing his wife remembered recently was that her sister had left her at the orphanage with an order to forget everythin,even her own name. Which she had done..


    Ah Hai rang for Assistant Yang to bring a box of tissues,who brought them immediately along with a glass of water. After calming down,Silvia Grey,once again started her story," It is a known fact in the entertainment industry that I am alienated from my family but no one knows the reason. The reason is Shi Ai. When I had heard what Shi Ai''s father had planned to do, a tiny part inside me had been relieved that I was not related to them. My parents, I had believed were morally upstanding. But poverty has no friends. And on my eighteenth birthday,I discovered the truth. It was on that day,I severed all ties with my so called family. This is what happened after that,"Shi Ai was still the one who was chosen in the end to be adopted and her father was given two days to get her ready. Her father believed that Shi Ai had already accepted fate and tried to fill her head with all sorts of ways to grab money from her new ''daddy''. He was teaching his thirteen year old daughter..But Shi Ai had become numb inside and was already planning her escape. I..I convinced her to come to my home and promised her that she could hide there. since we were neighbors,she was wary but I believed in my parents and told them everything. They also agreed that both the girls could come here and then they would send them to my aunt''s house. We planned everything and I was sent to my aunt''s house earlier so as to not arouse any suspicions."


    The night those girls were set to come to my aunt''s house,I waited by the door. The entire night I was worried about them but no one came. I begged my aunt to let me make a phone call but she refused. Finally as the day broke,my parents came..alone. They told me that their plan had failed and been discovered. In order to save her dignity and her sister,Shi Ai had burned herself and her sister in the house they lived in..After this,they brought me to America claiming that I needed to get over the shock and a change in environment would help that.

 Chapter 113 - A Sisters Love

    Ah Hai could guess what had happened next. He could see that this time Miss Silvia Grey was not lying. But what they knew and what they had found out, there were still some things that did not match. So, leaning forward he placed his hands on the desk and carefully questioned her, "Miss Silvia, I think I understand now. Your parents told their father?"


    Looking miserable with her face red from sobbing she hiccuped as she continued, " I wish, I really wish that was all they had done. They did not just tell their father. They blackmailed and threatened him and obtained half the money that he had received from selling Shi Ai. They used that money to come here and begin a new life! All my youth, I had been tortured by the fact that I had been unable to save those two people who were like sisters to me. When I discovered that I was directly responsible for Shi Ai''s plan failing, I felt the world come crashing down. This is also the reason why I have always refused to compromise with my body. Every time I was offered a deal that required me to sell my body, I reminded myself that my sister-like best friend chose death over something like this."


    After this, there was only silence and the sound of choppy breathing in the room.


    The puzzle was almost clear in Ah Hai''s mind. Though Silvia Grey''s parents had also betrayed the Shi sisters, the elder one had somehow discovered the treacherous plan. So she had left Shi Ai at the orphanage and gone back. But, why? if the orphanage could take in one girl they could have taken in two. Or she could have gone to the police. there was only one person who could answer this question- the sister herself. The house had indeed been burnt down. Ah Hai had checked that in the past records. But he also knew something that Silvia did not know. Both the sisters had survived. The only person to have perished in that fire was their mother.


    Ah Hai was brought out of his thoughts when Silvia asked carefully, " Shi Xaio survived the fire. Does that mean that Shi Ai survived as well?"


    Ah Hai looked at the woman carefully in front of him, taking note of the desperation and hope in her voice and decided to answer her, " Yes, both of them survived but they were separated. Shi Xaio grew up in an orphanage and lost her memory while Shi Ai went missing.


    My wife is now called Xaio Ai and she only remembered her sister last year, when she was kidnapped. The kidnapper was seemingly obsessed with Shi Ai and had sent out pictures of her in the underworld with a hefty reward. As you are aware, both the sisters resemble each other and some goons mistook her for her since she was also living under the same name."


    His reason for giving out the details was not compassion. He could see that she was still hiding something so he volunteered more information. And Bingo. He was right. Silvia shivered at this and said, " I know. Some goons attacked my set last year when that program with the picture was aired. They also kept asking me for her whereabouts and only after they had confirmed that I really did not know anything, did they leave me with a warning. I was also instructed to inform them if I ever came into contact with Shi Ai again. This was also the reason why I was wary of telling you anything last time."


    Ah Hai acknowledged what Silvia said and then said, " Miss Grey. Your secret is safe with me. Please do not worry. You are aware that my wife is in danger so naturally, I will not bring her to meet you but once the danger has passed you can see her. Regarding the guilt you have felt please try remember what you said, you were also just a kid. It was not your fault. I will have Assistant Yang send you home. Please rest well next few days. Thank you."


    Once Silvia had been escorted by Assistant Yang, Ah Hai then sent out a message to someone, " Keep a check on her. Her phone records, email, everything. See that she does not double-cross us."


    He looked at the time and thought that she must be in her dorm at this time, studying. They were having finals soon and this piece of news was going to not just shake her but bury her under a mountain of guilt. He knew what happened when your elder sibling sacrifices themself for your sake. His brother Ryu Long had done that and never asked anything in return. The same way that the real Shi Ai had shown her sister her love without asking anything in return. He hoped that he would be able to alleviate the indebted and guilty feeling Shi Ai was going to go through soon. His emotional quotient was terrible and he was going to need advice. Picking up his phone, he made a call to his eldest brother. It was better to have back up ready in case he was unable to handle the emotional outcome.


    From Silvia''s account, they had been able to get answers up to Xaio Ai reaching the orphanage. But this had left more questions. Why the real Shi Ai did what she did and how did she escape the fire. Where was she all these years and how did she get mixes with those goons?


    Their next priority was going to be finding the real Shi Ai. With these thoughts in mind, Ah Hai made his way to the underground parking and started to drive towards Shi Ai''s dormitory. The thought of hiding these things never once crossed his mind because he knew the road ahead was going to be even more tough.

 Chapter 114 - Kiss Kiss Kiss!

    "Xiao Ai, meet me at your dorm gate in 20 minutes."


    The message notification that popped on the phone caused the reader to almost squeal. It was simply a time but the sender was not just anyone. The name read, "Hubby". Just then the sound of a lock opening jolted the girl who was peeping at the message and she immediately turned her eyes back to the boring book in front of her. She surreptitiously peeped at her roommate who had just come out from the shower. The girl wanted to question her but she did not want to show that she had been a peeping tom and read someone''s private message. But Meng Ran was too curious and too gossipy so she could only wait for Shi Ai to read the message. Meng Ran was Shi Ai''s roommate in the dorm and a big gossip. But she was relatively harmless because though she liked to know everything, she did not spread it by flapping her lips everywhere.


    Meng Ran once again looked at Shi Ai who was busy rubbing her short hair dry. Meng Ran liked to look at Shi Ai herself because she felt that beauty needs to be appreciated. she had always felt that short hairstyles were for boys but seeing Shi Ai and the way her hairstyle made her look even more delicate and feminine, she was tempted to almost chop off her own waist-length hair. Feeling her gaze, Shi Ai turned to look at Meng Ran who immediately averted her eyes to her book. After a few minutes, Meng Ran seemed to realize that Shi Ai was already to sleep and not check her phone! No!


    Thinking hard, she suddenly shouted, "Shi Ai!" Shi Ai had just been about to lie on her bed turned to Meng Ran immediately in case something had happened. But Meng Ran seemed to be fine.


    Meng Ran tried to look innocent (ten minutes had already passed since Shi Ai received the message) and said, " Shi Ai, your phone had a message when you were in the bathroom. You might want to check it out."


    Shi Ai looked at her phone which was connected to the charger and said, "That''s alright. I can check it tomorrow. In case it is disturbing you in studying, I can turn off the volume."


    A vigorous shake of the head and some unnecessary ''no no no'' later, Meng Ran gave up and turned back to her book.


    Shi Ai was sleepy and ready for bed so she pulled down her blanket and lay down ready to sleep.


    Meng Ran, who was the unconcerned party was now too tense to sit. It was now eighteen minutes and Shi Ai was going to miss seeing her ''hubby''. If that man went away, then she would miss a chance to check out her friend''s man. Picking up her own phone, she sent a WeChat message to another friend of hers with a request to call Shi Ai, pretending to want to talk to her or just give her a missed call and crossed her fingers that at least this person would see the message. And it worked! A minute later with one moment left for twenty minutes, Shi Ai''s phone started to ring loudly.


    Groaning, Shi Ai came out of the bed to answer the call but the caller stopped by then. She was about to head back when she decided to check that message and went ahead and picked up the phone. Meng Ran almost let out a breath of relief. She had to sit on her own hands she was so tempted to pick the phone and shove it under Shi Ai''s nose.


    Shi Ai was reading the message but had a bit of difficulty in understanding. He had actually messaged her. She looked at the time and was about to calculate how much time had passed when her phone rang with a special tune. The tune was however accompanied by Shi Ai''s shriek so loud that even Meng Ran shook in excitement.


    After a couple of unsuccessful tries of answering the phone, Shi Ai replied with a breathless," hello? You''ve reached? I''ll be there in a minute."


    Hanging up the call, Shi Ai ran to her bed and grabbed the first pair of shoes from under the bed before running to rush out of the door. Meng Ran tried to stop her but she did not listen and paid no heed to her shouts of, "Be back before closing time! At least change your clothes or just wear a bra under your night shirt.." Sigh..it was no use.


    But now that the coast was clear, Meng Ran also rushed to her cupboard and rugged out her most trusted friend- the long-range binoculars. Then climbing the chair near the window, Meng Ran started her favourite hobby.


    The first thing she saw was the Maserati Ribelle and her mouth fell open in shock, " Woah. Shi Ai had a wealthy hubby."


    Crossing her fingers, she prayed that the man would get down so that she could see him. Just then another thought to struck her and she prayed even more fervently, " Let him be young and handsome. Not some sugar daddy, please."


    Thankfully for Meng Ran''s mental well being both her prayers were answered and Long Ah Hai got off the car and came around to lean against the passenger door. His face was not clear because of the shadows but one could guess at his noble bearing.


    Meng Ran then turned her binoculars towards the path to the gate and there she saw a figure in white shorts and tee, sprinting. She silently cheered for her and turned back to the man whose eyes were almost glittering now. Ooooh, she felt that passion even from that distance!


    By now, Shi Ai had reached him and she threw herself directly into Ah Hai''s arms who caught her deftly.


    "Kiss kiss kiss" was the silent cheer of the spectator from above. Meng Ran was unlike other singles who detested dog food. She was an avid lover of couples showing off their affection and most excited at the juicy knowledge that her roommate was in a relationship. As if having heard her chant, Ah Hai''s eyes moved directly to the window and looked straight into the binocular covered Meng Ran''s eyes giving her a heart attack as she jumped down from her perch and squatted on the ground. Meng Ran rubbed her c.h.e.s.t, where her heart was trying to come out of her c.h.e.s.t and consoled herself, " that person could not have possibly seen you, RanRan. Even if they sensed someone watching, they can only guess. Whew. Being a busybody is dangerous work!"


    After having calmed down, Meng Ran decided to peep again but was disappointed as both the people and car were already gone.


    What Meng Ran could not have guessed was that her prayer of Kiss, kiss, kiss had also been answered when she had squatted.


    Once Ah Hai had caught Shi Ai and he was sure that the gaze observing them was there no more, he had put her down and placed a light kiss on her head and then proceeded to even take off his jacket and cover his woman.


    Only after she was covered did Shi Ai seem to realize her state of clothing and rushed into Ah Hai''s car with a red face.


    Smiling as always in Shi Ai''s company, Ah Hai walked to the driver''s side and started the car. Shi Ai had not expected them to drive away so she was startled. In a sudden excitement, she even forgot to wonder the reason that Ah Hai would be here. Bothered, she turned to him and asked, " where are we going?"


    Ah Hai gave her a look and said, "You should know better than to ask that question when you know the answer." Shi Ai thought back to the time when they were going to the carnival and rolled her eyes. Knowing she wasn''t going to get a straight answer, she prepared to ask another question but Ah Hai questioned her first, "Have you had dinner?"


    Shi Ai was about to answer in affirmative but suddenly said, "Ye..No. I, uh, I was about to eat.."


    She knew that Ah Hai must have eaten nothing and whatever the reason that brought him here would be urgent. So if she told him that she had eaten he would skip his own meal as well.


    Catching her lie but saying nothing to point it out, Ah Hai said, " Let your roommate know that you won''t be returning tonight and cover for you in case of an inspection."


    Shi Ai nodded and messaged Meng Ran that she had somewhere urgent to be and to cover up for her. Meng Ran replied almost instantly with a "Have fun." And some kiss emoticons. Shi Ai wondered what was wrong with the girl.. But then shrugged and turned to look at Ah Hai, asking him about the reasons for tonight''s visit.

 Chapter 115 - A Curse

    Within fifteen minutes of leaving the area, they reached the entrance of a big gated villa. The walls surrounding the villa were tall and surrounded by electrically charged fences.  Like Ah Hai''s apartment, this gate also opened with a person''s biometrics, in this case, Shi Ai and Ah Hai''s eyes. Though the villa was not very expansive, a garden path could be seen circling around it leading to a back garden.


    Looking at the top grade but extreme security, Shi Ai shook her head in exasperation at her husband. He really was paranoid about security. Shi Ai looked around inside the vast place but was shocked that the place had no furniture. Before she could look more closely, Ah Hai started to run without stopping anywhere or even letting her look around. Ah Hai went up the curving stairs leaving Shi Ai to follow.


    By the time Shi Ai caught up with the man, he already stood in front of the bal.u.s.trade, looking down at the dark grounds. Shi Ai went to stand beside him and took a deep breath as she was slightly winded from running behind him. She stood silently at his side as she wondered what he had to talk about. That was the only reason he would seek her out. So she waited for him to speak patiently.


    Finally, a few minutes and a deep resigning sigh later, Ah Hai turned to Shi Ai and said,"Xaio Ai. This is going to be your new home. I want you to come live here instead of your dorm. Decorate it as you see fit. It is in your name. You will start training very soon and this time I will be your teacher. Silvia Grey has come clean!"


    The last sentence reverberated in the silence of the night and the implications soon became clear. Whatever Silvia had told Ah Hai meant that the future was going to be more dangerous if she wanted to find her sister. The fact that he felt that she needed even more training was enough to hint at the dangers that lay ahead. Shi Ai was already well trained in martial arts and self-defence by Sister Su Jianan but this time Ah Hai was going to be her teacher. She remembered that once Min Min had asked Su Jianan that why Ah Hai had not trained them himself and the answer she had given them was an eye-opener." Because you are too young and innocent to learn his methods. I am teaching you to defend, block and manoeuvre. Because that is my style. His style is different. It can be summarised as kill, bury or feed the enemy to the vultures. Ah, Hai is as aggressive as they come. He will kill first and ask questions later, that too depending on his mood. His ways of torture..the army once forced him to teach a group of students, the poor cadets had nightmares for days on end and some even threw their guts out and were the ones tortured instead.."


    Thinking if this and preparing herself for the worst, Shi Ai said, "Tell me."


    Ah, Hai looked at Shi Ai sharply and narrated the whole story word for word all the while observing the girl''s side profile and the emotions that flitted across her countenance.  She simply listened to everything that he said and kept staring blankly in the open space. It was only after Ah Hai had created the whole story did she eventually break down. Lifting her tear-filled eyes she looked at him and said, " It is a good thing that you never loved me. I am cursed. Everyone who shows me love is bound to suffer- my biological mother, Aunty Wu, my sister even Zhang Min and Uncle-Aunty suffered because of me. Good thing you don''t love me, Ah Hai. You have suffered already. My sister suffered so much, all because of me. If I had not been son friendly, if I had been more aware, I would have begged her to stay with me. If I had not been a bit envious that she was getting new parents who would not lock her in a cupboard or at least guessed that my mother could have her own reasons for locking us, if only..."


    Ah Hai wanted to protest this sudden belief that she seemed to have of being cursed. He wanted to claim his love for her but he knew if he were to say anything now it would be useless.


    Remembering what his sister in law had advised him on the way, he took Shi Ai into his arms and let her cry her eyes out. She said that a girl needed to cry and know that she could lean on you and not empty words. Since he was not good with words anyway, he felt this was for the best.


    Almost a quarter of an hour later, Shi Ai showed no signs of stopping her crying jag. She would slow down for a while but only to start over again. Ah Hai was getting desperate with her tears and wanted her to stop but could not do anything. Finally, he thought of something else and decided to use that technique. He had seen it work on his chartering sister in law when his brother did it.


    Placing a finger under Shi Ai''s chin head her look up into his eyes. There were tear tracks on her face and her eyes looked red like peaches with moisture clinging to them.


    Coldly he told her, " You belong to me and nothing that I own can be cursed. Understand."


    When Shi Ai simply blinked at him and looked ready to shed more tears, he bent his head and kissed her lips. Shi Ai''s eyes widened in shock at this sudden assault and her arms which had been clinging to his shirt front fell to her sides. Though his eyes were closed, he felt that his method worked so deciding to make it more effective his tongue brushed against her cold lips, eliciting a surprised gasp from her. The gasp gave his invading tongue the opening it needed and soon Ah Hai m.a.k.i.n.g. .l.o.v.e with her mouth as he explored it.


    Shi Ai had also lost her senses in this moment and her hands wound around his neck as she tried to get closer to him.


    Having succeeded in his initial aim but failing to remember it in the p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e of the kiss, Ah Hai also lost himself in the kiss and his hand which had been earlier reading on her lower back, now roamed the contours of her body. Feeling her need, Ah Hai pulled her closer into his body so that there was no space for even air to pass between them. His hand rested on the waistband of her shorts before slipping upwards under her t-shirt.


    It was only when his hand came into contact with her b.a.r.e skin, did Ah Hai realise what he had done. He waited for revulsion to come at the thought of being physically intimate but all he felt was frustrated d.e.s.i.r.e and thirst to possess. Gently pulling back with a final lick of her lips, Ah Hai hugged her softly pressing her warm face into his c.h.e.s.t. As if there was a fire burning inside him, Ah Hai tried to control his d.e.s.i.r.e even as he tried to keep her in his arms. To distract himself, he started to count sheep with his eyes closed but by the tenth number he was counting, " ten Shi Ai, eleven Shi Ai, twelve Shi Ai.."


    Shi Ai, who could feel his touch still burning her and his d.e.s.i.r.e against her stomach, had her eyes closed tightly. She did not know of it was a dream or not but she never wanted to wake up.


    Looking down at the warm bundle in his arms, Ah Hai said, "never let me hear you say anything like this again. Not just me or Aunty Wu or Zhang Min, even when you find your lost sister, she will testify to the fact that you are nothing but a blessing. Remember that. Any grievance that was suffered was not on your behalf but those people who were the ones who did the deed."


    Her tear-filled eyes looked into his glittering ones, seeking whether he was telling the truth or not. And seeing only honesty there, she nodded and slowly put her head on his c.h.e.s.t again, listening to his soothing heartbeat.


    Ah Hai wanted to tell her about his findings but seeing her volatile look, he decided that it could wait until tomorrow.


    Picking her up, he brought her down to a lower floor and opened the door to a room, carrying her inside and sitting on the bed with her still on his l.a.p.

 Chapter 116 - Ah Hai is Bullied

    "Perverted m.a.s.o.c.h.i.s.t!" that was what he was, Ah Hai grandmother himself. Why otherwise would he be here in this supermarket store at 7.00 am in the morning? He stared at the different shapes and materials of the female lingerie that hung in front of him and wanted to curse out loud. There were rows of differently styled bras with front or back closure, patterns, lace and some even looked like they were just for show and did not cover anything. As he tried to choose a set for Shi Ai and imagined her in all this, his ears had turned red and really warm. And the warmer his ears felt the colder was his expression.


    Last night, Shi Ai had come to see him only in a pair of nightshirt and shorts. He too had been preoccupied and forgotten to warn her to pack a small luggage bag. Now it was already morning and Shi Ai was sleeping at home after the emotional upheaval from last night. But, he knew that she had class today and he could not let her do the walk of shame so he had come here to buy some new clothes for her. But he had forgotten about this. Maybe he should just drive back with the clothes and then Xaio Ai could go to her dorm and get changed. But then his eyes darkened at the thought of any leering eyes looking at her unbound body. He would have to gauge some eyes out then.." He needed help," he decided.


    Ah, Hai looked around the store but could not find any salesperson. Since it was early morning, there were few people present and even fewer women. Those women had been giving him odd looks since he had been standing here for almost ten minutes. Some were even whispering amongst themselves and when these whispers reached his ears, Ah Hai was tempted to send them a death glare.


    One woman said, "What an odd man. He has been standing there for so long now. He must be  having some bad and vulgar thoughts."


    Another woman gossiped, "Even if he is, I hope it is for me! Look at how handsome he is! He looks like those beautiful Kpop stars with his chiselled and timeless look."


    The third woman also had a similar opinion, "You are right. Heck, I am tempted to pick some of those things and ask him to use me as a mannequin.."The three women tittered and tarried, observing him but not offering to help. Ah, Hai was about to turn around and leave when a sharp voice reprimanded, "Shut up, you aunties!l.u.s.ting over a person who is almost your son''s age! Have some shame! You are his elders!" This advice was given by an almost eighty-year-old grandma who was walking towards Ah Hai with the help of a walking stick. Ignoring the other women, she gave Ah Hai an understanding smile and said, "Young man! Are you here to shop for a present for your wife? very good. Husbands should do little things for their women. Keeps the romance alive!"


    Ah Hai nodded along with the aunty as he did not wish to go over into long explanations. Seeing him agree, the old woman, with a head full of grey hair, continued," Just tell me her size and what taste you want! I will choose it for your wife."


    Looking at the woman who was his saviour, Ah Hai bent to the old woman''s height and said a little uneasily, " Thank you, grandmother. Please help me. But I do not know her size."


    The grandmother looked at him carefully and then did something that nobody ever dared to do to Ah Hai ever since he turned five years. She brought up her frail and wrinkly hands, gave a big smile and pinched his cheeks lovingly just like one would do to a chubby baby, and said, " Young love is so sweet and what a cute kid you are. Sigh! If only my husband was alive I would have a l.u.s.ty love life too."


    Ah Hai decided that he should have brought sulphuric acid with him. He did not wish to hear about a strange grandmother''s s.e.x life. He felt goosebumps covering his body. Shopping was a dangerous task and never had he been so badly bullied in the past.. The old lady was impervious to Ah Hai''s condition and sagely continued with her advice, " Don''t worry. Men generally can guess an accurate size since they are visual creatures. So make a guess."


    Ah Hai thought of the softness that was pressed  against his c.h.e.s.t last night and mumbled the first description that came into his mind, " They are a handful.."


    This caused the lady to let out a boisterously loud laughter and even the other women giggled at his answer making his face turn black.


    The older woman took pity on him and once more pulled his cheeks cutely before saying, "Why don''t you go stand with the cashier and I will choose something for your girl on your behalf. Just tell me if she is slim or healthy."


    With a huge sigh of pained relief, Ah Hai bowed with a "Thank you so much and she is slim. Please choose something simple." before going to the billing counter.


    A few minutes later, the lady came to him with a wrapped item and insisted that he take it for his wife as a gift from her for a new couple. She even made him promise that he must not see and give it to his wife directly. Since Ah Hai did not have any interest in such things, he agreed with alacrity and paying the bill escaped the air-conditioned hell.


    Her heaving breath and the conversation he had just had with the old aunty naturally attracted his attention to the things that he had recently described. Shi Ai was babbling something about going to the dorms to get changed but Ah Hai heard nothing. Just then Shi Ai looked down at the things that had fallen from Ah Hai''s bag and then her shocked gaze went to Ah Hai who was distracted by looking down.


    Following his line of sight and the twin peaks visible from her tee to the lacy red contraption lying on the floor, Shi Ai let out a loud scream, covered herself with her arms and ran back to her room. The scream jolted Ah Hai who said, "I got you some clothes."


    But Shi Ai had already run away like a scared rabbit. Wondering what was up with her, Ah Hai shook his head and went to pick up the bags only then seeing that a delicate red lace bra and a small piece of p.a.n.t.i.e.s with red bows on the side had fallen out of the bags. His ears which had only just turned normal felt hot again as Ah Hai hurriedly put the things back in the bag and followed Shi Ai to hand over the troublesome parcel to her.


    With a slight knock to the door, he said, "Xaio Ai. I''ve placed some clothes for you here,by the door. Freshen up and I will take you to your university."


    A tomato coloured Shi Ai was leaning against the door, opened it only after she heard his footsteps moving away. Picking up the paper bag from the floor, Shi Ai immediately closed the door with a loud bang. Her trembling hands took out the two red pieces from the bag and her face now felt enough to fry an egg in it.


    She had never worn such. Such sinfully seductive clothes. And her first set had been chosen by him..she gave a small smile when another thought struck her. He had known that she was not wearing anything underneath her clothes last night.


    Shi Ai was mortified. Deciding to avoid thinking of anything otherwise, she would be late, Shi Ai took out the other clothing which consisted of a pair of jeans and top. He had even bought matching sneakers. Shi Ai was happy enough to do a dance! Taking off her nightwear, she put on the lingerie and was amazed that they were a perfect fit. He was too accurate. Shi Ai shivered at the thoughts that these items had just been in Ah Hai''s hands so this was like his hands indirectly touching her.


    Shaking her heads to disperse her naughty thoughts, Ahi Ai dressed up and walked down the stairs carefully like a thief.

 Chapter 117 - How did you get Married?

    After an extremely uncomfortable morning since she was feeling too shy to even look at Ah Hai, Shi Ai was taken to the university on time. Ah Hai had prepared breakfast for Shi Ai while she dressed which she has eaten on her way to the university. Shi Ai wanted to thank him as well as question him but she was feeling unaccountable shy. At the gates, just as she was about to get off, Ah Hai caught hold of her wrist. Shi Ai looked at him in question to which he answered, "Be ready at six in the evening. We will continue from last night."


    This caused Shi Ai''s eyes to widen and her face which had only just returned to her normal colour bloomed pink again. Last night they had been kissing and would be continuing today..."


    Only after Ah Hai saw the delicate blush on Shi Ai''s face did he realize how ambiguous his words had sounded and he himself felt his ears turn hot. But seeing her most cheeks and shy eyes, Ah Hai was pleased with himself and leaning forward placed a small peck on her b.a.r.e pink lips. He decided that kissing her had become his favourite activity.


    Shi Ai escaped the car at a breakneck speed and went into the campus. Unknown to her, a pretty girl was already waiting at the gates for her. She had seen the car stop and Shi Ai get down only after a few minutes. Her change of clothes and pink face made the other girl smile and she followed the unknowing Shi Ai into the gates.


    A few minutes later, Meng Ran had caught up with Shi Ai and pushed her teasingly with her shoulders. Shi Ai looked at Meng Ran with a frown but the girl just grinned lasciviously and then let out a small wolf whistle while wriggling her eyebrows.


    Unable to control herself from teasing, Meng Ran whispered, " You are wearing a bra this morning. But you went without one last night..hmm..so did your hubby get one for you?"


    Shi Ai was shocked that Meng Ran knew this and her face gave away the truth before she had time to compose herself. Meng Ran saw the look of horror and shock on Shi Ai''s face and squealed loudly, causing the students around to look at them weirdly. Lowering her voice, she mocked in a motherly tone, " Miss Shi Ai. You are a girl with hidden depths! The saying that still waters run deep is definitely true! You have a hubby when almost everyone believes that you are as.e.x.u.a.l or a lesbian because of your cold attitude. And here you are blushing and spending the night with your hubby! Let me tell you, I risked my life to cover for you last night and I want your full story in repayment. So what all did you do last night? Did you kiss and make out? He looked pretty handsome though I only saw him in profile. And I know he is rich because duh, that car! I also saw you alight from his car just now and he even waited for you to get inside before driving off! Wow. Did you guys also make out in the car?"


    They had reached the class so Meng Ran could not question Shi Ai anymore but she consoled herself that there were only a few hours left until she got the entire story! Shi Ai, on the other hand, wondered how Meng Ran knew the term hubby when suddenly the dots connected. Meng Ran had seen the message on her phone last night! That is why she had been trying to get Shi Ai to check her phone and that is why she had received a missed call on her phone from their classmate. Shi Ai wanted to bang her head for her stupidity. She knew what a busybody girl her roommate was and still she had still been so careless. But other than being a busybody, her roommate was also tenacious and would not let her go until she had the entire story! Well, maybe it was alright for her to know since even though she was always interested in other people''s business she meant no harm. Shi Ai had learnt her lesson after Yao Yao and observed Meng Ran carefully.


    It was four in the afternoon by the time the classes came to an end and Meng Ran was feeling almost faint from having waited for so long.


    Quickly winding her hands through Shi Ai''s, she ran and almost dragged her to their joint room. Once inside she had pushed Shi Ai onto the chair and sat opposite her like an eager kid waiting for his favourite story. Feeling a bit conscious, Shi Ai looked a little shy and asked, "What do you want to know?" Meng Ran rolled her eyes and possibly ordered, " Everything."


    Shi Ai was at a loss on what to say and was silent for a moment too long causing Meng Ran to get impatient, " Come on Shi Ai. We are roommates and roommates are like sisters so you must not feel shy."


    In a small voice, because Shi Ai had only learnt about her sister so Meng Ran''s simple words had touched her, Shi Ai said, " I don''t know where to start."


    Seeing that Shi Ai was not being coy but was really at a loss, Shi Ai jumped up from her chair and went to Shi Ai. Placing a hand on her shoulder, she grinned mischievously and said, " I know where to start." With that, she pulled sideways at the neck on Shi Ai''s top causing the ted strap to show. Shi Ai was horrified while Meng Ran let out a whoopee sound, "I knew it! The girl who always wears boring white cotton u.n.d.e.r.w.e.a.r is wearing a siren red bra. I am pretty sure it is part of a set. Tell me Miss Shi, did that hunk dress you up himself?"


    Fed up with the teasing and being red-faced, Shi Ai swatted at Meng Ran''s inappropriate hands and gritted, " I will tell you nothing of you tease me like this."


    Scared at the thought of missing out on delicious gossip, Meng Ran, rushed back to her chair and pretended to zip her mouth shut.


    Once she had sat down, Shi Ai breathed deeply and started her story from the very beginning when she first reached the orphanage. Meng Ran was a good and empathetic listener so before she realized it, Shi Ai had blurted out the entire story of meeting Ah Hai to her near-death experiences to what she had learnt last night about her sister.


    Once everything had rolled out, Shi Ai felt a huge burden released from her shoulders. She had been strong for so long and all the people she trusted and knew had always been in some way involved in her story so Meng Ran became the first outsider that Shi Ai trusted totally. Meng Ran cursed loudly for Shi Ai when she heard about Yao Yao and shed tears with Shi Ai when she heard about a sister. For the first time in her life, Shi Ai experienced what it was like to have a true friend.


    Meng Ran always looked at the world through rose coloured glasses and Shi Ai almost wished that no one ever made her remove those. Meng Ran consoled Shi Ai and once she realised that she had regained control over her emotions, Meng Ran asked solemnly, " But you told me that your husband had never planned on marrying you. But you are married, so how did that happen?"


    Shi Ai looked at Meng Ran and wondered whether she would understand but since she has already trusted herbs much, Shi Ai explained, "I took a gap year after high school for two years. I had convinced my adoptive parents that I wanted to return to my country and roam around. I also wanted to look for my birth parents. I used to have nightmares as a kid and my Aunt had noted all those details that I shouted before I woke up. I was curious about my past but somehow scared a bit so I did not dive into the search immediately. After touring around a bit, I finally found the courage to follow the clues. I started with the orphanage where my sister had left me and from there I started checking the police records for any missing children reports from the time I came to the orphanage but I found only dead ends. My search and my foreign accent brought me to the notice of a local human trafficking gang. Since it had become open knowledge that I was an orphan, they assumed that no one would look for me and decided to kidnap me. I had almost given up hope on finding anything when I received an anonymous tip. As if grasping at straws, I neglected all the warning signs and fell straight into the gang''s trap."

 Chapter 118 - The Kidnapping

    "We have information about your mother and sister so if you wish to know more about them, meet us at The Noodle Place at 8.00 pm.'' That was what the note said. Naturally, I found it odd that if a person had information why not come forward directly and tell me but I convinced myself that since it was a public place, I would be safe and even if the lead turned out to be a dud, at least I would have tried. Even after having suffered so much and knowing that I was walking a thin line, I went in there, only to be met with another hell. The entire place was a setup. From the friendly owner to the old woman who came to offer information to the other customers. The older woman seemed to know about my sister and me. She said that everyone assumed we were dead. After that, she started telling me about the hardsh.i.p.s she had suffered and though I was impatient, I remained polite and heard her story, much to my foolishness. Because that is what it was exactly- a story.


    Once they saw that I had let my guard down, I was given some sleeping pills mixed in my food and kidnapped."


    "The next time I opened my eyes, I was in an enclosed moving vehicle. It was hot and humid in that box and I was tied tightly like a pretzel. After travelling in a dazed state for a long time, I was then brought into an abandoned warehouse. It was horrible. There were more girls like me there. All between the ages of 16 years and 23 years in various states of injuries. Because I did not struggle much, I was relatively fine other than a few bruises from being manhandled. Once the effects of drugs had worn off, I started to take note of my surroundings to plan my escape. We were there for a few days and that is how I came to know that it was an entire racket of illegal trading of slave girls. Every girl who resisted was subdued with drugs and almost all the girls were either orphaned or estranged with their families so there was no one to look for them or alert the police anytime soon.


    But they had miscalculated with me. They had not looked beyond the surface. From my previous incident with Yao Yao and then my decision to go to Country C, I had promised my brother to talk every day. Once I missed that deadline, he had already made a move and informed Long Ah Hai that I had gone missing. What they did not know was that I had a tracker on me in my watch. One of the goons had stolen the watch when they had kidnapped me which is why I had to live in that hell hole for five days. During one of these days, I meticulously planned my escape and would have succeeded but again that old woman apprehended me. She really did know my parents. She called me by the name that I had forgotten and when I asked her, how she could be so sure that I was Shi Xiao and not Shi Ai, she told me that it was because they had already caught Shi Ai a few years ago. And traded her. After this, I gave up the idea of escaping and simply decided to stay there. The old woman told me that both of us had very similar features which is why she was able to recognize me. I thought that my sister had been kidnapped like me but it was only yesterday that I came to know that my sister had been sold there by my own father. The older woman claimed that she knew that we were sisters because even out modus operandi of escaping was the same. We had both been cooperating with the goons until we could plan our escape. My sister had also similarly planned her escape but had been caught by the boss. It seemed that her looks had enamoured their Leader and he had kept her to be a plaything for himself. After a ''light beating'', she had seemed to accept her fate. The Leader kept her under watch every minute of every day and she seemed content.  The man wanted to make her his wife which is why he had not rap*d her and was waiting patiently for her to grow up. But she had not been accepting and after biding her time for a year, she had made another escape attempt and this time she had succeeded. Everyone who had been charged with her protection had been killed by the leader, he had been so enraged."


    Meng Ran who had been expecting a romantic saga felt goosebumps rise as she heard Shi Ai''s story.  Meng Ran had always felt that her life was not very interesting and rather her parents had been very protective of her. But now she almost wanted to call her parents and thank them for loving her so much.


    Without a word, Meng Ran walked to Shi Ai and higher her tightly. She was thankful that her roommate had survived that place and was here now. Shi Ai had not been expecting to receive a hug. Instead, she had not even realized that she had blurted out the entire situation in front of someone. Some of these things she had not even dared to tell Zhang Min. But once she had started, she was unable to stop herself. She continued with her story, " That lady was called Old Deng. She had been with the gang for many years and had prepared many girls. Though she pretended to be sympathetic to the girl''s plight, in reality, she was the mob head''s eyes and ears in that place. She had already informed him of my resemblance with Shi Ai and that I carried the same name too. Though those other girls had been kidnapped to be sold off, the men had not refrained from touching them and molesting them as they pleased. A few of those men tried to do the same with me but I was under Old Deng''s protection and to be held until the boss came back from overseas."


    "As I said, due to Zhang Min''s alert, my then-fiance had already reached the goons and was now making his way to rescue me. But there was a problem. He had been working undercover and if he had come to rescue me directly then his cover would have been broken. So, he bribed one of the goons in that gang and once he was sure that I was being held captive, he approached them as a potential buyer.


    The mob leader was getting old and the vice leader was getting impatient. When he was offered a good price for me and yet the leader refused to let go, the vice leader rebelled and decided to sell me to Long Ah Hai who was then called Snowden. I did not know who Snowden was so I fought with all my might and tried to escape once again. I had extracted all the information I could get from that Old Deng and now I only wanted to escape to look for my sister. But their own greed resulted in a fight breaking out where the vice leader killed Old Lady Deng. But by then the mob leader had come back and he killed the others. That was when Ah Hai had to break his cover and he freed me and the other girls by setting the warehouse in fire. But we underestimated the mob leader''s reach and would have been caught by him again if not for a stroke of luck.


    A big church had organised a charity group wedding for all those brides and grooms who could not afford to have a ceremony. We became a couple and joined a group of people. It is with them that we were able to escape the country on a cruise ship and come back here. The man though had truly been obsessed with my sister and he transferred his obsession onto me. This is the reason why I also had to cut my hair short and move here while trying to live quietly. It seems that man is still looking for my sister and now me."


    Meng Ran understood what was being said and that Shi Ai was actually warning her to not become close to her lest she was endangered. But Meng Ran had already decided that she was going to be Shi Ai''s friend and help her in any way that she could. Meng Ran wondered if she should tell Shi Ai that her father was a powerful man and he may be able to help her but then decided against it. It was better to speak to her father first before volunteering his help and guidance.

 Chapter 119 - The Training

    Outside the dormitory, the light had dimmed and the day was soon going to turn dark. Meng Ran and Shi Ai were quietly eating some instant ramyeon noodles. The atmosphere was awkward yet peaceful. Both the girls were lost in their thoughts even as they sat side by side. Meng Ran kept stealing glances at Shi Ai as she wondered where this girl got so much courage. Nobody who knew Shi Ai could have guessed that she had such an explosive past. Shi Ai, on the other hand, felt unburdened and even a little hopeful. This was because Meng Ran was a self-acclaimed relationship expert and Shi Ai felt that she would be able to discuss some things with her. She could not discuss those things with Zhang Min!


    To change the seriousness of the atmosphere, Meng Ran decided to bring back the focus on the most interesting subject. Placing her cup of Ramyeon on the table, she tilted her head in Shi Ai''s direction and asked seriously, "Shi Ai!there is one thing I am not clear on. Why were you blushing this morning? Brother in law only dropped you off at school so why did it look like he ate you for breakfast before that? Also, when are you meeting him next?"


    Shi Ai was not expecting this question and she had just swallowed a mouthful of noodles which then got stuck in her throat leading her to cough loudly. Meng Ran slapped Shi Ai on the back while Shi Ai breathed deeply.


    After a few minutes, Shi Ai said, "I am going to meet him today. Meng Ran!you have to cover up for me for today also! Please! I will apply for a leave tomorrow but can you handle tonight? "


    Meng Ran gleefully nodded her head but then added a condition, "Your own personal cupid is always here to help you overcome all the obstacles! But I have a condition! I want to see him! So tonight you have to show me his face at least! Tell me what time is he coming and I will be there waiting at the gate!"


    Shi Ai shook her head at Meng Ran and said, "He is coming at 6 pm." That said, Shi Ai turned back to eating her noodles while Meng Ran was left dumbstruck. Meng Ran glanced at the clock on the opposite wall and then the top of Shi Ai''s head before going to get her trusted binoculars. Shi Ai looked up at the sudden silence and was amused at Meng Ran who was peeling outside. Meng Ran turned back and then coming to Shi Ai said in a low tone, "Xiao Ai. I hate to break it to you but your hunk of a prince charming is already here and must have been waiting for half an hour at least.


    Shi Ai stopped mid-bite and looked at the time. It showed 6.30. Throwing her chopsticks on the table, Shi Ai once again sprinted down the dorm stairs and towards the gate. Meng Ran wanted to shout out again to at least pack a few clothes but knew it was of no use. Shrugging, she went back to the window to observe the beautiful ''flower '' that had bloomed outside. Though Shi Ai was late, the man did not seem to be impatient or irritated. This showed that he was indeed a gentleman.


    Downstairs, Ah Hai once again saw Shi Ai running towards him and this time he almost opened his arms to catch her. But instead of running to him she stopped a few feet away and said, " Wait for me, please. I will be here soon."


    Ah Hai: "..." He was already waiting So there was no reason to run all the way here and tell him that. By the time he understood Shi Ai''s faulty logic, she had already run back towards her room. Seeing Shi Ai come back, Meng Ran rushed to her own closet and taking out a packed parcel, put it in an overnight bag. She then grabbed a pair of denim shorts, a top and a few other accessories of Shi Ai. By the time Shi Ai had reached back, her helpful roommate had already packed a bag for her. Shi Ai ran back the way she had come thanking Meng Ran over her shoulders.


    This time Shi Ai slowed down a bit and pretending that the past few minutes had not happened, walked slowly to the man who stood leaning casually against his car. Seeing her walking down like a lady, he smirked a bit but saying nothing held the car door open for her. Thanking him, Shi Ai sat inside the car primly and composed herself as she watched him walk towards the driver''s side. The car had only just started when Shi Ai interrupted suddenly, " stop." Ah, Hai stepped on the brakes immediately and looked around Shi Ai in question. Maybe she had forgotten something and needed to go back..?"


    But Shi Ai leaned forward towards him and shocked him. In a complaining tone, she said, "You are not wearing the seat belt!"


    Ah, Hai could feel the heat of Shi Ai''s body as she leaned across him while her unique flowery fragrance invaded all his senses. Of on yet another side town accord, Ah Hai''s hands started to move to span the small waist but Shi Ai had already moved back with the belt in her hand and clicked it into the lock. She then turned around to her own seat felt and waited for Ah Hai to start the car.


    This time Ah Hai did not take Shi Ai to the terrace but rather the big grounds that overlooked the terrace.


    Shi Ai followed the man at a close distance even as her eyes went round and her mind absorbed the gravity of her future training. There were ladders and multiple ropes on one corner while a big shooting range was situated in the middle.


    There were many other equipment that Shi Ai had not even heard the names of forget knowing about them. Shi Ai looked at the place in awed silence before she turned to Ah Hai and questioned him, "What is all this?"


    Ah, Hai took hold of Shi Ai''s wrist and walked towards the shooting range where a table had been set up with various guns. Picking up a small gun from the table, Ah Hai c.a.r.e.s.sed it lovingly. For a moment, Shi Ai was mesmerized with the movement of his fingers as the glided on the handle, that she almost missed what he was saying, "This pistol is called FN five-seven. It is one of a kind and one of the most powerful pistols in existence. It can penetrate the hardest of surfaces in a few seconds. This is what you will learn to use Shi Ai. These pistols are soon going to become a part of you. An extension of your own hand. You know the enemy is powerful so to defeat him you need to become even more powerful." Placing the gun carefully back on the table, Ah Hai picked up another simple grey pistol and handed it to Shi Ai. "This is going to be your beginner pistol. This is how you load the bullets and this is how you remove the safety. Now take aim."


    All business, Ah Hai had completed the actions of loading the gun and handed it to Shi Ai to hit a target at fifty meters. Shi Ai had almost expected to receive this kind of training when they returned last year but Ah Hai had not said anything. And now suddenly. She wanted to ask but she knew that there would be no answer until she had fired. Lifting up her arms and mimicking what she had seen in movies, Shi Ai held the gun in both hands and tried to aim. She pulled the trigger but not expecting the recoil from the gun she was also thrown back while the gun fell to the ground far away with a clanging sound. Shi Ai would have fallen on her b.u.t.t though she was saved as Ah Hai had moved to stand by her and this Shi Ai collided into a warm c.h.e.s.t at her back. Ah Hai placed another gun in the girl''s hand and this time holding her hand around the handle brought her back into position. Ah Hai''s other hand was on Shi Ai''s waist as he made her take aim. This time the hand that was clutching did not move and remained steady while the bullet went through the bull''s eye. After this Ah Hai did not let go of Shi Ai''s hand but fired successive shots while using her hands. Shi Ai winced at every loud sound that these shots made and was tempted to close her eyes but she knew she could not do that. So she persisted and tries to understand the correct posture and how to adjust the aim so that she would not fall back from the recoil.

 Chapter 120 - Sigh!

    Her arms were falling off! Shi Ai was sure that her limbs were no longer attached to the rest of her body. Her ears were never going to be able to hear anything again!After having held the gun for so long and firing continuously for a couple of hours straight, all she wanted to do was sleep. As Shi Ai trudged towards the house,she thought of the empty living room and then to the bedroom.Atleast the bedroom on top of the stairs had a bed but climbing up those stairs..she wanted to throw a tantrum. She threw a sideways glance at Ah Hai who had also held the smae position and wanted to frown. Was he a machine? He had held her in his embrace in the same position but his arms had not even trembled a bit! The excitement of being in his arms had soon been overpowered by fatigue for her. And when she dared to complain,he had made her feel like a whining kid. What a tough task master he was. Big Sister Su was right. Long Ah Hai was a beast teacher. Shi Ai''s mouth moved into an unknowing pout as she grumbled inwardly. It had only been a couple of hours since their so called training had begun and she was already tempted to strangle Ah Hai.


    Ah Hai who was observing every expression on Shi Ai''s face felt his mouth lift in a smirk as she pouted and cursed at him under her breath. He wanted to tease her a bit but he was sure that she would murder him with a blunt weapon if he tried. So he just laughed inwardly and followed her into the house.


    Shi Ai was plotting! She thought maybe she should pretent to faint so that Ah Hai would carry her up the stairs and then she could sleep peacefully. Before she could put her plan in motion though, she heard Ah Hai drawl," You are doing well Xaio Ai. At this point most people would faint. In fact I had even kept my smelliest sock for you to smell in case you fainted too." Shi Ai immediately dropped her plan to faint. She wanted to go nowhere near anything smelly. Once they entered the house,Shi Ai was tempted to rub her eyes. There was furniture here! A Big couch. she rubbed her eyes in case she was seeing a mirage. But no it was still there. With a final burst of power, Shi Ai ran to the couch and jumping onto it fell face first and closed her eyes. Sigh! What comfort!


    ALmost on the verge of falling asleep, Shi Ai felt a light touch on the back of her shoulders as nimble fingers massaged her shoulders and back muscles. She let out a low m.o.a.n of ''mmm'' as her knotted muscles loosened and breathing a deep sigh she fell asleep.


    It was supposed to have been a simple massage! But Shi Ai''s low m.o.a.n had directly reached the man''s groin which wanted to hear this sound. As Ah Hai knewded and massaged the warm back under his hand,he,too let out a deep sigh. She needed to take a warm bath or else she was going to be in even more pain tomorrow. She was his most difficult mission ever,he decided. Not because she was difficult but because he did not like to see that look of disp.l.e.a.s.u.r.e on her face. The little frown lines that appeared on her face when she was miffed made him want to drop everything to soothe her.


    Seeing that she had fallen asleep,Ah Hai got up from his place beside her and went upstairs. Starting to fill the tubwoth hot water,Ah Hai added some medicinal herbs to the wated and let it fill the tub. Once the temperature was just right, Ah Hai went down and carried her up. He loved carrying Shi Ai and would do that everytime he had a chance. That was because she instinctively snuggled into him everytime he did that. Placing her on the couch outside the bathroom,Ah Hai bent down and took off her shoes for her. He then tried to wake her up but Shi Ai swatted at him as if he was a pesky fly and kept trying to turn around to sleep peacefully. Finally, Ah Hai decided to threaten Shi Ai,"Xaio Ai,I am counting down from ten. If you are not up in that time,I will personally take of all your clothes and put you into the bath. Ten, nine,eight,seven...three,two,one.When Shi Ai had refused to move even after that thinking it was an empty threat,Ah Hai bent down and his hands reched directly for the button of her jeans. He had just unbuttoned the jean when Shi Ai''s eyes snapped open and she ran into the bathroom banging the door closed behind her.


    Smiling at his successful plan, Ah Hai went to the door and said," Do not fall asleep in there. I will be coming to check on you. Your bag with your change of clothes is in there and there is a phone on the side to call me in you need anything. Soak for fifteen minutes and all your tiredness will be gone."


    Shi Ai glanced around at the luxurious bathroom and then the steaming bath. Will her aches really disappear. Then she frowned,"So what if they did disappear.They would appear again the next day when Ah Hai coninued with her training."


    Fifteen minutes later, Shi Ai came out of the tub refreshed and feeling good as new. Tying a large towel around her,she made her way to the overnight bag and donned her pyjamas and nightwear. Picking up the open bag,she made her way out and threw the bag on the chair on the opposite side. Just then something fell out of the bag and directly at the feet of the person who had just opened the door. The wrapping had fallen open and both sets of eyes were horrified as the stared at the e.r.o.t.i.c picture of a couple on the box of c.o.n.d.o.ms. Sigh!

 Chapter 121 - A Lead

    The next morning, Shi Ai was tempted to bury herself in the blankets and not face Ah Hai. Last night after the c.o.n.d.o.m fiasco, Ah Hai had placed the bowl of nourishing soup on the side table and rushed out without saying anything. Shi Ai was going to kill Meng Ran for sure! The girl had actually placed that..that thing in her bag!


    But Shi Ai had no reason to worry. As she thought of various explanations and reasons while climbing down the stairs, Ah Hai was busy talking to someone on the phone. Seeing her come down, he continued to chat on the phone while getting up and placing a plate of cut fruit on the table. Placing a friendly peck on her forehead, he pushed her to the table while he sat back in his seat. Shi Ai had finished her fruit plate when Ah Hai finished his call. Seeing that she was done, Ah Hai spoke," Silvia has some new information. I asked her if she could think of a reason that your sister would change plans at the last minute and drop you at the orphanage and why would she go back if she had already escaped. Silvia thinks that Shi Ai went back to rescue your mother and maybe convince her to come with the two of you."


    "Today we are going to go to Silvia''s parent''s house to confront them. The fact that they were involved in everything that happened is true and I would not want to take you there but have a feeling that they would be more cooperative if you were to go there. Also, you will not tell them that we have already met Silvia." Coming to her, Ah Hai picked up her slender wrist and then placed a wrist band around it." This wrist band here has a recording device as well as a panic button. We cannot trust that this is not an ambush plan so if you have even a little doubt then press it and I will be there in a jiffy. Freshen up and we will be going to see them. It is a two-hour drive from here so you will have time to think about what you want to ask."


    Shi Ai nodded mutely but then caught hold of his hand and asked, "Even if we find out what she did after she left me, what is the point? I just want to find her."


    Ah, Hai looked at her downturned eyes and said, "Xiao Ai. In that fire, only your mother died. But those men who were responsible for everything escaped. And the man who captured your sister and is now after you, they all need to be taught a lesson. We need to not just find her but also ensure that she need not face any more threats. At present wherever she is, she is at least not in the clutches of those monsters. Only after rehashing the past and following her footsteps can we find the truth and figure out her method of thinking."


    Shi Ai nodded and then said," Ah Hai. That man..that man who is supposed to be my father. I hate him! I feel dirty to even think that I am related to such a man! I want to kill him! I know you are teaching me to use these guns so that I can defend myself but I want to learn this so that I can kill those people. Am I wrong to feel that."


    Ah, Hai took his wrist out of Shi Ai''s grasp and cupped her face in his hands forcing her to look at him. In a sombre voice, he said, "Who told you that I am teaching you all this so that you can only defend yourself? Shi Ai, it is normal and natural to want revenge and in this case, it is right to seek revenge. Your childhood and your sister''s childhood was ruined because of them. Your mother did because of this. People like that deserve that. But I want you to remember one thing, Killing a person rips apart your own soul. And I don''t want such a stain on your soul. You can seek revenge but promise me you will not kill them! Your sister has suffered a lifetime and so have you. Death would be too simple for those people so do not give them an easy way out. Promise me."


    Shi Ai looked into the calm eyes of the man she loved and saw only reassurance and warmth. There was no judgement of condemnation of her wanting to kill on her own biological father. This helped Shi Ai come to terms to this burning d.e.s.i.r.e in her and she went on her way to question Silvia Gray''s parents with a clear mind.


    The address that Ah Hai had received from Silvia was located in a locale with old buildings. Most of the people residing here were older and living on pensions.


    Shi Ai took a careful look at the small but well-maintained garden and then the old house. It was a pretty place and a family home. But there was only one thing on Shi Ai''s mind, this house was made with dirty money. No matter how desperately poor one maybe, they had no right to play with human lives. As far as she was concerned the people inside were as much responsible for her sister as that bas**** of a man. Inhaling deeply, she gathered her composure and knocked on the wooden door. The door was opened by a beautiful woman who looked like an older version of the actress. The woman had started to smile at Shi Ai and ask her the cause for her visit when she had a clear look at her face. Gasping, her mouth fell open and jerking back she tried to close the door shut. But Shi Ai had already realized her intention ans she shoved the big handbag in her hand into the opening preventing her from closing the door.

 Chapter 122 - Rehashing The Past

    The woman tried to close the door but Shi Ai had already guessed her intention and shoved her big handbag into the narrow opening. Pushing hard against the door. Shi Ai entered the home with force. The woman at the door moved back and tried to shout in panic, but she was at a disadvantage and Shi Ai closed the door immediately. In an intimidating voice, she said, "Mrs Grey, please be careful before you shout for help. You are the one who will suffer the consequences once I announce the reason I am here today."


    Mrs Grey''s eyes were flickering between Shi Ai and the door as the girl had blocked her only route of escape. Mrs Grey rushed into her kitchen, brought out a butcher''s knife and threatened Shi Ai. I don''t know who you are but you have gained forceful entry into my home and I want you to go out. Leave now."


    Shi Ai smiled and walked towards the woman with the crazy eyes and with a flick of her wrist threw away the weapon. Calmly, Shi Ai then walked to the couch and looked at the woman," Mrs Grey, you run a finishing academy for young girls, don''t you? What do you think will happen when it is made known that you were involved in selling a young girl. The statute of limitations for punishing you may have expired but your hard-earned reputation will have gone down the drain. So stop getting wild ideas and let us have a chat.


    Mrs Grey seemed to have gotten over her shock and taking a deep breath she said, "I''ll go get some water and then we can talk."


    Shi Ai just gave a small smirk as the woman scurried inside. Stalling for time but it was a useless tactic.


    The woman carried the glass of water and placed it in front of her and then sat opposite her. Pretending to be a concerned old acquaintance, she started, "How have you been doing? It has been so long since we have seen you. You have grown so well and beautiful. You look just like your mother now with only your hair styled differently. Uhh..how is your father doing? He suffered a great loss from the death of your mother and sister. Shi Ai, please forgive Auntie and Uncle for that time. We really thought that you were imagining things and thus told your parents everything. But everything turned out for the better didn''t it? Your father realized his mistake and apologized.."


    The woman''s uneasy but righteous smile made Shi Ai want o to punch her and break her teeth. How easily she had cleared her conscience and cleared herself from blame. But she was glad that she had not spoken earlier because Mrs Grey had inadvertently revealed a few things believing her to be the real Shi Ai. Mrs Grey genuinely believed that Shi Xiao was dead.


    Shi Ai said nothing just continued to stare at the woman until the woman finally started to fidget under the frigid gaze and then finally said, "I see. So you believed that I was imagining things and thus you went to my parents. Why don''t you give me a clear explanation about how you reached that conclusion? And then we can have a discussion about the money that.."


    As Shi Ai was saying this, she saw Mrs Grey''s eyes flick to something behind her and she felt her face freeze. It seemed Mr Grey was here. With a bored expression, Shi Ai picked up the glass of water in front of her and threw the water behind her making the man behind her let out a shocked squeak.


    Mrs Grey ran to her husband in horror while Shi Ai continued to say, "Now of both of you are done, can we have a serious discussion? I am not in the mood to indulge your people. Mr And Mrs Grey, if I am not given proper answers in the next few minutes, I will make it difficult for you to breathe let alone work and survive. So please start."


    The two people bl.u.s.tered and protested but when everything fell on deaf ears they looked at each other and nodded.


    Mrs Grey then kneeled in front of her and began pitifully, "We really planned to help you but your mother discovered our plan. That night the two of you were supposed to come with us and we were worried about how we would support two more mouths. That morning your mother came to us and gave us a small bag of money. She said that it was for the two of you and we could also use it in case we needed it to care for our daughter. She also gave us a locked box saying to pass it to you when you have both grown up. Once she went we opened the bag and we''re shocked at the huge amount of cash. We..we thought that since your mother was able to save so much your father must have even more money. That us why we planned to blackmail him and get more money so that we could take fold care of the two of you. But your mother..she discovered us making a deal with your father and she threw us out while abusing us. We had to leave and we were unable to take you.."


    The woman was crying pitifully and even her sobs we''re heart-wrenching as if she was crying for her own lost children. Shi Ai brought her hands together and let out a loud slow clap for the woman''s performance. No wonder Silvia Grey was such a great actor. It was hereditary.


    "Let me get this straight, you took money from both my parents and then double-crossing them and two little girls you escaped here to live a comfortable and happy life."


    Mrs Grey looked shocked and tried to protest, "No no it is not like that. We have also been punished for our weakness. Our onlybdaughter..she won''t talk to us..please believe me, please. We never meant to double-cross you."


    Shi Ai sneered at this and asked coldly, " You can try to soothe yourself and your conscience with those lies."


    Just then Mr Grey who had until now been silent cut in, "So what if we thought of our daughter instead of you! A daughter of a p.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.e is what you were. So all you had to do was follow your mother''s footsteps! She should have trained you well!"


    "THWACK"


    The sound of a slap reverberated in the room while the man fell against the small table. Grabbing the man''s collar, Shi Ai uttered with clenched teeth, "a p.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.e, was she? Did you not feel shame in using a p.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.e''s money then? Do you know what a person who uses such money is called? Why don''t I make your daughter the same? She has signed a contract with me and I am her new agent. I will get a good price for her. And I will even forward your commission. What do you think?"


    This causes the weekly sobbing woman to break out into loud cries as she begged Shi Ai to spare her daughter. Shi Ai pushed aside the woman and threw a cold glance at the pathetic people."Bring me the box that my mother left with you. It had better be with you and be intact otherwise you will rue the day you were born. And Mr Grey, I want all the old photos that you have..I can see on the walls that you have an interesting hobby. Bring the photos from those years in the next fifteen minutes. I am waiting."


    The two people scampered away and went into another room. Shi Ai clenched her hand which had turned red from hitting the man and tried to stop the tears that were threatening to come. Her mother had been planning their escape. They had been poor and a bag of cash meant that she had been saving up for a long time. Shi Ai was shaken out of her reverie when Mrs Grey came into the room carrying a box the size of a shoebox. There were marks of tampering on the box as if someone had tried to forcefully open the lid. Shi Ai gave a cold smile at that and drawled, "You wanted whatever was in this box too?" Mrs Grey looked away but said nothing. She could not refute the truth. Shi Ai kept the box to her side and waited for the photos. Once the man had come with a box full of photographs, Shi Ai made a call and a young boy knocked on the door and then carried away the boxes at her behest. Shi Ai then turned her cold gaze to the couple before warning,"We will meet again. Let me warn you that do not try to escape. You are being watched.If you even leave the house you will not be sure of your return." With that threat echoing in the air, Shi Ai made her way to the car parked across the street where the boy had already placed the boxes in the. trunk. Handing a tip to the boy, Shi Ai climbed into the car and her entire body drooped into the seat.


    Though she had found new clues the previous questions were still unanswered. How did the house burn down and where was the real culprit? Their so-called father..

 Chapter 123 - Your Mother

    Shi Ai sat in the car and watched the moving scenery outside with a blank stare. The word ''p.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.e'' was resonating in her head. Her fists clenched and all she wanted to do was go back and hit the man again. But in her heart, there was a measure of pain and ache. Her birth mother had not been ''that'' by choice but by force of the circ.u.mstances. And she had hoped to get out of that by trying to save and scamper the money. But those people had taken away that chance as well! They will have to pay. Each and every one of them, whether the hid under the earth or over the skies, she will find them and make them pay! Her face had turned cold which made her features seem somehow sharper. Shi Ai felt as if her brain was going to explode. Just then a large hand landed on her head and stroked it. Jolting back to reality, Shi Ai felt a sense of calmness run through her. He was there with her. As long as Ah Hai was with her, he would make sure she stayed strong. Catching his wrist,  she brought down his hand and entwined her fingers with his.


    They drove straight home and Ah Hai carried the two boxes inside. Placing the boxes on the table in the kitchen, the two people stared at them intently. After a while, Shi Ai said, "We are going to have to call a locksmith to break this lock,isn''t it?"


    Ah, Hai looked up from the box and shook his head. This box is one of a kind, Xaio Ai. You see this company''s mark on the corner. thi company was famous for making unbreakable locks and small boxes. But not everybody could afford this type of box. This was made only on order for wealthy people who wanted to hide their priceless items. The company never even gave duplicate keys to the holders so that no one could misuse it. The metal used to make this box and lock is a special alloy with many metals mixed to keep it resistant to heat, force and even water. So that whatever is inside can remain safe. Each box was designed to the buyer''s specifications. Xiao Ai, we have another mystery to solve. How did your mother get this box? The signs of tampering on this box show that the Grey''s also tried to break it open but were unsuccessful. Give me a few hours and we will have solved this mystery soon. Until then we can browse through these photos that Mr Grey has handed over."


    Shi Ai nodded and then opened the box to browse through the photos. The first photo, she picked up was a faded picture of three girls. It was almost enough to break her. It was a picture of herself, her sister and Silvia. They had their arms around each other and were grinning happily at the camera.


    Another picture was of Mrs Grey and a woman who she thought was her mother. It was a side profile but she could see the similarities. Another picture was of a group of people or rather couples. Shi Ai looked at the date on the back and estimated that she would have been unborn at the time. There in the centre stood a couple with a cute little girl in the woman''s arms and the man''s hand around the woman''s shoulders. She looked at the man carefully, trying to think if she could remember anything about him but all she drew was a blank. This man was her biological father. He did not look evil, Shi Ai thought. He looked like a normal middle-class man. Her mother, on the other hand, looked like a princess. There was something wrong with this photo but she could not guess what it was. She frowned and then showed the photo to Ah Hai. There is something weird about this picture but I cannot guess what it is. Can you see any abnormality?"


    Ah Hai took the photo from Shi Ai''s hand and observed it carefully. His eyes probed every person in the photo and then narrowed, " You are right. There is something weird about this picture. First, there are only couples in this picture but the man on your mother''s left is not part of a set. We can guess that maybe his spouse is the one cl.i.c.k.i.n.g the picture but even then it is very odd. The second thing is the looks. Though your mother was a beauty, she is well-groomed. More so than other women of her class. See the others, they are well maintained but their hairstyles, their clothes are all practical and well worn while your mother''s are what one would call trendy from that time. And she is happy in her relationship. Maybe at this time, her husband had not gone off the right path."


    Ah Hai then looked closely at the picture once more and said,"The man is mostly her cousin or her sibling. They have features which are similar to you and the others."


    As Ah Hai explained, Shi Ai also noted these minute differences. Keeping the picture aside she then continued to browse through the other pictures. There were not many of them but she found a few here and there where she could see how time had been unkind to her mother. Shi Ai was segregating the pictures with her mother in them when Ah Hai suddenly took a picture from her hand. It was when Shi Ai''s mother was pregnant. She guessed that this picture was when her mother was carrying her because she could see the haggard lines on her mother''s face. But Ah Hai was staring at the picture too intently. Had he found something else?


    Taking the picture from his hands, she looked at it carefully but could not find anything out of the ordinary. But Ah Hai definitely had found something.


    She looked up to question him but the man had already vacated his seat and was clearing the table. In a cold tone, he said, "We need to have lunch first and then continue with your training. We can look at the pictures later. I''ll be serving the food, go and wash your hands." Before she could utter a works, Ah Hai had already turned his back and was working on placing a pot on the stove.


    Shi Ai did not budge and continued to stare at the photo until it was snatched from her hands and a cold voice barked," I told you to go wash your hands. Why are you still sitting there?"


    Shi Ai was almost scared at this tone but she persisted, "Why? What is wrong with this photo that has you doing this? Isn''t it just a maternity photo?"


    Ah Hai continued to look coldly at her and they engaged in a staring contest until Shi Ai was forced to look away and stubbornly say, " I will not move until you tell me the reason!"


    Ah Hai closed his eyes and tried to calm himself before saying, "Shi Ai, you have had a disturbing emotional day and there is no need to add more stress to it. Let''s just leave this aside for now and I will tell you later. Be a good girl and wash your hands."


    Shi Ai banged her hands on the table and muttered, "I am not a kid. Tell me what it is you have seen!"


    Ah Hai was also frustrated as he tried to reason out, "Whatever it is I have seen, I can only guess and I don''t want you to get worked up over anything so if I am sure that my guess is correct, I will let you know!"


    This time Shi Ai said nothing but only mutinously stared at him. Rubbing his fingers on his forehead in apparent agitation, Ah Hai wondered if he should tell her. Seeing the always calm and collected Ah Hai so fl.u.s.tered made Shi Ai''s heart race with dread. She knew whatever he was going to tell her would only hurt her. She tried to harden her heart and hear him out.


    Having come to a decision, Ah Hai finally muttered,"Look Xaio Ai. You know that sometimes a person''s circ.u.mstances are not in their hands. There comes a time where you just want to put your head in the sand and pretend to be an ostrich. Until now, you have not judged that your mother over what she had been forced to do so keep that in mind and do not judge. Alright?"


    Shi Ai could only nod at this new pleading tone on Ah Hai''s voice. What was there in this picture that had affected him so badly?


    Looking into her eyes, to observe her reaction, Ah Hai said,"In this picture, your mother is not just pregnant, she is also stoned. Meaning she is high on drugs. Your mother may have been using drugs or even addicted to them..."

 Chapter 124 - Discovering more

    "Your mother may have been using drugs at the time or even addicted to them."


    Every word reverberated in Shi Ai''s ear like a gong. She looked confused and lost for a moment before looking at him with a question in her eyes. The question though unsaid was loud in his ears. Without a word, he pointed to the needle marks on her mother''s arms as well as the haphazardly spread injections visible on a small table on the side.


    Shi Ai stared carefully and then tried to think of a way to explain away the presence of the injections, "Maybe they are medicinal or maybe they belong to someone else.."


    Ah Hai nodded and agreed with Shi Ai saying, "Yes, maybe. We are just making guesses as of now."


    Shi Ai was however not sure. There had to be more to what he had guessed. She put the photo on the table face down and looked at Ah Hai with clear eyes. He needed to explain somethings.


    Ah Hai knew then that he could not hide this from Shi Ai much longer. But he wanted her to not be affected.


    Sighing he explained, "Xiao Ai, please remember all this is just speculation. I am repeating again and again because you have to know it. Initially when you were diagnosed with the heart disease, there were hypotheses that the cause may be genetic or a mutation caused due to many factors during your mother''s pregnancy. Since the whereabouts of your parents were unknown, the doctors did not question this much and simply tried to continue treatment. Then when you had the drug episode during school days, your body''s reaction was too violent to the drug. Though everyone assumed that it was because of your medicines, Dr Zhang had his doubts and thus he started studying cases of drug uses.


    Usually, such a violent reaction happens when a person who was an addict once but consumed drugs again after being sober for a long while. Thus causing the brain to over stimulate suddenly. Combined with such case studies and your heart condition he concluded that there was a possibility that your mother had abused drugs during pregnancy and that you may have also been affected by this causing your heart to not grow well. Condensed with these and this photograph, you know how I reached the conclusion."


    Shi Ai was crying pitifully by now and Ah Hai was at a loss. Her eyes had veered, indicting him as she said quietly, "You knew this long ago."


    Ah, Hai went to Shi Ai and tried to hold her hands but she snatched them away, "You should not have hidden this from me!"


    Ah Hai looked at his empty hands hanging in mid-air and then said, "Because we were not sure. I lt would have only hurt you."


    Shi Ai was crying openly now. "This hurts me even more. I know that there are many things about you that I do not know. Things that you have kept hidden but this was about me and you had no right to do that! Even if it was all assumption, I should have known! You should have told me all the dirt that is stained on me!


    Ah, Hai was now angry at Shi Ai and this caused him. to blurt without thinking, " Xiao Ai! Just because someone took drugs does not make them dirty! And if you truly believe that then you let me ask you something. How do you think I know so much about drugs and their marks? Would you like to guess? No? Let me tell you, I know so much because I was also a drug addict! So I guess that makes me dirty in your eyes too? Would you like to know more? During the drug-induced haze, I had no idea who I slept with. All that mattered was the next dose! And at least your mother must have been facing hardsh.i.p.s so she may have a so-called reason to use those but I had no reason also. I just wanted to have fun! So Shi Ai, next time you think of me remember that I am a dirty person too!"


    Having exploded in anger, Ah Hai then walked out of the kitchen towards his room.


    Ah Hai''s anger, however, brought out a sense of clarity in Shi Ai. She remembered how he had implored her to not judge when he had been about to tell her about her mother. And like a fool she had done just that. Ignoring his words just remembering the pain that she was in.


    This was the first time that Shi Ai realized that maybe her Knight was not the perfect man she had always thought him to be. He also had his own fears and weaknesses and she had ignorantly poked at his wounds. She remembered how everyone who knew Ah Hai had warned her to grow up before trying to get him and she had actually thought that she was m.a.t.u.r.e and would be able to handle him. But tonight, she was made aware of her inadequacy. In failing to pay heed to his words and the under current in them,she had hurt him.


    No! She would not let him be hurt because of her. She needed to explain that she had not meant that her mother was dirty! Just the past behind her was dirty and murky! He had misunderstood her!Standing up with so much force that the chair that she was sitting on fell backwards,Shi Ai ran up to Ah Hai''s room. At the door,she paused for a moment,uncertain of how she was going to explain without causing any misunderstanding. She also realized that she was scared. Never had she seen such a cold light in his eyes directed towards her! She had heard from Zhang Min how scary he was that night when she was in the hospital but she had always assumed that he would have exaggerated. But now she knew that he could have been scarier. No! She would not let him be like that towards her. He had never had a wall when he was with her and he would not erect one in the future also! Hardening her resolve,Shi Ai,decisively knocked on the door. However there was no answer. She knew he had come here but since he was not answering,she was at a loss. Should she try entering without knocking or should she give him some time to calm down? Shi Ai almost retreated to go back but something inside her warned her that if she stepped back tonight,she would lose him forever. So she tried her luck in opening the door and breathed in relief when it opened. At least he had not locked her out!So the situation was salvageable.


    But the room''s inside was pitch black and since she had never been into the room,she had no idea of it''s layout.  She put her hand on the wall next to the door to find a light switch when his cold voice sounded,"Leave the lights be! Also go back to your room. We can discuss the rest tomorrow."


    Shi Ai guessed from the sound of his voice where he was and slowly walked in closing the door behind her and shrouding the room in darkness once more as the little beam of light from the open door was cut off. Hesitatingly she placed one step in front of the other,trying to avoind making a sound or hurting herself. Unknown to her,Ah Hai''s dark eyes were observing her every move while they glittered with a cold light. He saw her struggle in the darkness,stub her toes multiple times but his eyes remained cold. Even he himself did not understand why he was so angry. He had already come to terms with his own past. Atleast that is what he had always believed. But his outburst just now made him realize that he still had some unresolved issues. Hearing her say that she was dirty just because she had been affected by something in the past had triggered him!She was not dirty. She was the purest person he knew! She was light to his darkness so how could she be dirty? What Ah Hai did not pause to think was that the events in his past had also not been in his hands only and he believed himself to be sullied so he was maintaining double standards. He had not yet forgiven himself and this was the real cause of his outburst tonight. He did not want Shi Ai to punish herself the way he was used to punishing himself.


    Finally, Shi Ai stumbled her way to Ah Hai and touching his shoulders she realized that he was sitting on a chair. Going down on her knees,she placed her hands on his legs and her head in his l.a.p. Her eyes were numb from the physical and emotional pain and she could only let her head stay there and not say anything.

 Chapter 125 - Broken

    Ah Hai could feel the warmth of her tears seeping through his trousers and scalding him. He hated himself for making her cry like this but hearing what she said had made him unreasonably angry. It also made him realize an ugly truth. He would have to come clean and tell her about the past that plagued him to this date. He did not want to do that. He had fooled himself into thinking that they could move into the future without touching the past.


    He was reluctant to tell her anything because he was scared. He accepted that. From the first time when he had met the girl she had reminded him of his younger self. From her clear expression to the adoration in her eyes. He too had once looked at someone just like Shi Ai looked at him. And he was scared that she would not look at him like that anymore if she knew the real him. He was scared to remove his mask in front of her and see loathing.


    The silence in the darkness was both oppressing and calming to Shi Ai. At least he had not thrown her out. Just as she was wondering how to approach the topic, Ah Hai''s hand moved and he placed it on her head in a c.a.r.e.s.sing manner. His  hand was trembling but Shi Ai did not realize that.Closing his eyes,he started his story. He knew that tomorrow he would not have any courage. It was better to reveal the darkness inside him in this dark room itself. That way he would not have to see the look of horror in her eyes when she knew that the one she loved was only a figment of her imagination and the real Ah Hai was a monster.


    "I was thirteen when I fell for her. She was older than me by a few years but she was always there around the house and I had decided that she was going to be mine. Ning Ning. She was my best friend and the person who understood me the most so naturally I fell for her.You know that my parents died when I was young but what you do not know was that they were instead killed in a planned conspiracy. Naturally I did not know this too as my older brothers kept it from me. They did not want me to worry or suffer. I had always been the center of every one''s universe because I was the youngest and that continued even after my parents were gone. Matt, Neil and Ryu were always there for me until I turned a teenager. Handling a teenager is a tough job and handling someone who was in love is even more difficult. At that time my brothers were being attacked from every side,be it business or my custody or pressure for Ryu to marry. As a result, I was often left in Ning Ning''s care. And I was happy to be with the ''love of my life'' for all time. I wanted to grow up really fast so that I could also take care of her. "


    As Ah Hai was lost in his faraway world in the past he did not realize that every word he spoke was like a knife being poked into Shi Ai. She had always thought that he was cold to everyone and she was special. Never once had she stopped to think that he may have been in love with someone else. Ah Hai said that he was like her as a young kid that meant that he must have loved the woman with all his heart. Then why did he not get into a relationship with her? Even of she was a few years older it was not that big a deal. So what happened to that woman Ning Ning? Had she refused him and that was the reason for his now cold and aloof attitude? She wanted to ask him but knew that if she interrupted then he may clam up so she stopped herself from flinching and kept her head down listening intently.


    "Imagine my surprise and anguish when I realized that Ning Ning was dating and engaged to my second brother. I was lost suddenly. The girl I liked was going to be my sister in law. On one hand I was angry and on the other guilty. The guilt for hating my brother for falling for the same woman I loved.


    Then one day they broke up. I must have been fourteen years then. I heard them fighting and I was happy that she had chosen to get out of that hurtful relationship. I consoled her and listened to every complaing she had when she said that my brother had no time for her and she was sure that he must be seeing someone else on the side. I heard them quarreling everytime and then one day finally deciding to call off the engagement. Once again I blamed my brother for hurting her and consoled her. Not once did I think that he really was busy with college and the business. Not once did I stop to think or ask my brother. She cried and made sob stories and like a gullible fool I believed her lies. Yes. That is all they were-lies. The truth was that she had cheated on my brother and the reason that she had given was his indifferent attitude against her. Slowly she drifted out of my life and I could do nothing about it because I was too young. In my prejudiced way I continued to acc.u.mulate hatred towards Neil. And then one day, almost a year and some months later,she returned. It was like spring had come back after a long winter. She and my brother were together again. And she had ''forgiven'' Neil because she realized that she was in love with him. Though I felt wronged on her behalf that she would compromise like this,but I was still happy that she was happy. But once again that happiness was shortlived. She was depressed all the time and I was the shoulder she leaned to cry on. Always pitiful that she was helplessly in love with a man that did not love her back whole heartedly.


    To console her and make up for my brother''s callousness I began to attend parties with her. I At sixteen I looked older and no one ever stopped to ask me my age and thus began my entry into rave parties. At first I was not too comfortable with all that and I did not understand those people and their wasteful lifestyle much. I only went there to take care of Ning Ning who said that these parties and those people were the only things that helped her forget her depression and hurt. But they were all lies. I was the one who had fallen into the trap of drugs while she never touched those things.Yes. She was not just hurt but angry and in love with the man who had killed my parents. Together the used and manipulated me to destroy myself and this destroy my brothers in the process. And I did destroy them but my brothers were much stronger than my weak self. They rallied around me and pulled me back from that hellish life. Do you know what my biggest fear is, Xaio Ai? It is that someday I will resort to those disgusting things again and lose everything all over. Do you know I still attend those anonymous meetings so that I can keep remembering what a mindless animal I had become."


    Once again, Ah Hai paused in his narration but this time Shi Ai knew that whoever this woman called Ning Ning was, had not just rejected him but had hurt him deeply and ruthlessly. The way he explained that woman''s character, Shi Ai could already guess that the woman had been a green tea bit*ch who had played with the feeling of both brothers. But she could not guess that the truth was even worst than she could have anticipated. Rave parties. Drug addict and revenge. That was the extent her innocent mind could take to guessing. But Ning Ning had been much more dangerous and sadistic. And so had Ah Hai when he had recovered..


    Ah Hai knew that she had guessed the rest of the story so he stopped there. He realized that he did not have the courage to tell her more. Not now.Ning Ning had destroyed not just Ah Hai''s innocence and heart but she had broken him into pieces. He had gathered himself piece by painful piece but what was broken could only be mended not restored to it''s previous condition. Later, the army was the only thing that had saved Ah Hai from going crazy. But it had turned him into a heartless man. And he had been content to be heartless until a little girl in a princess dress had barged into his life and placed her innocent trust in him.

 Chapter 126 - The Troops Attack

    Shi Ai finally lifted her head from his l.a.p. Her tears uncontrollable now she put her hands on both sides of his face and leaning up,carefully placed her mouth on his lips. The sweet taste of her mouth mixed with the tears,jolted Ah Hai from his past reverie. He had thought that Shi Ai would have run away by now but instead she was getting even more closer ot him! Immediately loosing himself in the kiss, Ah Hai pulled the girl into his l.a.p and deepened the kiss,hugging her tightly to himself in desperation.Finally a little while later,they both pulled away from the kiss,panting for breath. Shi Ai placed her head on his shoulder and uttered in a whisper soft voice,"Ah Hai..thank you for sharing the past with me. For trusting me enough to let me in. I know... I can guess there is more to your past than you have let on and I want you to know that I am here for you! Whatever the past left or the future brings we are going to be together."


    An imperceptible nod and tightening of the arms around her were the only answers she received. Satisfied for now and aware that she needed to prove herself to him in the fiture, Shi Ai closed her eyes and just sat there on his l.a.p. Soon the two had fallen asleep unaware of their uncomfortable positions.


    The next morning, Ah Hai was working out on the ground when the alarm at the gate started to sound. Someone had gained forceful entry into the grounds. His eyes turned colder than ever as he sauntered over towards the house while donning his black t shirt. Even Shi Ai was shocked awake from the loud sound and she rushed down the stairs to see what the commotion was about but just then a sweaty and half dressed Ah Hai was coming in from the backdoor so she simply raced back the steps. Of course the memory of his well built gleaming abs was etched in her mind.


    Going to the control panel at the corner, Ah Hai turned off the alarm and then turned to check the CCTV cameras. A camouflage Jeep was driving into the main grounds at a leisurely pace. His cold face softened and a small smirk graced his face instead. He had been attacked by the troops.


    Going to the main door,he waited for the Jeep to come to a stop as he leaned against the door frame. Soon everybody had alighted and Ah Hai raised his eyebrows at the people. In a stern voice he asked,"What are you people doing here?"


    Before anyone could answer,a small hurricane had separated herself from the troop and ran to stick itself to Ah Hai''s legs. Seeing this,with a shout of woohoo, two more stubby legs ran towards the man who had just picked up the little one. So now Ah Hai looked like a human tree with three babies attached to him. Bending down ,Ah Hai casually picked up the other two children in his other arm and looked at his nephews who just stood there grinning.


    Finally Long Ru answered with a mischief filled grin, "We thought you would be missing us so we came here to see you."


    Before Ah Hai could raise his brows at this ironic statement, another teenage boy countered,"Of course Uncle wouldn''t miss us. Uncle we were the ones missing you so we came to surprise you."


    The other boy was Zhao Min who happened to be Long Ru''s foster brother and best friend.  Both the boys were almost sixteen and wore matching grins on their handsome faces.


    NBefore Ah Hai could get a word in edgewise,another girl (who was hidden behind the two boys)pushed aside the two boys from the middle and wisely said,"These two are lying Uncle Ah Hai. Actually,mum-dad and uncle-aunt were fed up of us and wanted to have some alone time so they carted us off to Uncle Matt who was busy so he sold you out and sent us here."


    After giving an honest reply,the girl also marched towards the house and when she reached the the door,she actually blew her Uncle a kiss and went inside. The two boys also followed the girl with a muttered "Yo" to their uncle while another girl followed behind them shaking her head at the antics of the siblings. She too paused near Ah Hai and offered to take one of the three kids in his arms who were trying to grab Ah Hai''s attention by pulling at his long hair or patting his cheek or babbling nonsense. When none of the kids agreed to come,Ah Hai simply smiled at the girl and brought the kids in.


    Used to their uncle''s sparse furnishings,the kids were already seated around the floor


    The twin children kicked their legs to be let down once they were inside and the youngest one continued to play with Ah Hai''s hair and drooling on his tshirt.


    This was the scene that Shi Ai came down to. It would not be an overstatement to say that she was shocked and wondered if she had entered an alternate parallel universe.


    As she stood in a stupor ,Long Ru was the first to spot her as he said,"Sister Shi Ai has grown so beautiful!" Seeing the young boy in front of her and the way he called her ''sister'', Shi Ai recognized Long Ryu and Alicia''s son form their wedding days..They had been playmates. Happy to see him,she skipped to him and gave him a warm smile and hug before returning the compliment excitedly,"And you sure grew up to be handsome now that you have the teeth that were missing then!"


    Of course the easy familiarity and touch between the two caused a certain someone to taste vineger who growled a single word,"Aunt." The two people who were about to reminsce the past turned to Ah Hai in confusion who then irritatedly explained,"Little brat!Shi Ai is your aunt now. Address her as such!"


    Ru being the smart cookie,he was recognized his uncle''s jealousy while Shi Ai wanted to protest. Ru was a grown up!Him calling her aunt would be awkward for her..But she backed down when she saw the stubborn look in her husband''s eyes. Of course a little part of her was tickled pink at his possessiveness. The two stared at each other causing the older kids to roll their eyes together. These people were as mushy as their parents. Yuck.


    Finally Ru butted in their romance and said, "Aunt Shi Ai, let me introduce you to the troops here, you know me obviously. This less handsome guy next to me is Zhao Min. The boyish looking girl is RouRou and the quiet serene one is Xin-ie. The two pretty girls climbing over Uncle Ah Hai are are Uncle Neil''s twins Long Jiayi and Long Jiaying. The little one with dirty hands is also their little boy Bohai..named after your dear husband."


    Shi AI have all the kids a smile one by one feeling a little awkward at being the center of attention. Though all the kids were polite and waved or greeted her,they were all observing her shrewdly. She felt like a monkey at the zoo. Soon the atmosphere turned a little awkward but was then broken by Bohai who suddenly took his thumb out of his mouth and pointed to Shi Ai. Shi Ai looked in confusion at the little boy,unable to understand what he wanted so the boy pulled at Ah Hai''s hair to be let down and then stumbling to Shi Ai held out his short arms silently ordering her to pick him up. Understanding the implied command,Shi Ai immediately picked up the fat and round bun and held him in her arms. The little boy however was only interested in the colorful hair and with his droopy wet hands grabbed a handful of her pink colored ones. Then with a little grin showing his two teeth he said,"Unca Ai hath a pairy."


    Ah Hai shook his head at the little boy who was just like his father and said," Little Bohai, she is indeed a fairy but you are a dirty little elf. Go and wash your hands first."


    As Ah Hai went to take the little guy from Shi Ai,the little boy hid his face in his Aunt''s neck and refused to let go. He liked this fairy like aunt better than his uncle,he decided. Ah Hai however realized that he was petty enough to be jealous of a little three year old baby also. If Bohai''s father had been here,he would have been proud of his kid teasing his uncle and given him a chocolate as a reward. Bohai had successfully won his Aunt Shi Ai''s favour who was ignoring her husband and cuddling the baby in her arms.

 Chapter 127 - The Troops Attack 2

    Bohai had successfully broken the ice and the awkward atmosphere by cuddling with Shi Ai. Soon all the kids were surrounding Shi Ai and trying to gain her attention and get to know more about their pretty aunt. Soon the only people left in the room were Ah Hai, Ru and Zhao Min.  The little ones had all abducted Shi Ai to play with her while leaving behind orders for Ah Hai to prepare breakfast. Ah Hai glared at the spoils brats, cursing his brothers in his heart. The two boys sensed the danger in the air once Shi Ai was gone and decided to escape


    Before they could make a move,they were caught in a chokehold by Ah Hai who then almost knocked their heads together."I thought you were missing me. So where are you off to now? And what were you doing driving the car? Have you forgotten you are underage?"


    Ru looked at his uncle sheepishly as he pointed to his neck indicating that he could not talk. Once the boys were let loose,they ran to a safe distance and then said in unison,"We did not drive all the way. It was Uncle Matt. He drove us to your gate but then he had to rush somewhere urgently so he went. We only drove inside the gates. And now we are going to play with out Aunt. Please hurry to prepare the breakfast,we are really hungry. Uncle Matt did not feed us."


    Matt Long who was on his way home,sneezed a few times as the children lied about him who had served them a breakfast fit for kings just a few hours ago.


    Having thought that they had escaped,the two boys happily made their way but then two cushions attacked them on the back of their heads,"Brats! Go in the kitchen now and wash the chicken and vegetables. You have to help me."


    Ru and Zhao Min let out a pained groan and walked towards the kitchen to help their Uncle. Suddenly an idea struck them and they veered into the other room and then putting on pitiful expression complained to Shi Ai,"Aunt! You have to help us!Uncle Ah Hai is bullying us. We are here for a vacation and he wants to work."


    Shi AI was at a loss as she stared at the two almost grown men giving her the look of golden retriever with their sad eyes. But unable to resist their cuteness, Shi Ai went out of the room to offer help so that the boys could rest.


    Zhao Min and Ru gave each other a thumbs up at having escaped kitchen duty and followed behind Shi Ai.  Naturally before she could say anything Ah Hai had already intercepted their move and he whispered something to Shi Ai which caused her face to turn red and in an about turn,she turned to the two boys and said primly,"Your uncle is right. You are grown ups and must help him take care of your little siblings." She then escaped the kitchen lest Ah Hai make good in his threat of bullying her. She had never thought that he would use something like ''that'' to threaten her. She could not take more of his kisses without self combusting so it was safer to let Ru and Zhao Min be bullied.


    The two boys stared at their aunt''s retreating back and realized that their uncle was better at bullying than anyone. He had already prepared his ammunition against them. With a raised eyebrow Ah Hai stared at the two boys and silently pointed at the onions and potatoes on the table. His pointed look was clear,"get to work." With matching disappointed expressions,the two started to peel the onions and potatoes.


    A little while later, the kitchen was lively as everyone chattered at the same time and tried to get their voices heard. Shi Ai was grinning wildly and she remembered the time she used to live in the orphanage. Though the fare for eating was more grand than their simple food table from back then,she suddenly had a feeling of nostalgia. She had been lucky over the years, she realized. From her sister protecting her to her meeting with Alicia and then coming to Country A or later being kidnapped in country C. All throughout she had somehow been protected by the fates and suffered only minimally. Seeing the kids,she really missed sister Alicia and decided she was going to call her soon. She had never gathered the courage to talk to her after cutting off all contact from her in the past. Shi Ai knew that Alicia Long had always been aware of her whereabouts but she had never contacted Shi Ai herself in order to respect Shi Ai''s wishes. The little girl Rou resembled her mother in looks and temperament Shi Ai wanted so badly to hug her but she was sure that the over enthusiastic hug would scare the poor girl. Another person she was missing the most was Zhang Min.  It had been so long since they had met. There was one thing thing that all the Long men were good at. That was reading a person''s emotions. Seeing the dazed expression on his Aunt''s face,Ru had already guessed what she was thinking so he quietly took out his phone and snapping a picture,sent it to his mother. As he had guessed,the next moment his phone vibrated with a video call notification which he promptly answered. Suddenly a loud squeal sounded and Alicia Long''s sweet voice sounded through the speakers of the phone.,"Shi Shi!Finally Ah Hai has come out of the closet and let us see you again!" Though Alicia could not see Shi Ai yet as the phone was still facing Ru,everyone at the table quieted in surprise. Teasing his mother,Ru showed every child on the table who waved at her happily before turning the camera to Shi Ai while his mother threatened to ground him if he did not do as she wished. Shi AI was so happy to see and hear Alicia that her eyes turned wet even as she grinned from ear ti ear. After a lengthy and satisfying conversation where they promised to keep in touch now,the two people hung up the phone. Only then did Shi Ai realize that everybody had moved to the grounds to give her some privacy. She decided to follow them,unaware that she would be getting another surprise soon.


    Zhang Min had just come back from his overseas assignment and was on his way to Shi Ai''s university to see her. They were siblings but they were meeting after so long. Before he could reach the university, the grin reaper messaged him that Shi Ai was not there and the man even sent him the address to reach them. Zhang Min entered the address into the GPRS and realized that the place was not too far.Deciding to go there directly Zhang Min drove a few more minutes towards the address. He did not stop to wonder how Ah Hai knew that he would be coming. Zhang Min had long accepted the fact that Ah Hai knew everything and he was omnipresent.Who would have thought that he would receive such a major shock upon reaching the address. That man..that grim reaper who only knew to scare people and maybe worry about his wife was actually playing with children! Zhang Min subtly pinched himself to see if he had maybe been some part of a time lapse. Because he was very sure all three kids closely resembled the grim reaper in features. Had Ah Hai fathered children before marrying Shi Ai? And were these Shi Ai''s step children?But then his gaze found Shi Ai and another two young girls were sitting playing with her. No no..a cold man like Ah Hai could not have produced so many children with another woman. Maybe he had fallen asleep on the way here because of exhaustion and all this was a dream. But that pinch had certainly hurt! He was going back out of the gate and come back tomorrow., he decided.Then everything would mostly be fine.


    But before he could be escape,he was spotted by the grim reaper who was actually smiling and picking up a kid in his arm was walking towards him. With the smile of an angel on his face, Ah Hai handed little Bohai into Zhang Min''s arms causing both Bohai and Zhang Min to stare at each other in shock. He then turned around to the others and announced, "Kids, this is your Uncle Zhang. He is here to spend some time with you and get to know you all. Zhang Min,meet the kids."


    "@@#####@@**" All Zhang Min could so was curse. He had been tricked! After being surrounded by the kids,Zhang Min understood how he had suddenly received Ah Hai''s message out of the blue. The man had actually called him here so that he could baby sit. Zhang Min felt he was too young to be called uncle and after promising to bribe the kids with innumerable kids,he got them to introduce themselves and call him big brother instead of uncle. Seeing the happy look of Sho ai as she ran to hug him, Zhang Min decided to be magnanimous and forgive Ah Hai for his trickery.Seeing the loud and naughty group,he could guess why the uncles were shirking responsibilities. These kids were really too much. He would have been totally out of his element if not for Shi Ai playing the referee.


    Inside,Ah Hai picked up the forgotten metal box from where he had pushed it into a cabinet and took it into a room in the far hidden corner of the house.


    This room in the house was well guarded as it was always locked and also sound proof. There were various tools and drillers lying on a table. Placing the  box on an empty table, Ah Hai went to a furnace in the corner and turned in the flames. Donning the protective gear with a pair of goggles and gloves, he started working to open the box. The box had to be handled carefully because they did not know what was contained in the box and he did not want to damage what was there inside. Picking up a few small knives and some sulphuric acid, Ah Hai was successfully able to pry open a hole in the box after two hours. Placing all the tools aside,Ah Hai picked up a flash light to see the items that were stored in the box. It seemed the mother knew that the money may or may not reach her daughters so there were several rolls of bank notes rolled and tied with rubber bands. There was a black book which he guessed was mostly a personal diary. He would have to enlarge the hole to get that book out and there were also some shiny stones that he guessed was jewellery. Knowing what was inside the box not, Ah Hai got back to the work of getting everything out. Finally after accomplished everything, Ah Hai placed everything from the box into a different box and then went out to the family. Actually Ah Hai had not initially known about Zhang Min''s plan to come here. But early this morning he had been looking for something when on his computer when he saw that Zhang Min was now on leave. But Zhang Min was going to prove to be very useful...

 Chapter 128 - The Contents Of The Box

    At night, all the kids had fallen into their beddings,having been exhausted from their exciting day. Shi AI was also in her room,and had just come out of the shower. She felt so happy that she was humming a happy song and she had forgotten all about the hurtful things from last night. Actually,it could be said thatshe was trying not to dwell on those things for the time being.


    Suddenly,there was a knock on her door and she went to open it unaware of the tempting picture she was going to present. Ah Hai stood at the door with a grim look on his face and seeing her looking so pretty like an innocent flower,his face turned blacker. Entering the room and closing the door behind him with a bang,Ah Hai looked at her and said,"You are not going to go out like this from now on!"Shi Ai was confused at this since she was only wearing cotton pyjamas but of course she never realized that even such a simple thing on her was alluring to Ah Hai. Ignoring his edict and his tone,she smiled at his and asked,"Why are you here so late at night?"


    Recalling the reason for his nocturnal visit,Ah Hai frowned and then continued,"First promise me that you will never go in front of anyone like this!"


    Shi Ai: ".." Finally, to appease the man,Shi Ai just nodded her head in agreement. Since he had not specified what ''this'' meant she was not going to take it seriously.


    Satisfied with her agreement, Ah Hai then said,"The box has been opened."


    Suddenly Shi Ai had difficulty breathing. She had wanted to have the box open with all her heart but now that they were so close, she was also worried what the box would contain. Shi AI looked at him searching trying to find a clue in Ah Hai''s expression but that was ofcourse impossible. So she just nodded her head and said fearfully, yet resigned to her fate,"Let''s go and see it."


    Soon the two people made their way to the study where Ah Hai had now placed the box of contents. Once Shi Ai had sat down on the chair,Ah Hai placed a bracelet of glittering jadeite on the table. It''s shine reflected off the table almost illuminating the whole room. Shi Ai could not move her eyes and did not dare to touch it. She could see that this piece of jewellery was priceless..


    She looked at Ah Hai in question. "There were four pieces of jewellery in the box that your mother left with the Grey family. From what I have appraised this bracelet is the least expensive but it is also the one provided the biggest clue. We might just have had a breakthrough. The bracelet is part of an antique set from the Ming dynasty. It was said that the then empress divided the four pieces and sent them to the different corners of the world when she was angry at the emperor for betraying her. It was one of the most priced items from then. Later on three pieces were discovered over the years,a jade crown,a jade necklace and pair of earrings. A collector had brought the three together and offered a handsome price to anyone who brought forward the fourth item. The man wanted to present the gift to his wife to pledge his loyalty to her. This bracelet was thus found by the man and he actually won it in a game of gambling. But before the man could do that,his wife was diagnosed with last stage of cancer and died immediately. The man would have buried the jewellery with his wife but he chose to keep it  for his only daughter."


    Shi AI heard the story carefully and only after a few minutes did she realize how the story could be linked to her. In a hesitant voice she asked,"Was my mother that daughter?"


    Ah Hai only nodded and turned the laptop''s screen towards her. There,on the screen, Shi Ai read an old news article which detailed how a novue rich trader by the name of Shi Xiadong had collected the ancient jewellery and then in his wife''s untimely demise kept the same as part of his only daughter''s dowry. Shi Xiadong. Shi AI repeated the name in her head a few times. If what Ah Hai said was true then this man Shi Xiadong had been her maternal grandfather..


    Even as Shi Ai was processing this piece of information,Ah Hai came to her side and leaning over her,he pressed another key on the keyboard and soon another article appeared on the screen. It was a recent article about an almost eighty year old man holding a service in the memory of his wife and late daughter. This time there was a photo of the people in the article unlike the previous one and Shi Ai''s eyes widened in shock. The pictures of the two women closely resembled her. It was like seeing her own picture in different eras. Another thing that caught her eye were the two men standing beside the picture. An older man with a walking stick in his hand was tagged as Elder Shi while the other man looked to be in his 50''s was called Elder Shi''s nephew and to be successor. "Yes,Elder Shi had never retired from his business until now. And only at this memorial service did he announce his intention to retire due to his failing health. It is being discussed that in the lack of an appropriate heir,he is going to become the chairman. Do you recognize the man, Shi Ai?"


    Wordlessly, Shi Ai nodded. The man was the one who had stood next to her mother in the picture they saw yesterday.


    Ah Hai then placed the next sets of jewellery in front on Shi Ai. It was indeed the entire set from the Ming dynasty. As Shi Ai stared at the priceless antique jewellery,AH hai then placed a black book in front of Shi Ai. And the rolls of cash. "These are the rest of the things from the box." Shi Ai recognized at first glance what the  lack book was. It was a diary. To be precise it must be her mother''s diary. With trembling fingers,she picked up the book lovingly and hugged it to herself. She then opened the book and read her mother''s name, "This diary belongs to Shi Qing." She finally knew her mother''s name. Shi AI smiled happily and started to read the diary. Seeing her engrossed look, Ah Hai left the room to give her some privacy.


    Shi Ai folded her legs on top of the chair as she read her mother''s words in the diary. She realized that her mother did not write the diary on a regular basis and only wrote on special events. The diary began on her mother''s sixteenth birthday when she was gifted the jewellery and the last entry was of the day when her mother was burnt to death. From smiling at the entries,Shi Ai read through the night and by the end of the diary her eyes were blazing with a fire. The fire of revenge. Their mother had left them the answer to their biggest questions.


    Shi Qinglan. Tha man responsible for everything that they had suffered. The man who stood by their grandfather''s side as he mourned for his family. Shi Qinglan. The one who was responsible for their mother''s death and for everything that she suffered.


    The night had passed when Shi Ai came out of the door and the sun shone high in the sky. Seeing the dark circles under her eyes, Ah Hai said nothing,simply took the diary she offered and guided her into her own room. She shook her head,rejecting his offer to let her rest but Ah Hai made her agree with single line,"You need to rest well to get revenge."


    He guided her onto the bed,pulled the quilt over her and then sat next to her,patting her forehead softly.


    Meanwhile,Zhang Min had been handed the responsibility to take the kids back to Matt. With the eldest kids understanding that their Aunt and Uncle were coping with some serious matters,they coaxed everyone and were soon out of their hair.


    After Shi Ai had fallen asleep,Ah Hai made his way down the stairs only to see that Zhang Min was browsing through Shi Ai''s mother''s diary. Zhang Min looked at Ah Hai in shock and asked hesitantly,"What..what is the meaning of this? Who is this person and what have they written that caused Shi Ai to resemble a zombie?"


    Ah Hai gestured for Zhang Min to sit and then started to explain everything from the beginning. He had to do this because their next step was vital to Zhang Min.

 Chapter 129 - Knowing The Truth

    "Brother Ah Hai? This diary..it belongs to someone with the same surname as Shi Ai? Is this person, her mother? Or a relative? And how did she come across all this?"


    Ah Hai glanced at the diary in Zhang Min''s hand and then back at the boy. Just likebhebhad predicted, Zhang Min had grown into a fine young man whi deserved to know everything. "Yes,the diary belongs to Shi Ai''s deceased mother. Regarding the contents, I am not aware since I have not read it. We discovered it just last night.."


    Zhang Min listened to the entire story quietly and this actually helped him understand Shi Ai and Ah Hai''s relationship better. Sometimes true love transcends age and experience. Though Shi Ai may have not realized it in the past but as an outsider he could see that as a young girl why she had latched onto Ah Hai. Her heart had found the person who could protect her from the horror that her brain had forgotten. But apart from this realization he also acknowledged the saddening truth that he never knew the extent to which his sister for suffering to look for answers from the past. Having heard the entire story,Zhang Min quietly picked up the diary to read. He had no qualms about reading someone''s personal life as long as it would help him understand his sister''s situation better. Being unrelated to the writer, Zhang Min was able to read the diary faster and more objectively than Shi Ai. But even then his eyes blazed with fire and he could only imagine what Shi Ai felt at this moment. Her own uncle had been responsible for their mother''s lifetime of misery. What a despicable man! In that moment Zhang Min was tempted to go and wring that man''s neck himself! Only after a while did Zhang Min think of something else and taking out his own cell phone checked something. The names Shi Qinglan and Shi Xiadong had been ringing a bell in his head but now the dots had connected.


    He looked at Ah Hai whi was sitting in the chair reading some files and said," this is why you told me the truth? If I had not bee connected then I would never have known." Zhang Min''s tone of voice was both shocked and accusing. There was a possibility that Shi Ai would never have told him the whole truth by herself.


    Ah Hai looked up from his file and said,"I always knew you were smart."


    Zhang Min :".."


    Why did Zhang Min feel that this was not a compliment but rather an insult...


    Calming himself Zhang Min reworded his questions,"If I am to understand this correctly, you need me to spy on Shi Qinglan? Since I am currently working in his hospital?"


    Ah Hai continued to maintain his silence, so Zhang Min elaborated some more of what he could guess from the diary and the rest. "So after his beloved wife''s death, Shi Xiadong opened the world class hospital where the poor could receive treatment and the rich were able to get the best medicine. Soon the name of Lifeline Hospital was included in the top 3 hospitals making their profits exceed their philanthropic work. Miss Shi Qing was going to be the only heiress to the pharmaceutical company and the hospital that her father had set up and was all prepared to go abroad to pursue modern medical studies but she instead fell in love with her cousin''s poor best friend and had a fallout with her father who was disappointed in his daughter. Flouting the social norms she married the man and was happy for a few years. From what she writes in her diary,she then discovered that the man who was her husband did not love her at all and was actually being paid by her cousin so that she would stay away from her own father. Once a few years had passed, Shi Qinglan felt that the daughter and father had drifted well apart so he cut the man off,thus forcing the man to make Shi Qing a drug addict so that she would be willing to sell herself. And Shi Qung had really fallen into the trap. Everything was going fine until Shi Qing was pregnant with Shi Ai. Once she gave birth to her daughter and realized that her newborn was already addicted to heroin,shephard instantly turned sober. From then on Shi Qing had slowly and steadily started to gather money to escape with her two daughters. She felt that she had been sullied so she did not dare not go back to him. At this point of time she had rejoiced in the fact that she had maintained her pride and never told her husband about her mother''s set which he had always kept well hidden. She had hoped she would be able to escape with the help of her cousin who had always been kind to her and even visited them sometimes. This had given her the strength to face years of degradation and be cruel to her own daughters sometimes. So when her older daughter had been threatened with prostitution, she realized that she had run out of time. Deciding that they had enough money to escape,she stumbled upon Shi Ai''s plan to escape as well. So she told her daughter about the uncle who could help her and then have the money to the Grey''s so that they could go to the uncle.Everything I said,is that correct in assumption." Ah Hai simply agreed with a curt nod.


    "So,that really is the reason I have been told the truth. So that I could keep an eye on that man."


    This time Ah Hai chose to give Zhang Min a question,"Isn''t that the reason for you being the chief surgeop in that hospital. You are already there undercover to keep an eye on him Commander Zhang. I just need you to keep an eye on someone else''s activities also." Ah Hai then took out a photograph from the file in his hand and placed it in front of Zhang Min. "Keep an eye on her also. She is your colleague and competitor,if I am not mistaken."


    Again,Zhang Min did not ask how Ah Hai knew of his undercover mission or his rank in the army. He had never officially entered the army. As far as the world knew he was a genius who had become the youngest top surgeon ever. He looked at the picture in his hand and nodded. He could tell the reason why Ah Hai wanted this. But there was one last thing he needed to know. The answer to which he and even Shi Ai did not know but he was sure that Ah Hai had guessed. So he decided to ask again,"According to Shi Qing''s plan,she planned to burn down the apartment and herself once the girls ran away sucessfully so that everyone would think that both the girls had died alongwith her. So what changed?"


    Ah Hai c.o.c.ked his head at Zhang Min and asked,"What do you think would have happened Min Min?You can''t guess? Lady Shi discovered the buyer for Shi Ai?Can you guess who that was? Her uncle of course. Shi Qinglang knew that even if Shi Xiadong did not forgive his daughter he would accept his granddaughters so he planned to ruin the girls early on.This was why he sometimes visited the house. To keep an eye on them. But he did not know that the eldest daughter remembered him from his sparse visits and so when he used Shi Xaio onto his l.a.p,he gave himself away. Once Lady Shi came to know that her biggest hope was in fact her biggest enemy,she was able to communicate with her daughter and the two changed the plans at the last moment. Shi Ai would naturally have not been aware of her mother''s plan to commit arson so she had come back to take her with them,only to find her home in flames."


    No wonder! Zhang Min realized that he and Xaio Ai would never have been able to guess something this disgusting. The man wanted to ruin his own blood related nieces. He knew this because that is why he had been placed in that hospital. To investigate Shi Qinglan''s suspected paedophilia as well as human organ trading and human trafficking racket.


    Zhang Min was brought out of his thoughts by another shocking piece of news,"There is something else you have not yet guessed Zhang Min.  How did the police suddenly gain evidence against that man when they have been trying for so long?  And who do you think is Shi Qinglan''s second in command? The man who kidnapped Xaio Ai last year is none other that their own biological father. Shi Qinglan''s best friend and his gay partner-Qin Yung.

 Chapter 130 - Xu Likun

    A Month Later:


    At the KSS compounds, once again the atmosphere was cheerful and full of anticipation. Because today marked the retunr of their only female top director Xu Likun. Xu Likun had been on personal leave since the last few months when Long Ah Hai had announced his decision to officially assume his ositinn. Most people in KSS had believed that only Xu Likun could stand on Ah Hai''s side. There were even speculations to see if Ms Xu had by chance changed her hair color to pink in the last few months. There were even bets to see that Xu Likun was indeed the mysterious wife of Long Ah Hai. The reasoning behing the belief of all this people was simple. Xu Likun was beautiful and outstanding enough to stand by Ah Hai. She had also been on a personal leave for the last few months when she had never before taken a break. Adding in the fact that she had been personally recruited by Ah Hai a few years ago and everyone was sure that their guesses were true. Many people believed that Xu Likun had been off for her honeymoon with Long Ah Hai after her marriage.


    Soon the clack of heels could be heard on the shining marble as a woman strolled in. Her aura was cold but her beauty was alluring. Everyone who saw her, knew that Xu Likun was a deadly combination. Her Eurasian features were highlighted with her straight nose and high cheekbones.  Dressed in a white shirt and blue jeans,she looked more like a model straight out of a magazine rather than a bodyguard. Her curves and her walk made men drool and lose their composure. The women in the company all hated her and were envious of her but they were also scared of her. Because she was vicious in her ways. She knew how to use her powers in a way that would not implicate her but make her enemy''s life a living hell so they were careful of her. While everyone was disappointed with the fact that her hair was indeed not pink, most women were rejoicing on the inside. She was a mere top director now and already their life was miserable. They shuddered to think what would happen if this person was the Lady Boss. But there was something else that no one ever gave thought to. Xu Likun had already declared ownership over Ah Hai so naturally she would not let anyone else have him.


    Xu Likun was fuming as she walked towards the elevators. She could feel the awful stares and their gloating expressions that they were trying to hide. She had just returned from her leave happy that she would finally have a chance to work with Ah Hai side by side and get close to him but instead she had been informed that Ah Hai was already married! How dare he! Long Ah Hai was hers from the moment she lay her eyes on him! She had tried to find the ingrate who thought she could seduce him but that woman''s identity was well concealed. So Ah Hai seemed to be very protective of her. Xu Likun wondered if Ah Hai was like those petty men who liked to play the knight to a damsel in distress. But then she discarded the idea. From what she inderstood,the Long brothers seemed to like modern high achieving women. Xu Likun was lost in her own vicious thoughts as she entered the elevator that she failed to notice a small figure with a downturned head sitting on a couch in the corner. Shi Ai sat there as watching as the entire drama was played out. She wondered if she was on the set of a TV Drama. Here she was, ready to bring out their relationship into the open only to have another person trying to claim him.


    Actuallt Shi Ai and Ah Hai had made a simple plan to catch their enemies. Make Shi Ai the bait. Everyone believed that the younger daughter of the Shi household had burned in the fire so Shi Ai was going to keep her identity and pose as Long Ah Hai''s wife. The reason being that Xhi QInglan had always meant to harm the Shi mother and daughter but why were both the men desperate to find the real Shi Ai. They could have easily harmed her when she was in captivity but they cared for her? Why? Finally they reached the conclusion that Shi Ai had something that they wanted. But what?Since the real Shi Ai was missing, Xaio Ai was going to become Shi Ai and get them to approach her. The first step was to come into the lime light as Long Ah Hai''s wife. Ah Hai had left upto her how she would approach him so after careful consideration she had decided to come to his office. That was the best place to declare her rightful place. But before she could even say Hello, she had come face to face with the office girlfriend! No the term girlfriend was wrong. The woman Xu Likun seemed to think that she was the office wife.Shi Ai had seen the anger in her gaze as she marched towards the elevators. Poor Ah Hai was going to have to suffer the woman''s disp.l.e.a.s.u.r.e. Shi Ai shrugged and continued to browse through her phone.


    However, Xu Likun was an observant person and though distracted she noticed the existence of the woman sitting there before the elevator doors closed. The girl looked too young to be coming to the KSS office for protectionor other services. So stopping the elevator doors from closing,she marched out and went to the young girl. In her own arrogant tone she said,"Miss,why are you here?"


    Shi Ai looked up at the tall woman and answered with a smile,"I am waiting for someone to come."


    Xu Likun frowned at the girl''s answer. She had used her most intimadating voice but the girl had only responded calmly and then returned to browsing through the phone in her hand. This caused Xu Likun to feel humiliated and she made her way to the reception desk. Scathingly, she asked the woman at the reception,"Why is there an unknown person sitting here in the lobby?Do you not know that Ah Hai does not like this? Who is the girl waiting for?"


    The receptionist was shivering in her shoes as Xu Likun talked in a tone that was usually reserved for interrogating dangerous criminals. Her tone of voice made people look in Shi Ai''s direction and many were surprised that Xu Likun would pick on such a young girl. That girl must hardly be seventeen or eighteen years of age and had only been sitting there quietly waiting. However those who knew Xu Likun and her ways simply shook their heads and turned away. It seems ike Xu Likun had found an outlet for her rage. Poor Girl was just sitting in the worng place at the wrong time. Stuttering th receptionist said,"Madam,she is here to see Mr Long. She does not have an appointment and so I asked her to wait here. I was about to call Mr Shot to ask if Mr Long would be free to meet with her.." Xu Likun snorted loudly at that and said,"Are you foolish? No wonder you are just a receptionist here! But you should be careful with your actions. Why would a young girl want to meet with Mr Long? Obviously she is some fan girl or stalked here to pester the man. Do you think anyone can walk in and meet Long Ah Hai? What is he? A doorman?"


    Spying a file on the table in front of Shi Ai, Xu Lokun marched to the girl and said,"What is this? Your pictures? Miss,this is not a modeling agency.This is a place for people who know how to use their wits and their guns. Other than a few weaklings that we have to bear with out of charity, the rest are all trained. So why don''t you pick up your trash and leave. Long Ah Hai does not have the time to see." Even as she said all this,Xu Likun bent down to pick the file on the table and if it was indeed something clandestine then she would naturally expose it for everyone to see. But before she could pick the file,Shi Ai placed her hand and smiling said,"It doesn''t matter who I am or what my purpose is. It has nothing to do with you so until Mr Long himself refuses to see me,I am going to wait here.Thank you."


    Bu now,most of the employees had gathered in the large lobby watching the scene unfold.  Most of them prayed for the little girl to be someone important because it was a known fact that the big boss would let Xu Likun get away with murder since she was special to Long Ah Hai and Mr Shot for some reason so if the girl really was a no one,then she was in trouble for sure.

 Chapter 131 - Touch Me Not

    As the atmosphere turned explosive in the reception, the doors to the elevator opened and a man stepped out. Seeing the man, Xu Likun smiled viciously and raised an eyebrow at Shi Ai. Her look was a clear challenge as she went towards the man who had just came out. Seeing her,the man welcomed her with a big smile,saying," The wonderful Ms Xu has returned! Welcome back! Xu Likun returned the greeting with a politeness that she had not shown anyone else. The employees almost rolled their eyes at this about turn. Everyone of them knew that Xu Likun was a white lotus. She pretended to be nice and righteous in front of the company heads but she was manner less and rude to those who worked below her. However most of them believed that the tension would now be sorted since the Company''s second in command was here. Without giving anyone else a chance, Xu Likun grabbed Shot''s hand and pulled her a few steps where Shi Ai was still sitting. The girl had not even bothered to give respect to Shot. What an arrogant woman! But Xu Likun also noticed that she had taken off her hand from the file. Deciding to let the file be for a few moments,  Xu Likun pointed to the girl who was seated and complained,"This girl is sitting here to meet Ah Hai. The Receptionist and me have asked her repeatedly what she is here for but she refused to tell us. Since she is upto no good, I was about to have the guards throw her out. Look at her,dressed like a tram*, her motives are obvious.


    Shi Ai felt both her eyes widen at this. From where was she dressed like a tramp? However they dressed. Shi AI was wearing a simple crop top and a pair of jeans. The only skin visible on her body was a little bit of her stomach and waist. How did that make her a tramp?


    But she still decided to ignore the nosy woman and continued to browse through the phone. Shot looked at the beauty sitting there unaffected as if the conversation did  not concern her. And he supposed it did not but it took a great deal of patience to swallow such a baseless insult because the girl was dressed pretty decently. However he was curious about her reason for sitting here. Just then the receptionist interrupted," Sir,I was about to inform you about Miss Shi here is waiting for President Long. She says that she has some work with him."


    The receptionist felt relieved that she had been able to give an explanation about Miss Shi''s presence. Xu Likun was irritated by Shi Ai''s and Shot''s lack of response so she decided to harass the girl some more. Once again ,she tried to snatch the file and once again the file was held in place by a delicate hand.


    Shot put a hand on Xu Likun and tried to get her to control herself. Murmuring a warning in her ears,he pulled her back and then extended his hand to Shi Ai


    "Hello Miss Shi.  My name is Shot and I am a department head with KSS. How can we help you?"


    Since the man had dared to be polite and even courteous,Shi Ai stood in front of him and offered her hand."Hello Mr Shot. My name is Shi Xaio Ai. Nice to meet someone who knows his manners. This place was pretty noisy before you came. Someone was screaming very shrilly like a fish wife.


    Shot:".."


    Xu Likun:".."


    All eavedroppers:".."


    Nobody could have insulted Miss Xu this badly! Even Shot stood motionless for a few minutes. Actually him and Ah Hai were both aware of Xu Likun''s true nature but since the girl had never caused too much harm,they had overlooked her tantrums. She was after all their dead conrad''s little sister. And they had promised him to care for her. Shot also knew why she was upset today. She fancied Ah Hai. This was a known secret. Even though Ah Hai had rejected her politely countless times, she had always hoped to win his heart. But now she heard that he was married so naturally she was upset and had found a target to vent her feelings. But this young girl had also surprised him. Ahoy was also curious about this beauty who looked like a little flower but her tongue was as sharp as a knife.


    Just then,his cell phone rang and he realized that he had forgotten the reason that he had come down. Assistant Yang was working out of the office today so he had sent an important and confidential report to Ah Hai''s home instead of the office due to a misundertanding. Naturally this confusion had caused a poor secretary who was at fault to faint. Ah Hai was on his way and the file was nowhere to be found. If the file went into the wrong hands, Ah Hai was going to skin everyone alive. And now Assistant Yang was calling him up to see if the file had reached the office!Shaking his head so that they could focus, Shot was about to order Xu Likun to leave the matter be but before he could do anything, Likun had already charged at Shi Ai as she was angered over the insult. Like a raging bull,she had her hand around the girl''s neck in a chokehold. What the fu**!Xu Likun had gone crazy! Shot rushed to rescue the girl but in the next second,he realized something,"The girl was not scared. Instead she was calmly telling Lokun to let go. Any one else would be clawing at the hand that was tightening by the minute but this girl actually threatened,"Take your hand off and do not touch me. Or else?"


    Xu Likun was already beyond understanding and simply scoffed,"Or else what? Will you plead for help? Or are you going to call the police?This is my turf!No one can do anything to me here!"


    Shi Ai could see the girl getting agitated and she was also starting to have difficulty breathing so in a swife move,she caught hold of Xu Likun''s wrist and pulling it from her neck,twisted the woman''s arm. Shi Ai then pushed Xu Likun cauing her to fall a few feet away!Everyone was shocked at the sudden violence and downfall of Xu Likun. Xu Likun was one of the strongest bodyguards at KSS and she had just been thrown to the ground in a ingle move!No wonder the girl had been calm throughout and her aura unaffected. She was actually so powerful. In a strong and dangerous voice,Shi Ai then said," I don''t care whose turf this is. Keep your hands to yourself and they will be safe. Next time I will break them." Shi Ai rotated her neck a bit to get the blood flowing normally again and then turned to the receptionist demanding,"Bring me some water." The receptionist nodded and scurried off to do her bidding. A glare was then directed at everyone who was loitering causing them to scatter and then as if a switch had been flipped,Shi Ai''s expression turned normal once again. Shot admired the girl and leaving the matter of the missing file,he went and sat opposite this curious girl. Since she was here to meet Ah Hai,he was going to let her. Shi Ai looked at Shot and smiled a bit before looking at the time. The receptionist had just hurried back and after sipping some water from a small bottle,Shi Ai started to play with the bottle as she decided to make idle conversation with her husband''s second in command. Xu Likun had already flounced off to wait for Ah Hai at the gates.


    Shot tried to suppress his curiosity as he looked at Shi Ai and asked,"So what brings you here Miss Shi?"


    Shi Ai pointed to the file I''m front of her and said,''I am here to pass this file to Ah Hai. I am told that it is pretty urgent."


    The file! The file that they had been sweating over was already here! He moved forward to take the file but was stopped by Shi Ai who said, " For Ah Hai only."


    This was the third time the girl had intimately taken Ah Hai''s name. Shot looked at the girl closely. He had a feeling that he had seen her somewhere. Just then she turned to glance at the door and that was when he knew where he had seen her!Shebwas the girl from Ah Hai''s wallet. Dam* that old man. He really had robbed the cradle. This girl was his wife and he could bet that she was not 20 years yet! Though her hair was now a unique shade of rose gold instead of pink, Mrs Ah Hai Long had now come out of her shell.

 Chapter 132 - Touch Me Please

    Xu Likun had just reached the gate when Ah Hai''s car drove in. He had only just come back from a meeting with a very irritating client when he encountered Xu Likun standing there. Without a word,he gestured her to follow him inside,knowing that she was upset about something. Ah Hai treated her like a little sister and knew when she was ready to throw tantrums. And right now her expressions seemed to scream a warning of incoming storm. It seemed his Shi Ai had already made an entry and Xu Likun was the first aggrieved person. Xu Likun marched back towards the building while Ah Hai left his car keys to the valet.


    He was just about to enter when Xu Likun reached him and grabbing onto his elbow,she started to complain. And that is how they entered hand in hand. Ah Hai piad no heed to Xu Likun''s impertinence since he was only interested in seeing his wife but the few employees in the office noticed this and gulped. Naturally,everyone knew that no one was allowed to touch the CEO but suddenly Ms Xu was holding his elbow while she entered the office. Was she really the lady boss? All those women who had been gloating over her fall were now scared witless.


    On the other hand, Shi Ai had also noticed the hand and her expression was cold as ice. Seeing her gaze,Ah Hai paused mid step and followed his wife''s gaze. His expression stoic as ever,he looked down at the slender hand and pulled himself away to a safe distance making Xu Likun feel even more insulted.  She had yet to voice her complaint but Ah Hai was already moving towards the lady sitting on the sofa who was now ignoring him.


    Just then, Xu likun started to complaint, "Brother Long! This girl has been sitting here without permission and is wasting our time insisting on meeting you. Even Brother Shot approached her to know what she was doing here but she refused to say!And then she actually hit me causing me to fall and hurt myself! Brother, I don''t know whi she thinks she is but you need to teach her a lesson on my behalf."


    Seeing that the man who usually ignored and silenced any whining with a single look was actually listening patiently to Xu Likun''s complaints, the women in the office were all feeling frustrated. They were unaware of Xu Likun''s relation with Ah Hai so always felt that this was his way of pampering.  But their eyes were going to be opened soon.


    While everyone waited with bated breath for Ah Hai''s reaction,Shi Ai had already stood and was walking towards Ah Hai. But,there was something unexpected in her hands!A small knife!Since this place was full of people carrying weapons, everyone was always required to place their weapons outside but this girl had managed to being a small pocket knife into the building!


    Xu alikun was tempted to run and hide behind Ah Hai but considering her profession,shebcould not pretend. But this girl was crazy to threaten someone like Long Ah Hai with a knife.


    In the next second, a loud sound of cloth tearing could be heard and there was a big gaping hole on Long Ah Hai''s suit jacket where the sleeve was supposed to be.


    Ah Hai looked down at the missing grey sleeve that was now being discarded into the trash can and said mildly,"You shouldn''t have done that. Such a waste of energy. I would have fed it to the shredded for you. Next time just tell me when you want to tear some clothing."


    Xu Likun stared in horror at the scene before her. What was happening? The woman had just torn the shirt where she had touched Brother Long and instead of being angry at her he was telling her that she should have preserved her energy. Was it possible that the real Long Ah Hai had been abducted by the aliens?


    The next moment,Ah Hai turned to Xu Likun and ordered,"Miss Xu you need to apologize for your behavior."


    Xu Likun was outraged!Why would she apologize? She was the one who had suffered and he did not even know the whole story.. standing there,Ah Hai waited for Xu Likun to apologize but she stood mum and glared at him.


    "No!I will not apologize! By what right does she qualify for an apology from me? She was the one who was here at the wrong time! She was the one who pushed me to the ground! If she thinks she is so great then let us have a series of competitions. If she wins even one,I will apologize and call her grandma!"


    Ah Hai''s eyes narrowed at this rebellion and he was about to refute when Shot spoke up,"Miss Xu. There is no need for all this. Miss Shi Ai is actually here to bring an important file from Assistant Yang. So she was here within reason. There is no need for things to escalate."


    But Ah Hai knew that if at this point,he refused then their plan would backfire and it would be difficult for Shi Ai to win everyone''s respect later on so he over rode Shot''s suggestion and said,"Xu Likun, you seem to be forgetting your manners and getting more arrogant. The fact remains that Miss Shi was here to see me so it was not upto you to create a fuss. Secondly, one must not judge a book by it''s cover. You are a well trained guard and if a little thing like her was able to throw you to the floor,don''t you think that she may have some skills? So are you not being over confident of your skills?"Xu Likun did not like the fact that Ah Hai was speaking in the girl''s favor and crossing her hands in front of her,she raised her chin and said,"That was a stroke of luck because I was distracted! She will not be able to get the upper hand again. Any one in this company has to pass five rounds of training set by you,which I have passed. But to keep things fair,I will let Miss Shi choose two rounds and Inwill choose two. You can decide the last one. As I said,if I lose even one then I will kowtow to her and call her grandma."


    Ah Hai nodded and then turned to Shi Ai before asking her,"Would you like to agree with Miss Xu?"


    Shi Ai gave a cat like smile saying confidently,"Of course,I will. Just tell her to take care of her right hand. She touched you with that hand and many injuries can be caused in a competition.." her face and tone of words held a child like excitement but in reality they sent cold shivers down one''s spine.


    Who is this girl? Was the question on everyone''s mind. To add icing on the cake,Ah Hai then nodded his head in agreement like a mindless fool and told,"Miss Xu,please be careful for your hand."He then turned to Shi Ai and as if coaxing a child said, Said,"Come Xaio Ai.now don''t be angry. You can touch me all you want."


    Xu Likun was speechless but she finally understood the girl in front of her was definitely not simple. She could only be the one who had snatched Ah Hai from her. Shot could actually see the lightbulb moment when everyone realized who was the lady boss after being force fed dog food. Even before the couple had entered the elevators,the gossip of their CEO being a wife slave had spread on all the floors. But this was exactly what Ah Hai and Shi Ai wanted. Xu Likun simply became an unknowing victim and ally to their plan.


    As Shi Ai and Ah Hai rode into the elevator hand in hand,everyone else cursed the fact that their CEO''s image was destroyed. He should have been the strong and silent type of lover but he was actually a wife pampering romantic fool. Now every woman would want a ''romantic'' husband like Long Ah Hai who declared his love by letting his wife cut his clothes publicly and then threatenong people. What had the world come to?


    Meanwhile, a girl was staring at her hubby with shameless moon eyes while she rubbed herself against his arm as she declared,"HeHe!I am going to take you up on the offer and touch you all over!Thank you!"

 Chapter 133 - Seething And Some Gossip

    "Thank You so much for the offer!I am going to enjoy myself." Shi Ai was teasing Ah Hai all the way up to his office. Ah Hai continued to ignore her actions though certain parts were definitely hardening in response to her softness. Shaking his head,he muttered,"Shameless."


    Shi Ai grinned up at her man and said,"I feel like a white lotus from those novels. Antagonizing the main lead to get everyone''s attention! I could have told that woman my identity but really, I hated that ''this is my turf attitude''. So I had a little fun!"


    Shaking his head at her Ah Hai reprimanded, "And  now you have to fight her. Don''t be like a white lotus and get beaten. Xu Likun is very good experienced and you are going to have to stay on your toes in a fight against her."Shi Ai frowned at this. She knew actually she was feeling jealous that he was talking about the other girl and she did not like it one bit. And she had noticed that he was not repulsed by the girl''s touch so she was even more pissed off. Who was this Xu Likun?


    Ah Hai stepped out of the elevator,his hands still wrapped in Shi Ai''s and got into his office. Shi Ai who was being shameless just now had no idea that she had been stroking a beast. The moment the door to the office was closed, Shi Ai was pushed against the door and Ah Hai''s lips were on hers before she could say ''O'' makingbherblose her train of thought. His large hands spanned her small waist as he pushed his body against hers.She closed her eyes and was starting to get into the kiss when the next minute,there was a knock on the door startling Shi Ai.Remembering they were in his office and this was her first time here,she then tried to push Ah Hai away!They were in his office and had to leave a good impression of her.She could not be viewed as a tramp who was seducing the boss the moment she came.She tried her best to push him away!But instead of moving back,Ah Hai brought his hands to her face and the kiss turned more aggressive as if he was punishing her for being distracted. Only when Shi Ai had lost herself to the kiss again did Ah Hai finally move back with a sharp nip on her now tender lips.


    Moving back,he observed his handiwork and was satisfied seeing her red swollen lips and glazed eyes. Her soft b.r.e.a.s.ts which had been teasing him were now heaving for him to enjoy the view.It had been so many days since he had started to kiss her but everytime was a thrilling experience for him and he knew that he could kiss her forever if she would let him!"Be more shameless..I like it." And then the man moved to sit on his chair as if nothing had happened. This got Shi Ai angry and she stomped to him ans pushing his chair sat on his l.a.p with a thump. Only to jump back up like a scalded cat when she was poked by something hard. Ah Hai could not help but chuckle at his little girl''s embarrassed face and pulling her onto his t.h.i.g.h,he started to work while Shi Ai tried to maintain a safe distance between herself and his weapon.


    Shot,who had followed the couple could only guess what was happening inside after his knocking was thoroughly ignored.Dejectedly,the man went back to participate in the meeting. Ah Hai was going to have to come out soon enough!


    Meanwhile, Xu Likun,whose office was a floor below Ah Hai''s was seething!How dare she? That girl had played her for a fool!She had deliberately kept quiet, thus egging her to be more aggressive. Picking up the phone on her desk,she called her own secretary and said,"I want to know everything about that girl!" Xu Likun understood that there were only two possibilities that Ah Hai would allow Shi Ai to compete against her. One that he did not care for Shi Ai and he was using herself to get the girl out of the way. If that was the case then she would definitely beat the girl to a pulp. The other was that Shi Ai was good enough and she could not be defeated. In which case, Xu Likun would be the one to be humiliated. And that was unacceptable to her. Xu Likun had her own ways to get what she wanted. In a competition what mattered was winning.


    The secretary had already been told about the happenings on the ground floor so she understood who the ''she'' was. And she now had a valid reason to look up the lady boss. So the first thing the secretary did was to look up Miss Shi  Ai on SNS. And Bingo! She found her. The lady boss looked like a cross between a fairy and a pixie,the secretary decided. No wonder their devil boss was smitten with her! She wondered how the fragile looking girl could compete with the ferocious Xu Likun.  Since information had been found,it would naturally be spread. It was after all a good deed to spread what you gain. Within an hour,the secretary had compiled a report and knocked on Xu Likun''s office. Gingerly placing the report on the table, the secretary summarized, "Ma''m this is the report on that person."


    Xu Likun picked up the black file in front of her and stared at it with narrowed eyes. In a cold voice she then said,"Explain."


    Needing no further orders the secretary began,"Ma''m, the lady boss.." a sharp glance from Xu Likun made the secretary realize her mistake and she changed her wording,"Miss Shi Ai is currently a student at X university. She is actually doing her Ph.D in Psychology and Hope''s to become a social service agent. She completed the course credits for her two year graduation within a year and had already submitted her thesis,making her the youngest Ph. D student to have done so at X University


    Her relationship status claims her to be in a committed relationship from the day her account was made. Miss Shi is the foster daughter of  Dr Zhang the famous heart surgeon. She has no training in any martial arts or other things."


    There was a hint of admiration and puzzlement in the secretary''s tone. She knew getting a PhD  was a big achievement but other than that she could see nothing more special about the lady boss. If only looks and education were enough to marry Long Ah Hai then all the women in KSS were eligible to go for him. Also the fact that the girl was in a committed relationship since she was almost sixteen years was a little s.l.u.tty according to her. So why did the boss marry such an ordinary girl. Xu Likun was wondering the same thing when Shot''s voice sounded,"Tsk Tsk. Your thoughts and questions are visible on your face, Xu Li." Xu Li was short for Xu Likun and hearing Shot sau her name she knew that he was here to help her. Naturally he knew that she liked Ah Hai and had been in love with him for almost five years.  She looked at Shot and all her thoughts were plain for him to see. She wanted him to help her get Ah Hai. Shot,once again tsked before continuing,"Xu Li,he is a married man now."


    Xu Likun frowned and said,"I don''t care. I am not going to let a girl who is barely a woman come and snatch hom from me. I have loved him for five years!How dare any tom d.i.c.k and harry think of claiming him!"


    Shot revealed a genuine smile at Xu Li,before dropping the bomb,"But Xu Li,he was never yours to begin with. And if knowing him longer and living him longer would qualify even then you would lose. Miss Shi Ai and Knight have been engaged since the girl was not even a teenager. Have you by any chance seen the picture of a girl in his wallet? She is that girl. So she has loved him for more than a decade. Give up now Xu Li because you have already lost."


    With that Shot left the office,whistling a tune while the secretary who had just been given such a juicy piece of gossip also scurried her way out,leaving a seething Xu Likun behind who threw the file in her hand with great force towards the wall.


    Soon a message was circulating among the secretaries,"They are childhood sweethearts. He carries her picture in his wallet."


    And every woman could only swoon at this love story. Their tsundere boss was actually a romantic at heart and so loyal! He had already loved the same girl for almost half his life.

 Chapter 134 - Let The Games Begin

    Towards the end of the day, Xu Likun had finally grasped control over her lost composure and she decided to have a direct talk with Ah Hai. She had spent the afternoon studying about the girl Shi Ai and she could not see a single thing in her thatade her worthy of standing next to a man like him. He was not just an ex soldier but also belonged to one of the ric.h.e.s.t families in country A and Country C. How dare a nobody like her try to latch onto a prince like that. So in her own false sense of importance, Xu Likun made her way to Ah Hai''s office to confront him. Since she knew everyone was busy,she believed that she would be able to find some time alone with Ah Hai. But when she opened the door,she did not expect Shi Ai to still be there. Wasn''t the girl a student? Then she should''ve been at her university.


    The cold stare of Xu Likun caused Shi Ai who had just nodded off to wake up with a jerk. Shi AI had been waiting for Ah Hai to return so that she could leave  it unexpectedly someone else had come in first.


    Both the women were at first disappointed to see each other but soon had bucked up and were glaring at each other. Xu Likun snorted at the bleary look in Shi Ai''s eyes am before saying,"Miss Shi, I must say you are a clever fox who knows how to change with the tide. And that too at such a young age.Just what did you do to get Ah Hai to marry you? Did you use your cunning or your body? A trash like you has no business standing next to him so you better be prepared to run away! Tell me what weapon you used? I know Ah Hai very well. He wouldn''t have fallen for a trickster like you under normal circ.u.mstances. So why don''t you elaborate what despicable means you used?"


    Shi Ai suddenly realized that she was not sorry for having antagonized this woman. With an innocent smile she asked,"Why do you want me to elaborate? You want to use a similar method to get him? And anyways you just said you know him best so you tell me is he a naive little boy to be taken in with cunning or a horny teenager to be seduced? This shows how little you know Ah Hai. Miss Xu, why don''t you concentrate on your self rather than on others? Maybe then you would have had a chance." Losing her hard gathered composure once again,Xu Likun moved to slap Shi Ai with an irritated scowl when Shi Ai simply dodged the attack and sitting  back she murmured,"I wouldn''t do that if I were you. Ah Hai won''t take kindly to this a second time. I thought you were smarter than this."Pulling her hand down and glaring away at the window as if the window had done her some harm, Xu Likun pulled her hand away and could only place the office.


    A few minutes late Ah Hai and Shot made their way to the office and were greeted to the site of a laid back Shi Ai sitting on the couch,reading a book while Xu Likun was pacing in front of the table like a caged tiger.


    Actually Xu likun had convinced herself that Ah Hai had been somehow forced to marry that girl. But the moment she had seen him,she had also  noticed her slightly swollen lips and the small love bite on her neck. This had shattered her composure once again. The moment she saw the two men she approached them,"I need to talk to you Ah Hai." But before she could extend her hand, Ah Hai moved a step to the side, subtly rejecting her touch. Fisting her hand she pulled it back. The man had changed into a different suit thus giving a stark reminder to her of his wife''s possessiveness.


    Though she only said talk her implied meaning was clear. She needed to talk to him alone. Understanding the situation, Shot excused himself at once and even Shi Ai was about to leave when Ah Hai said,"There is nothing you cannot tell me in front of your wife."


    Seeing that Ah Hai would not even give her this much face,Xu Likun directly attacked," Even if you may be comfortable I am not. And is your young wife so insecure that she wouldn''t let you talk to an old friend?"


    It was a direct jab at Shi Ai but once again Shi Ai showed her confidence by not even deigning to reply. With a saccharine smile she said,"It''s alright Ah Hai. I have not even had the p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e of seeing your company,you have kept me locked to yourself. I''ll take a look and you can have a pleasant chat. We have all night to talk later."


    Ah Hai could only smile at his little cat''s claws.  She knew where to jab them. Xu Likun had noticed the subtle changes in Ah Hai''s expression and unable to stop herself she asked,"Is that the kind of white lotus you like Ah Hai? Is that it? I have professed my love for you multiple times and you have always rejected. In what way is that girl better than me. Please tell me Ah Hai."


    Any man would have felt hurt to see such a pretty girl cry but not Ah Hai. He could only look at Xu Likun with a dispassionate gaze. But for the sake of his dead comrade,he decided to explain. Those who really knew him would have understood him and his choice.but this girl was under wrong assumptions.it was better to have them cleared before anyone was hurt.


    "When did you fall for me Xu Likun? Tell me!"


    Xu Li looked up from where she was staring at her toes at his question. Taking a minute to react she finally took this chance that she had never been given before-a proper confession.


    Gulping she stammered a bit and then explained,"I have loved you for years


    I don''t know when your place in my heart changed from my brother''s friend to the man I admire the most."


    Her earnest and shining eyes looked at Ah Hai hoping against hope that this time he would accept her confession. But instead of giving her an answer,Ah Hai asked another question,"What do you love about me?" Frowning at this abrupt question asked in his usual unemotional tone indicating that he was not even a little bit moved by her confession, gave Xu Likun a pause and she this time she paused to think before answering,"I love everything about you


    From your coldness and ruthlessness towards your enemies to the way you do things in business. I just I love you the way you are."


    Though the answer that Xu likun gave would have been acceptable to some people but it was not to Ah Hai. Instead his eyes dimmed at this answer. Because this was exactly how he saw himself cold and ruthless,undeserving of Shi Ai''s beauty and warmth. And now the girl who claimed to love him also said those things. He should have accepted this truth but he thought back to what Shi Ai had told him when he had asked her why she loved him. So Ah Hai asked Xu Likun the next question, "Xu Likun, do you think I am a kind man?"


    To this question,Xu Likun had no answer and she stood there with a blank look on her face. She could not understand what Ah Hai was trying to tell her so she could only look at him non plussed. Taking pity in her Ah Hai said,"When I first met Xaio Ai,she told me that she was going to make me hers. You fell for me over a period of time and are willing to accept me as I am. She,on the other hand took me as I am. Not once did she ask whether I was good or bad. You and I both know that I have no kindness in me. But she firmly believes that I am the kindest person on earth. You accept me as I am but so does Shi Ai. The only difference is that her love makes me want to be kind. There is a darkness within me Xu Likun that you cannot disperse but Shi Ai is like that light which scares away the darkness and the warmth that disperses the coldness within me. Tell me does she not deserve my love?"


    Xu Likun wiped the tears in her eyes when she heard his confession. She had always believed that he did not return her love because he was incapable of that feeling. It is only now that she understood that her hope was wasted. He did not return her love not because he could not but because he had someone else in his heart. She could bear to stand by his side as his comrade forever waiting for him but she could not accept his love for another woman. Shi Ai, you may have won Ah Hai but now you would only win humiliation. Saying nothing,Xu Likun left Ah Hai''s office with a hard heart. She had exposed her heart and thrown away her pride only to have her face rubbed in another woman''s virtues. She could not let Ah Hai suffer but that Shi Ai, let the games begin.

 Chapter 135 - A Misunderstanding

    Xu Likun''s hate and tear filled eyes met Shi Ai''s the moment she came out from the office. If glares could kill,Shi Ai would have fallen dead at that moment,Shi Ai thought to herself. All her life she had never been an instigator or a person who gained perverse p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e from hurting others but somehow seeing the hate in Xu Likun''s eyes gave Shi Ai an unreasonable d.e.s.i.r.e to hurt the woman even more. She did not understand it but did not ponder on it for long as well. Once the woman was gone,she made her way inside and saw Ah Hai staring at the scenery outside his window. Soon her arms were wrapped around Ah Hai''s waist and her head rested between his shoulders.


    Without acknowledging her presence and action in any way,Ah Hai spoke,"I am sorry. I should have cleared this mess sooner. I have refused Xu Li many times in the past but she seemed to have not let go of her stubborn hope. This time she should be able to give up."


    This one statement was enough to give Shi Ai the answer to her earlier question. Xu Li!Not Xu Likun.For the first time in her life she doubted herself. Was she really capable and worthy of standing by his side? A man like Ah Hai. If he had truly wanted Xu Likun to give up,would he have no means to crush that hope? Of course he did. He could be ruthless when he wished to. Was there something in his heart for that woman that even he himself had not acknowledged because of his past and maybe his misguided loyalty towards her? Though she had always treated her proposal to hi seriously,she knew that initially Ah Hai had treated it as a little girl''s fantasy. The only reason he had accepted her was out of pity because he heard she was going to die soon.


    Shi AI had heard the gossip as she had waited for him to come. She knew that most people had thought that Xu Likun may be the woman he had married because she was always treated differently by Ah Hai.  She wanted to question him but she dared not. Maybe she did not have the guts to hear the answer or she did not want to risk Ah Hai questioning his own feelings and realizing that he was on face in love with someone else. Her heart would not be able to take it. So she closed her eyes and kept the tears at bay.


    When Shi Ai failed to say anything,Ah Hai was about to turn back to her but she tightened her arms around him and refused to let go. In a slightly hoarse voice she said,"Just stay like that for a while Ah Hai. Just for a while. Let me soak some strength."


    Even though Ah Hai senses something different in her tone,he attributed it to stress and placed his hand on hers in reassurance. That small gesture almost broke Shi Ai but she regained control of her emotions and still asked in a normal tone,"She must be special. She is the only senior woman guard here,isn''t she? And you were even hesitant in letting her fight me even though you know how hard you have trained me in the recent past. You would have refused if not for out plan to reveal my identity."


    Ah Hai who was unaware of Shi Ai''s tumultuous emotions gave an answer that buried itself in Shi Ai''s heart like a thorn."Yes. She is indeed special and she is very good in her job. Though you are well trained and as good as her,she has experience on her side. I would have rather that she befriended you than made enemies but so be it. Every one chooses their own path."


    The words ''she is special '' continues to echo in Shi Ai''s ears but Ah Hai could never have thought that. It was only later that he would realize that he had unknowingly made her cry. In reality, since  Xu Likun had been his comrades younger sister hoth Shot and him had also viewed her as the same. So to Ah Hai,Xu Li had always been a younger sister and thus he had treated her like family. Because of his unusually low EQ in this matter, he had made a mistake causing Shi Ai to misunderstand.


    Shi AI controlled her voice and then asked,"So what is the plan now? How are we going to see my grandfather?"


    In an answer to her question,Ah Hai handed her a heavy ivory invitation card. Moving away from his and turning her back to him so that he wouldn''t see her red eyes,she read the invitation CARD for a charity gala in Life Hospitals.  The invitation was addressed to Mr And Mrs Long and had already been accepted by Ah Hai on their behalf.


    Nodding her head,Shi Ai placed her feelings aside and focused on their plan going forward. The invitation was for one month and participants had been invited to donate some rare or special items for the donation. Also they were asked to name the charity of their choice so that part of the money earned from the charity auction could be donated there. Looking up she asked Ah Hai,"What do you plan to donate?"


    Ah Hai answered in a low tone, "Not me. You are going to donate. Your mother''s bracelet. That is a way to.."


    Ah Hai turned towards Shi Ai to explain his plan but found her looking down at the carpet


    Walking to her,he placed a finger under her chin and made her look up. He saw the rims of her eyes were red and mistook it for her reluctance to part with her mother''s jewellery. Sighing, he picked her up princess style in his arms and went to sit on the couch with her in his l.a.p. Palming her face,he said,"Don''t worry. I am not going to let that bracelet get in their hands. It is only bait to bring those people to you. We do not have to send the bracelet. Just it''s origins and picture. Everyone believes that only Shi Ai survived that fire. If I am not mistaken, theybhave been after this box for so many years. This is our chance to bring them out and also it will give a measure of safety to the real Shi Ai who has been on run for so may years. The more high profile you are,there are more chances that you can have Shi Ai come to you for protection in the future. Alright?"


    Knowing that Ah Hai had misunderstood reason further mood and was only trying to reassure her gave Shi Ai even more terror. Why did he always treat her with kid gloves? As if she was a child. His reassurances on the past would have made her happy that he took the time to explain himself when he could not be bothered to do so for others but now she realized that may be he still saw her as a little girl. She resented that. She had worked so hard to dispel that image of her from his mind!


    If Xu Likun could have guessed Shi Ai''s thoughts,she would have laughed in delight. Without even trying to,she had managed to sow discord in Shi Ai''s heart. If this continued,shebwould have won the game without even making a move.


    Pushing down Ah Hai''s hands from her waist,Shi Ai forcefully got up from his l.a.p and with an angry glare at Ah Hai,she marched towards the  office exit with her head held high. Midway she spied a glass of water in the table and changed her direction. Going to the table,shebpjcked up the glass in anger causing some water to spill on the table surface and the rest she went and poured it onto Ah Hai''s head,leaving the man totally shocked. Never in his life had Ah Hai been treated like this without even knowing the reason. Leaving the man liked a soaked panda,Shi Ai then went out of the office muttering rude curse words under her breath.


    It was only later that Ah Hai came out of his stupor and tried to think of reasons why he would have been attacked for no reason. He scratched his head but could not find an answer. He looked at the glass on the floor and thanked the heaven that it was not hot coffee or something else. Sigh. If this went on he would have to keep an entire wardrobe in the office instead of a few change of clothes. The girl had come to his office for the first time and already ruined two of his suits. But suddenly he was also angry!At least he should know why he had been punished!

 Chapter 136 - Teach Her

    The moment Shi Ai stepped out of the office,it was as if her blank mind had suddenly cleared. Her hands shot to cover her mouth and her eyes widened as she realized what she had done. She had actually dared to pour a glass of water on Ah Hai''s head. Later she would find it funny but for now all she could think of was options where she could flee. Maybe she could go to Zhang Min''s office to get a medical certificate stating that she had temporarily lost her mind. Like a criminal fleeing a crime scene, Shi Ai fled from the office and in the end drove to their shared home. It was relatively safe to not antagonize him more by making him search for her later. Maybe he would be pacified.Nodding to herself, Shi Ai started to make his favorite dishes to feed him before he could blast her for her impudence. No one could stay angry if their stomach was full.


    After staying on pins and needles, waiting for him to come home, Shi Ai gulped when she saw the man''s car lights in the driveway. The moment the door opened, Ah Hai saw his beautiful wife,dressed in a traditional cheongsam waiting for her husband at the door making him feel like some old lord who had just come home from a long war. She kept her gaze down and looked everywhere but at Ah Hai making him smirk. So she did realize that she was in the wrong. Narrowing his eyes, Ah Hai indicated he was not in the mood to be pacified and said,"Change into normal clothes. This does not look good on you!  I expect to see you in my study within the next five minutes in normal clothes and you better not be late." Shaking her head, Shi Ai rushed up the stairs and pulled on a small pleated skirt and t shirt randomly. In a panic,she never realized what she had chosen to wear and could only race back to Ah Hai within five minutes. She had to wear the only pair of skirt she owned.


    Satisfied, Ah Hai nodded her in. His face was as impassive as always,making her wonder whether he was offended or not. Once Shi Ai had sat down, she folded her hands in her l.a.p and asked."What..what is it?"


    Ah Hai c.o.c.ked his head at Shi Ai and frowned," Explain your actions."Staring at her entwined fingers, Shi Ai could only shake her head in denial of anything wrong and refusing giving  her explanation. She did not want him to think her even more ridiculous. In a threatening voice he said," Xaio Ai! Tell me the reason for the temper tantrum or you are the one going to suffer."


    In a mumbling voice, Shi Ai accused,"You called her special. And I.. I was just jealous! You always treat me like a young little girl where as you see her as a capable woman. I did not like it!"


    Staring at Shi Ai,he wondered how she expected him to treat her like an a.d.u.l.t if she behaved like  a juvenile. But beneath the accusing bravado,he could see the hurt she had felt deeply. He understood that she was in pain and this lashing out in this form.Seeing him sit silently, Shi Ai was even more despaired and angry at him. She saw his indifferent expression, and was even more incensed and jumped at him while fisting her hands and hitting his c.h.e.s.t with all her strength. " AH Hai Long,how dare you call another girl special? I am going to hurt you badly just like you have hurt me. Why do you have to treat me like a little girl ? Always trying to protect me and treating me with kid gloves. Why can''t you look at me like a woman. You are the worst!I hate you! I hate you" She had lost all reason and all her grievances poured out within a few minutes.


    Catching hold of her small wrists in his hand,he pulled her close and then standing up threw the girl over his shoulder in a fireman lift and marched towards the stairs. Shocked,Shi Ai started to hit his back to let her down and received a sharp smack on the bu** causing her to suck in a shocked breath and going quiet. Stuttering she asked him,"What are you doing? Put me down!"


    SMACK. Another whack sounded in the house and now Shi Ai did not dare to utter a word. Ah Hai was angry. She felt that he thought of her like a kid then she was going to know the difference tonight. Marching into his room,he did not stop there and went straight towards his ensuite bathroom. There pushing the girl in his arms,he put her against the wall and turned on the cold shower causing Shi Ai to shiver in shock and he himself pushed her legs apart and his h.i.p.s settled in the cradle of her legs. Shi AI blinked at him in confusion and the wildness in his eyes caused her eyes to round in shock. "You should know by now Xaio Ai that I do not treat you like a kid. I want to make you mine right this instant. There is a fire burning in my c.h.e.s.t to possess you but your youth is what stops me. I like to hold you and explain things because you are the only person  important enough to me that I should explain to. But if you have misunderstood then don''t worry.Soon all your doubts will be gone."


    Both of their clothes were soaked and Ah Hai fused his mouth to hers as he attacked her lips like a ferocious beast. Tonight he was going to eliminate all doubts in her mind of him thinking of her like a little girl. His hands glided down her arms and taking hold of her wrists he broght them up and put them against the wall holding them there with his large hand. Miving back he admired his handiwork. Shi Ai''e eyes were dazed with passion and her c.h.e.s.t heaved for breath. Her head thrown back in abandon, and Ah Hai was satisfied that this woman belonged to him and was here like this for him. The water had turned warmer and as he saw how it drenched her.once again all he could think of was possessing her. Moving back into the kiss, Ah Hai''s other hand started to feel her soft t.h.i.g.h as his hand glided towards the forbidden area. His hand soon rested on the waist band of her p.a.n.t.i.e.s and his finger just under it. Shi Ai was trying to get her arms oit of his grasp sp that he could touch her and this little struggle was causing Ah Hai to loose even more control. Nibbling his way from her lips to her jaws he finally muttered in her ear,"Xaio Ai. I am hanging here by a thread. If you touch me now then you have to face the consequences so not tonight. Keep your hands there."


    Shi Ai could only nod in response to this as she was otherwise lost in the passion that Ah Hai had assaulted her with. Satisfied that she was agreeable, Ah Hai caught hold of the tshirt and pulled it apart with force leaving Shi Ai staring at him in awe. She was now dressed in her short skirt and a pink see through bra only. Reverently Ah Hai c.a.r.e.s.sed every inch of the soft skin that was exposed to him. Shi Ai had lost all feeling in her arms and all she could feel now was the sensations he was creating with his hands and his mouth,. She pushed her h.i.p.s  against his t.h.i.g.h trying to get closer but the next moment his hands were there on her as*,holding her in place. "Naughty minx." His hands once again started to move after he was sure that she would not move again. Turning away and a little further from her, Ah Hai could only admire his wife''s displayed beauty. His hands went under her skirt and he pulled down the matching p.a.n.t.i.e.s down her legs. Soon Shi Ai was there only in her bra and short skirt. Picking up the girl once again in his arms he threw her wet body on his bed and soon started to unbutton his own shirt even as his eyes devoured her lying there on his bed. Soon his clothes were off but Shi Ai could not admire the work of art that was his body. She could only look at the manhood that was pointing at her like an aggressive beast. He wasn''t going to fit was the only thought in her mind as she stared at it in rapture.Seeing her expression,Ah Hai who had been hanging to his sanity and control by a thread lost all reasoning and fell on her with her thin skirt and bra,the only barrier between them

 Chapter 137 - Possess Her (R.-.1.8)

    His weight on her should have crushed her but all she felt was a welcoming heat. They were so close and even  now,Shi Ai only wanted him to throw away the barriers between them. She opened her legs so that he could settle comfortably and continue what hebhad begun. But her unspoken surrender caused him to turn from a ferocious beast ready to devour her into a docile man. He peppered small kisses all over her face and his hands gently c.a.r.e.s.sed the treasure covered in thin clothing. He pinched the small archs and kneaded her b.r.e.a.s.ts with his hands. His touch was gentle and firm. Shi AI could feel every tug and nibble and now she was only a bundle to nerves ,explosive to touch. Even this intimacy was not enough. Ah Hai wanted to make her soul his and he set about doing the same. From little pecks over her body,he left love marks on everywhere. Seeing them gave him the satisfaction as if he had just won a thousand battles. She was his. Only his. He had told her to date but she still saved herself for him and tonight he was going to take what was his. He could feel that she was near to reaching her peak,the wway she tried to push herself closer to him but he resisted. Shi Ai could not get enough of the man she had loved for years. She touched his warm skin as he kissed her and brought her to the highest stage of d.e.s.i.r.e. His muscles bunched and shifted under her hands and there was a light sheen of preparation on his skin. He was finally going to be hers! She saw the knife mark on his face as he moved about and she suddenly wanted to leave a mark on him also,claiming to the world that he belonged to her so she intertwined her fingers and tugged at his hair bringing his neck closer to her. Taking a deep breath,she opened her mouth and her small teeth tugged at the skin  his adam''s apple making Ah Hai drive even more wild.


    Lost in his d.e.s.i.r.e, Ah Hai tore away the only barrier of the skirt between them and threw the remnant pieces,placing himself at her entry. Shi Ai''s eyes were closed but when she felt him there,her eyes snapped open and all the feelings in her heart were there laid open in front of her.


    Suddenly, Ah Hai wanted to hear the words that were reflected in her eyes. He wanted her to tell him by herself. It had been so long since he had heard those words from her. She had stopped saying them as she grew up. So instead of entering her as he was dying to,he decided to tease her some more. Slowly,he rubbed himself againt her,making her m.o.a.n loudly and close her eyes again. even as she waited for him to make the final move but he simply continued to tease her. Just when she thought that he would finally enter her and she could almosr feel it entering her,he stopped once again. In a low voice,he whispered in her ear,his hot breath making her body even more heated."Xaio Ai. Tell me what I want to hear."


    Shi Ai stared at him in wonder. She knew what he wanted to hear. The one thing that she had suddenly become scared to say in these recent times. Even now,the words were stuck on her tongue. Making her freeze. But his eyes demanded that he confess. He was poised to become one with her,she saw the need and the immense control he was using to tease her and suddenly she was not scared anymore,"I love you Ah Hai. I have loved you in the past,the present and will continue to love you forever."As if released from some magic,Ah Hai sealed her lips with a kiss as if wanting to swallow her words of confession and with a single thrust,claimed Shi Ai as his. His hands were now holding her h.i.p.s tightly so that she would not move and he said,"Xaio Ai. From now you belong to me only me. And I Ah Hai will belong to you only forever!" Though it ws not a love confession it was no less than that. With every thrust he claimed her as his and every word etched itself onto Shi Ai''s soul. Unable to hold any longer, Shi Ai came around him and this also pushed Ah Hai over the edge and he came inside with a last hard thrust and a fierce shout.


    The two of them were breathing hard and Ah Hai almost collapsed on Shi Ai retaining skin contact but being careful to not crush her. Shi Ai could still feel him down there pulsating slowly as the two continued to breathe heavily. He turned his head and sniffed against her neck,rubbing his face there. With just that simple action, Shi Ai could feel the little monster against her becoming big again and trying to regain entry immediately. Her body was already hot from their recent play and she could feel herself flush again when Ah Hai muttered,"He does not want to be away from you,little love. You''ve just releaesd the monster. And now you are going to have to control him." With that he pushed himself a little more closer to her causing Shi Ai to turn so shy that she was not even able to look at him and could only blush. Everything about her teased him no end and soon he had hardened and entered her again,their combined essence making his entry easier.


    The night soon gave way to a beautiful morning. In the early hours of the dawn, Ah Hai lay beside a tired and asleep Shi Ai. His head resting on her hand all he could do was stare. She was his. Running a finger down her cheeks which were now a soft rose red,Ah Hai had a smile on his face. The scarred face was not something that smiled often. But tonight was special to him. She was his in every way now. Staring at the little claw marks she left on him his mark on her gave him a primitive feeling of ownership.  Planting a small kiss on her forehead,he continued to worship her. Half baked plans of leaving her or making her fall for someone else were chased off now. In the dark of the night he finally confessed to himself what he had buried deep in his heart. He had never thought of letting her go. Even when he had made her promised that she would date and gain experience,he had prevented any man from getting closer to her. He may have possessed her today but she had possessed him from the day she came into his life with her shining tear filled eyes and that brave smile.


    Feeling ticklish in her sleep from his roaming finger,Shi Ai moved a bit and almost kicked him in the jewels. Fearing mortal danger with a smile,Ah Hai pulled her into his arms and threw a leg onto her capturing her and making it difficult for her to move. That is how they woke up in the morning.


    With the sun blazing in the sky,Shi Ai opened her eyes to the sight of a really hot c.h.e.s.t. Bshe blinked twice in confusion before the events of last night became clear in her head and then she suddenly felt her face turn hot. Wanting to get away,she moved a bit and that is when she realized that she was trapped. Their intimate position made her cough in embarrassment and she realized that there was that thing also touching against her. Her eyes shot to his face. He really was insatiable.  Last night he had used her so well and even now his thing was so hard! She had to escape or she will never be able to walk properly. But the problem was that how should she move? If she moved her legs then they would touch that thing and her hands were also tightly trapped between them. Just then she saw a love bite on his shoulder and got an idea. She could bite him. She moved her face closer and was about to open her mouth when his hand entangled in her hair and pulled her face away from him and she was brutally caught in a kiss. Only after a few moments of being kissed,did Ah Hai leave her and move a bit back. Shi AI was going to follow his movement instinctively but he pushed her back a bit and said,"Little love this is your only chance. I am really hungry if you do not wish to feed me with yourself then you need to run away now. Understanding his meaning,Shi Ai jumped out of the bed like a scalded rabbit and ran to the bathroom leaving Ah Hai with a glimpse of her behind where clear Mark''s of his fingers could be seen. He fell back on the bed and g.r.o.a.n.e.d in agony.

 Chapter 138 - The Next Morning-Still His!

    Shi Ai was mortified and exhilerated when she saw the red and blue marks all over her body. Thinking about all the things they had done last night made her blush red again. She stared at the marks that were in the shape of his fingers and.could almost feel the heated feel of them again. She jumped into the shower only to be reminded of all the things he had done here last night. After a little day dreaming,she realized that she had not brought any of her clothes with her and they were all in her own room.


    Just as she was wondering what to do, there was a knock on the door and Ah Hai''s voice sounded," I have placed your clothes here. Come out and wear them. Nobody will be here."


    Smiling a bit at his caring and thoughtful attitude, Shi Ai finished her shower and then donning the white bathrobe which was too big on her,she went into the room to collect her clothes..


    But the moment she went out, she saw Ah Hai standing there,leaning against the wall. She froze instinctually,while his heated glance burned her all over. Coming out of her stupor,she cleared her throat and accused,"You said there was no one here."


    Shrugging, Ah Hai''s reply was simple,"I lied."


    Shi AI turned back to run into the bathroom but before she could move,Ah Hai had pounced on her and once again pushed her against the wall with his lips on hers. The kiss was gentle and sweet and soon Shi Ai was lost in it. Slowly, Ah Hai undid the belt on the robe and pushed it off her shoulders. Unexpectedly filled with shyness, Shi Ai was about to cover herself when he turned around and picked up a tube of ointment. Holding her in place,he gently applied the cold ointment on all bruises,making Shi Ai flince at every touch. He then turned so that his back was towards her amd extended his hand, pointing to the clothes placed on the bed,said,"There are your clothes. Let the medicine be on you for a few minutes before wearing them. And we are going shopping soon. Get ready."


    With that he walked out of the room leaving behind a happily glowing woman. When Shi Ai reached the kitchen,it was empty. But there was a plate on the table with a note that said,"Finish this." in Ah Hai''s handwriting. He had prepared breakfast for her. Smiling happily, Shi Ai lifted the cover and gulped at the copious amount of food. Did he think she was an elephant? But she suddenly felt ravenous and once she had finished her breakfast,moved to the sink to wash her dishes. Just then a pair of muscular hands surrounded her waist and a hot kiss landed on the nape of her neck. Almost dropping the dishes in her hand,Shi Ai smiled and decided to ignore her newly clingy husband. She liked it after all.Miffed at being ignored Ah Hai gave a sharp nip on her neck before nuzzling her, this time making her drop the glass in her hand.


    "Little Love. Are you ready to go shopping?"


    Little love!She loved to hear this new name from him.Though he had never confessed his love to her,this name was like a sweet confession to her.Shi AI nodded her head but then could not stop herself from questioning, "But what are we going to buy?"


    A smirk formed on Ah Hai''s handsome face and he said,"You''ll see."


    But before he could move away from her,Shi Ai caught his hands and muttered in a shy voice,"Say that again."


    Looking at the top of her head,Ah Hai asked,"Say what again?"


    "What you called me just now.."


    Smiling a brilliant smile,Ah Hai turned Shi Ai in the circle of his arms and framing her face with his palms placed a small kiss on one eye,"My" a kiss on the other eye "dear" ,a kiss on the nose,"little", a kiss on the corner of her lips,"love."


    A few hours later,:


    Ah Hai and Shi Ai had been shopping around for almost an hour and all the shopping bhad tired her out. She wondered if last night had somehow damaged Ah Hai''s brain cells. He had dragged her from shop to shop making her try various dresses and skirts sighting the reason that since they were going to declare to the world about their relationship then she had to have clothes for then. Though from what she could see,hardly any of these clothes were suitable for formal parties or occasions. They were all skirts and short dresses. Finally she refused to move and said,"I am tired. I am not going anywhere now. Looking at the innumerable shopping bags in his hand,Ah Hai was also satisfied but just then he spotted something on a mannequin in a shop and thus compromised,"Just one last. But I am going to choose and you have to wear it and show it to me." At the thought of being free from this shopping punishment,Shi Ai agreed and went into the changing room of the shop directly. Ah Hai went to the shop assistant and requested the skirt in Shi Ai''s size to be passed to her.


    Seeing the pleated skirt,Shi Ai''s eyes lighted up and her cheeks turned hot. This skirt was too much like the one she had worn last night.... She was not going to show this to him! She turned around to get her own clothes but the assistant had already taken them out on Ah Hai''s orders. Frowning,Shi Ai wore the skirt out,only to see Ah Hai had already bought the.clothes she was wearing and the ones she had worn here were being packed. Keeping quiet for now,she went back to the changing room and refused to come out until her old clothes were handed back to her.  After a few moments of waiting for her,Ah Hai broke into the changing room using a spare key,startling Shi Ai. Pouting at him,she complained,"Why are we buying so man skirts and dresses? I want my own clothes."


    Like a wolf Ah Hai''s smile was wide and pointed explaining,"My dear little love,I have ordered my people to burn away all your other clothes. From now on you are only going to wear your combat clothes or these." Thinking that this change of wardrobe had something to do with their plan the Shi''s, Shi Ai questioned Ah Hai only to be stunned  silent at his answer,"Easy access."


    Shi Ai:".."


    Seeing that she had still not understood,Ah Hai went closer to her and his hands landed directly on her b.a.r.e t.h.i.g.h,slowly moving upwards towards her bu** under the skirt. Kneading and moulding it in his hands,he repeated,"Easy access. You understand now?"


    Wide eyed Shi Ai could only nod hurriedly and only then did Ah Hai take his hand back after giving a small squeeze on the firm and soft skin.


    Docilely,Shi Ai followed Ah Hai out of the shop. They sat in a restaurant. AS Shi Ai kept talking,Ah Hai  continued to simply stare at her. He realized thatbthis was true happiness. The way she was fl.u.s.tered when he teased her and how she blushed when he looked at her heatedly.She was his and this was happiness. He had never had this feeling in the past,he acknowledged. It was because of this that for the first time Ah Hai failed to realize that they were being followed as after some time they made their way home.


    Both the people walking hand in hand did not realize that a pair of eyes had been following them all the time they had been in the mall. The woman was observing everything the couple did. Her eyes were staring at the man who walked with the girl And her cold eyes were already planning something. Picking up her cell phone,she made a call and said in a husky voice,"We have found them. Congratulations."


    Only once the couple was in the car,did the woman drive out, her big bangles glinting in the sunlight. Her search had finally come to an end. And she was going to get what she wanted soon. Very soon. She thanked the fates that she had found them at the right time and not later. Only on careful observation would one know that her eyes were a bit misty.


    Hello!if you are reading this novel anywhere other than then please know that this has been pirated and you can read it on the application or website.please support the author there and leave your comments,critics and reviews. Thank you for your understanding.please know that thisbmessage will not be affecting the amount of coins you spend.

 Chapter 139 - A Girl Like Her

    After a restful morning, Shi Ai and Ah Haileft for KSS together. But they were in for a shocking scene. There was only a single person present. Shot. And he seemed to be in a panic. The moment, Ah Hai entered followed by Shi Ai, Shot stopped them midway.."I am sorry Ah Hai . But Xu Likun has created a mess. You know she is headstrong,but I did not accept her to behve this way. She has gathered everyone in the company by sending a memo about her pending competition with sister in law. And almost everyone is gathered here. Some of the online media portals have also gained knowledge of this. I tried persuading her once I came to know that she had planned to put on but now it has snowballed. Only you can dissuade her. do something."


    Ah Hai''s eyes narrowed at Xu Likun''s tactic. In reality he had been expecting such a move. Every fighter and guard who worked for him had their unique styles. Xu Likun''s style was to back her opponent into a corner and then beat them.That is what he had been planning to talk to Shi Ai about that night but amidst the things that happened that night and then yesterday,the talk had totally slipped his mind. Though he could not bring himself to regret anything. Shrugging his shoulders,he ordered Shot,"Explain properly."


    "Sigh!Everyone is gathered in the gym room for the challenge between your wife and Xu Likun. She had already set the terms for the first two competitions and two have to set by Shi Ai. Most of our people who have been with us since the beginning are actually infuriated with Xu Likun for creating a spectacle while the others are simply curious about Shi Ai. But either way, it is your face that has been put on betting. Actually everyone believes that Shi Ai does not need to excel in all these things but with Xu Likun challenging and Shi Ai''s acceptance,they feel that now Shi Ai needs to show her potential or she should not have accepted the challenge.


    So naturally today every person is present upstairs to understand the challenge rules that will be set and start the challenge immeidately, She wants to use the masses so that you have no wiggle room left to save Shi Ai from humiliation. She is bent in insulting her."


    Ah Hai and Shi Ai turned to look at each other and then nodded in understanding. Shot,who was observing this silent conversation was left amazed. They were indeed childhood sweethearts. they could communucate without opening their mouths. What Chemistry!


    Shi Ai gave Shot and Ah Hai a reassuring glance and then said,"I am not worried. Please take me there."


    Shot looked at Ah Hai with worried eyes. He was the one who had trained Xu Likun in the earlier days so he knew her strength then and now. He had been waiting here to tell Ah Hai to think of a solution to cancel this unprecedented event. Because,either way if this happened, Xu Likun was dead and there may happen more casualties. There were bets being placed among the employees and the odds were not in Shi Ai''s favour.


    But not it was too late. Shi Ai had already marched ahead like a bullet which had left the gun. Now whether the bullet hit it''s mark or not depended on fate.


    The gym room was actually a wide and open space built for the members of KSS. It had sections for combat training and sparring,endurance training and a shooting range. This occupied an entirety of two floors built into one so that there was an upper section and lower section. There was also an area for sitting in case someone wished to relax and observe. The gym room was usually used when new recruits were hired or if someone wanted to settle scores in a satisfactory way. But today it was full of excitement and curiosity. There was nobody who had not heard of the events that happened two days ago and they could hardly wait to watch a good show.


    While everyone chattered and gossiped among themselves,there were five people who stood to the side on the upper floor. These were the five top men in KSS after Shot and Ah Hai himself. They were the ones who had followed Ah Hai when he had left the military. They had been at the peak of their careers and gambled everything to come here. They had stood by him through the years and today they stood here to see the woman who he chosen to stand with him. These men,like Shot had left their real names and identities behind only using their pseudo army names. They were called Dodge, Viper, Razer, King and Knox. They could be considered the five pillars of KSS'' success


    These men could be imposing or invisible as they wished. At present,though they stood silently,each one was having his own thoughts. Dodge and Viper were married so they were not very sure of this farce of a challenge. They firmly believed that their women needed to be protected and cherished. Also by putting Ah Hai in the middle, Xu Likun had shown rebellion towards their boss,which was intolerable and also wrong. It was alright as long as he had been unmarried but marriage was not something thatanyone could interfere in. Being Ex army men,their moral code was very strict.


    Razer, King and Knox on the other hand were here just out of boredom. They had no stance regarding this challenge and like everyone here came to watch a good show. They had all heard about Shi Ai and even remembered the time when a few years back Ah Hai had almost killed a few people when his girl was in danger in the hospital. Today,they were going to take a look at the girl who had the guts to capture the Ice Man''s heart and keep it under her control.


    Just then Ah Hai and Shot entered the room followed by a dainty woman. Each of the five men were shocked when they saw this woman. Da** it! This was obviously what one would call a delicate beauty!How was she going to fight Xu Likun when it looked as if a strong breeze would blow her over.

 Chapter 140 - Rules Of The Game

    When the five men first glanced at the girl who had walked in,they were forced to do a double take. Their protective instincts rushed to the fore and all five were ready to defend her. Knox,who was the most impulsive was about to walk towards the announcement system to cancel the competition. But Viper reacted with speed and stopped him. In an indignant tone, Knox muttered,"Viper,we all know that Knight''s wife does not need to prove anything. The fact that Knight has chosen her is enough. Look at the girl,she looks as green as a new leaf! How is she going to stand Xu Likun? Everyone knows that she is ruthless and aggressive. If this was a simple competition to check their endurance or even shooting prowess that too would have been unfair but Xu Likun has chosen hand to hand combat! This is a shameful way and Ah Hai should have put her down immediately!"


    But being the voice of reason,Viper narrowly observed the girl''s body language and slowly explained," You know Ice face!He is not going to let that girl even get a scratch. Do you think he would have allowed his beloved Shi Ai to be placed in danger. I have a feeling that Xu Likun is soon going to learn her lesson. And very humiliatingly as well."


    Turning to the side,he motioned Shot to take Shi Ai to the changing rooms and then walked to the podium at a leisurely pace. His silky voice soon drawled throughout the room as he spoke into the microphone,"Miss Xu,you have challenged Shi Ai to fight with you for five rounds of different competitions similar to the ones that you do when you apply for a position in KSS. As per you, if she is able to win even a single round then you will accept defeat. And everyone present here is your witness. Are you sure you wish to proceed with these terms?Remember, if a trainee is unable to complete the initial stages of entry into KSS then they are dropped away and similarly if one of out people fails two rounds consecutively,then they are also given strict punishment. Mrs Long.."(a short pause ensued so that everyone would acknowledge the address Ah Hai used)"is not a new recruit and does not need to adhere to these rules. You on the other hand stand to loose too much if you choose to take this route."


    The subtle tone of warning in Ah Hai''s tone was heard by everyone and everyone gulped as their throats dried. In their excitement for the competition, most people had forgotten that one of the key participants was their boss''s admittedly cherished wife. Slowly,the excitement in the atmosphere died and everyone sat on their seats quietly. Just what had they gotten themselves into. Many people were thinking of slinking back to their work spaces when Xu Likun,who had been standing silently until now spoke up,"Of course that would be the case. I never thought that the person who we know of as the fairest and most just would tip the scales in favour of his wife."


    She then turned towards Shi Ai who had just turned up in the middle,dresses in black panst and t shirt. Though her expression showed nothing but disdain,inwardly she seethed that this girl could look so beautiful even dressed so simply.Ah Hai smiled at that and said,"But you are the ones who set the rules Xu Likun? So how are the scales in her favor?You chose the date,the venue and even the first two competitions." Ah Hai''s eyes turned to the board where the first two competitions were displayed,''Hand to hand combat and gun firing.''


    "You have chosen the two things that you are best at,so please tell me what is unfair? But since you would dare to accuse me of that,I''ll give you a suitable prize and a punishment to Miss Shi in case of the loss. The next two rounds are to be chosen by Miss Shi Ai? Well I am going to change the rules to suit me."


    His gaze turning to Shi Ai, Ah Hai said,"Xaio Ai. If you lose even one of these two competitions, I will divorce you. And Miss Xu,if you win even one then I will naturally marry you. Do the both of you accept?"


    Everyone was speechless at this bet. They could not believe it. Was Long Ah Hai planning to use Xu Likun to get rid of his wife? Even the five men and Shot were shocked. It was good to be confident but this was putting too much pressure on the girl? Finally, Shot came ahead and tried to protest but he was silenced when a soft and sweet voice sounced,"I agree."


    Everyone was even more shocked at the girl who had just accepted this bet so serenely. Even Xu Likun who had been thick skinned until now,had been unable to accept this bet but Shi Ai had. For the first time, Xu Likun felt her confidence drop a bit. But then her anger turned up. If Shi Ai was confident enough to treat Ah Hai as a commodity,then they could not blame her for accepting this opportunity. Marrying Ah Hai was her life''s dream. Raising her chin a bit,she took the fighting position and said,"I,too, agree."


    Ah Hai smirked at this. He had in fact given Xu Likun a last chance to stay in KSS. If she had refused the bet,then he would have not let the matter drag but she had chosen to bet on him. Xu Li had turned foolish. Nodding to acknowledge that the bet had been set, Ah Hai was abut to turn back when Shi Ai''s voice sounded out,"What about me?Do I not get a prize if I win?"


    This was a classic scene of where the participants were not worried but the onlookers were almost fainting from anxiousness. How could this girl stand there and discuss everything so calmly? But this calmness was a facade to Shi Ai. In reality,she had not expected Ah Hai to use himself as stake. Before entering the arena she had been about eighty percent sure of herself but now she  knew that losing was not an option.


    "The prize will be whatever you want it to be, Xaio Ai."

 Chapter 141 - Ten Moves

    As Shi Ai stood there pondering how the stakes had been raised,she failed to realize that a referee had already walked into the arena and whistled to start.


    "Umph!" A sudden blow to the face made Shi Ai fall back in surprise as she realized that Xu Likun had already attacked. Wincing at the pain,she stood there shocked,but Xu Li had already moved into position for the second attack. There was only one rule in the game to win. A complete KO. Knock Out. Just as Xu Li''s foot wood have connected with Shi Ai''s stomach, Shi Ai''s training kicked in and moving back she caught Xu Li''s ankle and pulled the woman,throwing her off balance. Quick to recover,Xu Li folded herself and was already ready to jab at Shi Ai before even falling to the ground. This aggression pushed Shi Ai into a defending position from the very  beginning as Xu Li used her training to keep up a continuous attack.  Xu Li fought like a machine,intent only on knocking Shi Ai out and winning Ah Hai. She just needed to win one competition and Ah Hai would be hers. This was her motivator and also what caused her to loose.


    While playing on the defensive,Shi Ai had already started to note Xu Li''s weak points. This was because of their different training. Xu Li had always been an aggressor while Ah Hai had thought Shi Ai to play on another person''s weeknesses.


    Only after a few minutes,both women were sweating and trembling with adrenaline. Xu Li was getting frustrated as Shi Ai evaded each of her attacks with stealth. Only the bloody cut on her lip gave Xu Li the satisfaction of getting into a fight.


    Shi AI could feel that her lip had swollen and the coppery taste of blood was still in her mouth. She looked for an opportunity to attack and finally found it when Xu Li tried to give her a round about kick. Anticipating her move,Shi Ai dropped to the ground in a quick move and kicked at Xu Li''s ankle with force causing the latter to loose her balance. Before she could stable herself,Shi Ai caught hold of the woman''s arms behind her back and pushed Xu Li''s head into the arena before bouncing back. Even as Xu Li tried to escape the attack, Shi Ai had already stood up and catching hold of the woman''s foot,flipped her over.


    This move shocked the entire audience who sat there quietly as they watched the game change. In the beginning,they had all assumed that the best Shi Ai could do was defend herself and last through the game. The quick sounds of the two people being attacked were resounding through the arena.


    Upstairs,Shot almost uttered an expletive loudly when Xu Li fell head first onto the floor. Her head was going to have a big bump!Apart from  a few people who were in the administrative office,everyone in KSS was well trained in some form of martial arts or combat training. So within the first five moves theu were able to see that Shi Ai was muh better than Xu Likun. Her stance was natural and her attack precise.


    "THWACK!" On the tenth move, Shi Ai had pinned Xu Li to the ground and stood over her breathing hard. The arena started to resound with a loud cheer as everybody clapped. No one had expected the girl to have such power. Even Shot and Viper,moved to congratulate Ah Hai. Though Ah Hai''s wife did not need any validation from them,by proving herself, she had earned their respect and regards.


    But Ah Hai sat indifferently and did not accept congratulations. Shot frowned at this and said,"Don''t tell me that you actually wanted her to lose. But she is very good at fighting. She looks very frail though. Have you trained her?"


    Without acknowledging the earlier part, Ah Hai nodded for the second part of the sentence,"Yes. I have trained her."


    Before Shot could complaint about Ah Hai not accepting the congratulations,Xu Likun was once again on her feet and ruched towards Shi Ai who had turned to walk out of the arena.Everyone was focused on Shi Ai that nobody had noticed that the referee had not yet whistled to signal the end and Xu Li was already on her feet. A few feet away from Shi Ai, Xu Li jumped up to place a kick on Shi Ai''s lower back with a scream. The entire audience was jolted and screamed in terrified excitement. The game had been overturned. If Xu Li landed the kick then Shi Ai would fall to the hard ground instead of inside and may hurt herself badly.


    Many people even closed their eyes to avoid watching such a scene. Just as Xu Li''s foot would have connected with Shi Ai, Shi Ai fell to the ground and catching the foot in front of her pulled down hard. Immediately, Xu Li really was knocked out bacause of the hard fall.


    It was only after a few moments had passed that everyone realized that the fight was really over this time. they cheered and clapped for their lady boss who was really cool! She was a damsel who put others in distress. Shi Ai, who had been oblivious to all the noise as she fought suddenly felt overwhelmed with this and would have fallen on the ground if not for Ah Hai who had already rushed to her. This was the first real fight in Shi Ai''s life and now she could feel the adrenaline crash as her body almost lost all strength. Ah Hai supported her with one arm around her and placed an ice pack on her swollen lip with the other. In a low voice he praised," You did well and remembered to not put your guard down."Though the praise was said without any inflection or change of expression, Shi Ai could not help smile which then turned into a wince as her mouth hurt.


    The two people,however did not realize that they had shocked the entire audience to turn mute while feeding them a hefty dose of dog food!

 Chapter 142 - Found Her,Master!

    In a far away mansion, the sound of heels cl.i.c.k.i.n.g on the floor could be heard. A tall woman with slight curves,held a brown folder in her hand as she walked towards the study room of the owner of the house. Her long hair was folded into a chignon at the nape of her neck and her dark eyes were covered by equally dark glasses. With a perfunctory knock on the door,she entered the study.


    An older man sat at the big table. His graying hair and lagging skin were testament to his failing health. His eyes were fixed on the folder from the moment the woman entered. The woman gave him a slight bow and extended the folder to place it on the table but the envelope was taken from her hands even before it touched the surface of the desk. In a low voice the man asked,"Is this really what I think it is?"


    The woman''s face softened as she stared at the man''s hopeful face. In a voice laced with softness,she said,"Yes master.  It really is the young miss. I have confirmed it myself."


    With a sudden burst of vigour, the old man picked up the folder and browsed through the pictures. There were not many pictures just the ones the woman herself had clicked in the mall.


    The older man went through the pictures and hsi arthritic hands c.a.r.e.s.sed the face of the young girl,"The girl looks just like her mother.."


    The woman''s hands clenched at the mention of the girl''s mother but she otherwise remained motionless letting the old man have his moment as his eyes filled with moisture.


    After a moment,the older man got a hold on his feelings and ordered in a stern voice,"Report."


    This time the woman hesitated before answering,"Sir, we have not been able to find much to report.  Her name is Shi Ai and she is a university student. We are still trying to find her past but someone has set up some obstructions and everytime we think we found a clue,we are directed to a dead end. Whoever the person who has set up the guard is very cunning and we have been able to glean only information that they wanted us to know. We are very sure that this person is aware of our existence and is purposely trying to trap us into revealing ourselves. My guess that the person responsible for our repeated failure is the man that you see with Shi Ai.  His name is Long Ah Hai and he is married to Shi Ai. They have been married for a year but only recently has Shi Ai made an appearance as his official partner." The last word was uttered with disdain,causing he older man to look sharply at the woman.


    With his eyes narrowed,the older man looked at the  younger woman and asked mildly,"Do I detect a trace of unhappiness in your tone?I thought you would be glad? Miss Yang Mei,do you disapprove of the relationship? The couple looks happy enough and from what I see,they look good together."


    A short sounded from Yang Mei before she could pull it back causing the older man to be amused,"Oh! We have been unable to find the young miss'' past but that man on the other hand is a different story. He has got more enemies than a pig has flees. And he has killed so many men that if we were to count,all our men''s fingers would not be enough. Look at Shi Ai! She is so innocent and elegant. Being with such a man will crush her sooner or later."


    The old man simply observed Yang Mei before crawling,"Yang Mei,a man who has lost his innocence is one who will be gentle with another''s innocence. Even if he has killed thousands of man,Shi Ai looks happy with his arms his eyes look gentle towards her. Are you sure that your reasons for this attitude are these sort that you are not pleased to see her happy and well while you have suffered so much.."


    "Master!" Yang Mei protested scandalized that her master would think that she would be unhappy over her sister''s happiness! Why would she resent her own little sister? It was for her that she had sacrificed so much. And it was for Shi Ai that she had survived such hell and reached here.But Yang Mei was not happy with the choice of her little sister''s husband. She wanted her little sister to find a man who would protect her not someone who she would have to fight for. Ever since Yang Mei found her sister''s whereabouts,she had kept a keen eye on her and learned that Shi Ai had been challenged to a fight for right to stand by her husband. What bull****. Her little sister was the most precious of all! How dare any man''s bi*** challenge her.  With a frown she explained the same to her master who listened to her carefully.  After thinking for a while,he said,"Alright, I understand. You had protected the little girl since the very beginning and now that you have found her again,you are back to protecting her. Yang Mei, for now,I agree with you that Long Ah Hai is not the right man for her but I also have to disagree. If,as you say,Long Ah Hai is just as dangerous then he is the best man to protect her from your uncle. You and I both know the reach of those people and how you have survived because of them. So for now, do not interfere in the relationship. Your sister is not just dating him but married to the man. She may not agree to your interference even if you have saved her life in the past.The young girl is an a.d.u.l.t now."


    Suppressing her urge to protest,Yang Mei nodded her head and agreed,"Yes,master." With that Yang Mei proceeded to exit the room.

 Chapter 143 - Petty Husband

    After the win, Ah Hai escorted Shi Ai into the private changing room. The second competition wuld not be beginning for some time as Xu Li was yet to wake up after being knocked out. She had been taken away to the medical room for examination. Meanwhile,once inside the room, Ah Hai slowly pushed Shi Ai onto a chair. Picking up a towel from the rack oon the side,he carefully wiped the sweat on her forehead and neck. Shi Ai tried to protest and insist that she could do it herself but Ah Hai refused,"Let me take care of you."


    Ah Hai felt guilty. Though Xaio Ai was not badly hurt,there were a few places,where Xu Li had been able to hit the jabs and knowing Shi Ai she must definitely be bruised. Plus her swollen lip was making him even more angry at himself. After wiping away her sweat, Ah Hai got up and moved towards a shower stall. Turning on the water to a slightly warm temperature,he came back to Shi Ai and stood behing her.


    The sound of the zipper being pulled down was almost echoing in the room. Shi Ai caught the front of her body suit as she prevented it from falling and exposing her front but in the next moment, Ah Hai pushed down the suit off her shoulders. Her sports bra was the next to be opened and soon, Shi Ai stood there in front of Ah Hai,totally exposed from the waist above. Ah Hai looked at the small bruise on her back where she had taken a kick and then another on the side of her stomach.


    His anger at himself threatened to explode at himself. He hated the fact that Shi Ai had to fight. And that too to show these useless people that she had the right to stand by his side. He was going to kill everyone of them.


    Circling to the front,Ah Hai pulled down the rest of her clothing and guided her to the shower.


    Ah Hai then planned to march out and order everyon''s decrease in this month''s and bonus for bullying Shi Ai wheyher directly or indirectly but just then Shi Ai called for him from behind the frosted glass,"Ah Hai? I know you are not happy about this but I am. This is the first time I have received a chance to fight for you and I am not even that hurt.. And I am glad that I won it. You are worth every fight."


    Ah Hai turned around towards the shower stall. A slow smile spread on his face. He felt his heartbeat accelerate when he saw the silhoutte of her beautiful figure. She always knew what to say to bring him to his knees. How had he turned out so lucky,he would never know? Turning back,he opened a locker,discarded his jacket and silently unbuttoned his shirt. His warrior princess needed to be pampered and he was the best person to do it.


    Inside,Shi Ai could feel Ah Hai''s heated gaze searing her through the frosted glass. Her eyes half closed,she kept her back turned and let the water wash away the grime. Just as she was about to extend her hand towards the shampoo, the door opened and a b.a.r.e arm stretched towards the bottle. A husky voice whispered,"Let me."His fingers delicately combed through her short hair,massaging her head as he lathered the shampoo. Slowly, his hands inched downwards and massaged her tensed shoulders. Ah Hai''s hands then explored her body as he applied soap and then finally after washing her off thoroughly, Throughout, Shi Ai''s eyes remained half closed like crescent moon as she watched Ah Hai kneel to wash her down there. Encircling her small waist with his big hands, Ah Hai placed a small open mouthed kiss on the bruise on her stomach causing Shi Ai to almost lose her balance as she clenched her stomach.To stop herself,she placed her hand on his b.a.r.e shoulders tightly clenching her fingers into his skin unknowingly encouraging him more. What was it about them being in the shower that made her forget everything,she couldn''t guess. The two people had forgotten that they were in the office building and everyone was waiting for Shi Ai to make an appearance once again. Finally after a long but tortorously slow shower,Ah Hai placed a peck on her shoulder before walking out. The expression on his face was extremely satisfied while anyone looking at Shi Ai could guess what they had been upto with the way she was glowing.


    Some time later, with Shi Ai dressed in casual clothes and Ah Hai wearing his suit,the two people made their way to Ah Hai''s office. With a casual hand on Shi Ai''s waist, Ah Hai was clearly declaring his ownership as he entered the office. Assistant Yang and Shot were the only ones waiting in the outer office. Feeling a bit shy,Shi Ai gave a polite nod to the two before she was pushed into Ah Hai''s inner office.


    As Assistant Yang and Shot made to follow her, but Ah Hai stood guard at the door. The two men looked at each other and then at Ah Hai who had folded his arms across his c.h.e.s.t. In a cold voice,he said,"I want a list of all those who have bet against my wife and those who have bet in her favor."


    Shot gave a thin smile at this order,trying to persuade Ah Hai,"What betting? You know all of us here don''t do that.."


    Returning with an equally thin smile Ah Hai asked,"By chance did you also bet against my wife?"


    With a serious shake of his head,Shot declined the allegation and produced a list out of thin air,all of these people have lost. I was the only one who bet in her favour. I am about to collect my winnings."


    Taking the list,Ah Hai handed a bank card to Shot sating,"Your winnings? Put them in this card they belong to my wife."


    Shot looked at the card in his palm and then frowned at Ah Hai,"It''s just a few thousand dollars. You have ten times more than that. Why do you want to take this for her also?"


    "Because you won that money from my wife. What belongs to her belongs to me. Do you really want to win from me?"

 Chapter 144 - The Pettiness Rises Again

    The cold house which was actually supposed to be a training ground had turned into a home full of warmth and laughter. Shi Ai and Ah Hai were in the kitchen,cooking in tandem as they set the table for their to be guests. Though Ah Hai grumbled and muttered throughout the process,he was pleased to show off his wife. Shot, Razer,King and Knoz had invited themselves over under the farce of officially meeting their sister in law. Ha! They just wanted to hug off free food. He had adamantly refused to invite them going so far as to threaten them but they had actually approached Shi Ai after being rejected by him! And the soft hearted girl had even fallen into their trap and invited them for dinner. Scowling, Ah Hai chopped the onions as if they had committed some grave crime against him. They might they had it manoeuvred him. As if! They were all junior to him and he knew how to use(in this case misuse) his seniority. Let them eat to their heart''s content! Tomorrow they would have to sweat it out ten times the amount. He was thinking of ways to torture them and was very please with the idea that struck him.  Tomorrow for the gun shooting competition, these hungry people were going to volunteer to be targets. If Shot or the others had seen the sadistic smile on Ah Hai''s face at this moment, their stomachs would have soured.


    A pained sound of "ouch!" pulled him out of his pleasurable thoughts and he saw that Shi Ai had a little cut on her finger. Rushing to her,he pulled her finger into his mouth l.i.c.k.i.n.g the cut. After a moment, Shi Ai tried to pull her finger but he simply clasped it in his hands and scolded," I told you we can simply order take out. Why do you even have to prepare dessert?"


    Rolling her eyes at him,Shi Ai said,"They are your friends who I am meeting officially for the first time. How can a take out suffice?"


    Snorting,Ah Hai said," they are simply opportunistic free leaders! And you are even preparing peach cobbler for them!"


    Peach cobbler was actually Ah Hai''s favorite,since that was the first thing that Shi Ai had prepared for him since she learnt that he liked peaches. He did not want o share it with anyone. Seeing him distracted,Shi Ai wscaped the kitchen and returned after bandaging the cut and got back to making the pie.


    If any of those bastar** even touched the pie,he was going to kill them. No this won''t do. They would have to get out from here before they could get to desserts.The main course he had prepared was enough!


    The four men who were on their way over suddenly felt a shiver as if someone was walking over their grave.


    Soon everything was set and Shi Ai had gone upstairs to change into a fresh pair of clothes.


    The alarm on the gate rang indicating the arrival of the guests. Looking at the gate, Ah Hai wondered if he should not open the gate,then those intruders would have to return.  But Shi Ai returned then and pressed the unlock button,dampening Ah Hai''s mood.


    Ah Hai would have slouched with disappointment if not for his years of training. They had just started to get intimate. Did they have to come today. They could come after a few decades maybe!


    With a happy smile on her face,Shi Ai opened the door to the two men who politely greeted her and introduced themselves. Dodge,the bulkiest among them was carrying  a big box and said,"Sister in law,this is a small token gift from all of us for you."


    Before Dodge could pass the box,Ah Hai had grabbed it and said,"You brought my wife a gift!At least you have some manners."


    Shamelessly peering inside,Ah Hai looked at the contents before  muttering,"Stingy."


    Slapping Ah Hai on the arm in a silent scold,Shi Ai gave the boys an embarrassed glance saying,"You should not have taken the trouble but I thank you all. Please come in."


    Long Ah Hai,the man nobody dared to touch even if they dying had just been casually flicked at by a girl.  Agreed the girl in question was the man''s wife but really! Finally Shot shooknhis head and muttered,"We have shot ourselves in the foot. We just entered and have already been served dog food. What a long evening this is going to be.."


    Everyone else:".."


    Thankfully, the rest of the evening passed by peacefully as Ah Hai,who had been glared at by Shi Ai kept mum and did not torture his people. He was satisfied with his revenge plans until the dessert came out and they jumped at it,showering Shi Ai with compliments. First they stole his dessert and then they made his wife smile at them.  Stabbing at a  piece of pie,Ah Hai decised that this punishment was not enough. They were going to have to volunteer to be the targets for this year''s new recruits also.


    Finally the boys left the new couple alone and the moment their car drove out of the villa,they collectively let out a breath as if they had just finished a dangerous mission.


    Cleaning up joyfully over a successful meal,Shi Ai had just finished cleaning up the dishes when she turned around and came face to face with a pouting Ah Hai. Knowing that he was sulking,Shi Ai did the one thing that she knew would cool him down.  Putting her hands in his shoulders,she went up on her heels and placed a hurried peck on Ah Hai''s cheek whispering a soft,"Thank you." against his skin.


    The next moment,when she would have escaped,Shi Ai found herself being carried on Ah Hai''s shoulders with her world upside down.

 Chapter 145 - A New Assistant

    After the shameful defeat in hand to hand combat, Xu Likun gave a written apology to KSS and Ah Hai as well as personally apologized to Shi Ai,accepting her punishment. But due to the fact the both the competitions were not held and only one was held as well as Xu Likun''s heartfelt apology,she was not forced to leave KSS.In reality, Xu Likun had been shocked and dejected at her loss unable to accept her defeat. She knew that she had been too emotional and would need to take a step back if she needed to win the war. It was better to lose a battle.


    As Ah Hai entered the office, he was greeted by Assistant Yang and an unknown woman behind the man. Paying no attention to the new presence,since the woman stood behind Yang,Ah Hai made his way to his office. Assistant Yang followed him and the girl followed him. Their next goal was to get Shi Ai established in the society as his wife.


    Inside the office,Assistant Yang stepped forward reporting,"Master, the reports that you have been expecting have been mailed to you. I think you will be satisfied with the findings."


    Understanding Yang''s meaning,Ah Hai nodded and prepared to check the email but before that,Assistant Yang continued,"Sir,this is Yang Mei,your new assistant. I am training her for now but I have checked her credentials and I believe that she will fit well in this role. Ah Hai was already browsing the findings that Assistant Yang had reported in the email so only gave a perfunctory nod as acknowledgement. Assistant Yang gestured the woman to follow him and guided her through the pending files and obligations that she had to carry as Ah Hai''s assistant. Yang felt that the girl had come as a blessing at this time. He had been so out of touch that he was actually finding the work over whelming. So he had divided the work. All office affairs would be handled by Yang Mei and he would handle all the work relating to Shi Ai''s past.


    He looked at the young woman who was pouring over the files diligently. She was really good at the job and he was just glad that she had been reccomend to him. Her experience and background was just right. And he had also been covertly observing her reaction to Ah Hai when the man had entered. He was satisfied. Usually women tended to lose their bearings at the sight of the Long brothers and would cause future troubles for no reason. But she had maintained her composure,that in itself was commendable.


    He also felt a special affinity for her since she possessed the same surname as him so he was specially gentle as he answered her questions. His musing was interrupted be Yang Mei as she called out to him saying,"Sir, I don''t understand this point. This report here says that the mission is complete but there are notes and reminders underneath.. nodding at her intelligent question,Assistant Yang explained all the points and finally Yang Mei nodded in understanding.


    Finally,Assistant Yang said,"Miss Yang,soon you are going to be known as Assistant Yang,I would urge you to be as diligent in your work every day as you are at present. Another thing I would remind you once more is please maintain your boundaries with the young master and follow the rules. As long as you are honest and committed,you will only receive success. Now is there anything that you want to ask?"


    Yang Mei looked down at the file in front of her and then hesitatingly asked,"Sir,I..uh I heard some rumors about the boss when I joined today. That he is cold and threatening and one of the old employees was involved with him and then she had to fight his wife for him.."


    This question almost made Assistant Yang doubt his choice and hd looked at Yang Mei again. Did she want to gossip? But he did not see anything other than basic curiosity so he answered,giving her the benefit of doubt for now.


    "Miss Yang,the boss is a fair man as long as you do your job. If you mind your own business then you have no reason to fear. And now regarding the boss''s wife, the employee in question was the sister of an old friend and had been used to leniency from the higher ups which made her forget her place and act willfully. You need to remember one thing in that regard, do not try to interfere in their relationship. Even if the boss is in the busiest of meetings and has strictly instructed you to not disturb,this is not valid on his wife. Even is she only wants to sneeze at him,you will let her. Now,is there anything else you want to know?"


    Chastised, Yang Mei shook her head and turned her eyes back to the computer file. But the moment Assistant Yang had gone, Yang Mei''s eyes glinted coldly. Not interfere? Her sole purpose in coming to this boring job was to find Ah Hai''s weakness and separate her sister from such a sinister man. He was nine years older than her sister and they said they were childhood sweethearts! What a load of bull****. It was clear that the man had used his position and the fact that Shi Ai had no family to his advantage. Yang Mei was not going to let him exploit her sister anymore. She had already gained a piece of information, the man had a soft spot for Xu Likun,his comrade''s sister. So did he have any other women that he carried a soft spot for? Until she found this,Yang Mei decided that she was going to use this opportunity to connect with her sister and gain her trust. And when the time came,she would separate them easily. With a slightly satisfied smirk,Yang Mei continued to do her job.

 Chapter 146 - The Charity Gala

    The big banquet hall was decorated with orchids and lilies. The red carpet was laid out and the reporters already stood on both sides to photograph all the people who would be part of the biggest charity event in the country.


    In a small side room, many items which had been offered for auction were placed in showcases. Qing Yun was the in charge of security for today''s event and he was taking a turn to check that everything was in order. As he checked every item against the list with him, his eyes finally came to stop on the bracelet. Qing Yun stilled completely as id he was a statue, but in the next instant, his hands started to tremble. If this was really what he thought it was, then...Taking out his cell phone, he quickly made a call and started to speak as soon as the call was answered, "It''s me. I was checking the arrangements for the auction and found something interesting. The set of jewellery we have been looking for so long...a bracelet has made an appearance for auction! I think you need to come earlier to check it out!"


    In a VIP room of the hotel, Shi Qinglan was sitting with a man from the orphanage they were supporting tonight. Shi Qinglan''s eyes narrowed as he heard the other person on the phone and then he gave a small pleased smile. The director of the orphanage was almost creeped out by the man. Answering with a simple," En, I will be there soon." the man disconnected the call. He then turned to the director, finishing off the discussion, "Then, Mr Director, you agree with our terms? Once the orphanage receives the funds, I will come to choose the children." The director of the orphanage hesitated for a moment but then he thought back to the amount of money their foundation would be getting so he overrode his instincts and agreed. It was only a matter of a year after all.


    Mr Shi Qinglan had approached their orphanage a few months ago. His terms had been simple and modest. He would organise a charity event for them and in return would like to foster two children from the orphanage in his home for a year. Every year such an event was organized and the benefactors received high sponsorsh.i.p.s. Though it was against the government rules to let children be fostered without the parent being pre-approved, the director felt that with such a high profile person, they could bend the rules a bit. It wasn''t as if anyone in the government would know or care. The director also consoled himself that any child chosen would only benefit from such an arrangement. Not once did the man try to think, why would such a high profile man want to foster children. Even if he had no children of his own, he could adopt. There was no reason for him to foster them for a year. As the director left the room, his eyes were so blinded by the incoming money, that he even failed to notice a small figure of a girl near the door. The girl was no more than twelve or thirteen and stood still starting out as the door closed behind the director.


    Just as she was about to move back, Shi Qinglan called out, "Come little girl. Uncle Shi has to leave soon and you saw that man leave, no? He is going to let me find a replacement for you and then you can go freely. Come here and sit on my l.a.p and help me put on this bowtie. Good girl."


    Even as the girl walked out of the small room to follow the instructions, her eyes hid a fire inside her that had only been curbed. She was not going to let anyone else become a victim like her. The girl thought  back to how she had also come from a small orphanage last year. She had been told that this man would father her for a year and then she could go abroad to study. How excited she had been and how naive as she stepped into this hell for one year. No! She was not going to let anything happen to anyone else. She would kill this man first.


    After a while, Shi Qinglan straightened his clothes and was ready to leave the room to check out the bracelet. There was an unsuppressed excitement to him as he thought of the bracelet.


    If what Qin Yung had said was true then soon he would be able to have his hands on the entire set because the owner of the bracelet was going to be in possession of the entire set. Shi Qinglan was also curious about how the set which had been missing for so many years had turned up once again. He had assumed that his dead cousin had buried it in the grave with her but here it was. A sinister smile graced his face as he entered the secure room.


    Qin Yung bowed to the man as he entered and then promptly dismissed the security, ordering them to wait outside. Guiding Shi Qinglan he showed the display where the bracelet was kept.


    It was that bracelet. Shi Qinglan laughed out loud at having finally found the thing he had been searching for. Turning to the slightly portly man on the side, Shi Qinglan declared, "You have a really good eye, Qin Qin. It really is that bracelet. Place on the last item to be auctioned and keep the bidding price to the maximum. I want this beauty for myself. And now come quickly and tell me more about the person who has presented this for the auction. I will need to take special care of them tonight."


    Qing Yun stepped forward and opened a file with the details of the person who had set this up for auction. Long Ah Hai of KSS group.

 Chapter 147 - Who Is That?

    Long Ah Hai? Shi Qinglan looked at the name in confusion. Who was this person? He tried to recollect if he had ever met such a person but could not think. Turning to Qin Yung, he asked, "Who is this? Is this KSS group someone we are working with? Or are they someone that wants to work with us and are using this as a way to show their sincerity?" Taking the key for the glass case, Shi Qinglan opened the case and slowly brought the bracelet near his face. The lights in this room were made to highlight the priceless pieces and this bracelet reflected off the lights beautifully. Bringing it to his nose, Shi Qinglan closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. A madness seemed to enter his eyes as he whispered, "It still smells of her. Nobody else has ever worn it." He finished the sentence with this proclamation.


    Answering the earlier question, Qin Yung explained, "Sir, KSS has been invited by Elder Shi. They are one of the biggest security companies in our country. Elder Shi wishes to tie up with them for the hospitals as the current security agency contract is up for renewal. The KSS Corporation''s CEO is known for being cold and aloof but to give the Elder Master some face, the man offered this and also accepted the invite. Another thing you need to know is that Long Ah Hai is also the youngest brother of Lance Inc. CEO so he is not someone that can be manipulated or pressured."


    Shi Qinglan''s hands tightened around the bracelet. So the old man was still trying to find a way to control him. Shi Qinglan''s eyes narrowed and his lips thinned. Soon,  very soon that old man was going to be dead and everything would be under his control then.


    Shi Qinglan looked at the man beside him and throwing an arm around the man''s shoulder dangerously asserted, "I understand what you are trying to say that we cannot let the two form a successful partnership if we want to continue using the hospital. And I know you will think of ways. But Qin Qin, there is something I am more curious about. How did a bracelet that went missing in Country C appear here in country A and that too in the hands of someone that Elder Shi wants? And coincidentally that man decides to present it at this auction. A series of coincidences are too much for me to swallow, Qin Yung. Keep an eye on this bracelet for me and help me bid for it later." Shi Qinlang placed the bracelet back in the box and then uttered, " While I will keep an eye on this Long Ah Hai."


    Though Shi Qinglan had not shown much of a reaction at the mention of Elder Shi but he was infuriated. Ever since that man had been admitted to the hospital last time, he had become more reckless and vigilant. He must be going senile in his old age to think that he can stand and win against me when he was halfway in the grave already. He needed to set up Dr Zhang Min soon so that the doctor would fall into his trap and help him off, Elder Shi. Taking out his cell phone, he dialled a number and asked the moment the call was answered, "Have you found the Doctor''s weakness? Or has he fallen into your honey trap yet?


    Unsatisfied with the answer he received, Shi Qinglan shook his head in anger as he walked towards the elevators. It was time to go to the banquet halls to receive the guests. Just as the elevator doors were about to close, a hand stopped them. Looking at the man who had stopped the door from closing, Shi Qinglan gave a mocking bow and said, "Elder Shi. Welcome to the banquet! How are you doing now? I hear that your health is failing and you have to visit the hospital regularly."


    The old man was dressed in a black suit and was walking with the help of a walking stick. But even then his back stood straight and he returned the man''s mocking tone with his own cutting answer, "My health may be failing but I have not died...yet. So there is no need for you to welcome me to my own banquet. Why don''t you go ahead and have fun?   Since I am here I can receive the guests."


    Both the men''s gazes were filled with ridicule as Shi Qinglan lost his fake smile and in a tight voice muttered,"''  Yet'' being the keyword."


    But the old man''s ears were as sharp as ever and his smile widened even more as he said, "Qinglan, you are not getting young either. Almost fifty and nothing to show that you have lived a life.Tsk Tsk. We are both near our life goals and both of us have yet to reach it. I wonder who will succeed?"


    Gritting his teeth, he asked, "Elder Shi, you have lived a long and healthy life. Could there be a goal that you have yet to accomplish? Tell me and I will do it for you as soon as possible so that you can move onto the afterlife peacefully."


    Elder Shi let out a hearty laugh at this and just as the elevator was about to stop said, "I don''t think you can do that. You see, I need to kill a snake that I reared in the past and now it thinks that it can eat me. So it is better for me to get rid of the pest once and for all. Hahaha!"


    With that, the Elder walked out of the elevator leaving a fuming man behind him. This time Shi Qinglan vowed in his heart, " A pet? A snake? He will soon teach you, Elder Shi the appetite this snake has. Everything, I will swallow everything in front of you and kill you slowly and torturously."

 Chapter 148 - A Red Dress

    Ah Hai looked at the time as he parked his car at the entrance to his home. The time for the charity auction was set at 8.00 pm and it was now almost 7.00 pm. Ah Hai opened the door to the house and the next second he felt his breath stop. Climbing down the stairs was a beautiful figure in a red sparkly gown. The gown formed a tail at the bottom and covered her from neck to toes. He was very satisfied that her gown was not revealing but even then showed her beautiful figure to perfection. She looked so beautiful. His heart started to beat faster making him want to check if he was sick somehow?


    Seeing Ah Hai looking at her without blinking, Shi Ai cleared her throat as she reached down the stairs. Giving him a small but delighted smile, Shi Ai looked at him expectantly. Finally, Ah Hai linked slowly before complimenting, "You look very pretty."


    Bowing like a princess, Shi Ai said, "Thank you, kind Sir!I''ll just go and grab the clutch." With that. Shi Ai turned towards the living room where she had placed the matching clutch after buying it in the afternoon..Ah Hai turned his head to follow her progress and the vision that appeared made his blood boil. He was taken back to the time he had spied her n.a.k.e.d back that first time in the hospital room. The bloo** dress was backless and he could see the entire beautiful expanse of white soft skin. This dress was destructive for his libido! His legs moved off their own accord to follow his woman.


    Shi Ai, who was now in a dangerous situation did not realize this and felt a little saddened that Ah Hai had given her such a simple compliment. She had wanted to floor him and when he had scanned her from head to toe without blinking she had been thrilled but all he said was she looked pretty. Inwardly, she cursed Meng Ran for choosing this outfit.


    A few hours earlier:


    Meng Ran and Shi Ai stood in a big boutique surrounded by beautiful dresses. The boutique was often visited by celebrities and singers and boasted of having a single design in each dress and no copies. Since this was the first time Shi Ai would be making a formal appearance as Ah Hai''s wife she was too nervous and jittery. Usually, Mother Zhang would have chosen clothes for her but this time Shi Ai had asked Meng Ran for her opinion. This was because her mother would choose clothes that would look good on her but they would make her look innocent and beautiful while Shi Ai wanted to look bold and seductive tonight. This was also the reason that Shi Ai had chosen this designer who was known for making risque clothes. As they looked through the beautiful gowns and tried many, Shi Ai had been totally confused as to which one she wanted. Finally, she had settled on a pink sleeveless gown which was a low cut but looked very beautiful on her but at the end moment, Meng Ran had pushed this red one at her. She should have gone for the pink one which exposed a bit too much cleavage but at least it was s.e.xy. This one was too understated. Shi Ai was pouting her slightly red lips as she picked up her clutch. What was the point of wearing a backless dress? It showed none of her assets.


    But Shi Ai was too innocent to realize that Meng Ran had indeed chosen the s.e.xiest dress for her. Combined with Shi Ai''s innocent looks, the dress made the onlooker thirst to undress her and discover the hidden treasures that the dress only suggested of.


    Thus, before she could turn back, Ah Hai''s hot breath landed on the nape of her neck and his large hand on her b.a.r.e stomach where it had inched inside from the back. In a strained whisper, Ah Hai breathed into her ear, "Are you trying to give me a heart attack wifey? I never knew that my little love could be such a minx! I am going to have a difficult night keeping my hands off you."


    His hand inched to her lower back and the other on her shoulder. Turning her around forcefully to look at him, he lightly trailed his fingers from her lower back along the entire length of her spine, "Xiao Ai, tonight you have to take care of me. If any man dares to look at you, I might just murder them! So stay close to me."


    Ah, Hai gave her no chance to react to this threat and proceeded to directly gnaw at her red-tinted lips. Very satisfied with Meng Ran'' choice of dress, Shi Ai wound her slim arms around Ah Hai''s neck and proceeded to lose herself in his kiss.


    After a long while, the two people finally separated for air. Thankfully Shi Ai had not used too much makeup and Ah Hai had only eaten up her lipstick. Her cheeks took on a glow and she smiling coyly, Shi Ai said, "I will go and freshen up the makeup. Or we''ll be late."


    Ah, Hai nodded even as he did not move his stare from her face but did not move an inch to let her go. Shi Ai''s eyelashes flickered, covering her thoughts as she said, "Ah Hai, we need to get ready to go.."


    Ah Hai''s eyes refused to listen to him though as if he had no control over them and he did not move them away from her lips. Shaking his head to clear it a bit, Ah Hai cast over a leering gaze over Shi Ai''s body and said, "Let''s not go. I''ll tell Assistant Yang to go and bid on the bracelet. We will think of a new plan. Right now, we must focus on this beautiful dress that you have bought."


    Hitting him on the arm, Shi Ai laughed coquettishly and said,"No way. We have to go tonight." She then ran away from her hubby though her lips were grinning widely. She loved the power rush she had gained just now when Ah Hai lost control. She was on cloud nine at having the power to seduce her hubby!


    It was only later that Shi Ai would realise that being seductive was a double-edged sword as Ah Hai''s hand rested on her back throughout the night making her just as under his power as he was under hers.

 Chapter 149 - Restlessness

    Shi Qinglan could feel the restlessness invading him as he glanced around the hall. The party had started but the person he was most curious about had yet to make an appearance. He wanted to get to know this person who was the real owner of the bracelet. But the auction was about to start and the person had not yet made an appearance. He had specifically asked the security to inform him as soon as the person arrived. Very soon he would have to sit on the stage to preside over the auction and he had hoped to meet the owner before that. He wanted to know the whereabouts of the rest of the set and maybe convince them to put the entire thing in the auction. He was even willing to pay Long Ah Hai privately to secure this because he knew once the old man saw the bracelet, he was not going to stop at anything to gain it. Shi Qinglan tugged at his collar a bit restlessly as he rotated his neck.


    Elder Shi, on the other hand, was just as eager for the guests. But it was because he wanted to meet his granddaughter. There was a palpable excitement as he waited. He had seen the girl''s pictures last time and had broken down in tears. No one could have been aware of his pain. His elder granddaughter refused to call him grandfather and addressed him as Master and his younger granddaughter did not even know of him. He really had a miserable fate. And he would have died with this regret but the heavens had given him another chance. Maybe if Yang Mei found her younger sister, she would be able to forgive him for being unable to protect them. Elder Shi''s cold eyes turned towards his nephew and he vowed to himself that he would help his granddaughters get justice and revenge. They had looked for Shi Xiao for so long but never been able to find her. His elder granddaughter had bearly escaped that man''s clutches and they had thought that Shi Xiao had perished but now he knew that she had been safe. This piece of news he hoped would help Yang Mei let go of the hatred and bitterness that she had amassed.


    But they were yet not clear on how Shi Ai had reached here. When he first received the bracelet, his investigators found very limited clues as to the identity of the owner. And even then he had been left to wonder how it reached the hands of the Long family because he knew that his daughter had never sold off the precious set. It was sheer luck that he was able to contact Long Ryu who told him that the bracelet belonged to his youngest sister in law. He felt the ground slip from under his feet when he came to know the name of the youngest daughter in law of the Long family-Shi Xiao Ai. Elder Shi had worried that like his elder granddaughter his younger one had also blamed him but he came to know later that the girl had no memory of how and why she was at the orphanage. "Shi Xiao Ai", he whispered the name in his heart like a mantra. The young woman had kept her sister alive in her name. He had watched Yang Mei almost break down when she heard the name that her sister used.


    The two Shi men waited restlessly and both felt their breaths catch at the sight of Shi Ai when she first entered on the hands of her husband.


    Shi Qinglan had just climbed the stage to give a speech before the commencement of the auction when he glimpsed the face of the woman. She looked so remarkably like his late cousin that for an uncomfortable moment he had felt that he was spying a ghost. Only when he saw and recognized the man next to her did he have a moment of realization. This woman was somehow related to his dead cousin.


    Shi Qinglan''s gaze turned to look at Elder Shi who had a tender expression on his face.


    Shi Qinglan''s face turned up in a smirk. "Well well well..what an interesting turn of events. So the bracelet was not a coincidence but in fact a declaration or a bait."


    Reaching the podium, he brought the microphone closer and spoke, "Good evening everyone. A very warm welcome to you all. We will soon begin the auction but before that our emcee would introduce the generously donated items and a few rules to you so please have a seat. And thank you for your esteemed presence."


    His eyes directly gazed at Long Ah Hai before he went towards the emcee and whispered something in the man''s ears before proceeding to take his seat on the long table.


    Shi Ai/could feel the burning gaze of the man from the stage and only Ah Hai''s supporting hand on her back helped her maintain her composure. She had seen the man''s picture and repeatedly assured herself that she would react calmly when she faced him. But all her self assurances flew out of the window when she caught a glimpse of the disgusting man who was responsible for the destruction of her family. She wanted to go and scratch the man''s face and maybe some of that d.e.s.i.r.e showed on her face because she heard Ah Hai mutter in her ear, "Sheath your claws my tigress. Now is not the time to show them. You gave to be a meek little kitten for now.."


    Turning her head to avoid looking at that disgusting man, she looked at Ah Hai and managed to get back her equilibrium. But as they took their seats around the table at the front,she felt a sense of foreboding. Had they done the right thing and chosen the right path to get to the truth? Or was it going to lead to their own downfall?

 Chapter 150 - Lost The Bracelet.

    Once the emcee had started introducing the objects that were to be held in the auction, everyone paid rapt attention. This was not because the objects were rare or precious but because this was everyone''s chance to show off their wealth on the most prestigious items. As well as show off their wealth by boasting of the priceless items they had donated.


    Ah Hai and Shi Ai sat on a round table which sat six other people. Ah Hai could feel the nervousness emanating from Shi Ai as well as the surreptitious glances of everyone who''s at around them.


    Placing a hand on her cold ones under the table, Ah Hai leaned a bit closer to Shi Ai''s ears and whispered,"Calm down little love. You are under the scanner. You see the man on your extreme right, he is the second heir and the woman next to him is a model. On my side is your grandfather''s right hand man and his wife. Next to them just happens to be Shi Qinglan''s partner in the organ trafficking trade and her date is the new doctor in the hospital."


    Shi Ai looked into Ah Hai''s cold eyes and gave a slight understanding nod as her heart calmed. For those looking from afar the two seemed to be talking in loving whispers. The press reporters which werer all present in the banquet had already taken the two people''s pictures and were live feeding the auction to the netizens. Naturally they would not fail to report and cut moemnts because those were the ones that earned them money and hits. So, the moment Ah Hai started to whisper something into Shi Ai''s ears,everyone could see the two love birds. The interned explded with comments over the great beauty and soon KSS employees also came forward to testify that the person in the picture was their lady boss. Withing the first half hour,there was only one question on every netizen''s comment,"Who was the pretty girl and which family she belonged to. There were even discussions about whether Ah Hai would bid for anything for his special wife. The model who was sitting at their table was browsing the news feed and felt dissatisfied that she had been ignored so well by the media. She had chosen to come with this rich person so that she would get some publicity but here she was, being overshadowed by some unknown wannabe. People did not even know this woman''s name!


    A cunning thought flashed in the model''s head and she turned to the young heir and tugged at his sleeves,"Ji Yong! Won''t you bid on anything for me? I thought you insisted on bringing me to this boring event because you wanted to buy something for me..I only came here to keep you company so that you wouldn''t be bored.."


    The model''s seductive eyes and body language clearly indicated to the geor Ji Yong that he would be handsomely rewarded should he win something for her. So without taking into consideration what it was he was bidding on, Ji Hong promptly won the bid.


    Soon the emcee had reached the finals. The items in the finals were what one would consider the cream of the auction. It consisted of top five items and the one''s that were meant to bring in the highest bids.


    The emcee created a hype as he introduced the bracelet and gave a brief history of it. He then introduced the donors, "The donor for this priceless has actually donated two things which if you know the family then they are known for their philanthropy," Mr Long Ah Hai has donated this Jade Bracelet on behalf of his wife, Madam Shi Xaio Ai. Miss Shi Herself grew up in am orphanage and thus wanted to do the best for charity so she is giving away her late mother''s only moment while Long Ah Hai has offered the services of KSS group for a ten percent discount over the year. As we all know getting KSS to work with you is even more difficult than finding diamonds in a mine and requires you to wait for at least a year.. Because the items are from the same person we are going to bid for the two consecutively. So everyone please be ready. The first bids for the bracelet starts at eighty million yuan."


    Everyone was shocked at the bid that had been set and watched the bracelet with renewed eyes. Even if it had a history attached to it, the fact that it commanded so much money was noteworthy. Most people assumed that this was actually being done to give face to Long Ah Hai. But then the first person to bid for the bracelet was none other than Elder Shi who raised the bid directly to a hundred million yuan. This made people wonder what was special about the bracelet. Just then Shi Qinglan ordered one of his minions to vote on his behalf. The third person to join the bid was the young doctor who sat at their table. Seeing this, the model was amused and said,"Mr Long, are you not going to bid for your wife''s bracelet? Even if you do not wish to buy anything else for her the least you can do is get the only expensive thing she owns, back for her."


    Suddenly the temperature at the table dropped a few degrees, almost causing the people to freeze. Miss Jane must possess really strong innards to be able to say something to a man like Long Ah Hai.  Though the emcee had revealed that Miss Shi Xaio Ai was an orphan, the reality was that she was the man''s wife and not his playboy so calling the jade bracelet her only valuable item was like insulting the man himself. In the next moment, Shi Ai gave a tinkling laugh and said,"Miss Jane, how kind and thoughtful you are. Yes we women must look out for each other. Husband, I have already given away the bracelet and don''t want to back but I want that last item in this auction. Will you buy it for me?" Without even glancing at the list of items, Ah Hai gave a slight nod. But the others on the table were amazed that the man had agreed without even giving it a thought, "Who promised their other half to buy an entire pharmaceutical company in an auction?" Ji Yong subtly moved away from the model lest she create any more trouble and he be implicated with her. Miss Jane was disgruntled but she gained another opportunity when the bracelet was won by the young doctor for a one hundred and fifty million. Miss Jane then congratulated Dr An Lili,"Congratulations Doctor, you are very much appreciated by this young doctor here. He bought such an expensive bracelet for you."


    Dr An Lili was also shocked at this. She and her date were actually here because of professional reasons. But now her eyes were shining with greed and she felt that her plan to seduce this man was succeeding. But then the man at her side scoffed and said,"Miss Jane! You are too much and really talk a lot. Master Ji,her assets are overpowered by her silliness!Why would I buy anything for Doctor Lily!I bought the bracelet for my younger sister!" Doctor An was thoroughly embarrassed at the man as he gave her no face and clenched her fingers under the table! If it were not for this man''s reputation and the pressure that Mr Shi had put on her, An Lili would not have let Dr Zhang Min near her.. The man was a bloody ice block and showed her no respect. Dr Zhang paid no attention to the awkwardness and turned to Shi Ai murmuring,"Thank you, Mrs Long for donating such a beautiful piece. My sister is going to love it." Shi Ai smiled politely at Zhang Min and almost rolled her eyes. It was with great difficulty and a heavy heart that she had agreed to part with something that had belonged to her mother. She had not expected for Zhang Min to buy it back for her. She was really happy and grateful. She turned to Ah Hai,who she knew must have planned this and gave him a joyful smile. Meanwhile Zhang Min who had spent so much money for her was made to eat dog food, scowled in his heart."


    The atmosphere at the table had turned awkward by the second as Miss Jane made one faux pas after another. To placate the silent man beside him, Mister Lee turned to Long Ah Hai and said in a smiling tone,"Mr Long, please wish me luck as I wish to bid on the next item. You know Elder Shi has wanted our hospital to work with KSS for a long time and this opportunity is too good to pass up. I hope you don''t mind that both your donations are being bid for from our table."


    Ah Hai acknowledged the man with a curt nod before denying,"No problem, Mr Lee. The winner takes all."

 Chapter 151 - On Everyones Radar

    A red dress and a suit jacket lay strewn on the floor while apair of heels was tossed in another direction. The entire scene in the bedroom looked as if there had been a robbery. Shi Ai blinked at the messy scene and smiled,"There had been a robbery indeed!She had robbed her husband''s self control. With her chin resting on Ah Hai''s n.a.k.e.d c.h.e.s.t, Shi Ai looked at the scene in front of her with a languid satisfaction. Ah Hai''s hand entwined itself in her short hair as he whispered,"Are you very pleased with yourself my little love?"


    Shi Ai turned her head to look at Ah Hai who had yet to open his eyes and nodded against his stomach..Smiling he pulled her on top of him and his hand reached the soft skin at her waist. Shi Ai ws suddenly conscious of their ambigious position and tried to escape but Ah Hai simply turned her under him and trapped her between his t.h.i.g.hs.In a heady whisper,he accused her,"You are the one who fed the lion some blood so now you have to satiate the hunger,even if we have to spent the entire day in bed. And let me warn you,I think when it comes to you I have a huge appetite."His lips then kissed hers and soon the two went back to some ''monkey business''.


    It was almost noon when Shi Ai woke up to an empty bed. Turning her head she realized that her husband was in the shower so she decided to escape lest Ah Hai make true on the threat of making her stay in bed all day.


    Deciding to run to the nearby cafeteria,Shi Ai grabbed a pair of shorts and Ah Hai''s t shirt,scribbled a note,telling him that she had gone to grab food and stealthily escaped.


    The moment Shi Ai came out of the gateway,she did not realize that there were multiple pairs of eyes following her.


    Last night,she had entered with a splash in the high society of the city,with her husband buying an entire company for her and the item donated by her being auctioned at one of the highest bids.


    The first pair of eyes observing the woman were impersonal as the investigator clicked pictures to be sent to his boss Shi Qinglan.


    A few hours earlier:


    Two men sat opposite each other,while the thick smoke swirled around in the room. "Your second daughter is also alive,Qin Yung. You must be happy?"


    The man named Qin Yung scoffed and said,"Why should I be happy over the return of a bi***? We already have enough troubles thanks to that Shi Ai and now this one is also alive! Next thing I know,that hang Shi Qing will also rise from the grave!" Taking a huge angry puff from his cigar,the man angrily blew out smoke. Qin Yung hated those daughters as much as he hated their mother.  Because of these people he had to separate himself from his real lover! And even now,they were creating problems. That Shi Ai had been missing for so many years as if she had disappeared and now that Shi Xaio Ai had come out of the woods with such a powerful backer. Who needs enemies when his own biological daughters are like that!


    Shi Qinlang laughed at his man''s disgruntled expression and said,"You are missing the main points here! The set that we have been looking for is in Shi Xaio''s hands and not Shi Ai''s.  Your eldest daughter was wary and knew the truth but your younger daughter has no memory of the past and has lived like an orphan. How glad do you think she will be if she discovers her uncle and her father? This is fate,I tell you. Elder Shi plans to use Long Ah Hai against us but fate did not like it. This is why Long Ah Hai''s only weakness is going to land in our palms."


    Qin Yung looked at the other man thoughtfully as he recognized the truth behind his words. Yes,filial piety could be easily aroused. Taking out his phone,he made a call to his trusted tracker,"I want you to gather information about a girl. You will follow her for three days. Be careful of her husband though he is ex army. At the opportune moment when she is alone,you must be caught by her and then confess to her that you were ordered to do this by her father. Bring her to me after that immediately, understand?"


    The second person who was actually waiting for Shi Ai was Yang Mei. She was worried sick about her younger sister after having watched the news last night. She recognized the bracelet as master had shown it to her in the past when she had first told him about the reason why Shi Qinglan was chasing her. That man wanted the entire set and had been looking for it for so many years. But Shi Ai had flaunted it last night without understanding the truth!And now that girl was back on those people''s radar.


    Yang Mei had thought that she would introduce herself to Xaio Xaio after working at KSS for a while but now she had to move up the schedule. Only by sticking close to her could she think of protecting her again. Knowing her preferences from research from the past few days,Yang Mei knew that Shi Ai usually came to this cafe at least once a day. It was her plan to accidentally bump into each other and strike a conversation. But now Yang Mei could already see a photographer trailing her. She could not let them be seen together so Yang Mei decised to get rid of the photographer first while Shi Ai placed her order inside the cafe.


    However before she could make a move,the man was lifted by a collar and his camera smashed to the ground."If you think you can reach my wife so easily,you.will be the next one instead of the camera. Get lost."


    The man scurried away and even Yang Mei took a step back cursing Ah Hai! Did the man ever leave Shi Ai alone? He was like a dog protecting his favorite toy! She could not let herself be exposed


    Thankfully,she had not mad any moves yet or she would have been done for.


    Shi AI came out of the cafe with a packet of take away only to find Ah Hai leaning there against a pole. He wore clothes that matched hers-shorts and a Tshirt. His posture highlighted his muscled arms and s.e.xy t.h.i.g.hs while his mouth betrayed him speaking of his anger.


    Danger signals going off in her head,Shi Ai decided to take preventive measures before the explosives were set off.. Skipping to him,she put a hand on his shoulder and gave him a small peck on the side of his lips. And then fluttering her eyelashes said in a cute voice,"Husband! How sweet you are to come pick me up. How did you guess I was missing you already? I was hungry so I jogged over. Please don''t be angry..


    Looking at the girl in front of him,Ah Hai wondered to himself how could her being silly also be seductive to him? Here she was trying to be cute and instead of telling her off for not taking care of her safety,he just wanted to grab her for a kiss. Shaking his head mentally,he gave himself a scolding first. No,he could not fall for this silly trick so he narrowed his eyes,pretending to be angry and said,"We already discussed this,Xaio Ai. After the auction,you were not to leave the house alone without at least me or a security detail.  And you disregarded that so easily."


    Pouting,Shi Ai said,"I knew you would follow me and always look after me,so why should I have to worry?"


    This,however really made Ah Hai angry as he grabbed her shoulders and said,"Xaio Ai. I may not always be there. It is why I have taught you to be vigilant and protect yourself. But you always disregard that!"


    Shaking her head stubbornly, Shi Ai wound her arm through Ah Hai''s before proclaiming, "No. You will always be there for me. Always ans forever. I know that so don''t try to scare me."


    As they started to walk towards their home,Shi Ai did not realize that somethings could not be predicted or made to come true just because one wanted them whole heartedly. And no one could control what happened in the future.


    Not even Long Ah Hai.

 Chapter 152 - I Am Your Uncle

    "Miss Shi,your uncle is here to see you." After a polite thank you,Shi Ai turned from her table in the dorm and shot a message to her Ah Hai,"He is here." Shi Ai had moved back into the dorms to allow this man the opportunity to be with her and he had not wasted any time in taking the bait. Leisurely leaving her room,Shi Ai walked towards the visitors room.


    A puzzled expression crossing her face,Shi Ai greeted the man and asked,"I am sorry,but are you mistaken?I do not have any uncle."


    Spying her,Shi Qinglan immediately got up,"Miss Shi! No I am actually here for you. I wonder if you swould have time to share a meal. Here this is my card,so you can feel safe."


    Shi Ai took the card and glancing at it,a smile crossed her face,"Oh!Mr Shi Qinglan. I thought that you looked familiar. Me and my husband also came for the charity auction your company organized and my husband''s company is also going to have a collaboration with you all soon. But what is this talk about you being my uncle.."


    Shi Qinglan looked at the girl in front of him and wondered if there really were such innocent girls left in this world. But from what his person had found out about her in the last week,it seemed thatshe really was an innocent little lamb.


    Giving a kindly smile( he thought it was kindly,Shi Ai on the other hand felt that it was creepy) he explained," It''s a long story Miss Shi, hence I am asking you out for a meal."


    Nodding at him trustingly,Shi Ai said,"Very well. Please give me a few minutes to change and we can go for lunch." Bowing to him,Shi Ai rushed back up the stairs and updated Ah Hai about their meeting.


    A moment later,as Shi Ai changed into formal clothes as her phone dinged,"Where are you going? Which restaurant?"


    In answer,Shi Ai sent a live location tracker on her phone to Ah Hai. Since she had decided to come across as a naive and trusting fool,she had naturally not asked that man anything.  But she would really be foolish to trust her dear uncle.


    A little while later,Shi Ai stared at her surroundings with interest. Shi Qinglan had chosen a good place. It was not too full nor to empty. Just enough to make someone comfortable. Once the two people were seated, Shi Ai looked at the man questioningly.  Shi Qinglan,she thought,should be awarded an oscar for acting as the man took a hesitant breath and started,"Child,I heard at the auction that you are an orphan. If you do not mind me asking, can you tell me the details of how you came to be an orphan? I know you might feel uncomfortable sharing the details of your painful past but please understand that I have my own reasons. And I will give you an explanation for this."


    Shi Ai really had the urge to give this man''s acting a standing ovation. His voice sounded as of he was in severe emotional pain.


    Shrugging her shoulders,Shi Ai smiled and answered," Oh please don''t worry. Talking about the past does not really pain me. You see,I do not have any memory of my days before the orphanage so I don''t even remember what it is I am missing.. my memories start from when I was eight years old at "Hope Orphanage" in country C. I spent my early years there and after that the orphanage received a huge scholarship fund so I was able to come here to study further.That is it. The story of my life. I lived in a hostel as a ward of the Government of C country and now I am going to be working with the government too. So, tell me now Mr Qinglan,what do you want to talk about.


    Shi Qinglan had already found out these details but pretended to not know them and asked further,"Then how did you meet Long Ah Hai and get married to him?"


    A small blush forming on her face,like a young teenager in the first throws of her cruse,she explained,"uhh,the company that sponsored my education belongs to my husband''s brother. We met at a conference they organized and I fell for him so I pestered him until he agreed to marry me. But before he could be convinced,I wanted to find out more about my birth mother. But when I went to country C,I was kidnapped by some human traffickers and that was when I saw him in a different light and tried to hold onto him to keep me safe. I was scared and in shock so he promised to marry me.


    With concern,horror and shock over his face,Shi Qinglan asked,"You were kidnapped? Oh you poor child. I am so sorry for having failed to protect you. You see..you are my beloved cousin''s daughter. If..if I had known that you were alive,I would have turned the skies upside down to find you. I can see you are shocked and find this unbelievable but I have proof. See,my cousin died in a fire accident at her home many years ago. Since we could not find any remains, we though that both her daughters had also perished with her. Shi AI,that bracelet belonged to my sister. It was part of her dowry. And seeing that brought back all the joyful memories we had shared. I even used to visit you when you were a child.My cousin was more important and like a real younger sister to me. But she was very stubborn and wilfully. Being motherless,she was pampered by the two of us. You have heard of the powerful Shi name and naturally she was expected to marry a rich heir and make the family more powerful. But she fell in love with a poor man. It was my fault for introducing them. Their love caused her to have a fallout with her father and you know how old people are,"He threw the family heirloom set at her as her dowry and asked her to never come back. And she was so hurt by her father''s move that she never really did come back.  Elder Shi had ordered every one to never take her name in the family again. I had no power during those days so all I could do was secretly visit your parents occassionally. They were very happy and so I never tried to interfere or reconcile the father and daughter. I thought that time would bring them closer.It is why I never knew that your father recurred sudden losses in business and that your parents had become impoverished. And by the time I came to know about it,your mother was already lost in that fire. We thought that you too had died in that fire. Do you remember that you had an elder sister? Do you remember her?"


    Tears flowing from her eyes,Shi Ai shook her head and in a trembling voice asked,"How..how did you know that I am your sister''s daughter? And did my sister survive that fire. What about my father? Do you know where he is now?"


    Shi Qinglan also had a few tears flowing on hsi cheeks as he said,"That bracelet was part of my sister''s dowry set. And I believed until now that both her daughters were dead but you are alive so maybe fate has blessed us and your elder sister may have survived. I have already hired a few investigators to look into it. And yes your father is alive. He lived alone all these years missing his family. Next time I will take you to meet him. Will you like that?"


    Shi Ai gave the man an emotional nod and tearfully nodded. She then tried to excuse herself,"Mister Shi. If you do not mind,can I take a train check for today''s meal. I have just learnt so much that I need some time to absorb this. Please excuse me."


    Shi Qinglan also nodded understanding but said,"I will let you go but on one condition. I am your uncle. So discard the formalities and call me Uncle Shi. Alright?"


    Shi AI rolled her eyes internally and decided that acting was a really difficult job. And the man was too over the top. But,maintaining her composure,she smiled tearfully and said," Uncle Shi. Thank you."


    After she made her escape and walking a safe distance,Shi Ai wiped her eyes and looked down at her hand which was slightly red from having to punch herself to bring out tears. This Shi Qinglan was really too much. He could even bring out tears on command. If she had not known his real face,she would have totally fallen for his act hook,line and sinker. Yuck. Thank God she escaped the meal or she would have suffered severe indigestion.

 Chapter 153 - Elder Shis Regrets

    At the KSS headquarters, the receptionist called, Ah Hai''s office,"Miss Yang,Elder Shi is here for his meeting with CEO Knight." Thanking the receptionist,Yang Mei called Ah Hai ans informing of the same,took the elevator downwards to escort the man upstairs. Elder Shi had only just emtered the reception when he saw Yang Mei exit from the elevators. His mouth twitched wanting to greet her but her face was as cold and expressionless as ever. Though he was an old man,he was healthy and walked with the help of only a walking stick.


    Once Elder Shi was escorted into the office,Ah Hai ordered Yang Mei to not disturn them. Welcoming the man with a customary nod,Ah Hai waited for Elder Shi to open the conversation,which he did. Elder Shi,leaned back in his chair even as one of his forearms rested on his walking stick. "Mr Long Ah Hai. You are the only Long brother I had yet to meet. And I must say,each of exceed in arrogance that the other. The least you can do is offer a drink. I am your gra..I mean your senior in business."


    Elder Shi had been about to say grandfather in law but stopped himself at the last moment. He had been too excited and was about to make a mistake. The official purpose for his visit here was to talk business but that could have been handled by any executive. There had been no need for himself to come. He actually wanted to discuss Shi Xaio Ai with the man. He had seen for himself how protective Ah Hai was of the girl on the night of the auction. Ah Hai gave no reply but getting up from his chair,he went to a small table in the corner and poured a cup of tea.Placing the cup in front of Elder Shi respectfully, "I can only offer you tea since I don''t drink or serve alcohol...grandfather in law."


    A big smile spread across Elder Shi''s face as he received Ah Hai''s acknowledgement."So you do know. I wondered if you knew.Good good. Then I would like to meet my grand daughter.."


    As Ah Hai sat across the older man,henshook his head,denying him."I am sorry but Shi Ai is not yet ready to meet you or accept you. Seeing her at this time will only lead to more hurt."


    It was like the light had disappeared from Elder Shi. His eyes closed for a moment as he murmured,"I failed to cherish my daughter. This is the punishment I get.  Both my grand daughters hate me."


    In an emotional state,Elder Shi had slipped up and failed to notice his mistake but Ah Hai caught on and his eyes narrowed. He had his doubts on the night of the auction when Elder Shi had not reacted to Xiao Ai much bit now it was confirmed. Shi Qinglan had believed the younger Shi daughter to be dead and so he had been shocked but Elder Shi did not have much of a reaction. He had known that Xaio Ai was alive. And there was only one person who knew this truth and that was the older Shi daughter. This single comment was enough to show Ah Hai that his hunch was right and Xaio Ai''s elder sister was under this man''s protection. Soon he would reach Shi Ai also but for now..


    "Elder Shi, Xaio Ai does not hate you but she has only discovered that she has biological family here in Country A and that of the two living people in the family,one is a man who is responsible for the devastation of her family and the other who could have prevented it if only he could be bothered. So it would be better to give her some time to forgive you."


    The elder agreed hisbhead and having taken the time to compose himself,he asked,"So you also know about Shi Qinglan. I am glad. I was a fool to have believed in him. When he told me to break off all ties with Shi Qing to teach her a lesson,I listened to him. He said he kept an eye on her and that she was well and I believed him. I was angry at my daughter. First for marrying someone unworthy of her and then later I was ashamed to apologize to her. I consoled myself that at least she was happy. I wish I had only checked for my self instead of trusting that snake. I would have handed him everything on a silver platter if only he had spared my child. And like a fool I kept on believing in Shi Qinglan even when he told me that my daughter''s family had perished in that accidental fire.It was only later.." Elder Shi seemed to realize that he had almost said too much and shaking his head,decided to question Ah Hai,"But how do you know about Shi Qinglan? Xaio Ai would have been too small to even remember him and what he had done."


    Ah Hai had no intention of telling the old man too much and simply said,"I have my ways. So tell me Elder Shi,why have you not yet handled the snake yet?"


    Elder Shi''s hands clenched on his stick as he said,"It is my fault. Losing my Shi Qing,first to her marriage and then death,I had been living in a haze for many years and during this time,Shi Winglan had used insidious ways to snatch power. Those who were with me for gains shifter their loyalties and those who would have stayed by me were blackmailed or threatened to turn over to the other side. By the time I realized Shi Qinglan''s truth,I was a only a head in name. It has taken me so many years to gain back and win over the internal struggle. You or rather your company is my last step in over turning Shi Qinglan''s power. Since you have found about Qinglan then you must know that he is using the hospitals for many unlawful purposes. If you are to train the security there and take over this aspect then there is naturally going to be a decrease in the number of frauds and illegal activities he can do. Once the source of his money is curtailed, I can try to suppress him. Tell me,will you agree?"


    Ah Hai,once again chose to remain silent. Finally after a while he looked at the old man and said,"Of course I will agree. But I think Elder Shi, you should,for now,back out from this struggle. Shi Qinglan''s fall is very near and it will be brought about by your grand daughter. Maybe then she will find it in her heart to forgive you.


    Elder Shi thought to himself,"Both my grand daughters are stubborn and strong. Just like their mother and grandmother.  He had waited all his life to hear Shi Ai to call him grandfather so he could wait some more. He only hoped he survived until that day. And there was no way he was backing out of this fight but he decided he would let the girls get their revenge first and intervene, should they need help. There was no need for his precious girls to dirty their hands.


    Sipping his tea, Elder Shi wondered if he should bring up the other matter that he was worried about. But he asked anyway,not for him self bit to pacify Yang Mei. "Mr Long.. how old are you?"


    Ah Hai was amused at the question,he knew where this conversation was going but answered anyway,"I am 32 years."


    "And Xaio Ai is 23 years.Mr Long, don''t you think the age difference between the two of you is too much? I mean,I know that you married her to save her since you believed that she was an orphan but now you know that she has family so you do not need to feel burdened."


    This statement caused the atmosphere to drop to sub zero temperatures and a smile so cold graced Ah Hai''s face that Elder Shi almost forgot to breathe. He had never met such a formidable man in his life."Elder Shi. I am the only family Shi Ai has or needs. And remember this your investigators have only found what I allowed them to find. Xaio has belonged to me for more than a decade. Anyone who tries to take her away from me will find themselves at hell''s door."


    Elder Shi nodded mutely but inside he was worried beyond sickness. Yang Mei was bent on ''protecting'' her sister from this man but if she succeeded then no one would be able to protect her. He needed to convince Yang Mei to discard her plans and show her true self.

 Chapter 154 - Brooding Ah Hai

    The entire day after Elder Shi left,Ah Hai was left in a bad mood. His mood was such that if Yang Mei had not been strong of heart,she would have already left the place in tears. No one could guess the reason for Ah Hai''s bad mood. The words that Elder Shi had said were going around in a loop in his head. Scoff! Of course he knew he was too old for Shi Ai. It was why he had restrained himself for so many years. He had even given her a chance to date other boys and fall in love with someone else. But did she? No! She only worked her way into his heart.


    And now that she was his,he was not happy that someone had pointed out their age difference. So what if he was jaded and experienced while she was not. Being with him,she gain his experience also. Senile old man. He was going to talk to Shi Ai on the man''s behalf but now he would not. Angrily,he marched out of the office,leaving the others to breathe in relief.


    Shi Ai on the other hand came home in a good mood. She had successfully completed her mission and was one step closer to her goal.Spotting her man''s car in the driveway,she was even more cheered and ran inside happily. But the house was empty. Shi Ai was confised for a while but then thought that he must have gone to exercize so shrugging her shoulders,she went into the kitchen to prepare some dinner. After an hour of humming to herself and preparing a simple pasta dinner,Shi Ai turned around to find Ah Hai leaning against the door watching her.


    Before she could even be startled,she was being carried over Ah Hai''s shoulders towards the door. Exasperated at being carried around like a sack of potaotes,Shi Ai curled her fingers into fists and hit his back to let her down. Of course the brute gave no response and simply smacked her a.s.s. Never had she thought that Ah Hai was such an unreasonable pervert!


    Finally, she was carried into a shed-like room on the outer periphery of the house.. putting her back on her feet,Ah Hai turned her to face him,a small boyish grin gracing his face. Shi AI,who had been about to launch into a rant,blinked at Ah Hai with a dazed expression. She closed her eyes wondering if she was imagining things but opening them she looked up and he was still grinning like a little boy. She was totally charmed by this face and forgot all about her angry retorts.


    Ah Hai also kept looking at her and wiggling his eyebrows,asked,"So what do you think?" The question brought Shi Ai back to the present and she retorted,"What do I think? I think I can walk like a human being.You don''t need to.." Before Shi Ai could get into a scold,Ah Hai flicked her on the forehead and pointed around the room,"I meant this. I like carrying you so you have to get used to this. But I am asking what you think about the room?"


    That was when Shi Ai looked around the room and her eyes widened in shock. This room was an artists dream. Low beamed ceiling with various lights hanging low and a big window facing peach blossom trees with a big canvas mounted on the easel,Shi Ai''s hand was almost itching to grab the brushes in the corner and start to paint. She turned to a still grinning Ah Hai and thanked him by throwing her self into hsi arms,"Thank you so much. It has been so long since I held a brush. Ever since I moved into that accursed dorm I had to leave all my supplies behind.. oh!oh!oh!I am so happy! What should I paint first? This is so cool!"Shi Ai was twirling around excitedly as she muttered to herself. She was no professional but she felt that she was good at it. As she wondered over what.subject to choose,she spied a few old discarded canvas in a corner. Turning over the canvas,her breath caught in her throat


    First at the painting and then the signature. This was the world famous painter Dark Knight. He was known to release only one painting a year and each one was bid higher than the previous year. And there were almost 5 paintings by that man just lying here discarded. And like the previous paintings it was a mixture of dark colors and emotions. That was when she came to a conclusion, "These are your paintings!You are the elusive painter Dark Knight. The grin on Ah Hai''s face had turned into a scowl as he said,"What elusive. Those are just an outlet to release rage and then be discarded. Shi AI wondered if any of those collectors who paid millions of dollars to buy these paintings would feel of they heard this. Suddenly,Shi Ai had another urge and she made her request to Ah Hai."Paint something for me!"


    Ah Hailooked over at the girl in front of him as if she had lost her marbles. Patiently,he explained,"Little love,I made this room for you to paint. So you paint something for me."


    But Shi Ai was getting good at making Ah Hai agree to her requests so she fluttered her eyelashes at him and have him sad eyes.Rolling his eyes at her dirty tricks,he warned her,"I have never painted a person before so you better not expect too much."


    Nodding her head,she was ready to skip to sit on the couch in the corner but was placed on a chair by a pair of hands on her waist."Sit here. I need inspiration." So now Shi Ai sat in front of the window facing the back of a canvas. Before walking away,Ah Hai unbuttoned three buttons on Shi Ai''s shirt and pulled them a bit apart for some more "inspiration" making Shi Ai blush a bright pink.


    As Ah Hai started to mix colors in a palette, Shi ai was trying to lean over and watch but then sat still after a glare from the man. After two hours of maintaining the same position,Shi Ai was starting to get stiff.


    That was when Ah Hai walked over to her and pulled her up. Sitting on the chair that she had just vacated,he placed her on his l.a.p and started to rub his hands over her back,massaging the stiffness away. Excitedly,Shi Ai asked him,"Did you finish?I have to go see it." Shi AI was about to skip down from his l.a.p but he held her in place with a hand on her waist."Sit here. Let it dry for now. And you need to pay first."


    Just then Shi Ai felt a cold breeze blow on her stomach as she realized that Ah Hai had undone all the buttons on her shirt and his hand was now on a soft part of her body,his thumb fl.i.c.k.i.n.g the little peaks there. Stuttering Shi Ai started to say something but her mind could only draw a blank,while Ah Hai''s small hands continued to take liberty with her body. She could not bear to take her eyes off his hands. There was something different about his touch today. She could not point whatbit was but somehow he seemed more aggressive and almost angry. With a finger under her chin,Ah Hai made Shi Ai look up as he asked her,"Little love,Who do you belong to?"


    A raised eyebrow,he pinched the peaked nib harder and asked,"Me? Who?"


    Breathing harshly in p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e and pain,Shi Ai was confused at the question but the burning intensity in his eyes made her answer softly,"You. Ah Hai. My husband. My lover."


    The next moment Shi Ai''s lips were sealed with Ah Hai''s as they frantically removed their clothes to make love as they moved towards the couch.


    Long into he night as the two lay on the couch,Shi Ai smiled and thought to herself,"She was going to have some amazing inspiration for her paintings in the future. Turning her head to look at the sleeping form of Ah Hai,she slowly slipped out of his arms and tiptoed towards the painting.


    She was disappointed at first glance because all she could see was falling peach blossoms against a background of a blue sky. How was she an inspiration for that? Just as she was about to turn back,she got another glimpse of the painting. No! The peach blossoms highlighted the profile of a girl and the painting was magic!Walking in front of the painting,she saw that it was different from every angle. Depending on where you stood as you observed,ypunwould be able to see the silhouette of a smiling or a pouting girl but in a blink that image could disappear making one wonder if it was real or their imagination. He had even named the painting. It was called "Heart''s D.e.s.i.r.e".

 Chapter 155 - The First Step

    The KSS building sat empty with only a few night guards who were waiting to go home. They were quite frightened when they saw the company boss so early. Like a devil,he was dressed in black from head to toe as he walked into the quiet building.


    A little while later,another suit clad figure walked in with a file in his hand and pressed the elevator  button to the top floor. Though there were now two people in the office,it was still just as silent.


    Assistant Yang have a perfunctory knock on the door before he entered the office. Without a word, he nodded at Ah Hai who sat at his desk before placing the file in his hand in front of the man and beginning his report.


    There are two pieces if news. The first is that I have found some of the previous but recent victims though they are going not going to be of much help. Shi Qinglan seems to have a modus operandi. Every year he chooses a charity and then two victims under the guise of ''helping'' them. But the bad news here is that though they leave his place safe and sound,these people tended to disappear off the face of earth after a couple of years. So I have been only able to find the ones from the last year. But that too is not helpful. The last victim is in a mental institution in country M. As you know country M is presently in chaos so getting someone to penetrate the place and get information is going to be a little time consuming but we are working on that.


    As for the second part, he still has a young girl who he is preparing to send abroad for further ''studies'' as soon as he gets approval to foster two new kids from the orphanage he has recently supported. By using a different charity every year,he has planned very well to not arouse suspicion. Anyway,this girl has tried to repeatedly run away from him but to no avail as the previous orphanage''s coordinator was bought by money. Thay seeks to be the case with this one as well. So,this is the plan that you wanted me to design. The person to stop this is going to be the social worker appointed by he government. This is that person''s profile who had been appointed by the government. She is also corrupt to the core and has worked with this man in the past.Soon she is going to be suspended for accepting bribes and will be under investigation.. So I have pulled some strings and now Madam Xaio Ai will be taking the place as an intern social worker and we have already created a profile for Xu Likun to take the place of the Senior Social worker. Is there anything else you want me to deal with?"


    Ah Hai''s eyes narrowed at all the details that Assistant Yang gave. Nodding,"Don''t put Xu Likun in charge. Make Knox. Let him be the senior social worker."


    Assistant Yang felt his brows raise at this instruction. Before he could question him,Ah Hai explained,"She needs to sort out her priorities and is not safe for Ah Hai at present. Knox is agile and observant so he will balance out Shi Ai''s flaws well. Let him know and create a good background for him too. A corrupt one. Hmm?"


    Assistant Yand nodded in undertanding and now that this topic was over,Ah Hai moved onto thenext subject matter,"And do you have any news about the other matter that I messaged you to investigate about?"


    Yang nodded and then pointed to the unopened file on Ah Hai''s table,"Yes.These are the details of Elder Shi''s bank accounts and the people he meets. There is no anamoly in his bank statements or any of those people working for him. There are no miscellaneous expenses but there is something interesting that I found for you. You see, Elder Shi regularly visits the place where he has put the ashes of his late wife and daughter. As you know most people would do it once or twice a year but Elder Shi visits every week. Now the interesting part is that a woman used to work there and some other employees used to gossip about.It seemed Elder Shi was especially kind to her. But she has now resigned.And coincidentally that woman is now your new Assistant-Yang Mei."


    This time Ah Hai almost gave a small laugh as he said,"Well done.Assistant Yang. You have most certainly not lost your touch! Thank you for your hard work."


    Assistant Yang nodded and soon left the office,disappearing without a trace.


    Ah Hai leaned back in his chair as he pondered this new person.Mis Yang Mei was planted by Elder Shi. How interesting. The question was why. Shrugging his shoulders as he decided to wait out as she revealed her own plan,Ah Hai left the office to buy something tasty for his wife. Since Shi Ai had been training hard these days,he decided to buy a box of donuts for her even as he bought a cup of black coffee for himself. Shi Ai must be about to wake up and would be happy to see her favorites. He could even get lucky. Though all these perverted thoughts went through Ah Hai''s head,his expression remained the same and nobody could have thought that he was having wild thoughts of pleasing his wife in different ways.


    Shi AI had just woken up after an exhausting night and was cursing Ah Hai for being so greedy. It seemed he was going to use up his years of abstinence within a few days. But before she could be riled up in her head,Ah Hai placed in her l.a.p a box of fragrant donuts. Happily hugging her husband,Shi Ai poinced on the box of donuts like a starved junkie amusing Ah Hai to no end. Midway through the box,a long lost memory flashed in her mind. This caused Shi Ai''s eyes to widen as she slowed down on eating trying to catch a glimpse of what had flashed in front of her. Naturally this was noticed by  Ah Hai. Looking at Ah Hai,Shi Ai explained,"I just had a memory flash though I am not too sure if it''s is true or not. I think it was a little while before I was dropped at the orphanage. Our mother had got the two of us a donut each and we were stuffing our mouths trying to see who would win first.I think that could be why I love donuts so much and feel like they are my comfort food. Ah Hai, do you think my sister also likes donuts now? Or will she have changed and like something else now?." A nostalgic smile graced Shi Ai''s face as she tried to catch the elusive memory to lock away in her heart all the while continuing to eat her breakfast.


    But she failed to notice that Ah Hai''s smile had stiffened a bit.


    Yang Mei. Though he paid no attention to the woman,he could still recall her features with perfect accuracy. They had been looking for Xaio Ai''s sister for so long now. The only thing they had relied on was to find a girl who closely resembled Xaio Ai. But siblings who resemble each other closely can grow up to look apart. In his mind,he dissected Yang Mei''s features and though there was nothing much similar,he realized that the shape of Yang Mei''s eyes was actually a perfect match to Shi Ai. If a person was to show only the eyes then no normal person would be able to classify whose eyes were which.


    So Yang Mei was here not to spy on him


    Yang Mei was the real Shi Ai


    But why was she here undercover.  Why would a girl who had sacrificed so much for her little sister not jump at the chance to meet her baby sister but instead start to work under her brother in law. Thinking it over,Ah Hai nodded to himself,deciding to let go. He would keep quiet for now and as decided earlier to wait for Yang Mei to make her move. There was no guarantee that Yang Mei was not dangerous to Shi Ai.  People changed whether by choice or force was just circ.u.mstantial.


    So let Yang Mei be the cat and sniff around. He would wait to see if she was worth his Xaio Ai or not. And if he thought even for a moment that Yang Mei was dangerous then the girl would have to disappear off the face of earth. Xaio Ai did not know whether her sister was alive or not and had lived so many years. She would have to continue living like that. Yang Mei,I hope that you do not have any nefarious intentions. Your presence would be welcome to my Xaio Ai but if you are not worthy of her love,she will never know of your existence..

 Chapter 156 - Meet Again

    Shi Qinglan sat at the table as he waited for the reports from his people. A young girl sat near his feet with her head down,trying to make herself invisible. Just then a knock sounded on the door and Qin Yung walked in. Plopping down in front of the man,he ignored the fixture at Shi Qinglan''s feet and began ranting,"Why do I have to get a daughter? You know I hated that woman and those girls. All my life!All my life I have followed your orders but now I just want to be in peace with you!Why do you have to pursue those people?Why?It is just a piece of old junk! Why are you so obsessed with that jew.."


    Before the man could complete his sentence,a hand banged on the table and a steely voice commanded,"Shut your trap Qin Yung! You seem to have forgotten your manners." shi Qinglan gave a pointed look towards the girl at his feet,indicating that Qin Yung should not have spoken anything in front of him. Qin Yung simply scoffed before saying,"As if she would live long enough to say or understanding anything." But still the man did not complete his sentence about what Shi Qinglan was obsessed with. Shi Qinglan glanced at the down turned head of the girl,trying to gauge if she had any reaction but the girl continued to sit in the same position. Pleased, he placed a hand on the top of her head and c.a.r.e.s.sed it. He had finally turned the little girl obedient. Too bad it was time for her to go. He enjoyed her escape attempts too much.


    Qin Yung stared at the hand on the girl''s head and thought back to the time when he had taken a liking to his elder daughter.  Qin Yung remembered being so jealous that he had almost wanted to beat her to death.


    Another knock then sounded on the door and Shi Qinglan''s assistant entered,ready to give his report. "Sir,Miss Shi Xaio Ai seems to have told her husband about your conversation. Long Ah Hai has made some quiet inquiries and investigations about the Shi''s. So your guess is right that he is protective of her. We have naturally hidden the other things even more well  now. Also as per our person in Elder Shi''s confidence,Elder Shi met with Long Ah Hai,to request a meeting with Shi Xaio Ai but was refused directly. Elder Shi is presently trying to look for ways to contact Shi Xaio Ai,unsuccessfully. Regarding the business aspect,KSS has accepted the proposal and are soon going to start their work in the hospital." Hearing all the news,Shi Qinglan nodded,satisfied with everything. But,"I asked you to find in depth about Shi Xaio Ai''s last few years."


    "This..Sir, we are unable to find any information about her at present. Everything has been suppressed by CEO Ah Hai.  It could be to keep her from prying eyes since many media reporters are also trying to find about her but for  now any file relating to Miss Shi Xaio Ai is buried."


    Angrily,banging a fist on the table,Shi Qinglan shouted,"You have been working with me for so many years! I have maintained my network since the time that Ah Hai would have been in his diapers!Are yountelling ke he is so powerful that he can hide information from me too? Twenty four hours,you have twenty four hours to find out how that girl who was supposed to have died in country C sonmany years ago is alive and healthy and living in country A. And if you are unable to find out, younbetter not return."


    The assistant nodded his head in understanding but did not leave right away.he had another piece of bad news to give..he was pretty sure he would not be able to survive that..


    Seeing that the assistant had yet to scurry away,Shi Qinglan narrowed his eyes at the man and said,"Now what?"


    Stuttering,"Sir...Sir,there is a slight snag in the process for fostering the two children you had chosen. But it will be done soon sir."


    A deathly silence prevailed in the room. Even Qin Yung,who had been slouching until now sat up straight. In a small voice,Shi Qinglan asked,"What do you mean there is a snag?"


    The assistant,did not dare to look up and said,"Sir,the social worker who usually handles our cases has been suspended under corruption charges. It seems a reported did an under cover operation and caught her red handed. There has been a huge huge and cry in the public. As a result,the government has set up an investigation committee to check all her previous cases also. I have used our sources to suppress this and they are not going to investigate for now but it is going to take some time to find a suitable replacement social worker."


    "SMASH!!!" A tea cup was thrown across the room at the wall and shattered there making the everyone in the room jerk in shock. Grabbing the girl on the floor by her hair,he pulled her hair and said,"Scram."


    Like an obedient little dog,the girl ran away from the room while the two other men shivered in their boots. "Just now you assured me that all problems have been buried so that Long Ah Hai would not be able to find anything.  And now you are telling me this. Do you think that Long Ah Hai is a mere dog? That man is a bloody hungry wolf and younhave just thrown a piece of meat at my step to invite him. Do not use your pea sized brain in the future. Who told you to suppress the news? You should let them investigate so that everyone knows that we have nothing to hide! I am going to skin you alive if this stupid move of yours brings any trouble."


    The assistant nodded again as if there was a spring in his neck and then hurried out of the room. Qin Yung vacated his chair and slowly walked over to Shi Qinglan. Planting his lips on the man''s in a small peck he said,"See. This accursed higirl has just returned and is already ruining your plans. Just like her mother. And like I got rid of her mother,I will get rid of her for you. So,my love do not be angry. I am going to request a meeting to meet my darling baby girl.My Xaio Xaio."


    Shi Qinglan gave a simple nod at Qin Yung''s offer before returning the man''s kiss. While the amorous pair played outside,the little girl inside the room was repeating a name like a mantra. Long Ah Hai. Long Ah Hai. Long Ah Hai.


    There really was a man is this world that this monster was scared of. She had to escape and find this man.it may be too late to save her but those that would come after her were still innocent! She interlocked her fingers in nervousness as she tried to think of how to find this man. Whoever this Long  Ah Hai was he had to be famous if media was trying to find about his wife. Getting to such a high profile man would not be an easy feat. Kneeling on the ground,the little girl joined her hands in prayer,pleading to God to help her even as tears flowed from her eyes.


    And sometimes desperate prayers are answered,because soon her fate would change and the monster she wished to get rid of would be extinguished. Every oppressor needs to remember that some day,there would be resistance and a reaction. Shi Qinglan believed that he had turned the girl into an obedient dog but in fact he had forgotten that a dog''s bite is very harmful.


    Meanwhile,in Ah Hai''s office,Yang Mei received a confidential report from Assistant Yang with instructions to pass it to CEO Ah Hai. As per the protocol,she opened the file to check the contents to summarize but then stood frozen in shock. The file contained the photos of a young girl who she knew was presently in her uncle''s grasp and underlined the entire process that would be done to rescue the girl. Yang Mei felt her world come to a stop. She had thought that her sister remembered nothing but now she was not too sure. Why would Long Ah Hai investigate Shi Qinglan otherwise and devise a plan to ruin that man. Yang Mei wanted to run from her office and go meet her little sister. Her eyes were moist at the thought that what she had been trying to do for years,Long Ah Hai had already been able to accomplish. In this moment,Yang Mei decided to come clean with Long Ah Hai and offer her own services. She saw that Xaio Ai would be taking the place of the assistant social worker. There was no need for her sister to take that risk. She would do it. Just as Yang Mei was about to go around her desk,the doors to the private elevator opened and Yang Mei finally came face to face with her little sister.

 Chapter 157 - Meeting You (2)

    Yang Mei almost lost control of herself when she saw a smiling Xaio Ai walking out of the elevator. Placing down the file on the table,she had unconsciously taken a step forward when Knox walked out behing Xaio Ai. The presence of a strange man brought her out of her sudden stupor causing her to look down and take a deep breath.


    By the time, Xaio Ai and Knox had walked over to her desk outside the CEO''s office,Yang Mei had composed herself. Bowing professionally,she greeted the two and explained,"CEO Knight is on a conference call.Please give me a moment and I will inform him of your arrival."


    Before Shi Ai could say anything,Knox interrupted,"That''s ok,Miss Yang! Take your time!By the way,I see that you seem to have recognized our lady boss,despite having started work recently. Miss Yang,I know for sure that you do not gossip so tell me how do you do that!"


    Yang Mei simply stared at Knox as she answered,"I may not gossip but I do read the news,Mr Knox! And now I will go and let the CEO know,you are here. Please excuse me. Ma''m." With a nod in Shi Ai''s direction,Yang Mei knocked on the inner door,clutching a file in her hand.


    Shi Ai stared at the woman''s back with a curious face. She did not know why but she felt as if she had seen the woman from somewhere."


    Knox smilingly turned to look at Shi Ai,only to find her staring at the assistant''s back. His smile widened as he teased her,"Sister in law!Are you jealous of the new assistant?Are you also going to tear down the door because she touched it and it belongs to your husband?" Knox was naturally teasing Shi Ai about the incident last time when she had cut off Ah Hai''s sleeve..


    Rolling her eyes at Knox,Shi Ai stopped staring in that direction as she turned to him and said,"Please call me Shi Ai.Sister in law is too much! Also I am not that unreasonable! That day it was about showing who was the boss,but I do not need to keep throwing my weight around."


    Knox gave a pleased laugh and decided to instigate a prank!She may say that it was about showing who is the boss but even now he could feel her ire and jealousy over someone holding her husband.Thus,"But you must show your place to the Assistant also!Do you know that she is the first female assistant to survive under Ah Hai? And don''t you feel threatened that she gets to spend the entire day with your husband on this floor all alone? And even now here you are waiting for her permission to go inside and see him! Shi Ai,do you know some people call the office assistant as the office wife also?"


    Seeing the mischevious glint in Knox''s eyes,Shi Ai just rolled her eyes. She had seen them mercilessly trying to tease Ah Hai when they had come over for dinner by continuously complimenting her and now he was trying to pull a similar prank on her! Well she was smarted than that. Going close to his ear she whispered,"But I get to spend the nights. So .."


    This statement caused Knox to mave away in shock as he stared at the formidable woman before him and started to laugh! Brother Knight had gotten himself a bold wife!


    Meanwhile,inside the office:


    Yang Mei placed the file in her hand on Ah Hai''s desk. And started to give the report,"Sir.This file has been sent by Assistant Yang!"


    Ah Hai nodded and looking up from his work,he picked up the file before issuing instructions,"My wife and Knox are going to be here in a few minutes. Please let them in as soon as they come. You may go." As Ah Hai started to browse through the file,he ignored the woman''s pesence though he knew that she still stood there. After a minute,when Yang Mei had yet to leave,Ah Hai looked up and asked in a cold voice,"Miss Yang?Would you like to submit your resignation?"


    Yang Mei looked up where she stood in shock and shook her head in denial.


    "Then why are you standing there when you have been ordered to leave?Get out."


    "Sir,I am sorry but Mr Knox and Madam are already here but I wanted to talk to you about something so I lied to them that you were on a call."


    Ah Hai placed the file in his hand on the table and looked at the woman coldly,"Miss Yang,please collect your severance pay from the HR and leave. What you have to say is not more important than my wife."


    Yang Mei still did not move as she said,"Sir.It is about the protection of your wife. I.. I read the file that assistant Yang had sent over and saw the role that Madam is set out to play. I..I just wanted to volunteer myself in her place. I guessed that Mr Knox and Madam are here for the discussion of the contents in this file which is why I lied. I am sorry for being presumptuous but it seems like a dangerous mission so I would like to request that you send me."


    This caused Ah Hai to give Miss Yang another look. Though she stood calm and composed,he could see the anxiousness in her eyes. His eyes moving to the closed door behind her,he asked a single word,"Why?"


    Having not had the time to prepare an answer or a cover,Yang Mei could only blurt out,"Sir..Xaio..I mean Madam looks very innocent and fragile and I know that she knows self defense but.."


    Nodding,Ah Hai have another nod and in a considerable thawed voice said,"Miss Yang,I will take your request into consideration. Now please let them in."


    Bowing Yang Mei went out and let the two people waiting outside into the room.

 Chapter 158 - Still Have Family

    Knox and Shi Ai read the file that Assistant Yang had sent over. Shi AI naturally had known these things but seeing the evidence and reading everything in it was making her want to puke. She too had spent years in an orphanage and only now did she full realize that she really had been blessed to never have encou tered such villains. Knox,who had walked into the situation blindly was on the other hand seething in rage. If it had not been for years of learning self discipline in the army,he would have roared in anger by now. What sort of animals existed in this world? The more he read the folder his expression became and Shi Ai saw for the first time why this man was one of the best in KSS. His eyes had turned murderous as of now.


    Finally,Knox put down the file in his hand and glanced first at Ah Hai and then Shi Ai.


    "I am taking the case but I have a few questions. Who is the client and why are we using your wife when we have so many female trained officers. No offense, I know that she is good but I cannot work with others interference and you would not be able to leave yourself out when it comes to your wife."


    Ah Hai nodded as he explained," The client is confidential and Shi Ai cannot be replaced in this plan so all I can assure you is that I will..try to keep out of the case."


    Snorting at Ah Hai''s "try to",Knoz threw the file onto the table and said,"Not happening brother. Give me the entire information and full autonomy or I am just going to go and finish off the sc.u.m now. It''s not like he needs to live on this earth after the sins he has committed."


    Ah Hai had wanted to keep Shi Ai''s past secrets as much s possible so he had been hesitant to tell Knox everything.Before AAhHai could make up a story,Shi Ai spoke,"I am the client, Knox. That man is responsible for many crimes against my family and I am the one who is going to send him to his rightful place. From making me an orphan to harming my sister,the blame all lies with him.And we are using me because it will be easier to get him to trust me because he thinks he has a trump card on me and that I am an emotional fool. That man..no that monster is my biological uncle who has promised me to introduce me to my father.. So though they will be doubtful,they won''t think much of me.And I can promise you that I will be a good assistant,follow your orders. Ah Hai will not interfere. That Shi Qinglan will have to pay with interest what he took from me and my sister."


    Knox closed the partially opened door as he walked back to his seat. Because the door had not opened fully,nobody noticed Yang Mei who stood outside and heard everything that Shi ai said.


    Yang Mei rushed to the washroom on the other side of the floor and collapsed on the floor as she cried silently. For the first time in her life,she felt that she still had a family. Though her younger sister may have forgotten her and not recognized her,shebstill loved her enough to avenge her. Yang Mei could hardly stop crying. Finally after composing herself after a while,she went out and picking up her purse,rushed down the building and straight away to the bakery on the opposite end. Buying a few sweet desserts,since her Xaio Xaio had always had a sweet tooth,Yang Mei rushed back in time to see the kitchen staff bringing in the coffee. Taking the tray,and placing the sweets in a plate on the tray,Yang Mei knocked on the door. The discussion in the office room had calmed down now and everyone was silent as the cops were placed in front of them. Yang Mei placed Shi Ai''s cup last and then the tray of pastries in front of her. Shi AI looked at the tempting delicacies and grinned before saying, "Thank you, Miss Yang!These are my favorites."


    Seeing the sweets in front of Shi Ai,Knox frowned and complained,"Hey!Everytime I come to your office,all I can get is a glare not even a coffee. But now you have ordered your assistant to even bring Shi Ai''s favorite pastries. Just how much dog food are you going to serve us?"


    Ah Hai looked at the plate in front of his wife then at his Assistant refuting,"I did not order them. Miss Yang must have done herself."


    Shi Ai had also assumed that her husband was the one to have ordered the pastries so she felt touched at Yang Mei''s gesture and said so,"Thank you Miss Yang Mei. You are very thoughtful and you even guessed my favorites."


    Yang Mei have a composed smile,even as her eyes moistened,she bowed and said,"My p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e Madam. These are my favorites as well so I hope you enjoy them well. Excuse me."


    Saying this,Yang Mei hirroed out of the office leaving behind a thoughtful frown on Ah Hai''s face and a befuddled look on Knox. Only Shi Ai seemed to be absorbed in eating the pastries. Knox turned to look at Ah Hai and said,"Your new assistant is weird. Tell me,like the precious ones,she hasn''t done anything to seduce you,right? But now she is bringing sweet stuff for your wife. Is it possible she bends the other way and has become smitten with her? As in is she trying to be your love competitor?"


    Ah Hai: ".."


    Shi Ai (who had been enjoying the pastries): Cough Cough cough.


    Not noticing their reaction Knox:"Thay would be a pity though."

 Chapter 159 - I Am Jealous

    Ah Hai could only shake his head at Knox''s wild imagination and said,"Knox. Shut up. She is totally normal and the only reason she has survived here is not because she has not tried to seduce me but because she is competent. And now you need to go and prepare. I am not paying you to sit and create rumors.Get out."


    Knox narrowed his eyes before muttering, "Curiouser and curiouser.  This is high praise coming from you. She just be really good


    Shi Ai, you remember what I told you about office assistants right?Ciao."


    Ah Hai scowled as Knox retreated before turning to Shi Ai who was now stabbing at her pastry as if it had somehow offended her. Raising his eyebrow,he looked at his wife and said,"Why are you murdering the pastry?Is it not to your taste?"


    "What? You have a problem with my eating it like this? Is it because your competent assistant brought it for me? Here,let me feed it to you."Shi Ai stabbed the pastry a few more times before getting up and walking around the table to Ah Hai''s chair with the fork extended.


    Ah Hai''s face had turned into a smirk at this and just as Shi Ai would have stuffed the innocent pastry into his mouth,Ah Hai caught her wrist and pulled the spoon out of her grasp as Shi Ai lost her balance and fell into his l.a.p. Throwing an arm around her waist to keep her in place,Ah Hai put the spoon and plate at a safe distance before his other hand also came to rest at Shi Ai''s soft waist. Ah Hai c.o.c.ked his head at the pouting girl in his arm as if asking her about the sudden change in her mood.


    Scowling,Shi Ai poked a finger into his hard c.h.e.s.t asking in a accusing tone,"Just how many woman have tried to seduce you? You Playboy! I thought that you were aloof and cold but you must be a good flirt!"


    Catching the finger that was trying to put a hole in his c.h.e.s.t,Ah Hai grinned at the jealous girl in his arms abefore saying,"Countless women have tried!" This made Shi Ai even more angry and she started to struggle harder to get her finger out of his grasp but Ah Hai would not let go as he pulled her to him and sealed her lips with his. After putting up a momentary struggle,Shi Ai turned soft in his arms and was soon kissing him back. After a few minutes,Ah Hai pulled back and whispered,"They are countless because I never saw any other women. Only you have succeeded in seducing me."


    But Shi Ai,who had forgotten about her anger was once again riled up as she started to fiddle with the button on his shirt,muttering,"But I am jealous of all those who tried also. I don''t want any other woman to even get close to you."


    "Ok my little jealous girl,I will tell all women I meet in the future to not try to seduce me.Is that ok?"


    This statement caused Shi Ai to let out a giggle as she imagined Ah Hai meeting different people in the future and introducing himself as,"Hello. I am Long Ah Hai and please do not try to seduce me." Forgetting about her jealousy,Shi Ai put both her hands on her husband''s cheeks and kissed his lips. Her intention was to give him a small peck but naturally he would not let go and deepened the kiss.


    They would have gone further but there was a knock on the door before it was opened slowly. Yang Mei stood there stupefied as she saw the couple in a passionate kiss before letting out a squeak and trying to close the door as she shut her eyes tightly.. But Knox who was known for his shamelessness simply let out a wolf whistle startling the couple apart and almost causing Shi Ai to fall off her hubby''s l.a.p in fright. She would have landed on her a** if Ah Hai had not held her in place.


    Blushing,Shi Ai tried to get off Ah Hai''s l.a.p but was stopped as he muttered in her ear,"Do you want Knox to know exactly how much of an effect you have on me?"


    Shi Ai stilled in her struggles but did not dare to look up.


    Knox simply walked in and picking up his phone from the table,walked back to the door ignoring Ah Hai''s chilling glare as he continued to whistle a tune. Finally at the door,he knocked on the door once and said,"You may now continue. Just use this contraption called a lock. It is there on this door also. You see, you may scar some people..."


    With that the door closed without a sound while a red Yang Mei sat at her desk staring at the floor blankly. Finding the girl cute,Knox sauntered over to her and leaned down close to Yang Mei before whispering,"Miss Yang,I never would have pegged you for a blushing type. Do you know girls who blush easily are very warm. And here you project such a cold image. Phew."


    Having never been teased so in life,Yang Mei had no reply to Knox and simply sa there blankly.


    Only after the shameless man had gone,did Shi Ai who had buried her face in Ah Hai''s neck look up and w.h.i.n.e,"Now how am I going to ever face them?"


    Ah Hai smiled at his cute wife and with a peck on the top of her nose,told Shi Ai,"Don''t worry,he will not dare to tease you about this. And now,there is another part of the plan that I want to discuss with you. A secondary plan in case of failure."


    This statement caused Shi Ai to jerk up and pay attention.

 Chapter 160 - Friends?

    Never had Shi Ai thought that they would have to think of a back up plan as well. This was because usually Knight was very meticulous and there was no room for error. So staring at her husband,she c.o.c.ked her head before asking,"Is there something you doubt and that is why you want to have a back up plan. Do you think that I won''t be able to handle this properly?"


    Shi AI knew that there were times when she was careless but she never would do that for something so important. So she naturally felt bad that her husband was doubting her.


    Ah Hai looked at the little girl who had turned into a prickly hedgehog at the thought of him doubting her and flicked her on the forehead,"I have no doubts regarding you or your capability  and this is not a PLAN B exactly but rather a different way to avoid suspicion on you."


    Shi Ai continued to look at Ah Hai as if she could detect if he lied and then asked,"What?"


    Ah Hai answere her question with one of his own. "First,tell me what do you think of my new assistant,Yang Mei. Think carefully."


    This caused Shi Ai to pursue her lips thoughtfully. She understood that the new plan would have something to do with Yang Mei but she did not know what. Her feeling were also very mixed in this. Earlier whatever Knox had mentioned might have been said jokingly but still,her instince somehow made her wary of Yang Mei. She somehow felt that the woman was a threat to her relationship. Shi Ai did not understand why she would feel so prejudiced against someone she had just met and that too when the concerned person had been nothing but polite. But since he had asked her for honesty,she told Ah Hai everything apart fro.the feeling threatened about their relationship part. Ah Hai let out an amused laugh at Shi Ai''s possessiveness,though inside he was very pleased. He then explained,"You are not too sure of her not because of Knox''s insinuations or because I have praised her. It is because you can sense that she is hiding something. And you feel wariness. Now listen to the plan. Whatever she is hiding is her personal business so we will leave that aside for now and you will trust me on the plan. Yang Mei has read this file and naturally wanted to help in this. Here is what I think.."


    As Ah Hai detailed the plan to Shi Ai, she could see that he had indeed thought it out well. With this new aspect,they would be able to pull their act longer without raising suspicions immediately. Since there was never a doubt about her not trusting Ah Hai,Shi Ai kept aside her misgivings and said,"Very well. Why don''t I update Miss Yang on the plan? I would also like to get to know her a bit before we get to work together." Ah Hai agreed with an indulgent nod,"Take her for a meal now."


    Shi Ai nodded and was about to get up from her perch on Ah Hai''s l.a.p when he pulled her back and said,"Why are you so hurried? Give me a proper kiss at least before you leave to make a new friend." Happy at this romantic side of her husband,Shi Ai placed both her hands on his shoulders and gave him a quick smacking kiss on the lips before running away from his l.a.p. She blew him a kiss at the door and went out to find Miss Yang Mei.


    As the door closed behind Shi Ai,  Ah Hai''s warm eyes once again turned cold as he picked up his pen and stared at it thinking to himself,"Miss Yang,I have now given you a chance to show your sincerity to your little sister and get to know her once again. I hope you use this opportunity  well." Actually Ah Hai had never had any PLAN B as that was not the way he worked. But he knew that even though his wife was very happy,there was a thorn in her heart about not being able to find her older sister. Though he now knew that Yang Mei was the real Shi Ai, he had no intention of helping her meet his wife. But today he had seen the yearning in Yang Mei and he had felt pity. This girl had given up so much for his wife. If it had not been for her cleverness,smartness and sacrifices,he wouldn''t have had a chance to meet his Shi Ai. Ah Hai also remembered how his own brothers had suffered for him and so he decided to give Yang Mei a chance. After all it would make his wife happy in the end as well.


    However,never would he have thought that this one moment of pity and softness would one day cost him a heave price.


    Outside the office,Yang Mei was busy composing the various emails when Shi Ai stopped at her desk. Feeling the gaze boring into her,Yang Mei stopped her work and stood up politely,"Madam,is there anything else I can help you with."


    Shi Ai rolled her eyes at that and giving Yang Mei a genuinely blinding smile said,"Don''t Madam me Miss Yang.  Please recall me Xaio Ai and yes you can help me. Would you please accompany me for lunch? I would like to thank you for the pastries."


    Yang Mei was elated at the chance to spend some time with her sister but she remembered her position and restrained herself declining,"Mada..Xaio Ai,there is no need to thank me. This is part of my work. Thank you for your consideration."


    Anyone else would have retreated over this refusal but Shi Ai knew how to be persistent as she walked around the desk and putting her hand through Yang Mei''s said bossily,"Yang Mei we are going to be friends so since you have rejected my invitation,I have no choice but to kidnap you."


    With that a stumped Yang Mei was ''kidnapped'' by her own sister.

 Chapter 161 - Social Worker

    Like a roller coaster ride,Xaio Ai dragged Yang Mei alongwith her,straight to a restaurant''s private room. Once seated,Yang Mei,who had been dying to talk to her little sister for so many years was at a loss on what to say


    She had imagined so many scenarios ever since she found her but this was not that most certainly. However Shi Ai had no such qualms and was already getting comfortable to Yang Mei as she thanled her once again. Grasping Yang Mei''s hands across the table, Shi Ai once again solemnly thanked Yang Mei.


    Embarrassed at this,Yang Mei gave a small smile and said,"Please don''t be so formal Madam.. I mean Xaio Ai..As I said,it is my duty.."


    But Shi Ai interrupted her in a serious tone as she said,"Thank you for volunteering to take my place in that dangerous operation."


    Yang Mei was once again stumped at this. She had not expected Ah Hai to tell little Xaio about this. Yang Mei wanted to tell Xaio Ai that she would do anything for her but calming her heart said," There is still no need for thank you.CEO must have rejected the request. So I have not done anything for you to be thankful for."


    Shi Ai realized that her gratitude was making Yang Mei uncomfortable so she decided to change the topic. She had also detected an edge of bitterness at the end of the last sentence.


    "Miss Yang.Actually I am here to discuss soething related to that operation itself but first let us order some food."At that precise moment,a server knocked on the door before opening it to take their order.


    Yang Mei had never been picky over food so she ordered a simple dish of honey and soy noodles while Xaio Ai did the same. Grinning,Shi Ai clinked her glass with Yang MEi''s befroe saying,"Our tastes match perfectly,Miss Yang."


    Yang Mei gave a small nod and a smile before picking up the glass of water and sipping it. But just then,Shi Ai said something that caused Yang Mei so much shock that she actually choked on water and it entered her wind pipe,making her cough violently and her eyes to tear up.


    Finally able to get her breath back,Yang Mei said,"I am sorry. Um what did you just say?"


    "I asked if I could call you Elder sister?"


    Shi AI had been wondering how to start the discussion for this detail when her heart suddenly made her blurt this out. And she felt that it was right to do so because as per their new plan,she was going to ask Yang Mei to pretend to be her sister. So once Yang Mei had caught her breath back,Shi ai started to outline the entire plan while Yang Mei listened intently.


    As she heard he detailed analysis and scenarios,Yang Mei,first breathed a sigh of relief. When Xaio Ai had wanted to call her sister,Yang Mei had felt as if she knew the truth. The second thing she felt admiration for the CEO. She had offered to participate a few hours back and hebhad already thought out an entire plan as well as a past background for her. And she knew that even at this moment,his people must have already started working on it.


    As Xaio Ai finished her explanation,the waiters brought in the trays of food and the two women waited quietly,each lost in their own thoughts. Only when the waiter had left,did Yang Mei ask something that had been bothering her since she found her sister."Xaio Ai,if youndo not mind,can I ask you a personal question? You can choose to not answer if you are uncomfortable.."  At Shi Ai''s nod,Yang Mei continued,"I have heard rumors that you and the CEO are childhood sweethearts but you just told me that you were brought up in an orphanage so how did your paths cross? And he is none years onder than you so di you not find the age gap too much? He should have chosen someone nearer his age. Or of he truly loved you then he should have waited for you to grow up. Please don''t take offense I don''t mean anyhing by it."


    Though Yang Mei said she meant nothing by it,in reality these were tha factors that made her oppose Shi Ai being the CEO''s wife.


    Yang Mei''s question brought a nostalgic smile on Xaio Ai''s face as she reminisced, "Actually we are not really childhood sweethearts. I met him when he was twenty two. You see the orphanage I was in,had a volunteer called Sister Alicia. She is now Ah Hai''s sister in law. Like me,sister Alicia was also an orphan and considered all the children in our orphanage as her family. To honour this bond,Long Ryu invited all of us to their wedding. That is where I saw Ah Hai and fell for him. I think he was hurt then since he was limping but even then he was kind to me and everyone around him. To me,he felt like a prince. He even saved me from bullying and endured teasing from everyone when I proposed to him and asked for him to wait for me to grow up. But he did not get angry at me and simply endured the teasing. I was going to die soon so I was happy that I had found someone. Even as a little girl, I felt that if he promised to wait for me then I will be able to fight death.."


    Yang Mei had been listening intently to the story but her hands shivered when she heard that Xaio Ai had been going to die. Her hands that were clutching the spoon trembled and she asked in a shaky voice,"Ggg going to die?"


    Shi AI who was lost in thought did not notice the tremble but simply continued to explain,"You see I had been diagnosed with a heart disease and pronounced that I did not have much time to live. When Ah Hai heard of this he was quick to promise me that he would wait for me to grow up. After that, he arranged the best doctors for me and had me transferred here for treatment. The doctors worked hard and I too had a reason to live now so I put everything I had in me in order to survive so that I could meet him when I grow up. But once again we were fated to meet when I was at death''s door. When I was sixteen,some boys turned mischievous and to have their way with me,they drugged me. But the drug reacted with my medications and I was hospitalized. I had not known that he had kept tabs on me throughout so he had known that I was in danger and once again come to save me. I would be killed myself that night if he had not come there on time.


    Yang Mei tried to control the flow of her tears but failed. She shuddered to think what would have happened to her little sister if she had not found Ah Hai Long. In thos moment,Yang Mei lostbher sister not once or twice but three times. Yang Mei had thought that Shi Ai was safe in that place but never would have expected this to happen. But how did such a little girl have a heart disease? As far as Yang Mei knew,there was no history of any such medical deficiency in their family. Then how? But she could not ask and only prayed that Xaio Ai would continue with her story so that she could find the answers. But Shi Ai had come back to the present and seeing  the tears flowing down Yang Mei''s face,she felt guilty and said,"Aiya,but sister,you have such a tender heart. How can you cry for something that is in the past. Come on,let us move on from these sad topics. Do you want to have a competition? An ice cream eating competition.  This restaurant has delicious ice cream and we must try it. If I just order little after all the sweet I had earlier then I will feel guilty but if we have a competition then I can see it as participating in a sport so please Sister let''s have ice cream."


    Yang Mei let go of her melancholy thoughts and smiled at her little sister. She never had been able to say no to her puppy eye look even when they were kids...

 Chapter 162 - A Dilemma

    Late in the evening,Yang Mei stood at the desk as she packed her belonging to finish her day for tonight. Though Yang Mei was here undercover,she never liked to leave her work on the next day. Thus it was late in the night by the time Yang Mei had finished her work and was ready to leave. The only other person present in the office was the Boss-CEO Knight.


    Yang Mei stared thoughtfully at the closed door and compared in her mind what she had observed and investigated about the man versus what Xaio Ai had told her. The two people could have been completely different. She had seen for herself how he had spent money in the mall but then hebhad money to spend so she had paid no mind to it. But now she understood that Long Ah Hai was also invested in this relationship. This changed things. But, her face hardened as she decided,it made no difference. Getting to know Xaio Ai personally had instead strengthened her resolve to separate the couple. After all was said and done that man was still known to be a cold blooded killing machine. He would definitely someday harm her sister.


    Just then,the door to his office opened and Ah Hai walked out. The two walked towards the elevator in silence and getting into he elevator,Ah Hai pressed the button for the parking while Yang Mei went to the ground floor as she would have to book a taxi.


    Glancing at his watch,Ah Hai frowned and stopped Yang Mei before she could get off. "Miss Yang, it is very late already,going by a taxi is not safe. You should have ordered a company car for yourself. Please come with me."


    Yang Mei was about to refuse but then thought better off it. She decided to use this chance to get to know more about this man. His gaze somehow gave her the chills. She always felt like he knew everything about her. This was not a comfortable feeling and she did not wish to prolong it.


    As Yang Mei was about to open the door to the passenger side,Ah Hai''s voice once again sounded,"Miss Yang. Please use the seat at the back."


    Yang Mei felt her brows rise at this. She was actually amused when she thought that this tough man only allowed her sister to sit in the front with him. But still keeping her silence, Yang Mei got into the car. Only as the car drove for a while did Yang Mei realise that the CEO had not even asked for her address. Seeing he was going in the right direction,Yang Mei said nothng but continued to stare at the scenery outside the window.


    Suddenly,the CEO''s voice broke through the silence,shaking Yang Mei with the way he addressed her,"Shi Ai."


    Nobody had called her that name in thelast so many years that suddenly hearing it had made her flinch. Eyes widening,she stared at the man in front.After looking at her through the rearview mirror,Ah Hai continued,"Miss Yang.You are already in your role.Well done. There is an envelope on the seat next to you. Please take that."


    Yang Mei realized that she had been saved when Ah Hai thought that she was acting her role. Turning her head,she picked up the unassuming brown envelope but did not open it,just staring at it blankly. Finally,clutching the envelope in her hands,she asked,"What is this?"


    Ah Hai was quiet at first but then after a while explained,"Miss Yang. Xaio Ai does not remember her sister or her past so you have no way of knowing anything. But this file will help you. This is a copy of the personal diary of my wife''s late mother. This will give you a better understanding of the situation the sisters were in."


    Yang Mei''s hands started to tremble again. She had not expected this. Her mother''s diary


    She had not even known her mother used to write a diary. She was about to tear open the envelope when the car slowed to a sudden stop


    Ah Hai  warched the girl safely enter the building before going on his way. Finally hebhad done all he could for the real Shi Ai,the rest was upto her.


    Yang Mei ran into her home and throwing her purse on the couch,tore open the envelope.


    Seeing her mother''s handwriting on the front gave her a feeling of happiness and nostalgia. Her fingers traced her mother''s words and she read the pages while sitting on the floor. She cried at her mother''s happy words and she cried at her mother''s sadness.


    Finally after a few hours,Yang Mei had finished reading the diary and simply sat there with her head leaning back against the couch.


    Once again she was in a dilemma. Should she proceed with her own plan or not...


    At another place,Shi Qinglan stood in the balcony as his assistant droned on,"Sir,the new social worker is a man called Si Ming.he has been in this field for approximately seven years and un jaded and cynical.I have done some investigation and he does have some small cases of bribery and corruption under his belt. He has already contacted our office and will be visiting tomorrow morning. The man can be easily bought off but there is a stumbling block.


    He has recently been assigned an intern also. The problems with most interns is that they are idealistic and honestly zealous. But we may have this in our favor. The intern assigned to Mr Si is your niece miss Shi Xaio Ai. Since we have already investigated her background,it should be easy to divert her to get our file cleared."


    But Shi Qinglan did not think that it was a good news. There was something off about the entire situation that was making him uneasy.


    It seemed they had to take quick action. Taking out a pack if tablets from bis pocket,he passed it to his assistant.Start giving the girl these medicines from tonight.


    The assistant looked down at the pack in his hands feeling uneasy. He wanted to ask his boss of this was necessary but knew that such a question would result in him being threatened. This medicine was a hallucinogen. Usually they would start giving this medicine to someone who was way too out of control or someone who was threatening but the girl currently in the master''s hand had already given up in escape and thus he felt bad giving the medicine to her. But he would do what he had to do because a threat to Mr Shi meant a threat to him. Bowing to his boss,the assistant went out and mixed the tablet in a glass of milk before sending it off to the girl''s room with a maid instructed to make the girl finish the milk.


    Shi Qinglan stared at the dark night sky and though his expression remained unchanged,his eyes glimmered in the darkness. Finally the ancient key held in that jewellery set was going to be his. Those youngsters thought that they could fool him by creating these minor obstructions in his path. Xaio Ai,orphan and had no memory. What a laugh worthy joke. The moment that bracelet came to the auction, it had been an open challenge to him. They wanted to play games the  he would indulge them. He liked to play with his prey as well.


    But he had to admit to himself that his dear niece was a very good actor. He,himself had believed her to be completely innocent and guileless if someone had not sent him that video of her in a fight. Shi Xaio Ai was no simpering innocent girl. She was a trained fighter. Also sometimes past records could be faked but people''s memories could not. Someone had recognized her at the night of the auction. Someone who held a deep grudge against the girl for ruining his son''s life and now that man would be a useful tool in bringing an end to the last blood related member of Elder Shi. And Shi Qinglan would have finally finished off his revenge of over three decades. With the death of Shi Xaio Ai, Elder Shi''s unexpected hope,he would crush that man beneath his feet.


    Hello all.if you are reading this book anywhere else other than then please know that it is stolen and help us file a report. Please support the author. Also this message has not affected the number of coins you spend so please do not worry.

 Chapter 163 - A Love Confession

    At almost one in the night, Ah Hai returned to the house. He frowned when he saw the blazing lights in the house. Shi Ai had yet to sleep it seemed.


    Going in he looked around and saw the girl fast asleep on the couch with a little smile on her face. She was cute even when she slept. Picking her up in his arms, Ah Hai carried her to his bed and then went to shower. The sudden feeling of being safe made Shi Ai open her eyes and blink sleepily. Realizing she was in his room, her eyes snapped open and her sleepy face was suddenly alert. She could hear the sound of running water and felt a smile bloom on her face. Her hubby was back home and had carried her into their room.


    After a while,the door to the bathroom opened and a n.a.k.e.d figure clad only in a black towel walked through the room. Shi AI had closed her eyes to pretend sleep but as she watched him from under her lashes,she regretted her decision. She would have liked to look at those eye candy muscles a while longer.  So lost was she in admiring him that she never realized that she was now staring with her eyes fully open and her pretense was broken.


    Ignoring her stare,,Ah Hai walked towards the bed and dropping his towel lifted the covers to get in. This caused Shi Ai to snap her eyes closed and shout that he needed to wear something before realizing that she was supposed to be asleep. She had been caught for sure.


    Her eyes scrunched and her brows in a furrow as she tried to pretend again failing miserably at the task.Ah Hai could only shake his head and asked softly,"little love,are you asleep?"


    A vigorous nodding of the head and a "yes" were the immediate replies he received. Shi AI wanted to smack herself. What was wrong with her? How wonderful of her.


    The next thing she knew,she was dragged backward and straight into the arms of Ah Hai was was busy nuzzling her neck. His wet hair dripped on her clothes and made her shiver a bit. Feeling shy but pleased,she tried to shrink back but his hand around her tightened and he lightly nipped her on the neck to warn her from moving.


    His low voice whispered in her ear as he came," Do you know the consequences of pretending to be asleep little love?"With that he sealed her mouth with his and soon all of Shi Ai''s clothes were lost as well. After all,Long Ah Hai was a fire believer in equality.


    Deep into the night,Shi Ai lay in Ah Hai''s arms with her eyes sparkling. He was spooned around her and she could feel his breath in soft wisps on top of her head. Actually she had not intended to wait up since tomorrow was a big day but there was something that had been bothering her and she had been unable to get them out of her head to fall asleep.


    Early in the day when she and Yang Mei had been out,the woman had made a casual remark but still Shi Ai felt bothered by it. Placing her hand on Ah Hai''s forearm,she played slightly with the light sprinkling of hair there and decided to talk to her hubby about it honestly. "Are you asleep?"


    A small smile crossed across Ah Hai''s face and he whispered,"Yes. I am asleep."


    Smacking his hand,Shi Ai smiled and continued,"There is something that I have been wanting to ask you. Will you please answer if you are comfortable?"


    Sighing, Ah Hai turned Shi Ai around in the circle of his arms before asking,"What is bothering you?"


    Instead of looking at him,Shi Ai started to play with the small hair on his c.h.e.s.t and then finally answered,"You have told me about the woman in your past. You even told me that I should date other people before I chose you. But..I want to ask,did you ever fall in love with anyone else again? You are so much more experienced at life. I have tried my best time stand by you but Ai still have a long way to go. Like that day when you had to follow me to protect me. Even now,I wanted to go alone but you made Knox and Yang Mei also help me..You have been taking care of me for so long. Does it not get tedious? I have always taken your presence and protection in my life for granted."


    Ah Hai''s hands stilled on Shi Ai''s lower back and in a silent voice,he asked,"little live these are not your own thoughts. Who has been talking?"


    Xaio Ai shook her head and said,"No one has said anything against you. It''s just that something was said in a passing conversation and it has been troubling me.."


    Ah Hai frowned at this evasion for answer but still explained himself,"If you are asking me if I had any feelings for any other woman after Ning Ning then yes. I did fall in love again."


    AH Hai paused in his explanation,letting Xaio Ai have time to absorb his confession. On the other hand Shi Ai felt her breath hitch. She had accepted the fact that she was not his first love but she was not even his second.. Before she could feel too sad about it though,Ah Hai cintinued,"And this time I was lucky that my girl let me care for her and depended on me. And the best part was that this time around I could feel what true love is. I am lucky to be able to marry the person I love so why would I find it a chore or think of it as tedious. I like it when you take me for granted. It makes me feel useful and happy to do something for you."


    A love confession! Shi AI jumped out of Ah Hai''s arms and sat on his stomach with her eyes widened uncaring of their n.a.k.e.dness or their suggestive position. In a shrieking voice she asked,"Long Ah Hai. Did you just confess your love for me?You said you loved me and now you can''t back out!"


    Ah Hai frowned at the shreik thankful thatbthey had no neighbors or people would think that he as committing murder.His eyes glued to the bountiful display in front of him,Ah Hai said,"Why would I deny? We have been m.a.k.i.n.g. .l.o.v.e for sometime now so you should know that it is because of that.Of course i love you."


    Slapping both her hands on his c.h.e.s.t,Shi Ai complained,"There is no ofcourse about it! How can you confess your love just like that! Do better. With that,Shi Ai crossed her arms under her c.h.e.s.t only then realizing that she was n.a.k.e.d and currently displaying her body very indecently. However before she could react,Ah Hai caught both her hands in his and brought her hands down. Cupping her bounty with his large hands Ah Hai sat up a little and muttered,"You are right,I must do better. I will think of something suitable romantic to say later. For now let me show you. Little love,we have not yet tried his position yet,right? Let us get some more experience." Soon,the doubts and insecurities were lost under the blanket of p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e.


    But once a seed has taken root,it is bound to grow. Every relationship faces trials and tribulations to grow stronger and time tests trust of every man. Ad he two people lived and loved in the present,they did not know what the future would bring.


    Soon the night came to an end and the sun was bright in the sky. Shi AI was now ready to leave to go tot he social worker office from where she would go with Knox(now Si Ming) to see her dear uncle


    Just as Shi Ai uttered a goodbye,Ah Hai placed a small ring with a yellow diamond on the middle finger of her right hand and explained,"This is not a common ring, if anyone tried to threaten you,invert the diamond and inject it into that person. It contains a dangerous poison.  Shi Ai nodded at the ring on her hand and then at her hubby''s worried face. Remembering his confession from last night brought a big smile on her face and she blushing went on her tiptoes before placing a kiss on his cheek and muttering,"Don''t worry hubby.I will not put myself in danger and will follow Knox''s instructions closely. I love you and want to live with you forever.."


    Returning Xaio Ai''s kiss with a small peck on her lips,Ah Hai murmured and repeated the promise she gave him,"Live with you forever."

 Chapter 164 - A Plan

    A tall and lean man in a brown jacket stood at the doorstep with a stack of files in his hands. Silver rimmed glasses adorned his face and his overall look spoke of an honest and diligent man. Behind him stood a girl in a simple cream colored blouse and jeans with a stylish red scarf wrapped around her neck. She had an amiable and innocent smile on her face. They were waiting for the door to be opened so that they could enter the mansion.  Finally the pair entered and they were greeted by a butler before being escorted to a spacious room where two men sat in the chairs and a young girl sat poised on the couch.


    The man in the brown coat walked forward and introduced himself,"Director Shi Qinglan,I am Si Ming,the social worker who has been recently been assigned to this case and this is my assistant,Miss Shi Xaio Ai."


    Shi Qinglan nodded politely to the two people,not letting any expresssions on his face. There was no sing or recognition in his face as he invited them to sit.


    Si Ming then turned towards the young and graceful girl and murmured,"And you must be the lovely Shan Shan." The young girl nodded politely but said nothing.


    Si Ming then looked at the other man in question as if waiting for his introduction.  Shi Qinglan smiled and politely introduced,"Mr Si,this in my brother in law and business partner,Mr Qin Yung."


    Though the man was introduced leisurely,Shi Qinglan observed the young woman''s reaction as he stressed the word brother in law. And Shi Qinglan was not disappointed because Shi Xaio Ai gave him the perfect reaction with her eyes widening shooting to the man''s face while her hands tightened a bit.


    Acknowledging the man,Si Ming hen began,"Nice to meet you Mr Qin.Very well. Now that the introductions are out of the way let me just go over with the regulations with you Director Shi. We understand that this is not new to you but as you know your previous case worker has been caught in his wrong doing and so now all the cases under him are below the scanner. So it is better to follow the procedures. First we will need to interview Miss Shan Shan and you.  The next step will be the evaluation in which we will be interviewing each of you individually and then finally we will be having a one on one interview with you to determine the other foster kids you are going to have. Usually in a foster family we try that there are both a mother and father figure for the children but you are already a pre approved foster parent so that experience will also be taken into consideration. For today.."


    Even as Si Ming continued to talk,Shi Ai paid no attention. She was supposed to have been distracted today but she did not even have to pretend her distraction.  She had not expected her biological father to be present here at this moment. She knew that Shi Qinglan had wanted to unbalance her and she realized that he had succeeded. Her focus should have been on observing Shan Shan but she could not move her eyes away from Qin Yung. Qin Yung sat there looking at her from time to time with a puzzled expression on his face as if trying to recollect if he had seen her somewhere.


    It was only after Shi Qinglan started to talk about the man did she realize what was going on. Shi Qinglan hoped to hit two targets with one arrow tonight,"Mister Si,I have nothing to hide so you are welcome to proceed as per the regulations.  I only ask that you be careful and kind with the children. I may be a foster parent to these children but they are like my own flesh and blood. My little Shan Shan is actually the most precious of all the children I have fostered until now. This is because she is of the age my niece was when shebwas lost in a tragic accident. Shan Shan reminds me of her. My whole purpose for fostering these children is that I hope that somewhere someone is also providing for our child. But Shan Shan has been feeling a little unwell since last night so.."


    Finding her chance,Shi Ai interrupted,"Mr Shi,it''s okay of she is a bit unwell. Children tend to worry a lot and she must be concerned about her new upcoming change in environment. She does look pale. I can take her back to her room and we can get the one on on interview in her bedroom where she can rest and answer. Mr Si can conduct your interview right here."


    Actually Shi Qinglan had been going to ask for the interview date to be pushed forward as the medication they had started last night needed some time to seep properly into the blood flow as they had to be given in small undetectable  ways.


    But now that she had offered to take the personal interview immediately they were at a loss on how to refute. Just then a maid walked in with a tray laden with a few cups and a plate of cookies. Taking this opportunity Shi Qinglan refuted and said,"There is time still to conduct the interview. Let us first have a few biscuits and tea. Please Mr Si and Miss Shi. As he passed the cup to Shi Ai, Shi Qinglan had a small smirk on his face. His plan had succeeded. He could see that Shi Xaio Ai was fl.u.s.tered. Her eyes were straying to Qin Yung and her hands were fiddling with a ring on her finger. She wanted to talk to her father and her curiosity was at it''s peak as she tried to sit still..


    If Shi Qinglan had been able to peep inside Xaio Ai''s brain he would have known that he was gloating over nothing and his plan had rather failed miserably. Because Xaio Ai was restless and fidgety not out of curiosity but out of wanting to control her urge to commit murder. She looked at Qin Yung repeatedly as a thought played in a loop in her head. She should simply murder the man with the poisonous ring in her hand.


    Her hatred was almost at it''s peak


    To control and calm herself, Shi Ai picked up the tea cup in front of her bringing it to her mouth but the cup slipped from her hand at the last minute,spilling the tea on herself and the carpeted floor. Screaming,Shi Ai stood up as she tried to get rid on the burning liquid.


    Turning to the girl,Shi Ai said panicking, "Shan Shan please show me to the washroom."With that,before anyone could utter a word the young girl had been held by the wrist and taken away from the hallway. A discreet glance later, a lady maid followed  the two people who were walking away.


    Shan Shan was in shock at being grabbed by the lady so suddenly and confused as well. She had been given strict instructions to not talk to these people at all of she wanted to live but now this person had dragged her here alone. Shan Shan wondered  what punishment she would receive for this. That was when Shan Shan spied the woman following them at a discreet pace. Shan Shan was about to show her the door and leave but her wrist was held tightly as she was dragged into the washroom before the door was tightly closed.


    In a loud voice,Shi Ai said,"Miss Shan Shan please hold this scarf for me. It is a limited edition and cannot get wet while I clean up my jeans. Thankfully the tea did not spill on my blouse or ot would have been ruined." Shi AI continued to chatter in a loud voice seemingly not wanting to ask anything. The maid that stood outside listening to everything was nodding in satisfaction as Shan Shan kept quiet and did not try to ask for help.


    But Shan Shan was quiet not because she had been obedient to their threats but because she stood in shock staring at the woman''s neck where in small letters was a simple question,"Do you need to be rescued?"


    Shan Shan was terrified. Was this some kind of a test to see if she was loyal or was this really true and there was hope for her. She stood still as she tried to come up with an answer.


    Seeing the terrified hope on the child''s face,Shi Ai felt her heart ache. The child was even scared to hope for rescue. Giving in to impulse,Shi Ai extended her hand to clutch the child''s cold one giving her a reassuring nod.


    Seeing into the beautiful angel eyes Shan Shan believed that God had answered her prayers and nodded her head.

 Chapter 165 - A Mirage

    While Shi Ai used the washroom,Si Ming sipped his tea and began a conversation with Director Shi. In a rather greasy voice,he continued,"Director Shi, while my assistant is in the washroom why don''t we begin your interview. That way we can be closer to our goal."


    Shi Qinglan stared at the man before him with a smirk as he leaned back in his chair. "Of course ,Mr. Si. Let is her down to business."


    Opening his file, Si Ming clicked his pen but before he could ask anything a cold voice sounded,"How much?"


    Stopping mid way,Si Ming gave a small smile before slowly looking up from the blank paper. Silkily he asked,"Director Shi, what is this about? Do you think my services are for sale?"


    "Aren''t they?"


    This time Si Ming laughed loudly as he said,"Director Shi is a funny man. But these matters must be discussed carefully since even walls have ears you see. But first just to satisfy my curiosity,"What have you got to hide that you would need to use money?"


    As if unable to contain his curiosity,Si Ming leaned forward towards the man to share his secret. After an enigmatic silence,Shi Qinglan shaked his head in amus.e.m.e.nt claiming,"Mr Si,you think too much. I just feel it is a hassle for you and myself. We are both busy so why waste our time with all this when we can benefit mutually."


    "You are right about that Ditector Shi. Mutual benefit is required for harmony. Why don''t we discuss this in length? You see my assistant is new and a little idealistic so we will have to at least make a show of all the procedures. You understand right? My predecessor was not very careful and look how it landed him in a hot soup. I dare not take such a risk. But I love capitalist businessmen so I will definitely get in touch." Just then the two girls entered and Shi Ai asked,"Umm,get in touch regarding what?"  Shi AI had just sat down next to Si Ming as she directed her question at Shi Qinglan.  But it was Si Ming who answered. Placing a hand on her t.h.i.g.h,he turned to her and said,"Nothing Xaio,I mean Miss Ai. Just the interview in the future. Director Shi has been telling me that Little Shan Shan is not well so we must reschedule. So we will get in touch regarding that."


    Though Si Ming spoke casually and his expression was simple,his hand placed on Shi Ai''s t.h.i.g.h bordered into s.e.x.u.a.l harassment. Shi Ai''s discomfort over Si Ming''s actions was also apparent for anyone to see thus it did not go unnoticed by the two other men in the room. Shi Qinglan made a note to inquire if there were any harassment cases against this man. Si Ming looked like a jolly fellow but it was clear that man was very sharp and possessed a glib tongue but such people could be dangerous as well. It was better to silence him with money and hold something to blackmail him in the future,should a need arise.


    In a little confused voice,Shi Ai said,"Yes Shan Shan. If you are not feeling well we must schedule a meeting for a later date.So I guess we must take a leave now.." Shi Ai tried to subtly extract her leg from Si Ming''s grip who then gave it a light c.a.r.e.s.s before taking his hand back and getting up to take their leave.


    Following behind him Shi Ai kept her head down,not glancing at the silent presence of her biological father. But seeing her lagging behind,Qin Yung pressed his visiting card into her hand as he murmured,"Miss Shi. You possess a close resemblance to my beloved late wife and daughter. Would you mind joining me for a meal?"


    Looking down,Shi Ai gripped the card in her hand tightly,"I will try to make time. Thank you."


    The car had driven a safe distance when Shi Ai who had kept her silence,directed a harsh glare at Knox. Clenching her teeth,she asked,"What was that about?"


    Throwing a smile her way,Knox casually shrugged his shoulders saying,"What was what about?This?"


    With that,Knox once again groped her t.h.i.g.h. Looking down at the offending hand on her body,Shi Ai caught the man''s wrist and pinched it tightly,causing the man to snatch his wrist back,"Hey are you trying to cut off my blood supply?"


    Parking the car on the side,Knox rubbed the reddened area even as he glared at Shi Ai who stared at him without remorse.


    Unlocking his seat belt,he tried the intimidating technique and went forward making her lean back into her seat to mention distance,"Miss Shi,are you scared now after pinching me for no reason?"


    Shi Ai who had never even been intimidated by the grim reaper,simply narrowed her eyes as she questioned,"Knox,would you like a broken nose or broken teeth. I am unable to decide either way but of you keep this up,I can help you with both."


    Deflating like a balloon, Knox moved back and explained,"A little bribery is not enough. Shi Qinglan will need more than that to trust me and get a hold on me. So naturally like meets like. We know that he likes to harass women and kids so naturally he will want me to handle his case so that he can keep a virtual knife at my neck if I refuse to cooperate or try to back stab him. So what better than harassing my new assistant? By now,Shi Qinglan will already have sent someone to see if there are any such complaints regarding me and he will find them deeply buried in the files. I did not tell you this because I needed your genuine reaction of discomfort. From what I have observed,you possess excellent acting skills but still this was imperative. Thankfully you kept your urge to punch me then and there in check."


    Shi AI smiled at that,"You noticed that?"


    "Of course I did. And please do not tattle to your husband about this because he will surely not control his urge and I will then definitely loose a few teeth and have a crooked nose."


    Meanwhile,Shan Shan walked back to her room slowly with her head down. Before she could close the door a hand stopped it''s movement before pushing it backwards causing Shan Shan to loose her balance and fall on the bed behind.


    Shi Qinglan entered the room and slowly closed the door as Shan Shan shivered all over. "Little Shan Shan has become a good girl? Presenting herself to her master as soon as he enters."


    Leaning over the young and trembling girl,"Shi Qinglan said, "Tell me,what did Shi Xaio Ai have to talk to you about in private?"


    Shaking her head at a fast speed,Shan Shan,stuttered,"She just wanted Shan shan to hold her expensive scarf. She did not ask anything. She only kept talking about her life and other ordinary things. Shan Shan was a good girl master. I did nothing wrong. I did not try to ask for help or even told her anything."


    Shi Qinglan stared intently at the girl in front of hin who was still so scared of him and felt extremely satisfied. He knew she was telling the truth but it was always better to confirm. Pleased with her he decided to let her be for now. Anyways she was going to leave soon so he would have a long orgy before she went. Let her rest until then. Placing a hand on her head,he patted it before saying,"Yes,Shan shan did well. I am pleased.  Rest well Shan Shan. Uncle will come to you when he needs you."


    Breathing in a ragged sigh,Shan Shan almost collapsed when the door closed behind that monster. She had indeed not lied to that man. She had neither asked for help or said anything. But she knew in her heart that she had gone against him and so she had been so frightened when he had stared at her that she had almost blurted out the truth. Thankfully he had believed her before she could loose her self control. Sliding onto the ground,Shan Shan brought her knees to her c.h.e.s.t and crossing her arms,laid her head on them,pinching her wrists slowly to reassure herself that today was not a dream. A mirage that would disappear when she opened her eyes.

 Chapter 166 - Jealousy

    Loud bass music beat through the speakers while a man clad in gym shorts did his push ups. His shirtless muscles gleamed as if piled and beads of sweat dropped down his face to the ground. The angular face and the eyes though showed the man''s anger. Also in a corner lay a punching bag which had already been torn and was now in a mess in the corner.


    This was the scene that Shi Ai came home to. One would think that such a sight was common to her but it wasn''t. Ah Hai was a creature of habit who usually preferred to exercise outdoors though he had a high leven gymnasium built inside his home. So when she had heard the loud beats,she had been curious and followed the sound. Happy for this treat of watching her man,Shi Ai took her time to observe the line of his back and the muscles in his arm which bunched and shifted with every push up he made.


    Feeling mischievous, Shi Ai tiptoed her way to her husband. The loud music and the padded floor helped cover her sound. Once she had reached her target,the moment Ah Hai went down,he felt a weight fall on his back. Shi Ai was lying on his back,her c.h.e.s.t against his n.a.k.e.d back and her legs against his calves. But Ah Hai gave no reaction and continued to do his exercise. To attract his attention,Shi Ai then placed small kisses on his shoulder blades with every upward movement. Finally after a hundred pushups, Shi Ai got a reaction and that was being thrown off his back as he continued to do his push ups with only one hand. Angry at being ignored for no reason and thrown off,Shi Ai naturally jumped back in his back and his time started to nip in his shoulders though the salty taste of his sweat made her soon give up. It was time to take out the big guns. Bringing her fingers up, Shi Ai then used her ultimate weapon,tickling Ah Hai,which caused him to lose his balance and fall. But instead of rolling over laughing and taking her into his arms as he would have done any other time, all Ah Hai did was turn off the music and pick up a towel to soak his sweat.


    Something was wrong,Shi Ai realized this when Ah Hai went to pick up his phone and then leave the gym. He really was ignoring her. He wouldn''t even let her see his face. This could mean only one thing-he was uncontrollably angry over something.  And it seemed that she was at the root of it.


    Running,she blocked his wat asking directly,"Why are you angry?"


    Ah Hai frowned at her,rather ferociously but then said nothing and tried to evade her by stepping around her. But Shi Ai was having none of it and once again stopped it.


    "Snap!"The now wet towel in his hand fell to the floor with a loud noise and Ah Hai turned back marching to a small wooden table in the corner.  From there,he picked up a brown envelope and threw it at Shi Ai''s feet before proceeding to once again ignore her as he started to do practice kick boxing with another punching bag.


    Puzzled,Shi Ai picked up the envelope near her feet and the misleading pictures inside made her heart drop to her toes. Who did such a thing.  They were pictures from this afternoon when she and Knox had been in a car. But who dared to click pictures and then send them to Ah Hai? Was it really Shi Qinglan and had he made his move faster than expected? But first she needed to assure Ah Hai that these pictures were not what they seemed. The angles that the pictures were taken from looked as if her and Knox were kissing. Shaking her head,Shi Ai trued to stammer out an explanation over her erratically beating heart."This...this is not what looks like.."


    A scathing look from Ah Hai almost made her pause in fright but he turned back to his kick boxing. His hits were so fierce that Shi Ai was pretty sure that this bag too would next be on the ground in a torn mess. And for the first time in her life,she was almost scared to approach him. Gathering her courage and repeating the mantra, "I have done nothing wrong.i have done nothing wrong." Shi AI approached her husband cautiously and tried to explain in a rush when she was nearer but at a safe distance,"This really is not what looks like. And I know this is the kind of reaction anyone who was guilty would have but.."


    Before Shi Ai could complete her sentence,Ah Hai turned to her,picked her up and placed her in the weighing rods growling,"What nonsense ar eyou muttering about? Of course I know that these pictures are misleading and there is nothing between you and Knox."


    "Well.." all the hot air that had been gathering inside Shi Ai at the thought that Ah Hai would have such a notion about her deflated out and she was confused.."But..but then why are you angry?"


    Closing his eyes to pray for patience, Ah Hai explained, "I am angry at that bas**** Knox who purposely used this tangent to rile me up! He wants to use you to mess with me because I forced him to use you in this mission so he is testing my limits and challenging me to take over.Bloody bas****! I will kill him. But I will have to wait till the end to do that! And you? Did that jerk touch you anywhere with his filthy hands? Just remember which hand he used, and I will break it."


    Shi AI felt relief course through her when she realized that he understood Knox''s plan and was not doubting her. She jumped at the man with her legs around his waist and placed a tight kiss on his forehead before sighing in relief,"I thought you were doubting me!"


    Shi AI touched her forehead to Ah Hai and rubbed their noses against each other,causing Ah Hai to close his eyes and just breathe her in even as his hands cradled her a** supporting her weight.


    He wanted to kiss his girl so he gave in to the urge and brought his lips close to hers. Just before their lips touched,a scene from his office flashed in his mind but was silenced immediately. Seeing her eyes closed as she waited for his kiss,Ah Hai gave a sharp bite on her lower lip causing her to yelp and hit him with a fist,"What was that for?"


    "For not believing in me and thinking that I would doubt you.Silly girl."


    A few minutes later,Shi Ai was on the ground and Ah Hai leaned over her as he thought her how to rightfully do pushups. He kissed her with every downward movement and teased her by going out of her reach the next. Shi AI lay smiling as her husband showed just how many push ups he could do before he had teased her enough to let go of his body and press her into the floor and they did another activity which generated a lot of sweat but was a lot more pleasurable.


    The misleading pictures lay strewn on the side,their sender would never have expected this outcome of his hardwork.


    Finally,the couple separated, breathing hard but still clinging to each other. Shi AI looked into her husband''s eyes and assured in his love and trust,she wanted to blurt out her words of confession that she had been holding back in the past because of their age barrier and that she was unsure of his feelings. But before she could open her mouth,a loud ring pierced the room shattering the cozy atmosphere. Shi AI wanted to tell Ah Hai to ignore the call but before she could he had already left her to walk towards the ringing cell phone. With his heat gone,Shi Ai felt a shiver pass through her and getting up,she walked towards the shower room to freshen up. Just before she would have closed the door she heard Ah Hai answer the phone,"Yes,Mei?"


    Closing the door slowly,Shi Ai had one thought in her mind,when did Miss Yang Mei become Mei? And why? Now,tasting the same vinegar that Ah Hai had a few moments back,Shi Ai dropped her idea of a shower and marched back into the gym to attack her husband. To attack meant naturally..to seduce..His mind should have no one but her..What Mei? Who Mei?"


    Before Ah Hai could finish his conversation,he was pulled and pushed into the shower with his back to the wall and an aggressive wife attacking him ready to milk him dry. He needed more workout,she had decided.

 Chapter 167 - Back From The Dead

    The night was dark with no moon to light the way as a figure clad in black jumped over the big wall to enter the mansion. As if by magic,all the surveillance cameras came to a stand still for those moments. If the security guard had not blinked that minute,he would have realized that the video was now frozen instead of live.


    The person who had just entered looked around carefully to check for any human guards before going on her way. Though there was no light to guide her,she did not seem to need it. She knew the layout of the place like the back of her hand. After all she was no ordinary thief. But she was here on a mission and had limited time.


    After a few minutes,she stopped at a door while her hand went to the dagger strapped at her waist. Her hands clenched around the hilt and she was tempted to finish off the monster inside,now that she had the chance. But that was not her aim. And anyway she knew that this door would be locked tightly unlike the door she needed to get to tonight.


    Walking towards another door,the thief now opened it slowly so as not to frighten the occupant inside or startle her into alerting the others. But the thief herself was surprised when she opened the door. Because she had expected the girl to be in bed but the room was empty. Suddenly she felt a chill. It had been odd that she had not encountered a single person or problem on the way. Could it be that she had walked into a trap? Damn it! That little girl must have definitely blurted out the truth.


    Taking out a gun from the holster strapped at her ankle,she entered the room slowly. There was no way she would be able to escape now but she could kill..


    Just then a sound reached her ears. Turning her head sharply towards the sound which seemed to be coming from behind a closed door,the thief made her way. It seemed whoever the occupant was also trying to be quiet as after that one small sound nothing could be heard. Slowly she pulled open the door to the bathroom only to hear the sound of muffled breathing. Her glittering eyes moved to the corner where another pair of eyes were widened as they tried to stare at her and recognize her in the darkness.


    Shan Shan sat huddled in a corner of the shower stall as she tried to keep herself quiet. If those people found out that she was making herself throw up then they would forcefully give her the drugs instead of trying to fool her into drinking it.


    She tried to suppress her scream when the door opened by forcefully covering her mouth but that person found her in a second. Trembling all over,she tried to think of what to say as an excuse.


    It was the same scarf that the social worker had made her hold in the day!. Was she dreaming or hallucinating,she was still unsure? Putting forward a trembling hand,she tried to touch the scarf but in the next instance,even that little light was extinguished and a hand clutched at her upper arm,forcefully pulling her forward. Shan Shan tried to pull herself out of the person''s grasp but they were very strong and Shan Shan was simply pulled up from her crouching position.


    The person wound a hand around her little body and whispered,"Shan Shan,you recognize the scarf and you know what it means but we have to leave in a hurry. If you are unwell then you won''t have the strength to climb over the wall. This is our only chance. If we are caught then it is the end. So if you do not have the strength,I will go back now and return tomorrow. Tell me. I promise to come back but you cannot be a liability tonight. Gauge your strength."


    Shan Shan shook her head and clutched ther savior''s hand,whispering desperately," I am not sick. Every night I make myself vomit forcefully because they are feeding me some type of drugs."


    The thief felt her heart clench at the suffering this little girl had to endure. Looking into her eyes to check if the girl''s pupils were dilated and how much the drug had affected her,the thief held the little hands in reassurance.


    Shan Shan wanted to flinch back everytime the person touched her but she forcefully stopped herself in case the other person was offended. But none of this was missed by her rescuer,who took out a set of black clothes from her bag pack and ordered,"Shan Shan, wear this and come out."


    Outside the bathroom, the thief took out something else from her bag pack and held it to the wall. Then with a flick of her wrist,the picture was stuck to the wall with a dagger protruding from it. Satisfied with her handiwork,the thief pulled out the bedding and everything onto the floor before sprinkling some petrol on it. She may have come silently but she would not go silently.


    Once Shan Shan was out,"If there is something you want to take,take it now." And the next moment the two people were out of the door. But Shan Shan had reached the end of the corridor while the thief had stopped at the other door


    Shan Shan turned back to see the thief spill the last of the petrol outside the door before throwing the lighter down.  The two people then began to run at a high speed. They had just reached the outer wall when the fire alarms sounded as the sprinkler system was turned on. To go with a band,the thief then threw a few smoke grenades which hung from her belt before she pushed Shan Shan over the wall and followed her.


    Running to a car parked a small distance away,the thief pushed Shan shan into the backseat before turning one the surveillance cameras once again. Lifting her mask just enough that her mouth was visible,the thief showed a crude finger gesture towards the camera and whispered,"I am back dear uncle."


    "Stay down."was the order that was given to Shan Shan in the car,while the thief made a call. The man answered after a few rings with a curt,"Yes,Mei?"


    Yang Mei seemed not to realize that her boss had called her only by her first name as she updated,"I have done everything according to the plan but we have an SOS situation. Shan Shan was retching when I found her. It seems she was being drugged. Though she has emptied her stomach,there may be some side effects. And we also need a doctor to check for other injuries."


    Ah Hai nodded at this. It was as he expected."You are using the back lanes? You will find Knox waiting for you at your fourth intersection. Change cars with him."


    Yang Mei nodded and turned to explain the situation to Shan Shan but the girl had passed out while a white foam flowed out from the side of her mouth. Muttering a,"Sh**." Yang Mei stepped on the accelerator.


    Several men in black suits lay on their knees in the room while a scary Shi Qinglan stood staring outside the window.


    Qin Yung stood beside Shi Qinglan trying to get the man to accept treatment for his burnt hands. Shi Qinglan ignored his long time lover as he waited for the news,not even feeling the pain in his blackened hands. Who had dared to challenge him like this. Burning down the house and even setting his door ablaze. Just then the assistant staggered in. Coming to a halt in front of the man he said,"Sir,Shan Shan is gone. And there is nothing on the surveillance cameras as they were hacked but we have found somethin on one of the street cameras. It seems your niece is the culprit." The assistant extended the computer tablet with his trembling hand for Shi Qinglan to see.


    Once the video had played,horrible and mocking laughter was heard throughout the house and everyone could only shiver in terror. Laughing maniacally,Shi Qinglan threw a hand around Qin Yung''s shoulders and said,"Qin Yung both your ''presumed to be dead'' daughters are back. I wonder if your dear wife and my dear cousin Shi Qing is also going to rise from her grave? I must go and visit her tomorrow. Hahahahahah."


    Only after the laughter had stopped did Shi Qinglan open his eyes and ordered all those who had failed their duties to be killed.

 Chapter 168 - The Bait

    Yang Mei felt her hands start to sweat at the though of the young girl dying in her care. Her hand almost slipped off the steering wheel until at long last she reached the intersection where they were supposed to meet Knox. Getting off the car,Knox gave her an address and the ambulance keys,taking the other car''s keys."Well done Yang Mei. The doctor is waiting at that address."


    With that,Knox pulled the girl out and placed her inside the ambulance. Then a small injection was pierced into her skin making the girl cough out some blood,"This is a common poison antidote. It should help her until you can get help."


    The two cars then went in opposite directions. The small car darted at a high speed straight towards the mountain range on the city''s outskirts. Knox had a simple plan.  The car was going to fall off the mountain cliff with a dead girl inside.


    Shi QInglan stood in the room that had now been burnt down. The room let out the acrid smell of smoke and ashes but Shi Qinglan felt nothing as he stood staring at the picture stuck to the wall with a dagger. His people had tried to take out the dagger to get clues about the person to whom it belonged but he had refused so in the end they had only been able to get the fingerprints off it with the thing still stuck in the wall.


    Qin Yung,too stood behind the man as he stared at the picture.He did not know what Shi Qinglan was thinking but he knew that he felt terrified.Because the dagger was stuck on his head!It was clear that Shi Ai wanted to attack him next and this was her way of challenging openly.


    He placed a hand on Shi QInglan''s shulder and slowly said,"Lan!I don''t have a good feeling about this.That bit** took your slave from right under our noses.With the government''s threat of those social workers on us and the media attention on the case,out past deeds can be easily exposed but that Si Ming and  Shi Xaio.And Shi Ai! She was smart even as a teenager when she outwitted us not once but twice. We always believed that the house was burnt down before they could run away but now Shi Xaio has come out alive and is infact under such a powerful protection. Our men have repeatedly tried to get close to her but her shadow bodyguards are too well trained! And now this girl!I had thought that since she had hidden herself or so long,she would always remain in hiding but now even she has sharpened her claws and is threatening her."


    Shi Qinglan glanced at the man beside him and gave a small smirk,"You are really too much Qin Yung!I know they are your daughters and you must think them to be very intelligent but Shi Ai won the last time because you were too careless and I underestimated her. But this time,the circ.u.mstances are different.We may not know their strong suits but we definitely have their weaknesses in hand. And anyways,don''t you think it odd that both the girls have returned at the same time? We don''t know where Shi Xaio Ai has been all these years and we haven''t known where Shi Ai went after she escaped. So there is a reasonable chance that these two were together,don''t you think so. But that is not so important anymore. What is important is not Shi Xaio Ai or Shi Ai. A spider weaves an intricate web and even if you clean it,the spider will si.ply make a new one. So if you want to be rid of the webs then you have to kill the spider. And the spider in this case is Knight Long. "


    Qin Yung was shocked and bewildered."What di you mean?"


    "Hmm.what I mean is simple. We have been wasting our time in the wrong people. You know that elder Shi went to see Long Ah Hai a few days ago and I went to see Shi Xaio. Well I made the wrong choice once again. I should have sent my people after that man because he is the only obstacle in my way. These past few day,I have sent my best men to check on that ex army officer. He is very cunning with only one weakness. And Shi Ai also handles the same weakness-Shi Xaio Ai.


    So,this time I am going to make a pawn out of Shi Xaio once again. Just like Shi Ai surrendered herself last time because of her little sister,this time Ah Hai Long will fall because of his wife. She wants to do some social work and charity  doesn''t she? Let us teach her that charity begins with your own family. Shi Ai has taken my slave


    So Shi Xaio will take my slave''s place. Anyways she looks very much like her mother so I will definitely enjoy her. Tell me Yung,would younlike to participate in defiling her..Haha Haha.. I can see the temptation in your eyes Yung. Let her come tomorrow to interview Shan Shan. Once she has stayed here for a few days,she can answer those questions herself!" The evil laughter soon subsided leaving in it''s wake an even more scarier truth. This house really was full of monsters.


    In his office,Ah Hai removed the wireless headphones that he had been using. He wondered how Shi Qinglan had survived for so long when he was so foolish and over bearing. The man had blurted the entire plan  without even checking the dagger which had a microphone built into it. Ah Hai streched his neck as he gave a small cold smile. Finally Shi Qinglan had decided to target his wife. The big fish had finally taken the bait. Shi Qinglan seemed to be in a hurry to get himself killed.


    Parked outside the small villa,Xaio Ai clutched at Ah Hai''s hand as she tried to prepare herself to go inside to look at Shan Shan. They had almost been too late. If they had delayed their plans anymore,the girl would have been dead today..


    Finally,having calmed a herself a bit,Xaio Ai nodded to her husband and the two went inside.


    Yang Mei was collapsed on the couch while a nurse sat opposite her. Standing the moment the couple entered,the nurse began her report. Sir,she is being given hallucinogen in small quantities on a daily basis. The hallucinogen is actually an anxiety calming medicine but when a normal person takes it,the brain tends to react differently. Thankfully the girl kept throwing up everytime she ate it so only a small trace could be detected in the blood samples and ot did not affect her sanity by much.She is sleeping for now. Um, I know she is a victim and you might want to question her but please wait until she is emotionally stable.. The doctor has left his bag here and will be back soon. You can also rest of you wish."With that the nurse sat back and resumed her reading. "I''ll go and check on her.",Shi Ai muttered before walking towards the room with the closed door.


    Ah Hai turned to see Yang Mei''s eyes following her sister,who had not even bothered to ask about her. Feeling pity and not wanting Shi Ai to.misu understand his wife,Ah Hai explained,"She is just worried about Shan Shan. Please don''t take it personally that she did not ask you about yourself.She wil do it once she is sure of Shan Shan''s safety. What happened to your hand?"


    Yang Mei looked at her hand in confusion. She had not even realized that her own hand had been scorched from that fire. Going to the doctor''s bag,Ah Hai plucked an ointment and a q tip out of the bag before passing it to Yang Mei.


    Mei tried to squeeze out the ointment with one hand but failed miserably causing Ah Hai to mutter,"Both of you sisters are alike." And then taking the medicine to apply on her hand. Yang Mei smiled ad she watched him apply the medicine before she gave a comeback,"But you love my sister a lot. Don''t you. It is also why you are being kind to me.For her."Ah Hai looked up at this moment with the ghost of a smile and this was the scene that Shi Ai came out to. Ah Hai holding Yang Mei''s hand and the two smiling at each other.


    Stumped for a moment she did not understand what was going on but then she looked down and saw that Yang Mei was injured. "Miss Yang,you were injured. I am very sorry for that. Please let the nurse attend to it. Ah Hai,Shan Shan is awake and wants to tell us something."

 Chapter 169 - A Small Clue

    A pale girl lay stretched on the bed with tubes attached to her little hands. Her eyes which should have been bright with innocence and happiness were dull and glassy with pain and disillusion from the world.


    Shi AI went and sat next to the girl but Shan Shan''s eyes were glued to the person who had just entered. She kept staring at the dangerous man with wide eyes before tears started to roll down her eyes and she cried earnestly.


    Shocked at her reaction,Ah Hai went close to the little girl and held her small frail hand in his. He touched her hand gently and slowly so as not to scare her. She had seen the worst side of the male species and he did not wish to scare her more. But instead of being scared of him,she clutched at his fingers in desperation before sobbing,"Thank you for saving me,Mr Knight!"


    This caused Ah Hai''s browse to rise in suspicion and shock. He could not think how the little girl would know his name. But Shan Shan was going on babbling,not at all aware of the a.d.u.l.ts'' reaction."I prayed to God every night to send you to rescue me. Now I won''t have to go back to that dirty place and those dirty people again.." Even as Shan Shan said this,she looked at Ah Hai for confirmation that he really would not send her back. Ah Hai tried to give Shan Shan a reassuring smile as he gave a gentle pressure in her fingers."Yes,your prayers were answered because you were a good girl. Tell me Shan Shan, how did you know to ask God to send me?"


    For a moment,Shan Shan''s face reflected terror as her walleyes widened and she tried to explain herself while stuttering,"I... I didn''t mean to eavesdrop but they were talking and I just heard it.."


    Seeing the fearful look,Ah Hai tried to console the girl again,"Shan Shan,it''s ok if you heard anything. There is no shame in it. Try to tell me correctly what you heard."


    Though Ah Hai''s eyes were as cold and emotionless as always,Shan Shan actually felt a measure of relief. She would not have been able to tell him everything if she had seen any pity or sympathy in them. But the oddly lack of emotions made her feel as if she was talking to herself and that reassured her. "That man,Yung is scared of you. He..he came to the room one morning and said how Knight would create troubles and how his daughter was connected to you. He..he was also talking about some jewels but master shut him up and told him to not say anything more. I did not know who they were talking about but later I heard a few guards talking among themselves. They said how master was going to try to get to your good side but using your innocent wife. They have recently hired a new maid. She does not know yet that I am..I am not a young miss of the family and she should be alert around me.Actually it was because of her that I have also survived. When they started giving me the medication, she was the one who mistakenly alerted me. She had sent he guard mix the tablet in my food so she offered me a chocolate so that the butter taste would not linger. That was how I knew that something was wrong with my food.. One morning while she was cleaning the room I took her phone and looked you up. There was an article about how you were setting up security in the hospital that is governed by master and thus he was scared of you..so I knew that if I could be saved by you then master would not be able to catch me and bring me back like the last time."


    Shan Shan finished theblast part on a sob making Ah Hai pat her head softly to help her calm. Unable to control hherself,Shi Ai gathered the little girl in her arms,even as she herself cried. There was one thing that Shi Ai was having difficulty keeping mum over was how Shan Shan dare not call Shi Qinglan''s name. Even now she referred to that man as ''master''. It took all of Shi Ai''s training to not snap and correct her. But she knew that Shi Qinglan had conditioned Shan Shan slowly and torturously to think of him as her master so similarly it would be a long therapy before Shan Shan would be able to let go of that stigma.


    Soon,the little girl was exhausted and fell asleep in Shi Ai''s arms who then lay the girl slowly back on the bed,before wiping her brow with a wet napkin and tucking the girl in. Ah Hai went out of the room,his mind deep in thought. Unknowingly, Shan Shan had given them a valuable clue. Through the beginning,there was one thing he had been unclear of. Why would they try to keep the real Shi Ai alive when they believed everyone else to be dead. If Shi Qinglan''s motive had been s**  trade,then he would not have kept her in captivity for so long. And pretending to be someone for a year or two was understandable but Qin Yung kept Shi Qing for more than a decade? Why did they use such a deception? And at the end everything in this puzzle was related to that antique jade set which was in Shi Qing''s possession.He looked up to see Yang Mei staring at him with the answer to his questions. There was only one person who could help them with finding the motive- Elder Shi..


    With a nod in Yang Mei''s direction,Ah Hai ordered,"Call your grandfather."


    Just then Shi Ai came out of the room and without a care,threw herself into her husband''s arms l,crying her eyes out.


    In bitter sobs she looked up at her husband questioning him,"Ah Hai!They are not humans!They are monsters!How can anyone be so cruel? My sister must have suffered so horrible because of me and these horrible men!She was also this age!And it is all because of me. If I had not been so dumb she could have at least saved her self. My stupidity caused her so much harm." Shi Ai was buried under the mountain of guilt as she tortured herself with imagining whatever her sister had suffered.


    Unable to see this finally Yang Mei burst out,"That is not true."


    That abrupt outburst caused Shi Ai to come back to herself as she looked at Yang Mei in confusion. Realizing that she had almost flown her cover,Yang Mei composed her expression and tried to explain,"Shi Xaio. Everything those horrible people did is their fault not yours. Your sister saved you because she loved you and wanted to protect you and your innocence. Don''t blame yourself and make her sacrifice go to waste. With the beautiful person you have turned out,I am sure your sister and mother would be proud of you and given a chance,Your sister would not hesitate to sacrifice herself again. Please be brave for her and focus on finishing off these monsters and then living well with your husband." Oddly reassured,Shi Ai let go of Ah Hai and gave Yang Mei a hug thanking her profusely for taking her sister''s place and for reassuring her. Yang Mei returned the high with mmmoist eyes because what ever she had said was true. All she had wanted for her sister was to protect from the bad in this world and though she had failed last time,this time she would succeed and finish off those monsters. She would kill them and then herself. For the last many years,her life had only two purposes,killing hose monsters and seeing her little sister happy and safe. Now that she had seen for herself how Ah Hai cared for her,shebcould peacefully rest once those people were dead. Yang Mei tightened her hold on her sister and the hug turned fierce even as her eyes flashed a cold light.


    However,this coldness was witnessed by Ah Hai and his instinct told him that Yang Mei''s end goal was different from theirs and they would have to be careful. Their purpose was to expose and then punish but Yang Mei had already decided to kill.


    Turning his back on the girls, he closed his eyes to think of a new plan to unravel this new complication. If Shi Ai got to know her sister and then lost her again then she would be devastated. Yang Mei was going to have to be handled very very carefully. If she needed to kill those bas***** to finish her revenge,then he would orc.h.e.s.trate it in a way that would not implicate either of the girls..

 Chapter 170 - Surrounded by Enemies

    "Sir, Mr So My ng is here."


    The assistant had just entered the office and announced this when Shi Qinglan nodded to let the man in. Qinglan looked down at the pictures in his hand and smirked before placing them into the drawer and locking them.


    Si Ming entered the room and greeting the man with a small bow, took his seat. In his grating voice, he started"Mr Shi. It is good to see you doing well! I heard in the news that there was an accident in your house yesterday? A small fire? This is why I did not bring my assistant along. We can postpone this interview longer, you see.  The poor Shan Shan must be traumatized, correct? So we must not scare her more."


    Shi Qinglan smirked and both the men in the room knew what this conversation was about. There was never going to be a real interview. Si Ming just needed to make up the interview with the kid and he would do so once he had the right ''ink''. Shi Qinglan agreed as he said,  "Yes,  the child is traumatized. Actually, y have kept it from the media because it is shameful but the fire was caused by Shan Shan in her room. From God knows where she found drugs and decided to try them. In a drug-induced state, she burnt down her own room.  Mr Si, I am deeply ashamed and so is she. I dare not make this matter public as it will have a negative impact on not just me but Shan Shan''s reputation as well will be ruined. She is like my own daughter so please help me protect the child''s future.."


    Si Ming nodded his understanding as he rushed to assure the man, "Don''t worry Sir. Young kids these days are all like that- imm.a.t.u.r.e and thankless! I will handle this for you! Once the matter has settled, I will come to you and then you can thank me well. Yes?"


    Shi Qinglan nodded in apparent understanding and soon Si Ming was guided out by the assistant.


    "Was this the man?",Shi Qinglan asked to the apparently empty voice. A young girl came out from behind the office door then and looked at Shi Qinglan with a troubled expression on her face."No Sir. I have not seen this man in the past."


    Nodding, Shi Qinglan then ordered the girl to leave as well which she did hurriedly. When  Xu Likun had passed Shi Ai''s pictures to Shi Qinglan,  her only motive had been that nobody else must be fooled by her apparent innocent behaviour. After a little investigation from Shot, she had found that Knight was planning something against Shi Qinglan. Xu Li had thought that Shi Ai was using Knight for a personal vendetta so she had set out to ruin their plans and sent those pictures anonymously.  But she had not expected that Shi Qinglan would discover her and then blackmail her. Shi Qinglan seemed to have doubts that Ah Hai had placed some protection around Shi Ai and he wanted to get rid of that protection. To this end, he had ''invited'' Xu Li here to see if Si Ming was related to KSS in any way. So Xu Li kept quiet.


    Shi Qinglan leaned back on his chair as he pondered this problem before him. He did not understand why but this Si Ming person was somehow suspicious to him. But Shi Qinglan had survived this long only because of his instinct. He would actually be more relieved if the man bore a connection with Ah Hai. Otherwise, a man like Long Ah Hai would not let his dear wife go with just any man. Finally, the last man he had been waiting for was here. The investigator greeted politely and then continued, "Sir, as you said, the man Si Ming does have a connection with Long Ah Hai but it is an oblique one. I have interviewed all the past cases that he has handled and everyone has recognized the man so his history is solid and true and does not look made up. It seems when this person Si Ming was in university, Long Ah Hai had visited the faculty to teach the students there self-defence for women. Si Ming had volunteered to be a ''punching bag'' for those women. Maybe that is when he left a good image on Long Ah Hai and he has let his wife work with him.."


    Si Ming who had just planted a bug in Shi Qinglan''s office and was now sitting in the coffee shop downstairs, listening in, rolled his eyes. "He had been a punching bag? Assistant Yang was really unbelievable. He did not only manage to get the witnesses to collude, he even created an entire person for Shi Qinglan to meet. Shi Qinglan would see what he wanted to now. After receiving proof of Si Ming''s lecherous behaviour and comparing it to himself, Si Ming would naturally conclude that Si Ming was also a predator wearing a disguise.


    Satisfied that his cover had not blown, Si Ming finished off his cup of coffee and made his way home. Today''s investigation had turned put to be pretty interesting and he needed to pay a visit to the little mole he had discovered. If there was one thing Knox a.k.a-Si Ming hated then it was those who babbled uselessly and thoughtlessly. Xu Li was going to pay for her mistakes. And he hated backstabbers with a passion.


    As the day turned dark, Knox had once again changed his appearance and now looked like a foreigner with a french beard and messy hair. He made his way to Xu Li''s apartment to confront the woman who was once a fellow comrade. However just as he would have alighted from the cab,  a message dinged in his phone,"  She is not there but the enemy is. You have forgotten that Xu Li is an expert in sign language. It''s a trap."


    Letting out a string of colourful curses,  Knox ordered the cab to drive further and dialled a number,  "Why would she do that?  I get she is angry about you and the loss but betrayal was never her style! What is wrong with her?  And why are you letting her be if she has done something like this?"


    Ah, Hai stood still in his office as he wondered how much he dare reveal. Making a decision, he finally let it go, "It is not her per se but someone else who is using her for their own means. She is simply a pawn. And I am letting her be because she has not caused any major damage...yet and we all owe a blood debt to her brother. It is also why I did not let you walk in. If something had happened to you then we could not have let her go unpunished."


    Knox stilled as he was reminded of their debt..but who would dare to use Xu Li? Son of a bi***!"Are you telling me that the man we have been looking for, ever since our discharge is the one controlling Xu Li? The person who was responsible for your teams annihilation and us being almost court-martialled? And he has instigated her to sabotage this mission? But why? Why did he wait until now to take action? And why is she listening to that person?"


    "Because his primary target is me. I am the one most dangerous to his well being. And he has been in touch with Xu Li for a while now. I can actually wager that Xu Li''s so-called feelings for me are also because of seeds that he has planted. And now that I have let myself into the open for this case, he wants me to lose."


    Knox could only clutch at his hair as he wondered at this turn of events. Crap! They had enemies closing in from all sides. Like the carnivores they were, the enemies had smelled the blood and had come to the feast! This situation had taken a turn from bad to worst!


    If there was one thing Knox knew well, it was to detect subtle changes in a persons voice. And though Ah Hai had perfect control over his, he could still detect the man''s worry. So Knox directly asked, "What is your plan?"


    "There is no change to our previous plan. Regarding this new development, I have already asked Shot and Viper to work on it! We just need to make sure that our common enemies, do not join hands."


    Knox clenched his hands and almost punched the cab door,making the driver almost frightened out of his mind. The driver finally breathed a sigh of relief when Knox had gotten off the cab.


    However there was someone who had been disappointed.Xu Li had stood behind the trees and seen the cab stop near her apartment''s entry.She was looking forward to Ah Hai''s plan failing.But instead of letting a man get off, the cab drove away. Frowning,she took out her cell phone and made a call,"Uncle,that man came but he did not get off the car."


    The cold eyes of the man on the other hand narrowed as he rasped,"That means you have been discovered."

 Chapter 171 - The Final Clue

    The entire Shi household was in chaos. All the servants busted about as they rushed to follow Elder Shi''s instructions. Though the old man never much interfered with the household staff and lived almost like a ghost in his mausoleum of a house, today it seemed as if someone had breathed life into him. Even his white glossy hair seemed to be shining like a halo.


    For Elder Shi, it really was a rebirth, a chance to correct his past mistakes. And make amends to his remaining family. Finally both his granddaughters were going to be under his roof. He felt saddened for a moment that he had missed out on their childhood but then with the experience of age, he understood that we can only look forward. Since he did not know what his granddaughters liked to eat, he had sent the cooks in a flurry by ordering them to make all the dishes that his wife and daughter had liked to eat.he even ordered some western dishes in case they did not like the traditional Chinese fare.


    Elder Shi looked at the time every few seconds until even the butler wanted to forget his place and roll his eyes at his master.


    Finally, the couple arrived at the appointed hour. Elder Shi clutched the handle of his walking stick to stop himself from trying to run. It would not be good if he fell.


    Giving a polite bow to Elder Shi, Ah Hai brought Shi Ai forward, "Sir, please meet your granddaughter Shi Xiao Ai."


    With misty eyes and trembling hands, Elder Shi brought his hands to the girl shoulders and pulled her in for a hug. Though the man was old but his hug was powerful as it seemed to contain all the emotions he had bottled up inside him for all these years. Feeling a little awkward and startled, Shi Ai gently patted the man even though her own eyes felt the moisture surge.


    Realizing his impulsiveness was making his granddaughter uncomfortable, Elder Shi Moved back slowly and formally apologized, "I am sorry. I was overwhelmed with emotions. Please forgive this old man. Come and have a seat. What would you like to drink?"


    After the initial discomfort, the three people settled in the drawing-room before being served tea. Elder Shi was at a loss on how to communicate with this granddaughter. His Yang Mei had been closed off when he had found her. She had hated him for not protecting them and refused to call him grandfather. And now Xiao Ai had been found after so much time had passed, how could he even think of asking her to address him as grandfather.


    "Grandfather." Elder Shi broke out of his thoughts when he heard this. Was he daydreaming? But then he saw Xiao Ai say again, "Grandfather?"


    Eager now, Elder Shi bent forward and said, "Yes Xiao Xiao?"


    "Ah Hai has told me how you have been trying to find us for years not to make up for the past. Please don''t let it burden you anymore. I promise to find my sister also and then you can meet both your granddaughters. But.."


    This statement caused Elder Shi to feel gratified as well as confused before he realized that Xiao Ai did not know Yang Mei was her sister. He gave a questioning glance to Ah Hai, who subtly shook his head to indicate that Xiao Ai was still in the dark.


    " But what?"


    Xiao Ai looked at her twisting fingers in her l.a.p and then up again. She felt guilty because she simply wanted to question him on the past that was surely painful and she could see that he wanted to talk about their future.


    "But..there is something I am trying to find out about my mother. Can you help us?"


    Elder Shi could see that whatever it was that she wanted to know was important so he nodded and agreed readily.


    "Can you tell us why my mother kept her maiden name. From what I have heard, she was in love with her husband and had gone against your decision to marry him so why did she not give us her husband''s name? Why do we have your surname?"


    Elder Shi did not expect Xiao Ai to have this question but he knew the answer so he gave it nonetheless."It is because your mother was my only daughter. When your grandmother passed away, I was heartbroken. I had always wanted a big family but I could not even think of marrying someone else. As your mother grew up, she understood my sadness and made a promise to me that she would not leave me after marriage. She insisted that her husband would have to marry into the family and her children will all take the surname Shi. Even though she went against my wishes and alienated me, she remembered her promise."


    Elder Shi''s voice quivered as he said this and it took him some time to get it back in control. This time it was Ah Hai who asked, "Elder Shi, if at the time you were not happy with the match then why did you give your daughter the prized jade set?"


    At this moment, Elder Shi felt the penny drop. This was the reason for their questioning."Do you want to know why Shi Qinglan is hell-bent on getting that set? There are so many antiques from that era but why specifically those pieces?"


    "It is because the set is a part of a key to a lock. When Qing Qing did not agree to marry the man I chose for her and insisted on that man, I, shamefully, tried to bribe her. My company was at an all-time boom and the economy was rising. I passed twenty per cent of the company''s shares into her ownership.i forgot that my little girl was as prideful as me. She signed back a blank doc.u.ment transferring the shares to whoever''s name may be written and gave them back to me. At that time an inventor had just come up with a unique unbreakable metal and designed boxes with unique keys. I used the set as keys and once the box was made, I sealed the company''s papers in it and passed both the things to her. Even if we were at odds, I never wanted my only child to suffer. I threatened her but I never cancelled her credit cards or the money she received from the company. But my Qing Qing never looked back. I thought she was happy and had not forgiven me so I could only repent and throw myself in business. At times I asked Qinglan to check on her and he always told me about how happy and prosperous they were. I admit I was also jealous that I had judged that man wrongly and he was really not after my money. How wrong I was! I never realized the betrayal that Qinglan had dealt me until I received the news of my daughter''s and grandchildren''s death. Even then I believed those two vipers who cried crocodile tears.


    The first time I suspected them was when I realized that the box of papers was missing. Only I and Qing Qing knew that the box was hidden near her mother''s grave and since I had not removed it that meant Qing Qing had. The dots started to connect. Her living in a dirty area which Qinglan had excused as a simple setback, her sudden death. It meant something was fishy. And then, I finally two and people llund someone who knew the entire treacherous story. Since then I have kept the reins on the Lifescience Hospitals under control. Qinglan has tried to gain a number of supporters but because I possess my own twenty-nine per cent share and autonomy of the other twenty per cent that I bequeathed to Qing Qing, he has been unsuccessful in taking me out forcefully. He would have killed me if he had the chance to take the majority but I made a will that should something happen to me then all my shares will be sold back to the company in lieu of almost all it''s assets so even if Qinglan gets the shares by killing me, the company will be bankrupt and insolvent. If you are thinking the box can be opened by any piece of similar shape then too, you are mistaken. It was very intricately made."


    Ah Hai and Shi Ai looked at each other, thinking back to the box they had gained from the Grey''s but.."Is this the box?" Ah, Hai took out a picture of the box they had and showed it to Elder Shi."Elder Shi nodded and said, "It is a similar box but not the same. That box is in my possession now. Shi..Someone had been told the location of the box so that they would be believed when they came to me for help. But I never tried to find the set because that would give the indication that I know the location of the box."


    The two people looked at each other and smiled. They now had the final clue and now nothing could stop the destruction of Shi Qinglan.

 Chapter 172 - I Like You Too,Dr An

    The four men running through the forest paused to catch their breaths. They were chasing a man for the last few days but he proved to be too elusive. The men panted heavily and even clutched at their knees in apparent exhaustion. They had been hired to threaten a doctor and exhort a jade bracelet from the man, They had assumed that it would be an easy task but the doctor had to lead them on a merry chase, first through the city and now into the forest.


    The goons were now exhausted and ready to kill the doctor. One of them frowned and growling in irritation, exclaimed, "How can a doctor outwit us? I am going to kill him once we have the bracelet! To hell with the orders."


    The others all agreed with this statement. These people were lazy and took assignments like beating up people for money and blackmailing them. They did not appreciate being led to a chase and having to work hard to earn their reward. Once they had caught their breaths, one of the men suddenly felt something strange. His senses heightened in the dark forest and he registered a peculiarity. He called the attention of his fellows by claiming, "Brothers? Do you hear any sounds from around? All the insects are quiet! I don''t have a good feeling about this! We must leave this place. Let''s give up on the doctor. We checked his house and office and there is obviously nothing there. We just have to keep looking around. He is on the run so naturally, he won''t be carrying the thing with him. maybe once he realises that we have backed off,  he will return and then we can get him again."


    Once the goon had pointed out to the eery silence in the forest, the others also felt a chill run down their backs. Yes.  The forest was too quiet. There should at least have been the sound of crickets. Usually, the insects all retreated and silenced only when they sensed danger and there was a predator lurking in the area. Just then the crunch of dried leaves, as if someone was walking over them reached their areas. They looked over at each other in victory sensing that their target was near just as they had been about to give up! But the next moment, the leader who was about to order chase.turned and looked directly down the muscle of a revolver. With a gun pointed at his head, he could not move at all and immediately raised his hands in supplication. The others also followed suit but their feet moved back to make a run. Their first thought was to protect themselves, they could get another leader but not another life.


    Before they could take a break or it, Zhang Min''s cold voice rang out in the forest, "If you think you can escape then you are highly mistaken. You are now in a military area so you need to be scared o, not just wild animals but also wildly buried land mines. One wrong step and you will be blown to pieces."


    The four men were paralyzed in fear and they could feel the sweat running down their backs. Just what had they gotten themselves into. Their thoughts were interrupted by the man''s question."Why have you been chasing me?" The leader wanted to look away at the question but the moment his head made a movement, The doctor c.o.c.ked his gun, ready to shoot.  Gulping in fear, the man fell on his knees making the others also follow suit,  "We were hired to get a jade bracelet from you and beat you up a little to make it look like a theft. Please let us go. We are simple thieves who just rough people up for some money! Please don''t kill us!


    Zhang Min narrowed his eyes at the pitiful people in front of him. So they wanted the jade bracelet. Ah, Hai had been right, Shi Qinglan had let the bracelet go too easily. Turned out that it was because of this. Well, he made a simple mistake. Shi Qinglan assumed Zhang Min was a simple surgeon. The poor man could not have imagined that handling these men was child''s play for him after the training he had received in the last two years. He was not touted as a genius only for his medical skills.


    In a few minutes. he had trussed up the men like turkey and made them walk back into a car. He needed to pay a visit to the person who had hired them. But first, they needed to be dropped off to the nearest police station to get their testimonies and confessions.


    Zhang Min''s mind wandered as he drove through the winding lanes towards the city. His mission was almost at an end. He had collected most of the evidence and witnesses. But he had needed an excuse to arrest the main doctor without exposing the real reasons. And now this was the perfect chance. The beautiful on the outside and ugly in the inside female doctor, Dr An Lili had made an error in judgement by hiring goons to handle him.


    Just as the dawn broke, the sound of the doorbell ringing woke up An Lili as she frowned and went to check who was making a ruckus at her door so early in the morning. Before she could open her mouth to scold the person, several policewomen swarmed in and one of them caught Dr An Lili''s wrist before handcuffing it and reading the dumbfounded doctor her rights and advising her to cooperate.


    Once in the interrogation room, An Lili kept trying to deny all charges but the police questioned her incessantly and refused to hear her pleas to call a lawyer. When asked why she was after the bracelet and who had told her to get it, she refused to name anyone. In a stoic voice she claimed that she had fallen for Doctor Zhang and they had been dating but after a lover''s tiff over the bracelet, she had been angry and hired the goons."


    But before she could go on with her lies, the door opened and in sauntered a grinning Zhang Min and exclaimed, "Dr An. Do you like me? Well, I like you too so we can let this matter go. You just need to sign this piece of paper.."


    Dr An Lili looked down at the piece of paper and felt her blood freeze in shock. This was as good as signing her own death warrant!

 Chapter 173 - All The Pieces Have Fallen

    A few hours after Dr An was arrested, several people from the nursing staff were also hauled in for questioning. This naturally gain the attention of the media, who parked themselves at the police precinct to gain more information.


    Meanwhile, Shi Qinglan received the threatening news and decided to leave the city and escape but as he called an assistant to make arrangements, the phone was answered but no one spoke. That was when he heard the sound of his men also being arrested in the background. Shi Qinglan realized that he would have to escape on his own. Packing up his important stuff, Shi Qinglan was about to make his way down when the doorbell rang. Shocked and scared, he immediately packed up his bag and made a run or it. The bag contained falsified identity cards of himself and several bank cards with illegal money. He could not get caught with these. As the sound of the police entering his home, reached his ears, Shi QInglan made his way to a hidden door that led straight out of his home from an underground passage. He kept trying to think of how he would escape from there once he was in the open and felt relief course through him when he saw a car parked on the other side. Qin Yung had come to save him. Throwing his bag into the car, he jumped into the passenger seat as the car drove away.


    "Dam*it!Just what is going on?Yung?Give me your phone. I need to check on the news, I had to destroy my phone before running away."


    Qin Yung said nothing and just passed his phone to Shi Qinglan. That is when he came across the live press conference that was being held by the police chief, "We have already arrested several suspects in the illegal organ trading business. Dr An Lili, the chief accused, in this case, has also named several important figures from the hospital, who seemed to be involved in the conspiracy. We went to their houses to invite them for their cooperation and some questioning. Two of the people have hone missing though. Director Shi Qinglan and head of security Qin Yung are missing."


    One of the reporters questioned, "Director Shi has also been named as a suspect? Director Shi is known for his charitable endeavours through the years. Could it be that somebody is trying to frame him?"


    The chief looked at the camera then and explained, "We would have thought so too if we had only received a tip-off. But the case has actually been investigated by our undercover officers and they have gathered additional proof for all the VIPs involved. Everyone who has suffered will get their due justice.


    The two missing people are also suspects in another shocking case of child abuse and human trafficking. We have received some disturbing reports and evidence regarding the same. In this press conference, we urge the media and our citizens to help us catch these people. We have released the pictures of these people and sounded an alert on places they could escape to...."


    Shi Qinglan snapped the phone close as he turned to Qin Yung instructing the main"Call the mayor and get him to make the police back off."


    Qin Yung shook his head and explained, "Already tried. The man is not answering any calls. All our people have been surrounded and captured. Your accounts and assets have been frozen and all the airports and exits in the city are being observed. The entire police force has been thrust into motion to capture us. I have arranged for ha to lay low in a small hotel for a while and then once this furore has calmed a little, we can escape."


    Shi Qinglan clenched his hands as he tried to control the rage burning through him. That was****, Long Ah Hai had made his move too fast and effectively. He had not expected such a fast action! Just then the phone in his hand rang unexpectedly. The two people in the car looked at each other in bewilderment. This was a new number. Nobody should have this number. Shi Qinglan let the phone ring and ignored it, trying to come up with a way to handle the mess. Just then, his phone dinged and a message popped up, "You can get out of this mess. Just put the entire blame on Elder Shi after all that man is the Head of the Company. Go to his house straight away and you will find that all his guards are mysteriously asleep."


    Shi Qinglan read the message loudly even as his brain came up with a strategy. Yes, he could claim that he had not been involved but had been trying to cover up for the old man. It was not ideal but it was better than being convicted. He would simply kill the old man and claim that he died because he was exposed. It was better than being convicted. Shi Qinglan ordered Qin Yung to drive towards the Shi Villa.


    Qin Yung swivelled his head towards Shi Qinglan before protesting, "It could be a trap."


    But Qinglan shook, "It is a trap indeed but not for us. It is a trap for that man. An adversary of your enemy is also a friend and this man is our friend who we have received by becoming Long Ah Hai''s enemies.


    Just then the phone dinged again, this time with a picture message. Shi Qinglan opened the picture and guffawed loudly. Their new friend had left a gift for them! His long lost niece Shi Ai was there, tied to a chair. How brilliant!


    "Qin Yung, drive faster. I don''t care if it''s a trap. This time even if we fall.We will take our enemies down with us!"


    An unholy and mad smile that was out of place in his present circ.u.mstances played around Shi Qinglan''s mouth as he accepted his inevitable downfall.

 Chapter 174 - Hostage Situation

    Elder Shi watched the news that had started playing early in the morning. Thankfully he had been warned by Ah Hai, early this morning about the upcoming storm so he had already instructed his public relations team. This scandal was going to be a big blow to his company''s reputation and they had to work with the police to salvage what was possible. He leaned back in his armchair with his eyes closed as he foresaw his lifetime''s work fall. But he did not have any regrets, he reflected. He had already made provisions for his employees and shareholders to suffer the least. His granddaughters were also going to be safe from that monster. He could sit back and rest finally.


    Just then, he heard the sound of the butler greeting someone and frowned. He had specifically told the staff that no one was to be allowed inside unless they were family. So who could have been invited inside? The next second the sound of a gunshot echoed in the otherwise silent house. Elder Shi felt his heart shiver and with trembling hands, he dialled a number that he had recently stored in emergency contacts. Getting up with the help of his walking stick, he tried to walk to the door as fast as he could to lock it against the intruder but his hand froze when he heard what the person had to say, "Old Shi, do not try to contact anyone if you want your Yang Mei to live and come down fast."


    Elder Shi froze as he recognized the voice of the man. He looked down at the phone in his hand which was connected and breathed a name into it before disconnecting the call and walking out of the door.


    Seeing Elder Shi, Yang Mei tried to break free of the ropes that tied her in place and struggled to warn her grandfather even though her mouth was shut with a gag. Her eyes turned red when she saw the man she had shunned for so many years walk towards his death only to save her.


    The man who stood with his gun pointed at her head gave a small smile and greeted the old man,"Old Shi. A small world isn''t it? We meet again after so many years. Who would have expected that my dearest enemy would become the grandson in law of my once dearest friend. I should be happy for you but I find that I am not so as my friend I hope you will forgive me for this. Now I don''t wish to hurt you unnecessarily so please do me a favor and come sit here. I will simply tie you up before leaving and the rest dependson your nephew and how much filial piety he has towards you.Elder Shi looked at the man and asked only one question"why?"


    "Because Ah Hai is responsible for everything that was done to me and my family. So naturally he has to pay.And this is a golden opportunity with his main weakness involved.I have been following his career since the begining just waiting for him to commit a mistake and I took every opportunity to make him fall but he only continued to rise!So now that this opportunity fell into my l.a.p, I would naturally make full use of it."


    With that,the man slowly tied,Elder Shi and went out of the house. Shi Qinglan would be here soon and so will Ah Hai. After having sent the message to Shi QInglan, the man sent a message to Shi Xaio Ai.It was the same picture of Yang Mei and an instruction to not tell anyone else.


    Shi Ai was at present at the hospital helping the people there to be transferred into other hospitale. The Public Relations team was set to release their official statement regarding the acquisition of this hospital by KSS,with her at the helm. They were going to use this opportunity to establish their authority that they would not tolerate such means once the new people were in place.It was actually being showcased as forceful acquisition but was in fact done with share transfers from her mother''s and grandfather''s shares. She held a phone is her hand to make emergency calls but what the enemy did not know was this was not the phone she used. Ah Hai had already changed her number for such an occassion and he was the one who received this message and sent Shot after the sender.


    After a while when there was no response from Shi Ai,the man made another call and Xu Li soon stood outside the hospital flashing her KSS badge to the police who had sealed the entry of the hospital. Once inside,she located Shi Xaio Ai in a few minutes and without giving the woman a chance to speak,caught hold of her arm and dragged her to a staircase.Shi Ai tried to get her hand out of Xu Li''s grip but to no avail. Once they had found a secluded corner,Xu Li showed her the image she had of Yang Mei tied up,before saying,"This is your sister Madam.Your biological sister who is tied up and ready to be killed while your husband protects you. You were the one who was supposed to be the bait for Shi Qinglan but what is your sister doing there?I bet you did not know that Miss Yang is your real sister and not someoneplanted by Ah Hai. Your sister who has always sacrificed herself is going to do the same today because your husband has planned to keep you here safe while you believe that Shi QInglan will attack you here. Do you really believe your uncle will be able to enter this place with all the police. Shi Qinglan has already made his move and you sre here safe and sound."


    Shi Ai snatched the phone from Xu Li''s hand as she recognized the place where Yang Mei was tied up but asked,"Why are you involved in this,Miss Xu? You have a vendetta against me so naturally you wish to lead me into a trap and since you cannot force me you are showing these images to me to come with you?"


    Xu Li gave a chilling smile at this."You are right Miss Shi,I cannot force you to come with me and this is indeed a trap but the reality is also there. Your people are in our grasp.What are you going to do?"

 Chapter 175 - The Final Move

    Xu Li had said one thing right. It did not matter whether it was a trap or not. She would not let anyone die because of her. She did not pay attention to what Xu Li had to say about Ah Hai or Yang Mei. What she did need to know was whether the photograph was true or a photoshopped version. Xu Li saw the doubt in Shi Xaio''s eyes and said, "I''ll tell you what Miss Xiao Ai, I will wait for you outside for ten minutes till you decide what you wish to do and then take you there. If you don''t come until then, you don''t need to worry about your family anymore. You can just proceed with the funeral arrangements." The moment Xu Li had left, Xiao Ai fished out her cell phone to call Ah Hai. The call was answered in the first ring and without pausing Shi Ai queried, "Is Yang Mei, my real sister? And are they in Shi Qinglan''s grasp now? And Shi Qinglan was supposed to attack me. How then did he reach Yang Mei? Did you change that part?"


    "Yes to all. Xiao Ai. Don''t rush there. I am already on my way and will reach within fifteen minutes. please stay put. Xiao Ai!Xiao Ai!" But the girl had already put down the phone.


    Xiao Ai felt staggered. She had felt an affinity to Yang Mei earlier. Then she had felt jealousy when she thought that Ah Hai was giving her special treatment.. but now she only felt guilt..he had been treating her sister so well so that she would be the scapegoat. She remembered the vow that Ah Hai had once made that he wouldn''t let her be harmed ever. Did he really do that? Shaking her head in a panic, she decided that now was not the time to think all this and raced out of the hospital.


    Xu Li smiled as the girl got into the car. Shi Xiao Ai did not deign to look at Xu Li and simply ordered her to drive.


    Xu Li smilingly remarked, "You really are worthy of being Ah Hai''s wife. Like him, your arrogance does not fail you even when you are walking into the tiger''s den."


    Shi Ai heard the residual of bitterness in Xu Li''s voice and thus turned her head to look at the woman, "Is that why you are doing this? Because you like Ah Hai and I am his wife?"


    Xu Li sneered at this and said, "I am not that petty. I am doing this for revenge. Ah Hai is the reason my brother - my only family is dead. And like a fool I went ahead and fell in love with him. I thought to make him fall for me and then leave him so that he could suffer but he never fell for me. I guess his guilt got in the way. But then you came into he picture and that too with readymade enemies so naturally, you need to leave him and go. Now knowing you, it''s not like you are just going to leave him if I tell you to so we have no option to kill you. I think that is even a better punishment. Knowing the person you love is never going to return is good too."


    Shi Ai shook her head in remorse at the loss of this girl''s reasoning. She wasn''t going to try and defend Ah Hai as she could see that Xu Likun believed what she wanted to believe. Shi Ai focused her train of thought on the danger ahead. She had to prepare herself for combat as she walked into an unknown situation.


    Soon they reached the Shi Villa and just as Shi Ai was about to disembark the car, she felt the cold muzzle of the gun pointed at her head. A chilling smile greeted her when she turned to look at Xu Li who said,"What is the hurry? Your sister and grandfather are already inside and so is your dear Uncle and Father. You can join the family reunion in a few minutes. First we need to get rid of your jewellery. The one''s which contains trackers. And take off that poisonous ring too please. Put everything inside this box along with your cell phone." Shi Ai took off her the bracelet,watch and ring in her hand as well as the phone, satisfying Xu Li. The woman though had not paid any attention to the button on Shi Ai''s shirt which wasn''t the side of her waist. The button held a pinhole microphone as well as tracker and hid just out of a person''s vision. Shi Ai then raced out of the car towards the villa. Once inside the villa, Shi Ai came to an abrupt stop as she realized she had reached directly in the middle of a confrontation. Qin Yung and Shi Qinglan stood side by side with their guns pointed forward while Yang Mei and Knox stood against them in the same position. Elder Shi lay on the ground with a lightly bleeding head wound.Her sudden appearance shocked both groups but Qin Yung reacted the fastest when he pulled Shi Ai to him and placed the gun at her temple. Now feeling confident, Shi Qinglan threatened,"Tell her husband to ruin all the evidence he has against us. Or I will kill her. Tell him to call off the media dogs and to release a statement that everything that was said was proven to be false allegations."


    Knox tried to negotiate with Shi Qinglan but the gun at her head made him pause. However, that was also when Shi Ai''s training kicked in. She was not going to let these people use her as a bargaining chip. Seeing that both the men were distracted in stating their demands to flee, she took the opportunity and catching Qin Yung''s wrist, turned the gun towards Shi Qinglan. "Bang!" the loud sound echoed throughout the room.

 Chapter 176 - The End Of Knight

    "Bang!" A liud sound echoed in the room as Shi Qinglan was shot in the foot and the next moment, Qin Yung was flipped over the girl''s shoulders. Reacting in tandem, Knox raced to Shi Qinglan and pushed away the gun that had fallen near him. Shi Ai followed to do the same but Qin Yung was not hurt much. Immediately jumping up to his feet, he grabbed Shi Ai like a shield and pulled her in front of him while choking her neck."You bi***! I should have killed you the moment you were born."


    Yang Mei had immediately pointed her gun towards Qun Yung but the man knew all too well that he could be shot and so he left no opening for her."Throw away your guns! Out them down and kick them away now or I will choke her before you can say ''Go''. Do it now!"


    Yang Mei and Knox slowly put down their guns but in the next moment, Knoz noticed something that made his blood chill. A red dot was aimed at Shi Ai''s forehead! Bloody hell! There was a sniper outside. And his target was not Qin Yung but Shi Xaio Ai. He tried to tell Xaio Ai with his eyes but she was concentrating on getting out of the man''s hold.


    Knox knew that the situation had now worsened. Ah Hai should have handled the other man by now. The one who had interfered with their plan and returned here. Only if something was wrong would he not return in time. But now was not the time to think of Ah Hai''s whereabouts. He needed to move these people away from the window if he wanted to save Shi Ai. He made a sudden dive towards the left causing Qin Yung to also turn around to face him. Yes! Just as Qin Yung was using Shi Ai as a shield, he was now also acting as a shield to her. His bulky frame would safeguard get from the sniper for now.


    Seeing that Knox was not trying to attack them, Qin Yung called out to the now bleeding Shi Qinglan,"Are you alright? Can you move?"


    Qinglan nodded and slowly got to his feet before picking up the gun that know had thrown. Limping to where Shi Ai stood, he used all his strength and placed a slap on Shi Ai''s face causing the girl''s head to snap back. Shi Ai felt her head throb at the power of the slap and even Qin Yung stumbled a bit.


    "Qin Yung is right. You are the cause of all this that has happened.How dare you shoot me?"


    Shi Qinglan raised his hand to hit her again but Yang Mei had already rushed forward and with a flying kicked him forcefully to the ground before taking out her dagger and trying to stab the man mercilessly as if she had turned mad. This gave Shi Ai time to break free and jump at Qin Yung who was trying to save his lover. In the chaos that ensued, Shi Qinglan had snatched the dagger from Yang Mei and stabbed her in the stomach. A final gunshot then echoed in the air and as if everything was in slow motion, Shi Ai saw Qin Yung and Shi Qinglan fall to the ground.


    Shi Ai turned around to see Ah Hai standing there with two guns in his hands. She felt relief course through her at the sight but then her attention was caught by Yang Mei who had fallen to the ground with her gut bleeding excessively. Shi Ai ran to her sister screaming at someone to call for an ambulance. The wails of the siren could be heard indicating that the ambulance was already on the way. Knox rushed towards the window to check if the sniper was still there and to warn Ah Hai but Ah Hai simply directed him,"Everything is handled. Knox, clear the dead bodies. Two here and Xu Li outside."


    Knox looked at Ah Hai carefully trying to figure out if something was wrong but was distracted when Ah Hai ordered,"Xaio Ai. Don''t look around.Focus on your sister and grandfather."


    Hearing the word dead bodies, Shi Ai had been about to look at the two monsters. Hearing his voice calmed her and she tried to focus on stopping her sister''s bleeding.


    Soon the paramedics had arrived and first Elder Shi and then Yang Mei were moved onto a stretcher. Knox had pulled up the two bodies to a corner of the room for the paramedics to move around easily. Just as Shi Ai ran behind the stretcher, she heard a faint voice call out,"little love.." But when she turned back, Ah Hai had already turned his head towards Knox so she followed them.


    The moment her back was turned, Ah Hai felt onto his knees as if he had lost all his strength. Shocked Knox ran to him wondering what happened when he noticed the pool of blood behind Ah Hai and how the man had stood frozen in front of the window. Dam* it! There was no danger outside now because Ah Hai had used his own body as a shield to protect his wife from the sniper''s bullet. The bullet that was now lodged in Ah Hai''s left shoulder. The bullet had gone deep and it was a wonder that Ah Hai had been able to stand for this long.


    Finally, Ah Hai was on his hands and knees as he whispered his last orders to Knox,"The sniper is also dead. Don''t tell Shi Ai about this." With this the Knight who had never fallen, lay on the ground in a pool of blood.


    Cursing and panicking because Knox had already lost many friends to such wounds in the past, he started take calls for another emergency. Shi Ai, he knew would be busy for a while at least. He just hoped that Knight survived or this sacrifice would be a waste. That girl would not be able to live without her Knight.

 Chapter 178 - You Will Regret

    "I hate him."


    The three words reverberated in the otherwise silent corridor. Scrutinizing her closely, Zhang Min narrowed his eyes and stood up,  backing off."I see." Without a word, Zhang Min turned around and was about to walk away when Shi Ai asked, "Don''t you want to know why I am saying this?"


    Zhang Min clenched his fists and shook his head without turning back. He was angry and he needed to calm himself or he would say hurtful things to an already hurt Shi Ai. But Shi Ai was not willing to let Zhang Min go. She felt the need to talk and thus could only speak to Zhang Min."You never approved of him, did you? You were right, Min Min in calling him the grim reaper. I never realized that I was the only one who was blind to him and his real face."


    Closing his eyes for a moment, Zhang Min shook his head and turned back, "Shi Ai. I don''t know what foolish notion you have put in your head but please stay quiet and don''t say things you will regret later. Just go and rest inside. Talk to Knight when he was..when he comes back and clear your misunderstandings.."


    "There are no misunderstandings. Tell him not to come back. Pass this message to him for me."


    Shot who had been listening until now felt his anger explode. His best friend as fighting for his life and the woman he did everything for was saying she hated him! Shot marched to her and would have caught her by the shoulders and shook her but was caught by Zhang Min who forcefully pushed him back. Even then Shi Ai seemed to have no reaction causing Shot to curse and rant, "Miss Shi. If that is what you wish then let me promise you something. I will make sure that he never comes back to you. The time when he needs you the most...Hmm. You will regret your words, Miss Shi. You are not worthy of him. Zhang Min, leave me be and call me when she comes back to her senses."


    Zhang Min eased back his hold but tried to catch Shot''s eye to tell indicate that Shi Ai was not thinking straight but the other man refused to make eye contact and stormed out. Once Shot was gone, Shi Ai also stood up and tried to go inside the room to sit with her sister but Zhang Min caught a hold of her wrist and pulled her along the corridor towards the waiting area. Shi Ai tried to pull her hand out of his grasp but he simply tightened his hold and dragged her along, all the way to his car. Opening the passenger door, he pushed her inside and then went towards the other side. Shi Ai was trying to push open her door when he climbed in but Zhang Min simply barked, "It is useless to struggle. I have activated the child security lock. It won''t open."


    Shi Ai turned to glare at him before angrily mocking him, "My brother sure has grown up. He knows how to use brute force on a woman."


    Zhang Min gave Shi Ai a mocking Shi Ai in return and taunted, "My little sister has also grown up. She knows how to unsheathe her claws now." The two people then glared at each other before Shi Ai once again started to struggle, "Zhang Min!please let me go. My sister needs me."


    Snorting coldly, Zhang Min simply crossed his arms before saying, "Your sister is unconscious and surrounded by capable nurses and doctors. Now, how about you tell me what have you spouting this nonsense about hating your husband?"


    When Shi Ai simply stared ahead and refused to answer, Zhang Min growled and said,"We can sit here all night and all month. You know me. I will not let you go until you come out with the truth."


    "The truth?The truth is that Ah Hai Long is a cold-blooded killer. And I want nothing to do with him."


    Zhang Min could only stare in horror at Shi Ai. He realized he was deluding himself by thinking that she was angry at him. The disdain and disgust in her eyes told another story. It was not one of anger.


    "Let the world see what they want. I only see the goodness and kindness in him.'' These were your words to me few years ago Xaio Ai. Do you remember them. Yes he had made many killings in his line of work. Maybe more than an average soldier because of his special skills but we''re you not going to be his haven? Isn''t that what you told me when you claimed that you would never breakup with him? So what happened now? Is it because you saw him kill for the first time? Even if you feel disgusted at those monsters death, you cannot blame Ah Hai. He did this for you. Because he loves you.."


    "Oh please! Because he loves me, he killed those people. Because he loves me, he hid the truth of my sister from me. Because he loves me, he put men under security and let my sister be under attack. Because he loves me he took away my right to choose whether I want to choose my sister or myself! I don''t want such selfish love, Zhang Min."


    "Because he loves you, he punished those four boys wanted to molest you. Because he loved you, he forced Yao Yao into a corner away from you. Because he loved you, he annihilated an entire hand of kidnappers to rescue you. Because he loved you, he blew his cover to come rescue you when you were kidnapped for your own stupidity. Because he loved you, he let you stand by him. Because he loved you.." he took a sniper''s bullet himself and is now fighting death to come back to you. Zhang Min wanted to say this last line aloud but dare not. He did not know how she would react in this state. Calming himself, Zhang Min said in a grim tone,"From the very beginning, all of Ah Hai''s actions have proven his love for you. And even if he was selfish this once and wanted to protect you, you have not yet earned the right to blame him, Xaio Ai. I am extremely disappointed in you, for the first time in my life, I am ashamed of knowing you." Having said everything he wanted to say, Zhang Min pressed a button on the console and quietly said,"Go, Shi Ai. You need to go to your sister. Just remember one last thing. Reflect on who''s love is selfish. Yours or his?"


    Shi Ai opened her mouth and closed it once then twice but unable to say anything. Finally, having no words, Shi Ai opened the car door and ran out. She felt her brain would explode. She did not want to think about all this and simply marched towards the patient room.


    Zhang Min watched hear go with a frown between his brows. He did not know but there was something wrong with this scenario. How could someone love a person so deeply and then suddenly turn around and abhor them in the span of a few hours? He tried to think where things could have gone wrong but could not come up with an answer.


    A few minutes later, there was a knock on his window and he wound it down to look at Shi Ai who stood there with a file in her hands. The moment the window was all the way down, Shi Ai threw the file in his l.a.p ans crisply told him, " this is what Ah Hai''s one moment of selfishness has caused my sister." That said, Shi Ai turned back and walked in to the hospital leaving behind a baffled looking Zhang Min.


    He looked down at the file in his l.a.p and opened it to read. As he read the prognosis of Yang Mei''s medical condition, he threw back his head and banged it against the seat. Oh what a mess this was! This report could make him understand Shi Ai''s anger towards Ah Hai,even if he did not condone it. Yang Mei, he knew, had already made a lifetime of sacrifices and now this. What a mess! And the one person who could solve it was lying in the hospital.


    Meanwhile, the doctor had just finished his surgery on Ah Hai and walked out to explain the situation, " He needs to be kept under observation for a while. Though he has managed to pull through, his blood loss was severe and this may have affected his other organs and nerves. The side effects of these injuries can only be guessed at later and for now we can only see how things progress. His heart stopped beating twice and he had to be revived so please have patience, his recovery is going to be slow and painful. If he recovers.

 Chapter 179 - A Long Dream

    The place was dark. And full of smoke. If it had not been for his keen eyes, Ah Hai would not have been able to see whatever little he could. And it smelled bad. He wanted to stop his breath at the dank and acrid smell. It reminded him of decaying dead bodies. He would rather choke than breathe in this stale air. He tried to look around to guess where he was but it looked like a road which had no signs.once again he wondered where this place was with no lights, no signs..nothing.


    Just then a blinding glare lighted up the entire street and Ah Hai inhaled in shock. The air was bad because the street was lined with people he had killed. Their dead eyes stared at him making him shiver. Everyone believed he had a cold heart but he knew it was not true. He had to forcefully freeze his heart or be would only be plagued with nightmares. Ah Hai decided to escape from this place but he did not know which direction to take. He stood still as he tried to think. But in the next instant, the light around him dimmed and he saw a girl walking out from the light. His breath caught. It had been so long since he had seen her. Her eyes still twinkled the same way. She was dressed in a white flowy dress making him think of angels and fairies. He breathed out her name,"Ning Ning..." She extended her hand to him calling out to him. He walked towards her. He would go wherever Ning Ning took him, even if it was a road to perdition. But just as he was extended his hand and was about to hold hers, his other hand was caught by a little girl. He looked back and then down to see a little sprite clutching his big hand in her small one''s and pouting up at him,"You cannot go with her. You promised to wait for me to grow up!" Ah Hai frowned and looked at the girl who was pouting and accusing him angrily. He thought the little girl was cute and tried to think back when he could have promised her. But his attention was once again caught by Ning Ning who whispered,"Ah Hai..I have changed. I have made many mistakes in the past and now I want to correct them. We can live together happily just as we imagined. She is a little girl. A child. What does she know of promises? She will soon forget you and move on. Why do you have to wait for her?"


    Ah Hai gave it a thought and decided Ning Ning was right, children did not have long memories and with Ning Ning he could leave this disgusting place. But he did not feel right leaving the innocent little girl here. Maybe he could take her with him.. He turned back to tell her but she was gone..and his hand was empty. Frowning he looked around in wort in case something bad had happened to her but he could not find her. He walked around but she was nowhere. He heard his Ning Ning calling out to him,"Ah Hai. Come with me please. I can''t stay here longer.we mist leave. With a troubled heart, Ah Hai walked towards Ning Ning but once again he stopped. A scream shot out and suddenly saw the little one surrounded by those bad people. She looked older now as she tried to fight off the people who tried to assault her but her eyes were the same. On the other end Ning Ning slowly started to fade. Rushing back, he pushed away those people who then vanished into smoke. She jumped into his arms and clung to him, smiling at him and announced,  "I knew you would never leave me. I love you and I will always love you."


    Ah, Hai took the girl into his arms. Her head barely reached his shoulders as she clung to him.


    The scene changed once again. He held a crystal heart in his hand. His fingers were wound tight around it as if he was trying to absorb it into his body and he feared that it might slip from his hands. He brought up his hand and staredat it. Across the road from him,  stood Shi Ai. She too held a similar crystal heart in her hand and was currently playing with it, tossing it into the air and then catching it. He wanted to call out to her but was scared that her concentration would break so he only watched. She smiled at him when she saw him and shouted out, "See this brother Ah Hai! I have your heart in my hands. Do you know how long it took me to gather these pieces and join them back? There were too many pieces to count! Look at the heart I gave you and look at what you gave me!" Ah, Hai looked at the crystal in his hand and it was indeed perfect without a single scratch. He then looked at the one in her extended hand and frowned. There were jagged edges to this heart and it had been roughly glued together by a shiny thread. His frown deepened as he said, "this is my heart? give it back to me and you keep yours. This heart is not worthy of you. You must find one that is just like yours."


    Ah, Hai tried to take back the heart but the little girl skipped away, laughing at him and teasing him, his heart clutched in the palm of her hands. Smilingly, he looked at the little heart in his hand and vowed to treasure it. She took a hold of his palm and engulfed it in hers before walking down a path, leading him away from all those dark things. He looked down at their joint hands and this time knew that he had chosen to follow the right person. He would forever hold this hand.


    But soon the world turned dark again and he felt the warmth slip from his fingers. Desperately he looked for his girl but she seemed to have disappeared once again. He started to feel panic and that was when suddenly he felt surrounded. There were too many people around him. Their faces a blur but he could sense their malicious intent. He needed to find her and escape. In the chaos,  he felt the crystal in his hand slip from his hands. He tried to catch it and breathed heavily when he succeeded. But suddenly a foot stomped on his hand and the crystal shattered. Ah, Hai watched in disbelief even as his bleeding hands gathered the broken fragments. Painfully, once he had gathered all the shards, he looked into the beautiful but moist eyes of his girl and presented the fragments to her shamefully.


    She stared at him with accusing eyes blaming him. And then without a word, turned around and ran away leaving him behind in the darkness. Ah, Hai looked down at the heart that he had broken and then resolved his heart. He would mend it piece by piece just like she had mended h  soon Ah Hai got to war finally able able able rebuild the heart and started to find his girl. And when he finally found the little ray of light, he eagerly ran to her and presented his work.


    But her eyes were not the same. They did not look at him adoringly and full of love like in the past. She took the heart, he presented giving him hope but then in the next moment, she threw another heart onto the ground. The one that she had rebuilt lay at his feet taunting him with its fragility. "I don''t want your heart anymore."  She turned her back on him and Ah Hai could do nothing but collapse in his knees in the darkness.


    A blinding ray of light then accosted his eyes. He opened his eyes and looked around to assess his surroundings. A hospital. He was in a hospital room. Closing his eyes, Ah Hai thought back to what had happened to him to land him here. After a few minutes, his eyes snapped open as he remembered everything.


    Usually, when a patient woke up from a medically induced sleep, he does not remember anything but he remembered his dream and he knew it was not just a dream but a premonition. His soldier''s instinct told him that his Shi Ai was no longer with him...why he did not know. But what he did know was that he was not going to let her go without a fight. Ah, Hai did not realise that his dream had also left it''s mark on his face as he had cried for Shi Ai. There were tears drying on his face.


    The door to his room opened and Shot walked in followed by Knox and Zhang Min.


    Zhang Min observed the way Ah Hai''s eyes scanned the room. He knew what, or rather who, Ah Hai was looking for but he said nothing. Zhang Min had no satisfactory answer to give Ah Hai.

 Chapter 180 - Who endangered Yang Mei?

    Ah Hai turned his face away from Zhang Min''s worried one. He had already found his answer in Shi Ai''s absence by his bedside. In a hoarse and harsh voice, he asked,"How long have I been in here?"


    The three people in the room glanced at each other before Knox answered,"Five days. You had lost too much blood and it was touch and go for the first two days.We were quite worried..." The other two people nodded their heads in agreement.


    Ah Hai took stock of his condition and realized that blood loss was the reason he felt so weak and lethargic,even now. He closed his eyes and laid back his head in exhaustion before uttering only one word,"Updates?"


    Immediately back to business,Zhang Min sighed in relief and confusion, that he was not asked about Shi Ai so he was the first to begin his report,"All the evidence we have gathered has been submitted in court,the witnesses secured and jury decided and called. All the authorities are working in cooperation and only the news you indicated should be leaked is being given out. The public opinion regarding the case has been swayed in the right direction."


    "Knox?"


    "We had to do a little extra work for the clean up as some busybody in the hospital had misinformed the police about a stabbing case.Yang Mei has testified and the matter has been resolved. Elder Shi is also doing better now.He had a minor heart attack just before Shi Qinglan arrived,thus he had fainted and suffered a fall because of which he also has a bit of injury on his waist.Shi Qinglan and Qin Yung,both died on the spot. I have taken care to expose the fact that Shi Qinglan tried to kill Elder Shi for having co operated with the police and he and his partner were killed in self defense by the housekeeper of the Shi family who was actually injured by the General. Naturally people sympathise with that. Lastly,Xu Likun has been buried with her family,next to her brother. Everyone of her colleagues believes that she died while fighting with a sniper to save Sh..someone so we will be holding a wake and memorial service for her once you are back. Everyone has also been informed that you were severely injured in the operation. The Lifescience hospitals have been discharged of all responsibilities and everyone involved in organ trafficking is under arrest while the victims will be compensated as per the court directives."


    "Shot?"


    "General Gu was already dead by the time we entered, from the stab wound you had given him. It seems he was obsessed with ruining you. He has been keeping tabs on you ever since you began your service. The mission where you were shot in your t.h.i.g.h was also orc.h.e.s.trated by him. From what we can glean he wanted to discredit you and not kill you. Out last mission was something he had goofed up in his obsession to ruin you. He wanted you to be discredited and stripped of rank but you resigned respectfully before that and your paperwork was too perfect. But when Genral Gu realized his blunder and the people he had caused the deaths of, he found the families of our comrades later to help them financially. That is how he came in touch with Xu Li and pretended to be a gentle old man. But by the time he had allayed his so called guilt,you had disappeared from the military bases and established KSS here. It took him time to resatablish his connections here and find you, then he discovered Xu Li was working here. He established himself as her new family for a while before pretending to be sick. He then made Xu Li go on a personal leave to accompany him and then started to brain wash her against you. To add insult to injury,she was in love with you and in a dilemma when she came back to tell you everything but she saw your wife and that disturbed her emotionally making her stand firmly against you and us.Another thing that he was focused on was finding Sunshine. It seemed after his son''s death, General Gu had only two reasons to live, ruining you and Sunshine. But he wasn''t able to find her. We have found various reports from different investigators all leading to dead ends. Sunshine seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth after leaving the army.."


    "Hmm..Thank you, everyone, for your hard work!"


    All three men had finished their reports and were the usual procedure, they would have left. But all three hesitated. Not as comrades but his well-wishers. Zhang Min wanted to explain the situation with Shi Ai so that Ah Hai would not misunderstand her or be too angry at her. Knox also wanted to talk about this whereas Shot had another question on his mind. He was the one who finally asked,  "Ah Hai, where is Sunshine?"


    Zhang Min felt at a loss at this question. He understood that this Sunshine person was related to Ah Hai in some way but why would Shot ask this. From the anger he had displayed when Shi Ai had disclaimed Ah Hai, Zhang Min had felt that Shot would be the first to report the hurtful words uttered by Shi Ai. But the man seemed to have forgotten them.


    At first, Ah Hai seemed to not have heard the question but then in an indifferent voice, he answered, "Sunshine is in the sky, of course." A wry smile graced the faces of Knox and Zhang Min at his dry answer while Shot wore a grimace. Shot opened his mouth to question him once more but Ah Hai interrupted,  "Shot, I am feeling dizzy. Let the doctors in and send someone with water. I am thirsty. We can discuss the rest of the unimportant matters tomorrow." Understanding that he was not going to get any answers, for now,  the three people turned to leave.  Shot and Knox had just exited the room when Ah Hai called out, "Min Min. Wait a minute. Close the door."


    Zhang Min felt his feet freeze at the voice. Ah, Hai was going to question him now. Only the Gods could save him, lest he, as the messenger be killed!


    Gulping, before the man could question him, Zhang Min started to talk,  "Look,  I tried to talk her out of it but she is just being her stubborn self and refusing to listen.  Ah, Hai,  she is emotionally unstable at present and does not know what she is talking about.  Just give her time and she will come to her senses. Please don''t take it to heart. You have to know..No, you know her best so you.."


    "What the hell are you talking about,  Min Min?",A interrupted Zhang Min''s spiel.


    Opening and closing his mouth like a confused fish, Zhang Min realized the big blunder he had made. He had been asleep these few days and naturally knew nothing about Shi Ai.  In his own nervousness,  he had made a big error. He looked around the room trying to think up of some excuse but before he could think of a lie,  Ah Hai continued," Find how Yang Mei entered the general''s radar."


    This brought Zhang Min back to the present with a jolt. With a heavy frown, he asked,  "What do you mean?"


    "Yang Mei was supposed to be safe with Knox that day and she was in place when I last spoke to him so why did she suddenly go to him?  She would have done it to protect Shi Ai but she did not know about the general''s existence. So why did the general know how to reach her?"


    "You mean Yang Mei was not the bait?"


    "Of course she wasn''t! She is Shi Ai''s real sister.  Why would I put her in danger when such a thing could potentially destroy Shi Ai?"


    Zhang Min:"..."


    Zhang Min had defended Ah Hai''s decision to put Yang Mei in danger when Shi Ai had accused him but never once had he doubted that Ah Hai would never do such a thing. That means Shi Ai blamed him for nothing! Ah Hai had not been the one to endanger Shi Ai.


    Seeing that Zhang Min stood frozen in place, Ah Hai ordered him once again,"Go Zhang Min and find out the truth for me. Why did Yang Mei use herself as lure when there was no need for her to do so."


    Zhang Min wanted to go and tell Shi Ai everything and so he turned towards the door in a hurry.


    But he had only crossed the door when he stopped short. But they had no proof that what Yang Mei did was not on Ah Hai''s orders and Yang Mei had recovered a few days ago so she should have told Shi Ai the truth by now.


    That could only mean one thing-Yang Mei had an ulterior motive in letting Ah Hai take the blame.

 Chapter 181 - It Is Not My Doing

    Yang Mei opened her eyes to look at her sister who was sleeping on the couch. Xaio Ai had been staying by her side or the last fe days ever since she ound about them being sisters. Yang Mei smiled at her pretty sister. She still slept the same way she used to as a kid with her hands folded under her head. Yang Mei felt as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She had succeeded. She had saved herself and her sister. She did not think that the years she had suffered alone were of importance. Watching her little sister grown up and basking in the love and protection of a wonderful man was worth everything they had endured.Yang Mei closed her eyes and thought of her mother thanking her for looking after them from above..Those evil people were dead and now they could be a big family..In the last few days, Xaio Ai had told her all about the big Long family. Though she had thoroughly researched them, listening about them from her little sister had made her feel thankful to them. She understood that it was because of them, Xaio Ai had flourished so well. Just then, Shi Xaio Ai''s eyes blinked open and she smiled at her sister.


    Before either of the sister''s could say anything, a knock sounded on the door before it was opened to reveal a lean and tall man. Yang Mei blinked at the man who had just entered. He wore a black sweater and his slick hair fell over his forehead messily. His face looked familiar but Yang Mei could not think where she had seen him. Only when he threw a cold glance at her did the picture snap into place! This man was Dr Zhang Min! He had been all over the news recently for having exposed and collected all the evidence against Shi Qinglan and his people. But why would he be here? Yang Mei raised her chin and was prepared to question him when he ignored her directly and went towards Shi Ai. Placing a thermos on the table in front of her, he ordered,"Brat!Here, have this soup. It''s enough for both of you. And then go home. I will stay here. You look like something the cat dragged in from the rain. Freshen up after this."


    Shi Ai looked at Zhang Min gratefully. She had not expected him to come here after their showdown that night. She knew he blamed her and yet, he had kept aside his anger to come here to show her support.


    Yang Mei looked between the two in confusion. Seeing her questioning gaze, Shi Xaio Ai smiled and explained,"Mei, this is my brother Zhang Min. His father was Dr Zhang Shu who was responsible for my treatment. When Aunty Wu passed away, Zhang Min and his family became my family." Shi Ai took the thermos and taking out two bowls, divided the soup into two bowls before placing a bowl on the table near Yang Mei."You must drink this. Uncle Chu prepares the tastiest soups."  That was when Yang Mei realized the identity of this person. Shocked she blurted out,"You bid for our mother''s bracelet!"


    Inclining his head,Zhang Min acknowledged Yang Mei but did nit explain further. Though Zhang Min had not outright ignored her,Yang Mei still felt snubbed and she did not know why. What had she done to get this hostile treatment. Deciding to not say anything,Yang Mei looked down at the bowl in her hand and quietly sipped her soup.


    After the first sip, Yang Mei murdered a little,"Thank you" and then continued to look down and drink, letting the silence echo in the room. She wanted to ask him about Ah Hai. She did not expect him to stay away for so long. She had asked Xaio Xaio about it but she said that Ah Hai was busy. It did not sit well with what she knew of Ah Hai. He would always make time for her sister. But Yang Mei did not know how to question Shi Ai without raising alarms. She was tempted to ask Zhang Min but the man''s cold and disdain for her made her shrink back.


    Once the soup was over, Zhang Min literally pushed Shi Ai out of the door with a curt order to not return for at least a few hours.


    Yang Mei watched her sister leave and gave her a big smile to reassure her that she was fine but in reality she wanted to cry out to not leave her. She could almost feel the arctic ice roll off the guy in the room.


    By the time, Zhang Min had made sure that Shi Ai was out of the hospital and would not return, Yang Mei had slipped under the covers with her eyes firmly shut.


    Snorting, Zhang Min walked towards the bed and pulled a chair further ahead to sit by Yang Mai''s bedside. In a droll voice he warned,"Miss Yang. I am not in the mood to play hide and seek. Since you are trying to hide then it seems that you understand that I am not here to care for you. This is an interrogation and let me warn you, if you do not cooperate I will make sure that you are not comfortable for the next few hours."


    The threat and the cold voice made Yang Mei realize that Zhang Min was here about something serious and his expression was not some general loathing for the female s.e.x.


    With a grimace, Yang Mei sat up and asked,"What do you want to ask?"


    "Why are you trying to sabotage Shi Ai and Ah Hai''s relationship?"


    Yang Mei:".."


    After a shocked silence where Yang Mei realized that Zhang Min was being serious,she burst out,"I am doing nothing of that sort! Why would I want to ruin a good thing?"

 Chapter 182 - What?!

    "Why would I ruin a perfectly good thing?", Yang Mei roared by the end of the sentence.


    " That is exactly what I am saying! Why are you ruining something perfect...Wait!Did you say that you did not do it?"


    A sardonic nod was the answer Yang Mei gave him. Now almost collapsing into the back of the chair, Zhang Min frowned and started to think hard. The change in demeanour from aggressive and cold to this confided fellow almost caused Yang Mei to wonder if she had slipped into some parallel world. She subtly pinched herself to check that she had not really fallen asleep. But then she realized something and it was her turn to scowl, "What do you mean ruining by their relationship? Who is trying to harm Xiao Ai and Ah Hai?"


    The question brought Zhang Min back to his senses and he looked back at Yang Mei keenly. He could tell that she wasn''t lying and that she was also genuinely worried. So, he decided, they had to leave behind the assumption that she was responsible for the misunderstanding between Shi Ai and Ah Hai. But that still begged the question that why did she not explain everything to Shi Ai after waking up. They needed to start from the beginning.


    "Yang Mei, did you ever think of trying to sabotage, Ah Hai and Shi Ai''s relationship?"


    This direct question caused Yang Mei to fidget and look down. She did not know how to answer this without coming across as a jerk. But lying was not an option, so, "Yes. In the early days when I joined as his secretary, I had intended to break them up. But I quickly changed my mind after that. Look, when I discovered Xiao Ai''s existence I tried to find as much about her as I could. That meant finding about Ah Hai also. And you can see for yourself that Ah Hai is no warm ray of sunshine! I was horrified that Shi Ai was married to such a..such a.."


    "Grim reaper."


    "Huh?"


    "I can understand where you are coming from. The first time I saw him I was a hundred per cent sure, he was the grim reaper."


    Yang Mei felt herself go a little soft at the little smile that the man gave her but quickly shook her head, "Yeah, that. And the more I tried to investigate him, the more worried I was that Shi Ai was just staying with him because she was indebted to him or he was blackmailing her or something. But when I started work, I observed the man and his behaviour towards everyone. He was as cold as I had imagined but he was also patient and fair. He did not throw people out just because they made mistakes but tried to guide them in the right direction. So I felt my resolve waver. And then I saw his interaction with Shi Ai and finally, I realized that the two were genuinely in love with each other. And not together by force or circ.u.mstances. Though I admire the man greatly, I still do winder how he must have managed to propose to my sister. Anyways I have long given up the thought of separating them."


    Zhang Min observed the open expressions on the girl''s face with admiration. He had acknowledged her courage and bravery when he had heard how she had saved her sister so many years ago and how she had not hesitated this time around as well.


    "Ah Hai never proposed. Your sister proposed to him when she was thirteen.."


    Yang Mei:".."


    She had no idea her Xiao Ai was so courageous.


    "Anyways coming back to the topic, since there seems to be a confusion, we must start at the beginning," Why did you go to that General? And why did you inform him of your location?"


    "General? General who? Do you mean Uncle Gu? But he was from our team, wasn''t he? That is what I was told. I received a call from Shot to tell Uncle Gu my location as the plan had changed at the last minute! And that I was to be hard as bait because Shi Qinglan was escaping. So uncle Gu was going to pretend to be Ah Hai''s enemy and lure him there. So I went along with him."


    "Anyone just called you and you trusted that person? And what do you mean by Uncle? How did you come in contact with Ah Hai''s oldest enemy and started to call him uncle?"


    "You mean that man was not pretending to be Ah Hai''s enemy? What is going on can you please explain it in a language that I can understand?"


    Briefly, Zhang Min told about the enmity between General Gu and Ah Hai that he had learnt from Knox. He then explained how because of this last-minute change of plan, Shi Ai was blaming Ah Hai for hurting Yang Mei and believed him to be ins.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e. He did not tell Yang Mei about Ah Hai''s injuries as Shi Ai was still unaware of them and he did not wish to let anyone slip up.


    "Dr Zhang, I am not dumb. And neither is Shi Ai. There is something else that we are missing here. Because I was introduced to General Gu by a very trusted person from KSS. And not just me but most of the upper employees in KSS recognize the man as ''Uncle''. And I would not have gone to him if the person who had ordered this was anyone else because the person who ordered me to share my location is none other than, Ah Hai''s most trusted man-''Shot.''


    Shot...If whatever Yang Mei had said was true then the impossible had happened. Shot, the man who was said to be the most loyal to Ah Hai, his best friend and champion was actually an enemy in disguise. But if that was the case then everything that Shi Ai said night was for the man''s benefit. But how? How did she know all this and why was she hiding it from everyone instead of exposing the man? He had come for answers but would be leaving with more questions.

 Chapter 183 - I Am Lost!

    Shi Ai reached home in a trance.Zhang Min had arranged a car and a chauffer for her or else she would not have been able to reach home. In the presence of her sister and Zhang Min,she had been able to pretend but now that she was alone she felt lost. The cleaners had come and gone and there was a faint smell of the lemon cleaner lingering. The silence in he big house screamed at her, calling her a fool.


    Walking up the stairs,Shi Ai walked towards the bedroom and as her gaze fell on the bed,so many memories floated past her. Their first time together,the way Ah Hai held her when she slept,the way he teased her and sometimes simply snuggled her, pecking her on the forehead when he thought she was asleep.


    Collapsing on the floor,with her back leaning against the bed,Shi Ai brought her knees to her c.h.e.s.t and folding her arms,laid her head on them as her tears started to flow.


    She was scared..no terrified. Her biggest fear,she knew,might just have come true. She may have lost Ah Hai.Because she knew that Ah Hai was hurt severely.She did not know how much but she knew he was. She had seen the truth in Zhang Min''s eyes when he had said that she would regret it.When his eyes had pleaded with her to ask about Ah Hai and tell him to bring Ah Hai to her.


    But she did not regret it. She did not regret giving up on Ah Hai if it could mean the difference between saving him and losing him.


    Letting the quiet tears fall, Shi Ai lost herself in the pain of giving up her love. She just hoped that he would understand her decision and not hate her too much. Just like she hated herself right now. The one time in his life that he needed her the most was the time when she had abandoned him. With every breath she took, she murmured his name and missed him. He would have been told by now, the hurtful words she had said, yet he had not come. She yearned for him to come and force her to take back those words. Why had he not come yet? It had been 6 days..Her mind suggested another possibility of him..no she refused to think that he would die and shut down those negative thoughts immediately. He had to be alive or she too would have no reason to live.


    With her eyes closed, her mind wandered to that fateful day...


    A week ago:


    She had been sitting with Xu Likun, as the woman drove towards the Shi Villa when suddenly the woman caught her hand. Putting the car on auto-drive, Xu Likun had started to write something on her palm while indicating to not make a sound. That was when Shi Ai had understood the words Xu Likun told her."Leave Ah Hai.Shot. Betrayal.Yang Mei." She knew that Xu Likun was a communication expert with KSS and also understood that there must be a reason that she was not speaking.


    At first she had not understood what Xu Lin was trying to say and simply filed away the words in her mind. She believed that Xu Likun was simply trying to confuse her and attacking Shot so that she would not trust the man.She had reckoned to handle Xu Likun later and concentrated on rescuing her family.But when she had followed the paramedics and seen the dead Xu Likun in the driveway, she felt that the woman was telling the truth. At that point, she had even shamefully blamed Ah Hai for a few moments for having people who would betray him and believing that he had used Yang Mei as bait which had caused her sister to be hurt gravely. But, her sister had confessed to her in the ambulance that she was the one who had changed the plan at the last minute along with Shot and Ah Hai was not to be blamed.


    As Shi Ai had sat outside the operation theater praying for her sister,she waited for Ah Hai to come to her. When he had not returned for more than an hour, she came to the realization that something was definitely wrong. That is when she started to analyse everything she knew and came to two unwelcome conclusions. One that whatever Xu Likun had hinted at was the truth and Ah Hai was hurt badly. Both of these conclusions were confirmed when Zhang Min and Shot arrived. Zhang Min''s worry had confirmed her suspicion that Ah Hai was severely hurt. And the triumph in Shot''s eyes when he said that he would not let Ah Hai return to her had confirmed the other misgiving. Ah Hai''s most trusted man was working with the enemy. She could only hope and pray that what Xu Likun had next indicated that Shi Ai''s leaving Ah Hai would pacify Shot ,so she had steeled herself to not ask about Ah Hai.


    She has spent the last few days, slowly dying inside but outwardly she had spent time with her sister and cared for her. Every morning she would stare at the door to open and bring Ah Hai but it never happened.


    She wished her Ah Hai would come to her soon. Crawling onto the bed slowly, she hugged the pillow that still carried a faint scent of her husband and fell into a fitful slumber.


    But the sleep was plagued with nightmares. The first was a mixture of reality and dream where Ah Hai was scolding her for not protecting herself. She would smile up at him and say there was no need for it since she would always gave him but the next moment, Ah Hai disappears from her arms and she is left alone. But she remembers the teachings that he thought her and finds her way back to him..


    A few hours later, Shi Ai woke up with a fresh mind and a fresh resolve. She could not bring shame to her husband by crying and giving up. When and how had she turned into a coward! She had been willing to give up her hubby!What was she thinking! Maybe the pigs had overtaken her brain. All these years Ah Hai had helped her so that she would win every fight. Then how could she have given him up so easily?


    She was going to confront Shot today, she decided. Strengthening her resolve, Shi Ai walked towards the bathroom and washed the tear tracks off her face. Ah Hai, even if he was hurt would not have left her alone if any of the other enemies had still been lurking. Going to the study, Ah Hai started to compile everything she knew or had heard about Shot from her husband or people at the office. Finally she wrote down her final observation,Shot''s motive was not killing. Even of he had at some point joined forces with the enemy, the man did not want to kill. He only wanted to separate her from Ah Hai. And there was only one reason he would do this-He wanted Ah Hai to suffer.


    Going to the dresser, Shi Ai picked up a looses fitting pant and top which she donned after a bath. Then, rolling the leg of the pant, Shi Ai first strapped a gun on one calf and a blade on the other.


    Jogging down the stairs, she messaged Zhang Min that she was going to see Shot and then called the KSS to know if the man was there. Having received an affirmative reply, Shi Ai walked towards the car and ordered the driver to take her to KSS. The car had just started when the driver suddenly felt the cold press of the blade on his neck."What a coincidence?I was on my way to see you, Shot! Is KSS not paying you well that you are moonlighting as a driver?"


    Shot looked at the woman in the rearview mirror and gave a smirk,"Very Good, Miss Shi. You finally show some talent. I thought kidnapping was going to be difficult but you made it a piece of cake. At least now we have something interesting to do. Go ahead, press the tip in. It is pointed enough that it will slide into my neck. Do it slowly but or you might get sprayed with my blood and you wouldn''t enjoy that..But unless you can separate my head from my body, I assure you that you will be kidnapped come hell or high water. So I suggest that you sit back and enjoy the ride.Save your energy to fight later. I mean you no harm at physically. I just wish to use you to ask Ah Hai about something. And once I have received a satisfactory answer, I will let you reunite."

 Chapter 184 - An Interesting Fact

    Shi Ai sat back in the seat and put the dagger in her l.a.p with a relaxed smile on her face. In a casual tone, she asked Shot, "What have you done to the driver?" Shot let out an amused laugh before commenting, "Usually when a person is kidnapped their first reaction is to ask what is going to be done to them and you are asking about your driver. You amuse me, Miss Shi. Your driver is well enough and only going to suffer some concussion when he becomes conscious."


    Shot had already started to drive as he spoke. Shi Ai covertly peeked at the cell phone in her hand. As expected, the man had put jammers in the car and there was no signal.


    "Thank you Shot. But since we are already driving and you would have a long drive ahead of you, so let us talk until then. Why? Why did you betray Ah Hai and what is it that you wish to know that you cannot ask him directly?"


    "Miss Shi? Why do you believe me when I say that I just want to ask your husband something. Since I have been by his side for so long and had ample opportunities to ask, why would I need to use you? Maybe I simply want to hurt you which I know will hurt Ah Hai in return."


    Shi Ai smiled and picked up the blade from her l.a.p and started to turn it around in her hands, "If that was your intention, then you would have already done it. Let me tell you an interesting fact since you told me you are not scared of being killed. What happens when you no longer have a victim? You only generally know that I have known Ah Hai since childhood but do you know that we lost contact for many years. Would you like to know how he found me again? That time also I had a pointed thing in my hand."


    Shot''s eyes jerked to Shi Ai''s and he saw that the blade in her hand was now pressed against her own neck. His eyes widened and he snapped, "Are you crazy? Put that thing down! It is a bloody sharp thing not a toy for you to play with."


    Giving a sinister laugh, Shi Ai said, "That is what everybody said then too. You see, some guys wanted to force themselves on me and I did not agree. Since I couldn''t fight them, I turned on myself. Do you understand what I am going at?And if you think that Ah Hai will be hurt as I will kill myself,then you are mistaken. I am not going to harm myself too much."


    Finishing that sentence, Shi Ai suddenly lunged forward and snatched the control of the car from a distracted Shot swerving the car sharply towards the left. Due to the sudden assault, Shot braked sharply, causing Shi Ai to keep forward and the air bags to deploy. But Shi Ai had been prepared and had stopped herself from being thrown forward. Shot, on the other hand, had been hit in the head by the airbags.


    Taking this opportunity,Shi Ai escaped the car and ran along the road towards the hospital which was actually near.She did not know what Shot wanted but what she did know was that confronting him alone would be a lost cause.She was no match for someone who had trained for more than a decade.


    Running at top speed,she looked back to see that no one was giving her chase and she finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    It was at this moment that another speeding car stopped abruptly in front of her and Zhang Min jumped out of the car. Running to her, he picked her from the arms and asked,"Are you alright? I just received a call from the driver!And who kidnapped you? Was it Shot? How did you escape?I have been trying to reach you since then but your cell phone was unavailable.Why are you not saying anything?"


    Shi Ai brought her hands to Zhang Min''s and said only one thing,"Take me to Ah Hai."


    Zhang Min looked around as if expecting someone to jump out at them and ran back towards the car before driving away speedily.


    Shi Ai leaned back against the seat and looked out of he window. Soon they would pass the place where she had caused the accident. And as she had predicted, the car was now gone. Her sense of urgency increasing, she urged Zhang Min to drive faster.


    "Where is Ah Hai?"


    Zhang Min glanced at her and then ahead before answering,"Further away."


    Zhang Min wondered if Shi Ai knew what had happened to Ah Hai but he wasn''t sure. Recognizing her worry, he thought that it would be better to explain,"Shi Ai, you need to be prepared."


    Shi Ai clenched her hands in her l.a.p. She understood what Zhang Min was talking about so she simply said,"Go ahead."


    Sighing heavily, Zhang Min began,"When you left with Yang Mei, Ah Hai collapsed. That was when Knox realized that Ah Hai was seriously hurt. Ah Hai was suffering multiple stab wounds when he reached the Shi Villa. What you don''t know is that Xu Likun had hired a sniper to kill you and when the chaos broke out, Ah Hai jumped in front of the sniper''s bullet to save you. He stood still so that no one would realize and his dark clothing covered the fact of how heavily he was bleeding. He was in surgery for hours and lost heartbeat on the operation table more than once. He was in a medically induced coma and woke up only yesterday. But even then he is not able to stand up yet and it will take him time to recover. I am warning you because he looked pale as hell yesterday and was hardly able to stay awake for sometime."


    Shi Ai nodded her head in understanding and felt the pain in her heart overflow. He had been about to die! And she had not been there with him. How could she look for him now? Would he even believe her if she told him the reason for her absence by his side? Would he...forgive her?


    On one side stood his friend of more than a decade and the other his wife who had abandoned him.


    Wiping at her tears, she asked him,"What did you tell him about me when he woke up?"


    This caused Zhang Min to hesitate on the answer. He did not know how to tell her,"Umm..he ordered Knox that you were not to be told. And you, I thought you were angry at him so I did not say anything and he did not ask."


    The last words seemed to echo in her mind. It was impossible that he wouldn''t ask about her. That could mean only one thing, he already had an inkling of everything that happened.


    Finally unable to wait anymore, Shi Ai scowled at Zhang Min and said,"Why is the hospital so far away? With his serious condition, Ah Hai should have been taken to the closest hospital."


    "He was.But Shot insisted in shifting Ah Hai on the third day. Shot is listed as his emergency contact after you so he had the right..."


    "Damn it! I am going to kill that man!"


    Zhang Min felt chills when he heard Shi Ai''s cold voice. From that one simple sentence he knew that their suspicions were correct. In a voice full of urgency, Zhang Min urged Shi Ai,"Please tell me exactly what happened."


    Briefly, Shi Ai told Zhang Min the entire piece and why she had done what she did. This explanation made many things clear to him also and he swore furiously. There had been signs all around them but they had overlooked them not even thinking to suspect someone from the inner circle. This mission had been orc.h.e.s.trated by Ah Hai''s most trusted men after all. Slapping on a button, Zhang Min started calling Knox who answered on the last ring,"What is it, Zhang Min?"


    "Are you with Ah Hai?I need to talk to him urgently."


    Knox picked up the tray of coffee and sandwiches and holding the phone between his shoulder and head, murmured,"I am at the hospital canteen. Just bringing up some sandwiches and coffee for Shot and myself.Ah Hai is asleep.What is it?" Knox asked in urgency when he heard Zhang Min swear furiously again.


    "Knox, listen carefully, Shot has betrayed Ah Hai. He is not safe. Go fast and stop him before disaster occurs!"


    Dumping the tray in his hand, Knox raced up the stairs towards the thirteen floor. He did not waste his time trying to question Zhang Min. It wouldn''t matter if Zhang Min was mistaken. With him there, Shot would not be able to do anything to Ah Hai.

 Chapter 185 - What Is Happening?

    Knox rushed up the stairs and barged into the room,almost expecting Shot to be holding a gun to Ah Hai''s head. The door banged open and two pairs of eyes looked up at the sudden intrusion. Covering his expression in a jiffy,Knox smiled and excused himself,"I slipped. So sorry. Please continue whatever you were doing."


    Ah Hai looked at the man''s empty hands and then back up,"I thought you went to get food."


    Knox looked down and then realising his mistake smiled thinly muttering,"They are out of everything. We will have to wait."Saying that,he plopped himself on the couch in the corner,with no intention of leaving. But Shot gave him an incredulous glance,"They were just restocking when I came up."


    Knox simply shrugged his shoulders before saying,"Guess everyone was super hungry." It was a thin excuse and Shot saw through it but said nothing.


    Ah Hai accepted the phone that Shot had extended to him and looked at it in confusion. "What is it that you wanted to show me?"


    Shot did not reply and instead threw a glance towards Knox."It is something private. Knox can you please leave for a few minutes."


    This caused Knox to frown.He couldn''t refuse a direct request,could he?But he did not want to go.Before Knox could think of an excuse,Ah Hai answered,"It''s alright. I don''t mind Knox listening in."


    Shot raised his eyebrow at that and simply pressed the button to play the recording. As the recording started to play, Knox jumped up from his place with his hands fisted at the sides and an already pale Ah Hai turned white.


    There was pin-drop silence in the room after the recording was played. The next moment another recording started to play and this was more hurtful and vicious than the previous one. Just as the last line was played, the door to the room was thrown open once again and a wild eyed Shi Ai entered the room. And the three people in the room turned to stare at her, as the last line echoed in the room,"I hate him...."


    It was the recorded conversation between her and Zhang Min in the car..


    Shi Ai wanted to go and scratch the eyes of the man who looked at her with triumphant gaze. She dare not turn to look at Ah Hai, scared to see what she knew she deserved after her mistake.


    Shi Ai was about to attack that man when Ah Hai''s cold voice echoed in the room,"Zhang Min, take her out."


    This caused Shi Ai''s eyes to jerk to Ah Hai but the man had turned away his head. She wanted to rush to him and confess everything but lost her courage when she saw that he wouldn''t even look at her. Her eyes turned pleadingly to Zhang Min to help her but the man only shook his head in understanding. Zhang Min could only guess at the pain Ah Hai must be feeling. Though the words were said in anger and were not the truth, the sentiment in them would hurt. Ah Hai would need to calm down before he would be ready to hear her explanation. When no one showed any signs of moving, Ah Hai once again barked,"Knox!Throw her out of here!"


    Shi Aj felt like breaking down, her husband was not looking at her or talking to her and it was because of hew own slow headedness.


    Bowing her head, Shi Ai said, quietly but clearly,"I''ll be outside." And walked out of the room. Just as the four closed behind her she thought she heard Ah Hai whisper, "No need."


    Paying no mind to that and whispering to herself that it was her hallucination, Shi Ai waited quietly on the couch in the opposite waiting room.


    Zhang Min tried to clear his throat to say something but the next moment he felt he temperature in the room drop to arctic levels. Only one word was uttered, "Why?"


    This caused the three men in the room to frown. Why would he ask them about what Shi Ai had done? the culprit was right outside so he should be asking her directly why she would betray him. Hesitating my, Knox said, "Ah Hai, I think it is past time we leave. Whatever misunderstanding you seem to have with Shi Ai, the two of you can talk it out. Knox was about to drag Shot from the room when Ah Hai interrupted, "There is no need. Everything is clear between us. Knox, please help me get up."


    Knox nodded and helped Ah Hai stand up while trying to make the man understand, "Ah Hai, in a relationship, communication is key. Burying your head in the sand and reiterating that all is well won''t make it so."But then in the next instant, Knox shut his mouth with a snap. Because Ah Hai''s hand had pulled out the gun from his waistband. He looked at Ah Hai with a frown of confusion before he was pushed away and Shot was pulled to the bed with an unlocked gun to his head. Shot grimaced and taunted, "Are you going to kill the messenger? Do you have it that I showed your true colours to your dear wife and vice versa?" Shot was trying to instigate the man and not struggling at all. With the way Ah Hai was hurt, it would be child''s play for him to overthrow Ah Hai but he didn''t. Shot simply lay on the bed, gloating at Ah Hai.


    "Why?Why did you do it Shot? The side of your face is swollen. I think Shi Ai gave you this. Why did you try to hurt her?And why do you want to sow discord between us?"


    Shot smirked at Ah Hai as he whispered,"You know why. I only want one thing Ah Hai. And yet you keep it from me. Don''t pretend to be strong. I saw the hopelessness in your eyes when you heard Shi Ai''s words. These words are very familiar aren''t they? Only the places are reversed. That time you were the one who promised her that you wouldn''t let me come to her and this time I am the one who did that."


    Ah Hai let go of Shot and sitting on a nearby chair, rubbed his forehead at this man''s stupidity. The words that were uttered may be similar but the situations were entirely different. How had he not realized that his friend had completely lot his marbles?


    While Shot and Ah Hai spoke, Knox and Zhang Min could only scratch their heads in confusion. Finally Knox ordered,"Will someone please tell us what is going on."


    Shot stayed mute but Ah Hai answered,"Shot was in love with a woman during our academy days. Once he heard someone planning to harm the girl.instead of telling her to avoid those people, Shot decided to wait for when those people attack so that he could save her. Unexpectedly he was discovered and harmed before he could save or warn the girl which could have been avoided if he wasn''t selfish."


    Knox who has recently heard the story from Shot immediately came to the correct conclusion and stared at incredulously. How could a man who loved a woman let her suffer even a little when it can be avoided Zhang Min did not understand but he stayed mum for he knew there was lore to the story. Naturally, when that girl was saved, she blamed not just those who attacked her but also Shot. At that time, she was emotionally unstable so I promised her that I would keep him away from her. Shot was repentant and I expected that once she had overcome her hatred, she would forgive him because I knew that she loved him too. But she held me to my promise and then left the academy. Initially, Shot blamed me for everything also and tried to force me to give up her details but as the years passed, Shot stopped mentioning her and I thought he had moved on. Seems I was wrong."Ah Hai then stared intently at Shot and asked him,"Tell me, Shot. All this acting and this betrayal, do you still hope to get sunshine? What if I told you that it has been so long that I don''t know where she is?"


    Shot glared at Ah Hai carefully and said,"I don''t believe you. You have the Knoght complex. Once you had saved her, you would always check on her. I have only one hope for living and that is Sunshine. Tell me,Ah Hai.Dont pretend that you do not know I live only for sunshine."


    Once again, Ah Hai said nothing but this time, he picked up a piece of paper and wrote down an address, folding the piece of paper and handing it to Shot."You will find her here."


    Snatching the paper with trembling hands, Shot left the room in a hurry.Zhang Min was about to go and bring him back but Ah Hai called him back,"Let him go."


    "But.."


    "Let him go Zhang Min. Today he is going to lose his reason to live..because Sunshine is long dead."

 Chapter 186 - What Is Going On? (2?)

    As Shot marched out of the door, closing it with a bang, Zhang Min was about to follow while the man while Knox was still bewildered. And then Ah Hai announced that "Sunshine" was dead..just what was happening?Had Shot betrayed them or not? Did he need to be eliminated?


    Zhang Min, on the other hand, was only worried about Shi Ai and Ah Hai''s relationship. But before he could open his mouth, he heard Knox give a frustrated order,"Tell me what is happening!"


    Ah Hai slowly and painfully got up from the chair and moved to the bed, his energy all but exhausted and then explained,"General Gu''s son and Shot were good friends from childhood. The two men both fell for Sunshine but both their ways of wooing a girl were screwed. General Gu''s son believed that if he forced the girl to sleep with him then she would fall for him, while Shot knew that this was wrong but instead of warning the girl, he let his best friend attack the girl so that he could have her and be her ''hero''. As you know the plan backfired and he was unable to reach her. Though she was saved, her mind was almost messed up. Unable to control his guilt, he went to her and confessed everything making her budding love for him turn into hate. I had naturally taken the blame for everything that happened but unexpectedly, Subshine was discovered with last stage b.r.e.a.s.t cancer while she was in the hospital. Unwilling to let me suffer, knowing she wouldn''t have a career in the army anyway, Sunshine bribed the technicians and doctors to keep her condition a secret and cleared my name. General Gu had always been a powerful figure and as expected, he forced her out of the army. I confronted her for ruining her career and she confessed everything to me. She only had one request, that I take care of Shot for her. She didn''t forgive him but she didn''t forget him. I promised her I would keep the man with me for as long as I could because she did not want him to fall and as promised when I was unable to keep him with me anymore,I could sent him to her. Sunshine died a month later."


    "Knox, we all know that Shot is a good man but his childhood had screwed him up. His hope for one day gaining Sunshine''s love is what had kept him going for so long."


    Zhang Min felt pity for the man who had just left. That kind of love was really rare. He waited so many years only to lose hope in the end.


    But,"So he has been in cahoots with that General for years now?"


    Ah Hai closed his eyes and shook his head,"No. His d.e.s.i.r.e for revenge has always been as strong as mine. A few years ago, we stumbled upon a clue that indicated General/Gu''s involvement in that mission. That was when Shot and I marched this plan. General Gu was not very receptive to Shot because of me and so it took a few years for Shot to gain back that trust. He did so eventually but we still needed to get General Gu to do something desperately which is why I brought in Shi Ai. With her entry, General Gu exposed not only himself but also Xu Likun. Shot who had been unaware of Xu Likun''s involvement was also shocked and so was Xu Li who believed that Shot was my most loyal man. And from here things got murky. Because other emotions of love, envy and longing were added to the revenge plan.


    "So, did Shot betray you or not?And how does that involve Shi Ai?Why did she such hurtful things? And when and how did she hurt Shot?"


    Zhang Min looked at Knox who had asked these questions and looked at Ah Hai hoping that get some hint that he had not misunderstood Shi Ai. But the taciturn man had simply closed his eyes in exhaustion.


    Zhang Min rubbed his forehead with his fingers. If this continued he would have grey hair before he even turned twenty five! Looking at Knox, he explained what he knew,"I just want to know who hired the blood** sniper. Because Xu Likun told Shi Ai about Shot''s betrayal of Ah Hai. If she had hired the sniper,why would she do that, believing that Shi Ai was going to die! And if it was Shot who had hired the sniper then we can''t just let him go. We know General Gu did not because that man had planned to kidnap Shi Ai to lure Ah Hai but Ah Hai killed him before that."


    Looking at Ah Hai, Zhang Min said imploringly,"Shi Ai said all those things because she was worried that Shot would hurt Ah Hai to keep her away or use her to hurt Ah Hai is she said those things just like Xu Likun had said. But she was going to confront Shot today so that she could find Ah Hai and explain.What a mess!"


    Knox nodded at the last line. It was indeed a mess. Finally, Knox looked at the sleeping man and nodded at Zhang Min, "You go talk to her and tell her everything. I''ll stay here and call Viper. They can handle Shot."


    Zhang Min nodded and went outside only to see Shi Ai in the arms of a man!Bugger it!Now what was going on?Who was this person?


    Just as he was about to punch the daylights out of the man,he stopped short.It was like looking at an older version of Ah Hai...Uhh..Did he fall into some kind of a time lapse?But Shi Ai did not look older..The man moved aside and a beautiful woman came into view. She,too hugged Shi Ai tightly before moving back and saying,"Since you are out here looking relatively calm,I think my eckless brother in law must be better now!"


    Ah!Zhang Min felt the penny drop.This man and woman were Ah Hai''s brother and sister in law. Dam* it!Now he recognized the man!This was Ryu Long and his wife Alicia Long!


    Seeing her Sister Alicia and being hugged by her,made Shi Ai almost break down and she jumped back into the woman''s arms for another hug. By now Ryu Long had turned in his direction and his icy gaze made Zhang Min breathe in relief that he had not punched the man. This man did not look to be in his 40''s! Nodding to him politely,Zhang Min introduced himself and then said,"Ah Hai just fell asleep.You must want to see him!"


    Alicia consoled Shi Ai and the trio then moved towards the room.At the entrance Shi Ai felt hesitant to go inide but she could say nothing in front of Alicia and looked at Zhang Min for support. If Ah Hai threw her out of the room again,she would definitely breakdown!


    But Zhang Min simply nodded in encouragement and everyone made their way inside. This interaction did not go unnoticed by the older couple who also exchanged glances but said nothing.


    Inside, Knox looked up again not expecting anyone to come back so soon. Seeing the people following Zhang Min, he quickly understood and after greeting them, excused himself and Zhang Min with the excuse of being hungry.


    Ryu and Alicia looked over and noticing that Ah Hai was indeed sleeping, Alicia turned to a hesitant Shi Ai who atood at the door and brought her in, pulling her to the couch in the room.


    "Little Shi Shi!How have you been?What has you so worried even now? We just spoke to the doctor and he says that Ah Hai is recovering well so why is your face filled with worry?"


    Shi Ai looked at the warm hands that clasped hers and simply broke down, sobbing hysterically,"Ah Hai thinks I hate him. I don''t I really don''t but he doesn''t know that and I also made a mistake and...he must hate me now!"Unable to explain clearly and muttering in garbled words, Shi Aj simply wailed the last line making Alicia roll her eyes at the little girl''s bower head,"Little Shi, if Ah Hai wakes up with a stupid notion thinking for even a moment that you hate him then don''t worry I will beat some sense into him."


    Ryu also answered at the same time,"And if he wakes up with an even stupider notion of hating you then I will box his ears and pound some sense into him!And now stop worrying yourself over this matter. One member of the family on the sick bed is enough! We need you well."


    Shi Ai nodded happily at this. She did not know if they could repair the cracks she had made with her stupidity but being surrounded by their warmth, she believed that everything would turn out well. Brother Ryu and Sister Alicia had brought her to Ah Hai for the first time and they will again..soon.


    Meanwhile Ah Hai:".." He was going to be beaten up if he woke up!He was the patient!

 Chapter 187 - Of Course Not

    After the storm of her emotions had passed,Shi Ai felt as if a burdenhad been lifted from her shoulders. Feeling reassured in the presence of the family,Shi Ai gave in to Alicia''s urging to rest for a while and fell asleep on the couch. Shifting the girl so that she would be comfortable,Alicia placed a comforter around her and walked upto her husband and straight into his arms. "Hubby,it seems we have come at the most approporiate time!"Pouting she continued,"I thought that Ah Hai was smart like you and knew how to snatch a good thing but he is silly like Neil,worrying his wife so much. I think we should take Shi Ai back with us so that he would learn his lesson!"


    Ryu Long looked down onto the head pressed against his c.h.e.s.t and as alays a smile bloomed on his face because of his wife."I don''t think that would be wise at all missus! My little brother might just attack us all guns blazing."


    Before the two people could discuss anything else,"Eww!Why would you come over to see a sick person but keep m.a.k.i.n.g. .l.o.v.ey dovey eyes at each other instead?"


    Both Alicia and Ryu jumped apart as Alicia bustled over to check on her little brother in law,her intentions of torturing him all but forgotten as relief coursed through her. She had been worried out of her mind ith all sorts of scenarios running though her head and fears trying to press her down.


    "Hmph." was the only reaction that Alicia gave Ah Hai after she had checked on him while Ryu just grinned at his brother. Ah Hai returned his brother''s smile with his own before his eyes landed on the small figure that lay curled up on the couch


    Following his gaze,Alicia remembered her vow to Shi Ai and began,"Long Ah Hai!How dare you believe that your wife hates you..You.."


    The moment Alicia said this,Ah Hai''s eyes snapped to her in astonishment and he looked at Alicia as if she had lost her marbles,"What are you talking about?"


    Rolling her eyes at him,Alicia explained the entire series of events that took place since they had come to the hospital before asking,"So tell me how do you explain all this?"


    Ah Hai simply shook his head in exasperation and said,"It is because I have been blessed with a foolish little wife with an overactive imagination!" Though the words sounded insulting,the soft and pampering expression on Ah Hai''s face made it sound like a compliment. Alicia''s face softened as she looked at the young man in front of her. She had been lucky to see this transformation that Shi Ai had brought in him. From a suspicious and prickly man kid,the first time she met him to this one who looked at his wife with shiny eyes.Smiling,she ruffled his hair and questioning him,"What is going on in that silly head of yours?"


    Giddy with excitement , like a child in a grocery store, Ah Hai laid out his plans before his eldest brother and sister in law. These two people were the ones who had showed him the power of love and trust and seeing the approval in their eyes meant a lot to him.


    Rubbing her palms, Alicia grinned and patted Ah Hai on the head,"I raised you well!"


    Ah Hai: ".." Barring the fact that he was a fully grown man by the time she entered their lives, why did he have a feeling that she was treating him like a little pet?


    Understanding his wife and brother very well, Ryibsimply shook his head before saying,"Well since you have not fried your brains,why don''t I transfer your wife on your bed? There should be some privileges to having a VIP room and large bed."


    Ryu moved to pick up the little girl but was stopped by a scowling Ah Hai,"No need for that."


    Amused at his brother''s possessiveness, Ryu commented,"You do know I have carried this little one as a girl also and she is like a daughter to me?."


    Snorting and not about to admit that he was already jealous, Ah Hai attacked,"I am more worried about your back. You are not young anymore,you know? What if you hurt your spine?"


    Ryu Long stiffened at his brother''s insult, directing his icy gaze at him. But that gaze had long stopped affecting Ah Hai when he was a teenager and the man just grinned. The next moment, Ryu Long gave a thin smile,"Very well, Long Ah Hai. I will make a point to mention this to Shi Ai that you think that she is fat.And what was that plan you were just hatching?Let me explain the situation to your young wife just how devious her old husband is..."Ryu Long laid special emphasis in young and old making Ah Hai scowl at the man.


    Changing tactics, Ah Hai turned to Alicia,"Hey sis,your husband is bullying me. Do something!"


    Alicia frowned at the complaint before nodding her head sagely. "You are right. He is indeed bullying you!Well done husband.You deserve a reward!" Ryu Long waggled his eyebrows at Alicia at the mention of a reward causing Ah Hai to groan softly,"Your poor kids!They are so screwed to witness all this..all this stuff day in and day out..Get out.As you can see, I am perfectly fine!"


    Alicia walked over to Ah Hai and catching the man''s head, placed a little kiss on the crown of his head, making the full grown man turn red in embarrassment,"We knew you would be fine. After all,it is finally your turn to be happy.We will be going soon but before that we have something for you.And I think it will go well with your plan..We will be here for a while so don''t think you can ignore us!"


    Ah Hai nodded in agreement and as the couple made their way out of the room leaving a small note for Shi Ai that they would be back soon. They did not indicate that they had already spoken to Ah Hai and only wrote words of reassurance to her. Once the room was empty, Ah Hai''s eyes turned to his little foolish wife. Sins he pretended to hate him did she?Well he wasn''t going to let her off so easily. Sigh! He needed to make arrangements and with his most trusted man gone, he was going to have a difficult time ahead.


    Carefully getting up from the bed, he slowly made his way towards the couch where his wife soundly slept. Bending at the waist, he placed a soft kiss on her forehead, his hand cupping her face as his thumb traced the tear marks on her pink cheeks. She has really suffered a lot these few days. He wanted to hold her close but he was really angry at her as well. Though he had guessed those hurtful words we''re not true, they has indeed pierced him to the core. With the memory of the nightmare still fresh in his mind  he had almost lost his sanity. And wished her out of his sight, admittedly out of anger. But the silly little girl had just waited outside.


    However, this minor episode had made him realize that somewhere he was also at fault that his little love was not too sure of his love. She had to learn and understand that he could never hate her even in his dreams.


    Sighing , he made a phone call and gradually made his way out of the room. Shi Ai was soon going to learn a new lesson. While Ah Hai made his way out of the hospital room, Zhang Min and Knox finally gathered their courage to return to the patient room. They had finally matched their stories and understood everything. Just then Knox received the call from Viper. Shot had rammed his car into a tree, causing his car to explode, killing the man on the spot. Both Knox and Zhang Min realised that Shot really had been living only in hope and now that hope was dashed he had not his reason to live. They hoped that he would now find peace and his Sunshine.


    In the room, the two people were flummoxed when they saw the empty bed and Shi Ai sleeping peacefully on the couch. Knox went to check the washrom but even that was empty. this caused the two people severe alarm and they rushed outside towards the nurses station only to be informed that the patient had forcefully discharged himself from the hospital against the doctor''s orders. Swearing furiously, Knox and Zhang Min went inside but only found a note on the table left by Ryu and Alicia Long.


    Shi Ai had finally been woken up by the commotion and rubbed her eyes as she sat up and looked around. In a moment, she too realized something was amiss and asked,"Where is Ah Hai?"

 Chapter 188 - A Wild Goose Chase

    Shi Ai woke up abruptly disoriented of her place. But soon realized where she was and what was missing. There were two panicky faces starting at her and with no sign of her ''hurt'' husband in the room. She looked at the note that was left in the table and nodded,"So sister Alicia had left without speaking to Ah Hai and from their note one thing was clear,"Ah Hai had been asleep when they left. So why was it that now he wasn''t here? Shi Ai looked at the dark sky outside and then the two people who were quietly packing up the stuff,"Where is Ah Hai?"


    Zhang Min and Knox looked at each other before Zhang Min turned to Shi Ai and said easily,"He has been discharged and now we need to go too. The entire day has passed and we have not been back to visit Yang Mei. She, too must be worried by now.."


    In an eerily calm voice, Shi Ai asked,"What you are trying to not tell me is that Ah Hai has disappeared and you don''t know where he is. And you think that I distracting me you will make me forget that he is now avoiding me and has obviously discharged himself against the doctor''s orders to achieve the same."


    Knox and Zhang Min nodded simultaneously at this quick summary. Narrowing her eyes in anger, Shi Ai made a first,"That man is trying to get himself killed, running around a week after he was literally at death''s door!You just wait Ah Hai Long, let me catch you and then I will kill you myself!"


    This caused Knox to side whisper to Zhang Min,"Is she angry he ran away?Or that he is trying to get himself killed or that she wanted to kill him and is unable to do so?"


    This caused both Shi Ai and Zhang Min to glare at the man. Trying to distract Shi Ai from an impending explosion,Zhang Min tried again,"Umm,you''be had an eventful day today,Shi Ai.No need to get angry!Why don''t you go home for a while and sleep it off?"


    Knox turned disbelieving eyes to Zhang Min.How did the man become a doctor with zero IQ?She had just slept for a few hours and now he was suggesting she do the same again?Shi Ai did not even bother to reply to Zhang Min.


    Ignoring the two men, Shi Ai then stormed her way out of the room. Since he wanted to believe in nonsensical notions, he was welcome to do so!She was not going to bother anymore. She marched out of the hospital and flagged a taxi to head off to another hospital to see her sister.


    On the way,her emotions seesawed between anger and sadness."Did he really believe her to be like that?"Her tears once again started to fall and she angrily wiped them away."Maybe something was wrong with her eyes today.They kept tearing up!"


    Once at the hospital,Shi Ai paid off the driver and after checking herself in the mirror to erase any signs of crying,Shi Ai made her way up the stairs.


    Yang Mei was sitting on the bed watching television and as Shi Ai entered the room,she received a big smile from Yang Mei,making her feel happy. But in the next second,Shi Ai froze."You like to watch Tom and Jerry?"


    Yang Mei threw a glance at Shi Ai before refusing,"Ofcourse I don''t. It is really childish.But your husband apparently likes to watch. Or he wanted to avoid talking and put the most ridiculous thing on the TV. Anyways this specific episode was exciting so I decided not to bother with his intentions and simply enjoy myself."


    Shi Ai was even more outraged at this. In as calm a voice as possible,she asked,"Ah Hai was here?"


    Yang Mei simply gave an affirmative,"hmm.'' before continuing,"He just left. Since you were resting,he came straight here from the hospital. We got to have a long talk.He even showed me pictures from his brother''s wedding where you both danced together. You looked like a real princess,Xaio Ai!"


    Shi Ai smiled distractedly and sat to watch the cartoon though her mind was elsewhere. The man was challenging her deliberately. Wanting to play the game of cat and mouse with her! She refused to believe that her coming just as he left was a coincidence. His judgements were too accurate in the past to make her think that this all chance. He wanted to punish her for hurting him.Well she would show him how to playbhat game!She was going to chase him down and once he was on the ground make him believe that those words were all lies!. Throughout the night and the dinner, Shi Ai planned and plotted to various ways to bring down Ah Hai.


    But in the morning, the main problem still plagued her. Where to find her husband? She was still pondering this problem when a knock in the door interrupted her musings and a nurse walked in with a scrumptious breakfast. Shi Ai felt her brows raise to her hairline and even Yang Mei''s eyes widened. They were in the VIP suite but this breakfast seemed to surpass it. The nurse grinned at their expressions before turning to Shi Ai,"Madam, your husband brought this here. He said he was in a hurry so asked us to deliver it!"


    This statement caused Shi Ai to jump up from her seat and race towards the window. He really was playing with her!She wanted to race after him but all she saw was the man''s back as he stepped into a car.


    Grimacing, she scolded her self to buck up and went back to enjoy the breakfast. Maybe food will help her to think faster..


    As the two sisters enjoyed the breakfast,each was occupied in their own thoughts thus not noticing the other preoccupation. Finally,starting intently at her chopstick, Yang Mei asked as casually as she could,"Shi Ai?Does your Zhang Min have a lover?"


    Not paying much attention to tone of the question, Shi Ai answered,"No he doesn''t.I have only ever heard him talk about his love for Bella. And nothing ever since Bella died."


    Shi Ai continued to eat,even missing out the disappointed expression on her sister''s face. Yang Mei''s face showed her dismay as she put another bite into her mouth. What a sad thing to happen to someone so young. Curious and sympathetic, Yang Mei asked,"Was she very beautiful?"


    The answer to this question almost caused Yang Mei to choke on her food.


    "Yes, she was very beautiful. Tall and handsome lines of her body. She was a majestic horse."


    "Cough,cough,cough." Yang Mei looked at Shi Ai''s face carefully .Her sister was not teasing her!This Bella was a horse. Yang Mei felt a relief and excitement course through her but suppressed it forcefully.Just then she remembered something,"Grandfather was here yesterday afternoon! He wants us to visit him when I have been discharged. I already told Ah Hai but forgot to tell you!And now,you need to leave and stop babysitting me.As you can see,I can sit and move about on my own!So go and stay with your hubby!"


    Pouting,Shi Ai looked at her sister and complained,"You heard the nurse.He went for some meeting!How do I go and stay with him?"


    Yang Mei made moony eyes at her sister before sighing,"Oh to be so in love!But fear not when you have a sister like me,your Ah Hai is with his brother Matt at this time.He received a call last evening when he was here. And I heard his conversation.


    The next moment,Shi Ai was gone like the wind leaving a bemused Yang Mei behind who w.h.i.n.ed,"Could have thanked me atleast." But her grin was that of a chesire cat.She patted herself on the back.She had played her role well and kept the clue to herself uptil the last moment. Picking up the leftovers from Shi Ai''s plate,Yang Mei enjoyed her breakfast thoroughly. Ah Hai,I have done what you said.Now it is upto you!Cheers!


    Hailing another cab,Shi Ai fished out her phone from her pocket and made a call to Brother Matt half expecting the man to not answer but he unexpectedly answered in the first ring,"Hello dear sis in law.How are you doing now?"


    Shi Ai wanted to ask him if Ah Hai was with him but before she could get a word out,she heard a low voice murmur,"If it''s my wife,don''t tell her I am here."


    Cutting off the phone,Shi Ai narrowed her eyes and urged the driver to drive faster. She was going to catch her huisband soon!

 Chapter 189 - Absolute Power

    Shi Ai marched to the back room of the art gallery and opened the door with a bang. The slight darkness in the room did not dissuade her and spying the figure inside, she ran to him and hugged the man,right around the waist before she started babbling,"I am sorry I said those things. I didn''t mean any of it. I don''t hate you. I can never hate you. I love you. I really really really really do.Do you know I missed you so much.".But when the man in her arms replied,"I love you too little baby but why would you miss me?Has Ah Hai been treating you badly?"Shi Ai was shocked and stiffened before moving back and falling on her a.s.s.Ouch.Brother Matt had said that Ah Hai was here...


    A few minutes ago:


    At the art gallery, Matt gave a big smile to Ah Hai as he looked at the phone that had disconnected.With a smile,he teased,"You really are going all out. Don''t you fear that Shi Ai is going to get angry?What if she says ,''chuck it.'' And leaves you?"


    Ah Hai gave a small smile before saying,"She cannot leave me just like I cannot leave her. Not even for a little while.Now let''s prepare for her arrival." Ah Hai smiled and leisurely got up from his chair and walked out of the office. He needed to leave soon or else he would be caught.


    But there was going to be a hitch in Ah Hai''s plans. The moment Ah Hai had left, another man walked in from a small room off the side of the office and gave a mischievous grin. Matt Long smiled at the man and murmured,"He is going to kill you when he finds out you interfered and kill me for collaborating..


    Neil Long walked to the table and picked up the envelope that Ah Hai had left for Shi Ai and brought it up to his face. "Hehe.He needs to be brought down a peg!Who told him to be so devious?And anyway I want to talk to Shi Ai before. So you have to bear being assassinated and mutated."


    Matt frowned and looked at Neil askance,"What exactly do you want to talk about?"


    Neil looked at Matt and explained,"Matt, you know all of us are the same inside when it comes to our girls. When we love, we give them absolute power over us. Shi Ai needs to understand that power to wild it well. Ah Hai thinks that what he has been doing is enough but if she doesn''t understand the reason for what he has done then she may do something like this under pressure again."


    Matt shook his head, snorting,"You just want her to understand her power so that she can lord over Ah Hai."


    Shi Ai was a mixture of fuming senses and anxious emotions by the time she arrived at the place. Running out, she found Matt, waiting at the door and asked him,"Where is he?The one who told you not to tell his wife his whereabouts."


    Matt grinned at this and slyly asked,"Why are you looking for him?He is in the back room but.." Shi Ai did not listen to the rest of the sentence and marched ahead..while Matt finished,"why are you looking for Neil?Shouldn''t you look for Ah Hai?"


    Rubbing his hands in excitement, Matt went to his office to watch the show..It had been Neil who had told him to suggest that Ah Hai say these so that Shi Ai would not directly ask about Ah Hai and instead ask about this making it seemingly easy for him to misunderstand..


    Back to the Present:


    Shi Ai stared from the ground at another replica of her husband. The man extended his hand and she started at it blankly not realising that he was extending it to help her stand. Neil Long grinned and said,"You did not answer me little baby, is your Ah Hai bullying you. I will put him on the straight path if he is."


    Shaking her head in negative, Shi Ai explained,"Why were you trying to hide from your wife?"


    Neil smiled wryly and said,"Oh,it''s nothing. My Mi Rae is a bit angry at me so I need her to cool down.It is only a small matter but she just won''t listen to my explanation. See, my finger was hurt so I sweared how would I know that Bohai,who was in the room,would learn the curse words!And repeat them on the first day of school!" Neil said this with a feeling of being wronged. His Mi Rae had been ready to kill him since then. Children!


    This made Shi Ai smile and forget her goal for a minute as she murmured,"Brother Neil, then you should not have said them. The point is that he should not have heard them in the first place. It does not matter if you did it intentionally or not..."Her voice wavered as she finished the line.."She, too should not have said those in the first place..!She looked at the sympathetic expression on Brother Neil and once again her stupid tear ducts acted up causing Neil to frown and take the little one in his arms. "Hey, Why are you crying?Mi Rae cannot stay mad at me for long.She will forgive me once she has calmed down. I had no idea you had such a soft heart..Are you crying for Bohai''s future?Since he has learnt a curse word for such a young boy?Dont worry, he will soon forget that or at least I will make his realize that such words are not to be said in the presence if his mother.."


    Shi Ai giggled amid the tears and Brother Neil and said,"Thank you brother Neil."


    Neil smiled and turning on the small dim lamp looked at the girl who had been crying buckets."Little Shi Ai, this time Ah Hai really did leave something here for you to find him but I interfered because you are now really going to be his wife and a part of our family. Ah Hai is really special to me and you know the tangles history he had with me and Ning Ning. Because of that he has suffered a lot and even endured hatred from me. Though I kept telling him and myself that I never gated him, there was some false in that. But all that doesn''t matter now. I found my Mi Rae and he has found you. What you said that night does not have the power to make him hate you because his love is beyond all that. But it did have the power to make him feel insecure for a while. And knowing Ah Hai, he would never accept such a weakness. All Thai chasing he has made you do is in fact a way to reassure himself that you won''t leave him, come what may. Thanks to you Ah Hai is finally able to show his childish side and play pranks. So you will have to be careful in the future also. And now, take this envelope and go to your Ah Hai with a happy smile. Because whatever he does or will ever do, will be for you and only you.And there is something else that I want you to give him.This."


    Handing a small box to Shi Ai, Neil said,"He took this off when we had our row because he felt that he did not deserve it. We have been trying for him to believe that he is worthy but he keeps refusing. Maybe, no, I believe you can,you can convince him of everything in the world.Shi Ai, of you tell him the sky is pink and raining pigs, he will believe it. You have that power over him. Remember that.." Shi Ai stared at the envelope in her hand and the small box on top of it.


    Opening the box, she found the papers of his inheritance of their parent''s house in the name of all four brothers,that he seemed to have signed away believing that he was not to be a part of the family anymore.


    Keeping the papers back into the box, Shi Ai then tore open the envelope. It only had a single piece of paper and it was a boarding pass. But the boarding pass showed no destination, simply her name and a time.


    Shi Ai looked at the watch and showed that there were still a few hours left..so she stood there looking at a loss over what to do.

 Chapter 190 - Kidnapped

    Shi Ai clutched the boarding pass in her hand to her c.h.e.s.t as she stared at the passing scenery. Her emotions were fina;;y calm after she had understood the situation. She looked down at the pass trying to guess where he could be taking her to but could only shake her head giddily. At least she was reassured that he was not angry at her enough to not give her a chance.


    A little while later,Shi Ai realized something peculiar. They were not driving in the direction of the airport.Cincerned,Shi Ai asked,"Driver,this is not the way to the airport.Where are we going?"


    The driver did not reply and Shi Ai had to ask again but still the man refused to reply. This made Shi Ai angry and worried. She did not want to get kidnapped two times in two days. Just as she was going to attack,her phone rang. Sighing in relief,at least she had her phone with her,Shi Ai looked to see the name flashing on the screen and answered the call in a jiffy. "Ah Hai?"


    Her man''s husky voice answered,"Let the driver take you wherever he is. You are safe...little love."


    Her stupid tear ducts!They we''re acting up again. She had finally heard him call her "Little love!" it had only been a few days since he called her that but she felt as if it had been years!Grinning with tears flowing down her cheeks, Shi Ai continued to have a happy expression on her face. A few minutes later, the car stopped at an intersection and the driver bent forward and took out a box from the dashboard passing it to Shi Ai,"Madam, we will be reaching out destination in two minutes. Sir, has asked me to pass this to you.."


    Shi Ai accepted the box with a murmured,"Thank you.". Gingerly, she opened the box and was amazed at the set of crystal hearts in the box. It was so beautiful and mesmerizing. The sunlight glinted at the edges while the design looked unique as if the heart was made by joining broken pieces together. It was a piece of art and required immense patience.


    Realizing the car had stopped , Shi Ai looked out curiously and blushed a little when she realized where they had stopped at. It was a salon.


    Waiting outside was a lady dressed in pure white shirt and black skirt. She welcomed Shi Ai and waved her in for her appointment.


    Two hours later, an already beautiful woman came out looking drop-dead gorgeous. Those passing by felt that they were seeing a celebrity while a few even wondered of they had somehow imagined an angel.. Her car and driver were there waiting outside and Shi Ai rushed into the car without a pause. She did not feel comfortable being the center of attention. But she understood why everyone was starting at her. She, herself had hardly been able to accept herself. Dressed in a nude dress with designs to barely cover the essential areas, it made Shi ai look like a mermaid. Her make up which she usually kept subtle had been highlighted, giving her a seductive look. A little worried that they would not reach the airport on time, Shi Ai could do nothing but wiggle. She did not understand why the driver was still driving in the opposite direction to the airport but since it was Ah Hai who had asked her to tryst him,she said nothing.


    Suddenly,the car jerked to a stop. Shi Ai frowned at this a she looked in confusion only to see another car blocking the car rather forcefully. A man dressed in black with a black mask covering his face, knocked at her window. The next minute, a gin was pointed at Shi Ai who backed away in panic.


    Looking at the threatening person in increasing panic, Shi Ai decided to make a run for it but before she could do that,she felt the sweet smell of medicine in the car and started in horror at the driver who was now wearing mask before she lost her consciousness.


    Shi Ai woke up slowly trying to understand what had happened and immediately realized her predicament. She was lying on a bed and her hands were tied to the headboard while her legs were tied together rendering her unable to move. Her eyes tried to open but they were tired with a blindfold while her mouth was gagged. Struggling fiercely, Shi Ai tried to get out of the hold but in vain. The next moment however she heard a voice that instantly calmed her.


    "Little love.." Shi Ai stilled. Ah Hai was here, he was here to save her. She tried to speak through the gag but only feeble sound would come out. It took her another few minutes before she realized that though Ah Hai was here, none of her bindings had been opened and she stopped struggling. Once she stopped, Ah Hai gave a pleased smile before he brought a large hand to her cheeks, cupping them and rubbed his thium across her gagged lips,"So you hate me, my little love?"


    Slowly Ah Hai opened the gag, and Shi Ai burst out,"No, I don''t. You know I don''t. Her raw lips were sealed shut by his mouth as he kissed and sicked her lips before moving away and breathing out,"liar.My little love, I am unhappy with you and so I am going to punish you. If and only if I am satisfied with your punishment will I let you go.Don''t think of running away, there is no way you can escape..Would you like to guess where we are?Use your senses."


    Shi Ai, with her eyes closed and her hearing heightened had already guessed they were on a,"boat."


    Ah Hai gave a pleases smile and slowly traced a path of kisses from the side of her mouth to her eyes and then removed the blindfold.


    The blinding light flashing against her eyes, she opened them to see Ah Hai starting at her intently. She looked at him seriously trying to guess what this was about. She could feel the barely controlled power in his coiled muscles and the intent focus of his eyes. He lay with his arm supporting him, wearing only black pants and a smirk. A white shirt lay discarded behind him in the back of a chair. Shi Ai looked at the wooden decor of the small cabin but before she could do much, Ah Hai brought his eyes back to her and slowly trailed a finger down her face. Leaning close to her, he whispered dangerously,"So, my little love, you hate me?"


    Shi Ai tried to shake her head but had lost all control of herself. But feeling angry at being kidnapped, she decided to tease him a little and instead stared at him meticulously. She would confess only when he let her go.!


    Accepting her unspoken challenge, Ah Hai drawled,"Little liar. Since you hate me, you leave me no choice but to do this. Let me explain myself my little fox, I am going to keep you tied to my bed until you confess that you don''t hate me but instead love me.And don''t think I am going to be a gentleman about it. I am going to make you scream those words until every pore in your body knows and accepts only me and my love." Starting his attack, Ah Hai started to use his words and hands to tease a helplessly bound Shi Ai. He nibbled and s.u.c.k.e.d and kissed all the exposed parts of her body except her lips. His teasing brought about a deep hunger in Shi Ai and soon the girl was writhing under him, trying to get closer to him but he kept her at bay. Giving her a chance, he slowly moved her gown upwards, exposing her legs as he demanded,"Say it, little one."


    Shi Ai,though lost in the p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e, shook her head meticulously, even as she parted her legs to let him settle. A small smirk grazing his face, Ah Hai bent his head and slowly and surely pulled the only piece of cloth that covered her secret folds. He teased her there, using his tongue and taking her on a higher level of p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e and just as she would have fallen, he stopped, roughly demanding,"Tell me Shi Ai. Tell me you love me just like I love you. Irrevocably and forever."His words of confession sparked a d.e.s.i.r.e in Shi Ai who answered his call with her own,"I..I love you too."Triumph and happiness surged through Ah Hai when he heard her words of sweet surrender and he kissed her deeply and passionately pouring all his love into the single kiss. Moving back, he kissed his way to her ears and whispered his heart''s d.e.s.i.r.e,"I love you Shi Ai.Only you. For all of eternity. even of you hate me, even if you loathe me, with every breath I have in me, I will only love you."

 Chapter 191 - A Sunset

    Slowly and tenderly, Ah Hai released the bindings on her wrists, rubbing them gingerly to avoid getting their skin marked. He placed a small kiss in each wrist as he threw the bindings to join the rest of the tattered clothes on the cabin''s floor. Shi Ai opened her dewy eyes and looked up at her husband before repeating their words,"I really do love you Ah Hai. Only you.!


    Ah Hai looked down at Shi Ai with a pleased smile on his face answering,"And I love you.."


    Kissing her again, Ah Hai sat up and moved to cover Shi Ai with a blanket.


    The moment his back was turned however, caused Shi Ai to suck in a shocked and pained breath.She had not noticed this before and even seeing it now made her tear up as she cried out.Surprised at the sudden cry,Ah Hai turned around only for Shi Ai to see another bandage onthe side of his waist. He was wounded!He had just woken up two days ago and was already running around helter skelter!Scowling at her sudden melancholy,Ah Hai went back to her side and collected her in his arms,"Are you hurt somewhere?Was I too rough?" This care and concern made Shi Ai frown even more and cry harder.He Was always so careful that she would get nary a scratch from him and he had suffered so many wounds all because of her.And to top it all,instead of recovering and resting from these wounds,he was doing all this for her. She was a selfish jerk!She really was.!


    Fearfully winding her arms around his waist lest she hurt him,Shi Ai cried all the more and let out a shudder when Zhang Min''s words that Ah Hai''s heart had stopped on the operation table resonated in her mind.Gingerly placing her ear against his c.h.e.s.t,she heard his strong heartbeat,feeling reassured.


    Finally understanding her reaction,Ah Hai shook his head in exasperation and murmured,"Little one,Don''t shed your tears for this.These wounds are my reassurance that I still have you. It is better me than you!"


    Shi Ai moved her back to scowl at this illogical reason but he put his fingers on her lip and said,"Shi Ai,you are the only one I breathe for and if that bullet had touched you I would have been the one dead so it is better this way.It is just a small wound not enough to make you cry.So,be my good girl and wipe your tears.Don''t let the outside world ruin out little coccoon.."


    Wiping her tears tenderly he picked up a tissue and wiped her snotty nose making her laugh as he made gagging faces. Looking down at the tattered gown on the floor,Shi Ai wanted to ask him what was the point of dressing up so much but could only blush as Ah Hai walked away.Only when he was out of the room,did her tears start to fall again.What if she had lost him? He was the only one who she had loved.If she was his reason to live then he as hers.She would lose herself.Getting up,Shi Ai made her way to the washroom and reshened up. Walking out in a robe she saw a beautiful black c.o.c.ktail dress laid on the bed.Wanting to please him.Shi Ai put on the dress and walked out to the deck,admiring the beautiful ship.It was a gleaming beauty and the setting sun''s rays made it look beautiful.Going to the railing,she forgot her initial goal of finding Ah Hai and leaned against the e of the railing.They were in the middle of the big blue sea and the ship sailed against the waves smoothly.But what attracted her attention was the gleaming ball of fire that was setting. The atmosphere was strangely peaceful with only the sound of waves and air flowing around her and the day setting.It made her realize that the past had really come to an end.This thought brought a small smile to her face.


    The next moment,Shi Ai was surrounded by a strong pair of arms and she leaned back into a muscular c.h.e.s.t.Resting his chin on her small shoulder,Ah Hai closed his eyes and breathed in deeply."This is so beautiful..Thank you for sharing it with me.."


    "I wanted to share it with you.The first of many.Live them all with me."


    Shi Ai smiled and repeated,"Yes.We will spend ever sunset together."Turning in the circle of his arms,Shi Ai looked up wound her arms around his neck.Going up on her tiptoes,Shi Ai pressed her lips against his,pouring all her feelings into the kiss. After a while, the two lovers stayed in each other''s arms as they stared at the beautiful sun set and the stars begin to twinkle softly in the night sky.


    The romantic silence was, however broken by a loud growl, causing Shi Ai to give an embarrassed groan and bury herself in his shoulders and Ah Hai to chuckle softly. Fl.i.c.k.i.n.g her nose,"Hunger Strikes!Come, follow me down, let us fill you up before we go on the next leg of our tour."Ah Hai held her hand and led the way to another small cabin. Dim lighting and the small flowers decorated the room giving it a classical romantic feel. Shi Ai felt her heart bloom. She had never expected her husband to be able to do all this. He had always been a silent lover but now it was as if he was wooing her. But Ah Hai being Ah Hai could never totally be cheesy. So instead of pulling out a chair for her to sit, he let go of her hand and plopped on the chair in front of the table. Totally unlike a gentleman making Shi Ai pout woefully. A minute later Shi Ai almost lost her cool when she realized that there was no chair on the opposite side. It was only as she frowned in question, did Ah Hai, pull her forward into his l.a.p."What is the point of preparing all this if I cannot even hold you close for an evening. I don''t want anything between us, not even this table."


    Shi Ai wondered if smiling so much could be considered an exercise as she was pretty sure the only time her lips were not stretched in a smile was when they were kissing... Wriggling to get a hot comfortable in his l.a.p, Shi Ai enjoyed the entire meal of dumplings, fried chicken and flat noodles while sitting on his l.a.p,which he served her every bite. His gaze followed every movement of her lips making her realise that all this was like foreplay. After a few morsels, she asked him why he was not eating, to which he picked up a dumpling and brought it to her mouth,"I want you to feed me."


    Obediently, opening her mouth to accept the dumpling, Shi Ai then tried to take the only set of of chopsticks from him which he refused, pointing to her mouth first and then his.


    Realizing his intent, Shi Ai widened her eyes and shook her head forcefully in denial, swallowing the dumpling in her mouth. The next moment, her lips touched the juicy chicken and the moment her mouth was opened to accept the offering, Ah Hai''s lips closed over hers as he stole the chicken and a kiss. Finally, Shi Ai and Ah Hai finished off their meal though they would have no idea what they are if someone were to ask them.


    Shi Ai could not help but squirm when she started to feel the presence of something that was not there earlier but was now making itself insisting known while her squirming caused Ah Hai to take action. Picking up his wife in his arms, he moved to their bedroom and continued from where they had left off.


    A long while later, Shi Ai lay on her stomach with her n.a.k.e.d body covered under the blanket and sighed,"I don''t want to go back. I wish we could stay here.."


    Ah Hai opened his eye and looked at his woman. Deciding she was too far from him for his liking, he pulled her so that there was no space between them and said,"Who said we are going back?I have kidnapped you. Do you think you are going to get off easily?I have more in store for you.And now, it is time to sleep, we have an early morning tomorrow."


    But Shi Ai had perked up at this and was thinking of ways to get him to tell her the surprise when she heard Ah Hai say,"If you are not too tired, we can continue what we were doing. I find that activity utterly relaxing as well."Ah Hai caught her wrist and moved it lower slowly, causing Shi Ai to shriek and close her eyes before muttering,"Sleep sleep."

 Chapter 192 - A Sunrise

    Shi Ai felt a small tickle on her nose as she tried to sleep confortably. But the tockling continued, causing Shi Ai to wrinkle her nose and shake her head. But the pestering tickle continued making her wonder which sort of insect was intent on ruining her sleep. She swatted at the pesky insect, grumbling a bit, only to be met with a hard hand and laughter, her eyes snapped open to see a playful smile on Ah Hai''s face.Blinking at him sleepily,Shi Ai turned her head to stare out of the small round window and saw the inky blue sky.In a sleepy,husky voice, she protested,"Early morning, you said.But it is still in the middle of the night now. Let us sleep some more."


    Burrowing her head into his c.h.e.s.t, Shi Ai attempted to coax him back to sleep but Ah Hai simply continued to tickle her happily,causing her to roll out of the bed and fall on her a**.


    Rubbing the offended part,Shi Ai stood up and glared at Ah Hai for ruining her sleep.Of course,his expression showed no change as he simply continued to grin at her.Angrily,Shi Ai jumped on to the bed and picking up her pillow chucked it at his head. In a minute,the pillow was caught and Shi Ai found herself under her hot husband,"I would like to teach you a lesson about the consequesnces of attacking me but we are getting late.We have been docked for some time. Dress comfortable."


    Placing a quick kiss on her lips,Ah Hai was out of the door in a jiffy.Getting up fromthe bed,Shi Ai rubbed her aching heart and smiling got off the bed to freshen up and quickly donned on a pair of shorts and tank top.Looking at the time,Shi Ai was tempted to groan alound.It was four am..What was her husband upto now?She wondered if it was like one of his training sessions.She hoped not.


    Skipping out into the open,Shi Ai looked around the empty deck and sighed.Where was she supposed to look for him?Going a little further out,she felt her breath catch in her throat.They were docked against a beautiful beach. There were beautiful airy lights and white flowers winding a path to a hammock.Flowers strewed on the sand guiding a path for her.Shi Ai felt a thrill pass through her at the thought of the surprise Ah Hai had prepared for her.Following the trail of the twinkling lights,Shi Ai saw Ah Hai standing at the end with the wide ocean behind him.Just as she would have run to him,he shocked her by going down on his knees.Her steps slowed and she came to a standstill.


    Seeing her standing in shock instead of coming close to him,"Are you going to keep standing there?"


    Shi Ai shook her head in denial that she wasn''t going to keep standing there but did not make a move. Extending his hand, Ah Hai silently beckoned her and this time her feet moved off their own accord and her hand extended to hold his hand. Smiling Ah Hai brought her fingers to his mouth and placed an open mother kiss in them all the while staring into her eyes.


    "Shi Ai, will you do me the honour of accepting my love for you for life?Marry me?"


    This time Shi Ai again jerked her head sideways almost causing Ah Hai a heart attack before she mutttered,"But we are already married.."


    Ah Hai put his hands on her waist and brought her closer,"Yes we are already married but we had not yet held a wedding. Let me wed you grandly so that I can announce to the world that you only belong to me..Welcome to my world, little love."


    This time a smile like never before graced her face as she nodded her acceptance and Ah Hai slipped on a beautiful ring with a princess cut diamond in the middle.And the world turned to light at this time as their union was blessed with the first rays of the sun falling on their joint hands. Shi Ai looked stupefied at this realising that Ah Hai had planned the perfect timing. Looking into her stuned face, Ah Hai got onto his feet and placed a gentle kiss on her lips,"Now you see with your own eyes how my world lights up with your acceptance." Nodding her head, Shi Ai jumped into his arms and kissed him deeply. Smiling against the lips, Ah Hai picked up his bride to be and walked towards the hammock. They had to begin watching the many sunrises of their lives.


    Lying on top of Ah Hai in the hammock, Shi Ai raised her head and with his face in her hand said,"Ah Hai, the only man I have ever loved in my life and the only one I will ever love, I love you. You have made all my dreams come true even those that I did not even know of. Now I have only one dream, to spend the rest of my life with you. Help me fulfill this dream, my love."


    A soft smile graced Ah Hai''s face at this sweet proposal of Ah Hai and he promised,"Fulfilling all your dreams is the focus of my life."


    Shi Ai rested her head on his c.h.e.s.t with a happy smile matching the one that Ah Hao wore.


    The natural silence of the air was however broken by a long whirring sound. Shi Ai lifted her head to ask Ah Hai what the sound was but then followed his gaze and found her answer as Ah Hai wryly said,"This is what happens when you have to take the help of family to propose to your girl. They turn it into a family affair."Jumping off the hammock, Shi Ai stood and raising her hands, waved back to the distant figures onboard the incoming ship.

 Chapter 209 - A Ray Of Hope

    The doctor was a stern woman in her fifties and she was known to be a specialist for pregnancy where mothers had suffered organ damage due to any reasons. But Ah Hai had decided to put his faith in the doctor because Dr Mao had a longer experience and he had studied some of her cases of the past.. The Doctor straight-up led Shi Ai for a check up as soon as they entered. After a few minutes, the doctor continued to check her and make some observations causing Shi Ai to almost explode in nervousness. It was only later that the doctor finally nodded and guided Shi Ai back to the chair. The moment Shi Ai was back in her chair.her hand was gripped by Ah Hai whose own hand was ice cold. It was a gesture of comfort and support to both of them. Eventually the doctor looked up from the blood reports that had been delivered to her and spoke in a calm voice,"First of all Mr And Mes Long,I would like to congratulate you on your pregnancy. Now, I understand that Mrs Long has had a history of cardiac problems so this pregnancy is full of risks and both of you must have countless questions, which I will answer after I have finished my explanation."


    Now, as I understand,this pregnancy seems quite dangerous because of your heart problem. But from what I see other than the recent exhertions, your other tests have always come back healthy. Have you been in some sort of stress recently?"


    Shi Ai thought of the harrowing time she had spent in the hospital missing and worrying over her man and slowly nodded her head at the doctor. The doctor made a note in her journal and continued,"From now on, that is a big No. I mean it whether it is emotional or physical, you will not stress yourself. Not even thinking about your baby and the risks behind this pregnancy. So I suggest complete rest. Usually in the early stages of pregnancy I call my patients every two weeks for regular check but you will be visiting me every week. My dietician will pass on a list of healthy foods that can be eaten and you will be prescribed some folic acid and iron medicine.


    Now, I gave a piece of good news to give you. Have you heard of the term fetomaternal microchimerism?"


    The somber doctor had suddenly turned lively as she expected the couple to light up at this term but Ah Hai and Shi Aincontinued to sit there with a blank expression. Ah Hai who had been dreading this discussion felt a wave of confusion. What good news and what was this phenomenon that had the doctor so excited?


    Seeing their blank expressions, the doctor sighed and explained, " Alright.let me clarify this to you in the layman language, when a woman is pregnant the stem cells help in the fetus development stage. Basically it helps with tissue development. The idea of fetomaternal microchimerism is that when the mother is pregnant the fetus ''sends'' these cells into the mother for repairing organs. A stem cell is like a blank slate so it can turn into tissue so when this phenomena takes place the fetal micro chimeric cells (fmcs) engraft themselves into the mother''s bone marrow and are able to migrate through the circulation to reach tissues. So basically what I am saying is that you may have a weak heart and no it won''t be miraculously cured but the child inside you is also going to do it''s best to help you bring it into this world. Your heart may be risky but it will not pose a very big threat to this pregnancy. We will be consisting regular tests to detect the fmcs also. And now you can ask me anything you are unclear on."


    The doctor looked expectantly at the two people who continued to sit there like statues. When there was no action from the two people, she leaned back and enjoyed the blank stare of the couple. They were cute she decided sitting there with such shell shocked expressions. That is why she loved her occupation, for moments like these.


    Only a while later did Ah Hai seem to get his mind back and he asked with a frown,"Why did no other doctor explain this to us? Is this some sort of a joke? Or some unexplained theory that you are using to placate us?"


    Dr Mao decided not to be offended at Long Ah Hai''s unbelieving and accusatory tone. She understood that it must be difficult to believe so she calmly explained,"No Mr Long, this theory has been in existence for a few decades now and many researchers have studied it. But most doctors do not take this very seriously because like you said it sounds unbelievable. But, Mr Long, nature is wonderful and works in mysterious ways. And science can only study it''s many facets. Please believe that Mrs Long is going to have a beautiful pregnancy."


    Relief and happiness courses through Ah Hai''s blood stream as he accepted and acknowledged this new information. What followed were a hundred questions that the doctor patiently answered and finally Ah Hai had managed to get not just every piece of information about this but he even had names of journals and research institutes that were involved in this theory.


    As if the dark clouds hanging over them had suddenly been cleared away, the dark and grey weather when they arrived was also cleared with bright sunshine. As soon as they had stepped kit of the doctor''s clinic, Shi Ai found herself in her husband''s arms as he picked her up bridal stale and twirled around in joy. Shi Ai cherished this moment thinking that this was how he should have been able to react to the news if she was normal and not ridden with a faulty heart. The threat hanging over them was finally a bit further away.

 Chapter 210 - The Baby Room

    In a happy daze, Shi Ai and Ah Hai drove home. Finally the two people had a measure of peace and they intended to enjoy it to the maximum. The moment the car stopped, Ah Hai jumped out of his car and helped Shi Ai down before picking her up in his arms once again and carrying her inside. Laughing, she protested,"Ah Hai!I can walk!"


    The man shook his head and retorted,"You are not allowed to expert yourself!!


    Snorting, Shi Ai explained to her cute husband,"Ah Hai, walking is not an exhertion and you cannot carry me everywhere!"


    "Try Me!"


    He was serious, she realised as her arms wound around his neck. Giggling, she pinched his nose and said,"I am soon going to become fat and then what are you going to do?"


    "I''ll still carry you!"


    Shi Ai could only smile brightly at her husband and put her head on his shoulder in joy.


    Putting her on the breakfast counter, Ah Hai got to work making lunch, feeding his wife bits of vegetable on and off. Shi Ai felt as if her heart


    burst from joy as she watched him work happily. She saw him fiddle with something on his phone and then get back to preparing lunch.


    Swinging her legs like a little girl, Shi Ai watched him and then thought,"Husband! You and I both know why you wanted me to go to grandfather''s house. Let me cancel that. I can plan that at a later date.."


    Ah Hao looked up from the noodles he was presently stirring and said,"No!Your grandfather is looking forward to have his two granddaughters back home. Let us not rob him of that."


    Shi Ai narrowed her eyes at this. Her husband, she knew, could care less about others as long as it involved keeping her with him. He was up to something!


    Ah Hai was naturally always aware of Shi Ai and this time was no different but he was a master at ignoring stuff he did not want to talk over.


    "Ahhhh!!"


    Shi Ai''s scream caused Ah Hai to dump the spatula in his hand and run over to see. It was only when he took her hand in his did he realize that he had been plotting against. By then Ah Hai had already put her arms around his neck and was grinning up at him cheekily,"What are you planning husband dear?"


    Holding her arms, Ah Hai rolled his eyes at her and went to plating the noodles and vegetables stir fry before taking them to her. He picked up a mouthful with his chopsticks and took it to her mouth which was set in a pout. Shi Ai wanted to refuse to eat and throw a tantrum but the tempting aroma assaulted her nose and she felt extremely hungry so she dutifully opened her mouth and took a bite.


    By the time, she finished chewing, Ah Hainhad brought another bite to her mouth. Only after the whole bowl of noodles and vegetables were finished and Shi Ai felt unable to even move, did Ah Hai stop feeding her. At this moment, the bell rang and just as Shi Ainwould have jumped down to answer the door, he shot her a mock glare and went to the door. After a few minutes Ah Hai was back and placed a shade card in her hand."This is what I have been thinking, little love!"


    Shi Ai looked down at the colorful card in her hand and happily exclaimed,"You are going to paint our baby''s room!"


    Ah Hai nodded and continued to eat his noodles, not realising that after the initial surprise, Shi Ai''s face had turned to frown. She looked up and glared at her husband,"Ah Hai, these are all shades of Pink!Do you want to traumatise our son?"


    "How would our son be traumatized when we are having a daughter?"


    Narrowing her eyes, Shi Ai was tempted to smack her husband upside the head,"We are having a son and Inam going to stay here and choose the paint!"


    "We are having a daughter and you are going to your grandfather''s house because paint fumes are bad for you!"


    Shi Ai could not argue with the fumes logic but she refused to give in on the topic of coloring the room pink!


    "Long Ah Hai!I will not let my son sleep in a pink room!


    " And I will not let my daughter sleep in a blue room!"


    Unintentionally emotional, Shi Ai began to cry as she said,"You have to promise not to do it pink!And I won''t insist on blue!Ah Hai, make it something that whether we have a girl or boy they can enjoy it?"


    Seeing her tears made Ah Hai helpless and discarding his idea of pink, he started to think some other idea..meanwhile he went and hugged his wife until her b.r.e.a.s.ts were flattened against his body and muttered,"Why are you crying?That is cheating!"


    Shi Ai cleaned the tears in her cheeks and said,"I can''t help it!It''s the hormones.I want to cry over everything!"


    C.a.r.e.s.sing her hair, Ah Hai agreed to her request and then changed the subject only to unintentionally(or intentionally) step on another landmine,"I''ll ask Zhang Min to come help me finish off the painting today itself so that tomorrow it will be dried and aired for you to see the day after. Zhang Min must also be feeling wretched with your sister not being close to him!"


    Shi Ai had closed her eyes as she agreed with Ah Hai''s idea of asking Zhang Min to help but at the last part of the statement her eyes snapped open and she started at her husband,"What does my sister have anything to do with his wretchedness?"


    Uh oh!

 Chapter 211 - You Are Dead

    Zhang Min''s hand patted at the side next to his on the bed but found only the cold bed. Slowly blinking his eyes open, he stared at the empty side in confusion. Zhang Min looked down at himself wondering if last night was a dream but the scratches on his c.h.e.s.t showed that it was not.


    Getting up lazily from the bed, Zhang Min pulled the discarded pyjamas, pulling up the drawstring and going down the steps to look for his missing bed mate. He wondered what she was up to making guesses from her being shy and hiding from him or eating or cooking breakfast..brunch, he corrected himself.


    What he had not expected was, her being hunched over a laptop screen while sitting on the couch. He slowed his steps as he tried to read what she was engrossed in. When he finally got a look, he almost snorted aloud alerting her to his presence.


    On tiptoes, Zhang Min walked near the couch and snatched the laptop of out of her hands causing her to let out a startled scream. In the next moment, the laptop landed on the couch and Yang Mei was in Zhang Min''s arms being kissed ruthlessly. After a long kiss, Yang Mei and Zhang Min came up for air, breathing hard. Looking into Yang Mei''s eyes, Zhang Min said,"This is what you do after your first night. You should''ve asked me instead of looking it up!"


    Feeling awkward at being caught looking for something so silly, Yang Mei flushed in embarrassment but attacked Zhang Min,"Of course I should''ve asked you since you are quite experienced."


    Pushing him away, Yang Mei flounced out of the room towards the kitchen and planted herself on a chair, cursing Zhang Min under her breath.


    Grinning broadly, Zhang Min followed his girl and almost had a apoplexy when he saw the state of the kitchen..It looked like an earthquake had occurred in the kitchen!Wisely deciding not to comment on it, Zhang Min once again pulled the pouting girl into his arms, pretending to be sniffing around,"Do I smell something sour?"


    This made Yang Mei even more indignant and she tried to push him away but Zhang Min was not having it."I meant that we could have found out together.Its still not too late.Come let us have breakfast!"


    With that Zhang Min carried her back into the bedroom and put Yang Mei on the bed. But Yang Mei jumped agilely and said,"Breakfast is outside!Why am I back on the bed?"


    Smiling thinly and stalking around the bed towards his rapidly moving prey, he said,"Mei Mei, first let us have this breakfast and then we can think of our stomachs!" and lunged at her to get her into his arms but Yang Mei was smarter and hungrier for food so she successfully evaded him and ran back out of the bedroom screaming,"You beast!First fill my stomach!"


    Shaking his head with a smile, Zhang Min picked up his clothes and wandered over to get dressed. Guess he would have to wait for a mid day snack!


    They sat in a cafe and waited for their orders to arrived.Yang Mei c.o.c.ked her head at Zhang Min as he easily spoke with the barista. He really was easy going on the surface as if he was an open book but when you went deeper,you could see the different layers of him. Even now, as he was talking with the girl, Yang Mei could see the admiration in the girl but there was distinctly no flirting or mixed signals from Zhang Min. He was an open book written with invisible ink!


    Yang Mei snorted at her own whimsical thoughts and stirred the coffee in her hand.


    Soon, Zhang Min was back in the seat with their order and he placed her tray in front of her.


    Just then a booming female voice called out,"So, doctor,You finally brought your girlfriend here!"


    Zhang Min got up from his seat and turned to hug the woman who was at least twice his sixe in width and grinningly denied,"She is not my girlfriend!"


    Yang Mei who was about to get angry at Zhang Min''s denial, fell back in her seat as he continued,"She is my fiance!"


    "Good boy!So you have kept her hidden for long eh?"


    Zhang Minnthen turned to introduce Yang Mei,"Mei, this is the owner and chef of this cafe and usually when I am alone I just let her feed me whatever she wishes."


    Yang Mei smilingly greeted the lady owner, feeling more welcome and comfortable with such a warm person. Finally as the lady bid leave, she left with a parting shot ordering her two customers,"Save some space for the pumpkin pie!"


    Zhang Min happily tucked into his food while Yang Mei stared intently. Feeling her gaze, Zhang Min looked up straight into her eyes and asked,"What''s up?"


    "Zhang Min?You sire do work fast?"


    Confused, Zhang Min shook his head and started,"No actually I usually move at the speed of a tortoise.."


    His blank face showed that he did not understand her meaning so Yang Mei explained,"I just agreed to become your girlfriend yesterday and today I have been deemed your fiance..I don''t think that is slow at all!Tomorrow, are you going to tell everyone that I am your wife?"


    "That is a great idea!Let''s go to the civil bureau after this!"


    Yang Mei who had been pretending to be angry at Zhang Min could not hold back her laughter at his prompt answer and shaking her head in exasperation started to eat her food!"


    But she could not have guessed that Zhang Min had really been serious. He would have carted her to the court if she had just said yes, even if as a joke.


    Narrowing his eyes, that Yang Mei was not taking him seriously, Zhang Min pointed an accusing finger at her,"You slept with me!"


    Yang Mei''s head jerked up at this statement and she looked around with a red face telling Zhang Min,"Shush!!You have no shame!Why are you bringing that up now?"


    "Because you have to take responsibility of me!Let me warn you I will not let you go after you have used me for your own p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e!"


    Zhang Min was purposely teasing her, Yang Mei realized!So she decided to give him back as good as she got. Fl.i.c.k.i.n.g her hair away from her shoulder, she arrogantly demanded,"What p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e? I just tried you and I''ve decided I am not very content. So I will not be keeping you."


    This made Zhang Min''s eyes glow in challenge and he was about to retort about a retrial when their pumpkin pies were brought out to the table by a waitress. Of course the two people paid no attention to it or her but the poor bystander girl was scorched by their intense heat and chemistry and with a squeaky,"Enjoy." The girl escaped from there. Since Zhang Min was stopped from replying , he simply gobbled up his pie also and then leaning back in his seat,started at Yang Mei, his eyes promising her retribution.


    Yang Mei realized that she had stepped on a tiger''s tail and now had no way to escape. To delay being devoured , she slowed down on eating the pie, chewing slowly as if savoring the taste but it could have been wood for all she knew of the taste. She could feel her body heating up from his hot gaze and she wanted to look away but found herself unable to. She was caught in his gaze as she mechanically brought the spoon to her mouth. After a few minutes, Zhang Minlooked down breaking eye contact and smiling like a hunter asked,"Mei Mei, would you like to order more pie since you are even scraping off the crumbs."


    That was when Yang Mei realized that she had already polished off the pie and was currently chewing...nothing!


    Like a confused puppy, she shook her head and looked up to see Zhang Min''s extended hand in front of her face. Hypnotized, she put her hand in his as he led her out of the cafe. Only when the hot air from the street hit her in the face did Yang Mei come to her senses and resisted the pied piper''s pull,"We have to pay."


    "Already did."


    "I wanted more pie!"


    "We''ll come again."


    "Your phone is ringing!"


    Yang Mei breathed in a sigh of relief as Xhang Min''s cell phone rang, blessing the person who had unintentionally helped her stall. But then she saw, Zhang Min denied the call and gulped,"She was dead meat..soon."


    But the next moment, Zhang Min''s message tone beeped and when he looked at the message flashing on the screen, he cursed out loudly startling even Yang Mei.


    He was going to kill Ah Hai someday!He was going to work hard on that. Yang Mei looked at the phone that had led Zhang Min to let out such colorful curses and taking the thing from him glanced at the screen.


    Grinning, she blessed her sister who had saved her. The message read,"You are so dead!" was followed by a knife and gun emoticon!

 Chapter 212 - A Condition

    Zhang Min thought his face showed calm as he glanced at the message again but his heart was in chaos. Shi Ai knew about them and he knew that she would be happy for them...maybe but before that she would be really really angry with him for hiding this. Well he would have to apologize a hundred times!


    Yang Mei grinned at Zhang Min''s worried expression. The,''I''ll show you now'' expression presently resembled a puppy who had chewed on his master''s shoes!Yang Mei grinned but then frowned. She had made the wrong analogy...comparing herself to shoes was just eww!


    Thinking back to this morning when Zhang Min had played a prank on her, an idea struck her. Pasting an excited smile on her face, Yang Mei raised an arm in greeting and called out,"Hey Xaio Ai!"


    "ahh!"


    Zhang Min jumped up and almost dropped his phone at this realising that his expression had not been as calm as he had thought and Yang Mei had been able to tease him.


    Narrowing his eyes at her, he placed the problem of Shi Ai at the back of his mind and went to capture his Yang Mei. Grinning foolishly, Yang Mei and Zhang Min reached home hand in hand,starting at each other, with no awareness of their surroundings.


    Yang Mei weighed her heart and realised that for the first time in her life she felt happiness. The kind that made you want to just dance and let the world be a part of it. Just as they were about to enter the gate to Zhang Min''s yard, Yang Mei pulled him to a stop. Going near him, she raised herself on tip toes and placed a small peck on the side of his lips. Shocked and pleased at her initiative, Zhang Min was about to coax her for more kisses when his eyes fell on his door and he froze.


    Yang Mei realized his sudden stillness and looked up at him,"What?Are you so shocked that I have kissed you?"


    Without looking down at his woman, Zhang Minsaid,"I would like nothing more than to get more kisses but first we have to handle our little sister.


    Yang Mei realized that Zhang Min was starting at something behind her but instead of looking back, Yang Mei put her hands around his waist and said,"Min Min!Do you think that you can prank me just like I did you?Fine, if you want to miss the opportunity.."


    "You guys might want to come inside!", the holler that came from behind caused Yang Mei to freeze and she looked stricken at Zhang Min," I heard Xaio Ai''s voice.."


    Zhang Min nodded pleasantly saying,"Yes. That would be Shi Ai. She is calling us inside,lets go."


    Closing her eyes in mortification, Yang Mei jumped behind Zhang Min unable to show her red face.


    Out of the four people, only Ah Hai had a normal expression while the others wore various shades of embarrassed red. Zhang Min had thought that he would have time before he had to talk to Shi Ai. Yang Mei was cursing her self for being ten kinds of fools and being so shameless in front of her sister and brother in law.


    Shi Ai, too was embarrassed as she had not expected Yang Mei to be here and walking hand in hand with Zhang Min. Shi Ai wanted to grin and was actually having a hard time maintaining her grim expression. The two looked so adorable together.


    As the door to the house opened, Yang Mei stepped inside and was about to move aside when she spotted their discarded clothes from last night''s activity lying there.


    Pushing Zhang Min and the others back, Yang Mei closed the door suddenly and unexpectedly ordering,"Wait a few minutes, please."


    Zhang Min was rather shocked at being locked out of his own house and looked confused as he stood there scratching his head."I am sorry. I don''t know what came over her."


    Ah Hai shook his head and offered helpfully,"She is probably trying to clean up the living room for any traces of your activities last night.."


    Stopping, after reaching a safe distance, Shi Ai stopped,turned around and crossed her arms in front of her c.h.e.s.t,"Speak." Was the only command she uttered.


    Zhang Min squinted at Shi Ai and instead of answering condemned her,"Ah Hai is a bad influence on you. Your aura and speech have started to resemble him."


    "My punches also resemble his!And you will experience them yourself if you don''t talk now!"


    Huffing,"What do you want me to say?I am in love with your sister. She is beautiful, hot, courageous, brave, s.e.xy, kick a.s.s, smart, cute, talented, unique, special, outstanding, spirited..."


    Shi Aincould no more stop a giggle from escaping as she said,"Zhang Min are you going to use all the adjectives from a dictionary!I understood that she is perfect as far as you are concerned!And I am so so so happy for the two of you!We are going to be brother in law and sister in law soon!" Shi Ai finished her sentence in a squeal and hugged her best friend and brother hard. She could not have found a better man for her sister!Just then another thought struck her and she moved a bit back,"You are going to marry her..Right?"


    Zhang Min rolled his eyes and affirmed,"If she will have me!"


    "Of course she will!As you said, she is smart. But Min Min, remember one thing, if you hurt a single hair in her head then you are dead meat!And I will not dirty my hands but make Ah Hai pound you to dirt!"


    Zhang Mim grinned down at his treasured sister, giving her a mock salute,"Aye Aye captain."


    The two people were about to walk back when Shi Ai thought of something else,"Min Min,normally I would threaten you if you bully sister but for the time being you have to do that!She is too serious so yy have to keep teasing her. Make her smile more."


    "Yes Madam!The purpose of my life is to make her smile!"


    Meanwhile, Yang Mei opened the door only to see Ah Hai standing at the porch. Smiling awkwardly, Yang Mei pushed her hair behind her ears and said,"Sorry about that. The place was a little too untidy.Please come in."


    It was only then, Yang Mei realised that Zhang Min and Shi Ai were not there. She looked at Ah Hai questioning so he answered,"They are having a chat at the back of the house."


    This caused Yang Mei to throw a worried frown in that direction leading Ah Hai to assure her,"They are both going to be fine."


    Yang Mei nodded and nervously sat across Ah Hai. She had worked for the man but today somehow felt different. She felt different, restless unable to sit still.


    Seeing her shaken, Ah Hai could not help but chuckle and said,"Miss Yang..I did not expect to be able to see this side of you. So you really have fallen hard for the brat!"


    Yang Mei felt a bit comforted and calm at his tone and said,"Yes. I have!And I certainly did not expect to fall so suddenly."


    "Nobody does. Shi Ai also knocked down my walls before I could blink and made a place for herself in my heart."


    Yang Mie grinned at that, feeling totally comfortable now,"She told me about that! I wish I could have seen her then!We''ve been apart for so many years now and though I do not regret anything I do wish I could have seen her."


    At her wistful tone, Ah Hai finally had her in the place he wanted her to be. The reason he had directed this conversation.As if by magic, a pen drive appeared in his hand and he extended it to her,"You can have this."


    Yang Mei looked at the pen drive in his hand and then at him in confusion, so Ah Hai explained,"These are pictures of Shi Ai from the time she entered the orphanage. There are photos from my sister in laws collection and then their wedding. After that Mrs Wu used to send her regular updates so those pictures and then she joined the Zhang family those pictures."


    Yang Mei felt as if he was handing her a treasure. She felt moisture in her eyes and extended her hand to take it but he suddenly closed his fist making her frown and look up.


    "But there is a condition."

 Chapter 213 - A Promise

    Yang Mei''s hand froze mid air.Taking it back,she cautiously asked,"What condition?"


    She had to acknowledge that she had not expected this.Ah Hai extending this gesture of including her into having the photos or putting forward a condition. The fact that he chose to do this when Shi Ai was not around made her even more worried at what to expect.She had personally seen both sides of the man and knew that he would never say anything potentially hurtful in front of Shi Ai but behind her back,everything was fair game.She imagined all sorts of scenarios in the back of her head.Did he want her to leave Zhang Min,maybe?Or leave Shi Ai alone?After all he had not told Shi Ai about her immediately even though he had guessed her identity.


    These thoughts caused her to frown.Was that it?He wanted her to leave Shi Ai and Zhang Min alone?She hardened her heart to refuse his condition.She would not leave them even for all the treasure in the world. She had battled the world for her sister and she could battle them again and Zhang Min...she had just found him..yet she could not think of life without him.


    Her expression caused Ah Hai to shake his head as he explained,"Miss Yang, you are a cynic to the core.You haven''t yet heard the condition and are already thinking deep"


    This brought back Yang Mei and clearing her throat she asked,"What? What is your condition?"


    "I have a big family. You''ve met them all. But I don''t have a younger sister. Would you do me the honor of becoming my younger sister?That is all that you have to promise me. As a younger sister,you have to let the Long brothers care for you and protect you. The jungle you are about to fall into is deep and we have accepted you as our own so can you also do that?"


    Yang Mei felt her mouth fall open. This was not what she had imagined. A big brother or from what he said, a few big brothers...


    Without even having to think about it, Yang Mei nodded and accepted the condition feeling herself tear up. This generosity was unexpected. She had already not expected much but Ah Hai had given her so much..Tearfully, she thanked him and said,"Thank you. I am honored to be your sister!"


    A small smile graced Ah Hai''s face and he said,"You won''t be saying that when you realise that you now have a horde over protective brothers.And the first order of business is threatening your boyfriend.Mei,if Zhang Min bullies you, please tell me.I will teach him a lesson for you."Yang Mei felt her ''about to fall'' tears stop midway as she heard this and she extended her hand for the pendrive curling her fingers around it.


    Zhang Min and Shi Ai had just entered the home when they heard the last part of Ah Hai''s sentence as he threatened him!


    Zhang Min:".." Xaio Ai threatened me to bully Yang Mei and her husband threatened so that I don''d bully Yang Mei.


    Zhang Min had a premonition that his future was going to be rather bruising..What about him?What if Yang Mei bullied him? But then he saw hisngirl''s face and reminded himself that having her with him was worth everything.


    Seeing Shi Ai standing there with a grin on her face and Zhang Min also looking pleased,Yang Mei once again felt shy and excused herself to go to the kitchen.Shi Ai followed Yang Mei as she grinned even wider and made to follow her sister,winking at Ah Hai on the way.


    Zhang Min on the other hand narrowed his eyes and pointed at Ah Hai,"Snitch!" as soon as the girls were out of ear shot.


    Ah Hai did not pay any attention to this and simply shrugged his shoulders,not bothered,"I needed a distraction."


    "And so you made me a sacrificial lamb!"


    Ah Hai only gave an enigmatic smile claiming,"I actually helped you.Now you won''t have to worry about hiding this though ,even I did not expect you to move at this speed. Very Interesting Zhang Min and here I believed that you were an innocent fellow.."


    Zhang Min felt his ears turn a bit red at this.It was the second time someone had mentioned this.And it was true.He too had always thought that he would be slow in love but it had happened so suddenly and then he had  feared Yang Mei not accepting him or friend zoning him he had moved fast, doing first thinking later.. Deciding that before his face turned any more red, he needed to change the topic, he began,"So..regarding their stay at Shi Villa, is that still on?"


    A single nod.


    This made Zhang Min scowl as he protested,"But why?"


    "I have some work to finish."


    This answer made Zhang Min scowl as he said,"Your wedding is in a couple of days!What work can you possible have?Are you regretting leaving the wedding preparations to us?Look the theme wedding was totally Mei''s and Shi Ai''s idea!It had nothing to do with me!"


    "And you gain no p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e from it?Zhang Min as a man you should have tried to navigate it to a better theme but you are so whipped! Well let me tell you, since you have managed it so well, I will make a point to remind Yang Mei of all this when she is planning your wedding."


    The threat was real and Zhang Min could almost feel himself perspiring. He knew the theme was way too over the top and he should have tried to redirect or atleast curb some of the wild ideas but he had been so mesmerized by Yang Mei''s smile that he had agreed to every suggestion she made.


    "Yeah well, you could''ve disagreed!"


    "And disappoint my bride?"


    Zhang Min:".."


    So he had been appointed to organise the wedding to be the bad guy? He was supposed to be the negative person?As if. And anyways now everything was organized! But..he did not answer the original question, Zhang Min realised. Long Ah Hai always gave straight answers or deflected the questions when he did not want to lie..and he had played the deflecting game...


    "You are not really going to disappear before the wedding, are you?


    Ah Hai quietened and stared ahead, thinking hard how to answer this. Finally he murmured," I may have to go somewhere but I will be back on the wedding day.."


    Zhang Min jumped up from his seat and glared at the man!What did he mean by coming back on the wedding day? What about the bachelor party that he had planned on Yang Mei''s insistence so that they could have their pre wedding shower?And what ofnhebwwas late during that day.Worst, what if he was unable to reach..would Shi Ai be abandoned at the altar?


    No no no..they we''re already married but still he had to ask,"Are you having pre wedding jitters?"


    Ah Hai looked at Zhang Min as if the man had gone crazy. Did he look like someone who would have such a thing?


    Realizing that he had asked the wrong question, Zhang Min changed the topic,"Uhh..then does Shi Ai know of your plans?


    "No."


    "Do you plan to tell her?"


    "No."


    "If you don''t tell me where you are going I will babble to Shi Ai!"


    "Are you threatening me?"


    A confused shake and then nod later, Zhang Min finally settled on a nod. Yes, he was threatening Ah Hai!He could not let anything go wrong for the wedding day!


    Seeing that firm nod, Ah Hai''s lips thinned and he said,"Fine, I think Shi Ai will be disappointed when you''re called back to serve and your leave cancelled but she will get over it. And don''t worry, I will make sure that Yang Mei has a partner for the wedding and someone to woo her also...pack your bags, Zhang Min, your deployment orders will be here soon."


    Zhang Min:"..."


    "Hey!I was just teasing you!Why are you such a stick!Being with Shi Ai should gave loosened you up!"


    Ignoring him, Ah Hai walked towards the kitchen, having decided it was taking them too much time. That was when Zhang Min also remembered the disaster that his kitchen resembled and followed the man.

 Chapter 214 - Off The Scale

    Shi Ai followed Yang Mei in the kitchen intending to tease her sister. However,she stopped short when she stepped into the kitchen.


    "What just happened here?"


    Turning around,Yang Mei saw her sister standing there with a shocked look on her face. She had forgotten all about the mess here..Oh!Oh !Oh!


    Why was everything going wrong?Shi Ai saw her sister''s fl.u.s.tered look and could not help but chuckle."Don''t tell me that Zhang Min tried to cook you breakfast."


    Going to her sister,Shi Ai hugged her and then moved a bit back to look at her face.Yang Mei gave a wry smile at this comforting gesture and said,"Sadly no.He has nothing to do with this.All this was done by me!"


    "You?"


    Yang Mei hunched her shoulders and said,"I wanted to do something special but I was so nervous that I kept messing things up.I dropped that sauce and then the dough and then the batter!Then I got so frazzled that I just gave up but then the kitchen had reached this stage!


    Shi Ai shook her head and laughed on the inside.Frazzled was a mild word.All the pots and the pans in the litchen were out of their place.The entire counter top was covered with dried stains of those once liquid stains.All in all it was a mess of the highest order and you wouldn''t know where to start the cleaning.


    But cleaning was not the priority.Getting her sister was.Pulling her sister to the chairs nearby,Shi Ai pushed her into one and sat herself on the other.


    "What were you fl.u.s.tered about?"


    Yang Mei looked at Shi Ai intently,wanting to talk but not knowing how.Finally she gathered her courage,breathed in deeply and said in a brreath,"I wanted to make something special to commemorate today but then I started making the things but I did not know what Zhang Min liked and then I got confused if I should or shouldn''t do,after all this is house and he may not like anyone invading his personal space so I got even more nervous.And then this happened.Finally in the end we had to go out for food!"


    "Commemorate what?"


    That gave a pause to Yang Mei''s rant and she stutteringly answered,"Uh...commemorate us being boyfriend and girlfriend. I''d seen a show where the girl did that and I wanted to do that.."


    This made Shi Ai grin as she teased,"Uh huh..they commemorated their first night together and not the beginning of their relationship!"


    Yang Mei felt her mouth drop open..So Shi Ai had seem that show!Ohhhhh..


    Teasing her sister was fun!She remembered how Meng Ran had been pesteringger when she went back to college after Shebcamento know of Ah Hai and decided that she should do the same!


    So deciding to be naughty, she straightened her face and asked,"Since you are have already done the deed, let me ask you. Where do you rate Zhang Min on a scale of one to ten-with one being a horrible kisser and ten being realllllllyyyy good."


    Shi Ai waggled her eyebrows in a perfect imitation of Meng Ran and imagined that this must be the expression that she herself had to that question. Her sister was redder than a tomato!They even blushed alike!


    Giving her a shoulder nudge, Shi Ai said,"You can tell me!I won''t tell anyone."


    Feeling shy but wanting to confide in someone, she said,"Off the scale!"


    "Are you sure it is ''off the scale?'' Or is that your inexperience talking?You see there are not many men out there who are that good. It is actually believed to be a myth.."


    "No..his kisses are really are off the scale.."


    Unexpectedly, Shi Ai let out a whoop as she said,"I believe you Mei. if I had not experienced the ''off the scale'' kisses Inwould have believed you to be lying!Go Zhang Min!Both of us Shi sisters are lucky!We have loyal,hot, good looking men who are off the scale kissers!We got off the scale kisses without having to kiss any toads!Go us!"


    This caused Yang Mei to burst into laughter and repeat it after Shi Ai.


    A sudden noise at the door made them turn quiet and both turned back at the same time to see the escaping backs of their ''men.'' This caused Shi Ai and Yang Mei to break into another round of uncontrollable giggles, hugs and then tears.They clung to each other. This was what they had missed all these years. This sisterhood and friendship.The close bond of love.


    After a good cry, Shi Ai wiped her tears and looked at Yang Mei,"Hey, I can sob and blame that on the hormones!What about you?Why are you crying?"


    Wiping at her tears with the back of her hand, Yang Mei explained,"I''m just scared. Everything happened so fast, it feels like a dream. Will I wake up tomorrow and everything will have disappeared?I have only started to forgive grandfather and I already have so much angst inside of me. What of someday I hurt Zhang Min and you?I am not used to caring for others! And what about the thing that I am missing from Zhang Min?"


    This gave Shi Ai pause. She realised that Yang Mei did not know everything.


    "Mei Mei are you talking about the medical report that was given when you were hurt?Because if you are worried that Zhang Min will not accept that then let me tell you that Zhang Min already knows. He is a surgeon and I showed him the report at the time."


    This gave Yang Mei a pause. So Zhang Min knew her secret? Yang Mei could hardly believe her ears. She shook her head and asked Shi Ai,"When did you show the report?"


    Knowing that Yang Mei had not accepted this situation or the face that Zhang Min knew of this, Shi Ai answered honestly,"The night of your surgery."


    "That long.."


    Yang Mei felt hot and cold all over. She had worried about this in the back of her mind but now she could only worry more. Zhang Min knew that she was damaged inside and still he accepted her. He was a surgeon and understood the reports well so he had known the truth all along. Did he really not worry about this matter?Was she lucky to be loved like this?


    No..she had to talk to Zhang Min but she needed time to sort out her feelings.


    Shi Ai could only observe her little sister and finally seeing here state, hugged her, whispering,"We Shi sisters are lucky that our men also have big hearts for us."


    Hugging back Shi Ai hard, Yang Mei could only sob quietly. Finally, after a good talk, Yang Mei and Shi Ai git to worn quietly cleaning up the kitchen. But only after a few minutes, Shi Ai was pushed out of the door by Yang Mei who ordered her to go home and rest, promising that she would be fine and they would meet in the evening anyway.


    Yang Mei waved them good bye while Zhang Min followed the couple to see them out. His face was set in grim lines and Shi Ai could not help but pull his cute cheeks and say,"my brother is so cute.."l


    Zhang Min frowned and said,"I think I am going to disown you, Shi Ai!A younger sister was supposed to save me from bullying from my brothers but you just add to my woos and then you had to go and marry another bully.."


    Shi Ai''s grin widened further and ahe said,"Too bad you love me and can not disown me!And who are you calling a bully?My hubby is the gentlest man in the world!" With that statement, Shi Ai wound her arms around Ah Hai and walked away with her nose in the air..


    Zhang Min had only one thought in his head,"If Long Ah Hai was a ''gentle'' man, then he himself was Mother Teresa!What a joke!"


    Shaking his head at Shi Ai''s ostrich tendency to bury her head in the sand where Ah Hai was concerned, Zhang Min went back into the house only to be accosted by Yang Mei who jumped onto him,hugged him hard and began to sob loudly, almost sending him into a state of panic. Zhang Min was on the verge of calling an ambulance when he realised that she seemed to be saying something but wasn''t hurt. He moved a bit back and saw her reddened eyes and nose and gently pushed her back onto the couch before going to fetch a glass of water.

 Chapter 215 - I Am Damaged

    "What''s wrong?What are you worried about?Did Shi Ai say something unintentionally to hurt you?Did you want something?Why are you crying?" As Yang Mei drank her water, Zhang Min had heaped so many questions on her in anxiety that she could not help but smile.


    Seeing her sudden smile though her eyes and nose were red, Zhang Min felt relief course through him. Gently, he wiped the tear tracks and asked,"Yang Mei, what is wrong?"


    Yang Mei entwined her fingers nervously and explained,"You..you know that I was stabbed during that tussle with that Qinglan monster!!"


    This single sentence made him understand what the tears were about and he could only shake his head.But he did not want to discuss this now. These were scars that needed to be healed both physically and emotionally.


    So he decided to use a tried and tested distraction.."Yang Mei!Is that the season you turned your self into a water faucet?Come on. Don''t waste time over this let''s go!"


    Pulling Yang Mei to her feet, Zhang Min walked towards the bedroom but Yang Mei resisted,"Min Min we need to talk."


    ''Mulish!''That was the word one would use to describe Zhang Min when he had decided something. So narrowing his eyes he softly threatened,"That is not a very good sentence!I know for a fact that a woman saying this never bodes well for a relationship so there is no need for our mouths to talk, we can talk with out bodies. We both need a mid day snack!"


    But Yang Mei was serious and did not wish to delay Such a thing. She had already fallen hard for him so she needed to clear any misunderstandings before she fell deeper.


    Feeling her resistance, Zhang Min could not help but sigh!This was what happened when you fell for a strong unabiding woman!


    Moving away, Zhang Min stood against a chair and crossed his arms in front of him, a scowl in his face,"Talk."


    This serious and intimidating made pose of Zhang Min made her stop and bite her lower lip in anxiety. In an unsure voice she began,"I am damaged and.."


    "Bull****. Mei Mei listen to me carefully and put it in your head because I will not repeat it.And I don''t want to hear you calling your self damaged anymore.Yes I know you sustained severe injuries because of the knife.Qinglan had twisted the knife inside you to incur as much damage as possible. And your uterus was torn. The chances of you being able to have a child of your own are slim. But Yang Mei, I only want you. And when we want children, then we will look in to this matter. I have studied my father''s medical books since I was an eight year old.Science changes everything. And if even if we are not fated to have biological children, we can adopt or foster children. With the big heart you possess, you will love any child of ours fully.So stop thinking like this. Do not invite trouble now and torture yourself.We will cross that bridge when the time comes. Hmm?"


    Though the words were strictly said, Yang Mei felt the warmth and concern in them and hugged these to her heart. He was right, she needed to live in the moment! But that worry was there in her heart. Buried deep for now.Seeing that Yang Mei was taking him seriously, Zhang Min loosened up and walked back to her.Extending his hand back at her,he said,"Mei Mei if you don''t want me to die of frustration then let us go for that snack now. Then it will be time for you to go to Shi Villa and then I will miss you so much."


    Seeing his line track mind, Yang Min could not help but giggle,"We just had a big meal.."


    "You know I am not talking about that snack!Let me teach you what snacking means."


    Picking up Yang Mei in his arms, Zhang Min ran to the bedroom and lightly threw Yang Mei on the bed and went ahead to show her the joys of mid-day snacking.


    In the evening, the Shi Villa was lit up like a Christmas tree. Every light glowed and the kitchens were filled with hustle and bustle and a whiff of happiness. Most of the servants in the Shi household were old and loyal to their master. They had seen the old master yearn for familial love and finally ,fates has graced him. His two grand daughters had been found and returned to him. They even talked and prayed for the great grand child that master would be gifted. And the other young miss was also said to be engaged. Happiness would finally return to this sad and yearning house.


    A lone figure stood at the gates of the villa. She had been driven here but now she was too nervous to go inside and so she sent the driver back and stood there frozen. She had come to apologize but the question was did the person she wanted to apologize to,want her apology?


    She realised that she was scared but she needed to do this.She had been living in guilt all these years.When she saw the news and saw her childhood friend''s face,she had been unable to stop herself.


    Just then the lights of an oncoming car shone and she turned around to look back instinctively.


    The next moment,as she brought down her hand,she saw the person she wanted to meet,standing in front of her.


    Yang Mei stared at the beautiful woman in front of her as she got off the car.It was like all the incomplete chapters in her life were coming to a closure. She walked towards the woman and stood there in front of her.


    Silvia felt her tears start to fall and trembling,she said,"Shi Ai..I mean Yang Mei,I am sorry for everything.Please accept my apology!I don''t expect your forgiveness because I..I know that whatever you have suffered cannot be soothed with a simple sorry but please know that I truly am sorry for everything."


    As Yang Mei stood before Silvia Gray she realized that time reallyh does sooth all hurts or maybe it was love but she had in her heart already let go of the past..


    Wiping away her tears,Yang Mei smiled and said,"Miss Grey?Are you trying to get me killed?If anyone clicked a picture and your fans knew that I made their Goddess Silvia cried,I''d have more eggs to battle!"


    Silvia was scandalized at this thought and was about to refute when in the next moment,she was hugged by Yang Mei who then whispered in her ear,"It wasn''t your fault Silvi!It was the circ.u.mstances.Let the past go!I..I have blamed you and even been angry at you,my grandather and even my mother but I have come to realise that we cannot control the world.You would not have expected your parents to do what they did..So don''t blame yourself for their mistakes.Let bygones be bygones.


    Yang Mei,then moved back and said,"Or if you want to relive the past let''s go find Shi Ai!I have a pendrive of her childhood photos!We can see those and tease her!Did you know,she proposed to .."


    Hand in hand,Yang Mei drove a dizzy SIlvia Grey into the Shi Villa.


    Meanwhile,Zhang Min stood in front of a blank white wall with an equally blank expression on his face.Next to him stood Ah Hai and Knox.But out of the three men,two were protesting heavily,"Ah Hai,I can weild guns and swords!But this is too much!This is alien to me!I cannot do this!"


    Zhang Min nodded in agreement and said,"Me too!My hands are for weilding a gun or a scalpel!How can you expect me to paint the nursery walls?What if we mess up?It is your child that will suffer!The kid will have nightmares if our deer looks like an elf or something!"


    Ah Hai looked at the two idiots beside him and said,"Who said I am going to let you paint?The two of you are here for cleaning up and holding the ladder!I will paint and you will clean and scrub the place!Oh and the two of you have to assemble the furniture!It is in the room next door!Taking the paintbrushes out of their hands,Ah Hai pushed the two lackeys into the room next door with a hammer in their hands and a threat in their ears,"If the furniture is not sturdy then.."


    But in a few minutes they realized the problem...There were two of everything''two cots,two playpens,two storage baskets..


    Knox frowned and asked,"Are they having twins?"


    Zhang Min,however shook his head and said,"Uh huh...It is too early to know..Most likely they are arguing whether they will have a girl or a boy!!"

 Chapter 216 - Darkness Everywhere

    Shi Ai had been the last one to arrive at Shi Villa.She had insisted that Ah Hai not drop her here so he had arranged a chauffer for her.The first glimpse of the place,almost gave her a fright.The lights were all turned off and the entire area was pitch black.Except for a few dimly lit street lights and the car''s headlights,the whole area was covered in darkness.Immediately she felt concerned and then tried to soothe herself,maybe there had been a power outage..she didn''t know.


    She asked the driver to drive carefully.Only when she saw the housekeeper standing calmly at the door with a flash light in his hand,did she feel at peace.If something had been the matter then that person would not be standing here so peacefully!


    Climbing down slowly, she called out to the housekeeper,"Why are all the lights off?"


    The housekeeper shook his head and said,"Miss, you have to come inside first. Elder Shi has had the lights turned off.It is not safe. Please come slowly, I will guide you in with the help of the flash light.


    All sorts of images bounced in Shi Ai''s mind as she slowly followed the housekeeper. Maybe they were about to be attacked by someone and it would be an easy target if they were well lit.


    She tried to ask the housekeeper if something was the matter but didn''t want to come across as paranoid so she held in her questions and walked ahead. The housekeeper opened the door and suddenly a burst of light and noise assaulted her making her almost step back!


    A few women stood there surrounding her grandfather who held a cake. A loud,"Congratulations" was screamed rocking the entire room which was decorated with balloons and confetti..A sash of ''bride to be!'' was pinned on her shoulders and across her body. Alicia and Yang Mei had come forward and were dragging a bemused Shi Ai towards the cake. It is only now that she noticed that everyone was dressed in tom and Jerry costumes!


    Sister Alicia, MiRae and Jianan were all there dressed as Tom while Yang Mei and Meng Ran were dressed as Jerry!It seems there was a theme even for today!


    Shi Ai was tugged into hugs and kisses and a crown was placed on her head as she cut the cake. Soon after the helpers from the household brought in heaps of foods as desserts and the girls started to enjoy and talk to each other without any hint of awkwardness.


    Shi Ai glanced at everyone and happily decided that this was the moment of happiness that she would forever treasure. Every woman in this room was special to her in some way.. After the big meal, Elder Shi excused himself leaving the girls to talk and chat among themselves.


    But once he was gone, Yang Mei had other plans and soon glances were exchanged!Shi Ai looked at everyone''s costumes and then her nonexistent one. I want a tom or Jerry costume for myself also!


    Yang Mei smiled at this and said,"And you will have one but first we have a surprise for you. In the next moment, Mi Rae covered Shi Ai''s eyes with her hands and Meng Ran and Alicia moved out of the room slowly moving the girl into a smaller ante room.


    Once there, My Rae ordered Shi Ai to not open her eyes until they said so.


    Slowly, she heard the small sound of wheels rolling on the hard floor and wandered what they were bringing in. And soon she was ordered to open her eyes..


    "Gasp!!"


    Seeing the beauty in front of her, Shi Ai felt her mouth fall open and she could only watch at the beautiful dress in front of her. She had always thought that Sister Alicia''s wedding dress was the most beautiful but this was even more gorgeous. It matched her Cinderella theme perfectly.


    With rose point lace details and seed pearl accents the beautiful white laced dress had a high bodice and a sweetheart neckline. The long train behind it made he dress look dreamy. She could only imagine herself wearing it and looking like a cinderella..A radiant smile graced her face and all the women in the room could only smile as Alicia captured the first look on Shi Ai''s face of finding a perfect wedding dress..


    Yes!Her wedding theme was cinderella and the prince.it had been decided by Yang Mei who told her that as a kid she had always wanted to have a Cinderella Wedding so she had left all the preparations for it to her sister. Another reason was that both of them had been worried about the pregnancy so she had almost lost interest in organising the wedding..


    Her eyes shiny,she looked at Yang Mei and mouthed a Thank you to her sister.


    To keep her from.being emotional, Alicia who was also tempted to cry clapped her hands and ordered,"Shi Ai!This isn''t our dress rehearsal!Come on try the dress on and you will not look into the mirror until we alow you to. Changing from her simple jeans and too, Shi Ai stood behind the screen as Yang Mei helped her into the dress. Once a few measurement problems we''re tucked in, Shi Ai was eager to see look at herself in the mirror but she was instead pushed into a chair and a veil was placed in her head. The top part of the veil was actually a tiara with a short sheer cloth covering only her eyes and a long train at the back. Shi Ai was then put the bride to be sash over her shoulders again and then finally a pair of small heeled glass slippers were placed in front of her to step into.


    Only then was Shi Ai allowed to look into the mirror and she could only keep starting!


    The girls all clapped and champagne was brought out to celebrate the beautiful occasion. Shi Ai hugged herself with her arms around her waist. She really did feel like a new bride to be. Tears flowed down her cheeks and Alicia hugged the girl in front of her as she said,"Xry as much as you want today as long as they are tears of happiness. Let us hope from now on those are the only tears that will fall from your eyes..And anyways of you cry today then you hopefully won''t cry on the wedding day and ruin you make up!


    Meng Ran also stepped forward and added,"Yes!The one crying in your wedding days will be the angels in the sky for having to look down on someone so beautiful!


    Su Jianan who had been quiet all along also nodded as she added,"Ah Hai may just faint and forget his vows when he catches a glimpse of you!"


    This made Shi Ai break out into giggles, effectively lightening up the atmosphere.


    Just then Meng Ran broke out into another question,"If Shi Ai is cinderella that means Ah Hai is going to be a prince!Does that mean that he will be dressed in ceremonial robes.Unbelievable!"


    Seeing this Meng Ran was disappointed and muttered,"Doesnt that mean that he would be not adhering to the theme?"


    Once again Yang Mei shook her head and explained,"Do you really think that Ah Hai will so anything to disappoint his wife to be?He may have not agreed to wearing a robe by threatening Zhang Min but he has conceded to something else."Yang Mei muttered something in Meng Ran''s ear causing the other girl''s eyes to brighten up in excitement. "Really?That is so cool!Shi Ai, you are so lucky!I almost envy you!I am the only one who has no one but I am so happy for you."


    This made the mischevious Alicia Long grin and she said to the girl,"Dont worry. There will be lots of good looking fellows at he wedding!We will definitely find you someone or a few men to choose from!


    Soon, Shi Ai had changed from her wedding clothes and was dressed up in a Jerry Suit getting ready to go and join the others. Just as she was about to walk out of the room, her phone rang. Glancing at the caller Id, she could not help but smile and answered,"Hello!"


    The man on the other line smiled and said,"You make a cute Jerry!"


    Shi Ai felt her mouth drop open and she looked around in a panic and almost had a heart attack when she saw Ah Hai''s head at the window!


    He grinned at her and knocked lightly on the glass asking her to let him in.He had just gate or rather window crashed her bridal shower!

 Chapter 217 - The Missing Groom

    While Shi Ai was having a bridal shower, Zhang Min and Knox had planned a bachelors party for Ah Hai. Sadly for them, Ah Hai had other plans and instead of dancing and clubbing as was the original plan,everyone was almost put to work by Ah Hai. Thankfully the Long Brothers had come and Ah Hai, unable to order them around had been forced to stop. So everyone was now gathered in the living room with beer, takeaway greasy food and playing poker.


    As Zhang Min leaned against the door and observed everyone,he decided that he was never going to introduce his brothers to the Longs! The three eldest brothers successfully and repeatedly teased the otherwise un-teasable Long Ah Hai. If his own brothers observed this and adopted their strategies,then he was done for!


    Soon Zhang Min joined the fray,ready to lose his money!He had seen these guys play!They were card sharks!No wonder they were all so successful businessmen!


    After some time,Zhang Min realized something.Their VIP for the night was missing.Oh Gosh!Ah Hai really was gone!Zhang Min had refused to believe that Ah Hai would disappear just before his wedding but now that seemed to be the case.Quietly,so as not to alert anyone,Zhang Min started to search through the house looking for the missing groom but found no trace of him.By now most of the guys were lying on their backs,drunk out.Only the Long brothers were awake and even seemed alert so he gulped and said,"Mr Long!Your brother is missing!you have to call him back!"Zhang Min expected the brothers to frown or atleast be surprised at the news but they simply stared at him as if he was talking an alien language and said nothing,giving no reaction. He frowned and repeated himself,"Your brother is missing!"


    Neil Long squinted at the man in front of him and said,"Why are you sounding like a broken record?We heard you the first time!"


    "Then why are you not reacting?Call him!Summon him back!He told me he would come back on his wedding day!That is day after tomorrow!"


    "So?"


    "So what if he is not able to return?And what if Shi Ai asks us about him?What if?"Snorting Matt Long placed a hand on Zhang Min''s shoulder and said,"Are you feeling abandoned?Don''t worry Ah Hai will come for the wedding even if he has to fly here."


    The next moment Neil Long placed another hand on the other shoulder and said,"If he is not able to reach for his wedding in time, then the one going to suffer is him because he would have hurt his wife!And do you really think that my little brother can do that?Zhang Min you are a worrywart and without reason that too."


    With that, Zhang Min was turned around and brought in to play another round of cards!


    Meanwhile the erstwhile groom had climbed the walls of the Shi Villa and was looking for his wife.Spotting his Shi Ai in a cute ''Jerry'' outfit,made his heart soft.She looked so cute!


    She made a shocked ''o'' face and padded over to the window, sliding it up. Thoroughly misusing his training, Ah Hai jumped in and with an arm around his wife, he pulled her to him, kissing his favorite mouse. Smiling happily, Shi Ai returned his kiss and wound her arms around him.


    Finally the two people came up for air and Ah Hai held her face in his hands and asked,"Why are you dressed so surely!I just came to see you but now I don''t want to leave you!"


    Shi Aincould not stop smiling and explained,"Everyone organised a surprise bridal shower for me! And we are all dressed as Tom and Jerry so I..."


    Ah Hai saw the happiness on her face and once again kissed her slowly and lingeringly.


    Suddenly there was the sound of someone clearing their throat and Ah Hai almost jumped away from his wife only to find a grinning Alicia Long, leaning against the door with her arms crossed in front of her.


    "I should''ve known that there must be a reason for Shi Ai being delayed!Seems like we have an intruder.."


    "Ah Hai Long,did you just skip your own bachelor party to gate crash ours?Well, gate crashes need to be punished.Since out next session consists of manicures, you can be the first person to have your nails done!" As Alicia came ahead to drag him, Ah Hai moved back and with a mischevious grin refused,"No, thank you. I got what I came for. I''ll take your leave now."


    With that, Ah Hai jumped back the way he had come and only air remained in his place. Alicia and Shi Ai could only stare at the place where he had been standing. After this the two girls broke into giggles and went out to have more fun.


    Meanwhile, Ah Hai got on his motorcycle and rode towards the airport, his expression now fierce and grave.


    Without needing to clear a security check, Ah Hai walked straight towards the private airplane that stood ready to take off.


    Once everyone was ready to sleep, Shi Ai also smiled and walked back towards the bedroom. On the way,she saw her grandfather sitting on his rocking chair with his eyes closed."Grandpa." She called out to him,"You are not sleeping yet?"


    Elder Shi opened his watery eyes and looked at Shi Ai who sorts at the door. Beckoning the girl, he said,"I am worried that if I sleep then when I wake up all this will have only been a dream.My wife and I, we had dreamt of a big family full of children and then grandchildren. But she could only have one child and then she left me. I could barely survive without her but I pinned my hopes on your mother. But she too left. And now I have no strength to see more losses.I am tired to the bones. If all this is a dream then I would rather not wake up and of all this is the reality then I don''t want to sleep. Hearing all the giggles and laughter coming from there has given me vitality and motivation.


    Shi Ai hugged her grandfather, aching for the old man who had so much love to give but no one to give it to and had to spent the whole life in a lonely existence. She asked him,"Grandpa,you were young when grandmother died, why did you not remarry?Then you wouldn''t have been so lonely all these years."


    Elder Shi smiled jokingly and said,"Yes, I was very handsome back then and many women had wanted to marry me but it wouldn''t have been right to that person. Your grandmother had my heart and she took it to heaven with her so how could I marry someone else and hurt them?She was the only woman I had ever loved."


    Shi Ai was crying at this and her heart shaking in fear. Did the mean that of something would happen to her, Ah Hai would also live such a lonely existence?"


    Shaking away the thought, Shi Ai helped her grandfather up and said,"Grandfather,you need to rest.Otherwise how will you walk me down the aisle of you fall sick?And I promise you,we will all be here even when you wake up. We are not going anywhere."


    Tucking in her old grandfather like a child, Shi Ai waited until he had fallen asleep and went out to get herself some water.


    As she poured the water, a shadow suddenly moved out near the window, scaring her. There was someone lurking in the outside garden. Her instincts guided her towards the knife stand and she slowly moved back towards the knife stand picking up a knife. Her other hand protectively covered her belly as she got into a battle stance.


    The back door slowly opened and a figure illuminated with a flash light walked in. Shi Ai had almost thrown the knife in her hand when the light showed the face of the intruder and her breath released in a whoosh.


    "Zhang Min, What are you doing here?"


    Zhang Min did not say a word but simply pointed at the knife in her hand. Putting down the knife, Shi Ai put her hands on her h.i.p.s and repeated her question.


    "Why are you standing at the door with a knife?"


    Zhang Min had actually come to tell Shi Ai about Ah Hai but seeing her stance had made him doubt himself. She was already stressed and he was about to add more to it. So he had to think fast.


    "I was drinking water when I heard a sound so I came to investigate.Now why are you here?"


    "I need your help!"

 Chapter 218 - An Accident

    A perfect day was what Shi Ai expected when she opened her eyes early in the morning but she was greeted by the sight of a gloomy  day.Instead of the shining skies that suited her mood, grey clouds greeted her.Shi Ai brooded at the skies as she stood near the window. Why did it look as if it would rain?Rubbing her arms and hugging herself, Shi Ai kept looking out at the vast gardens below,her eyes glittering. She had never foreseen this kind of a wedding and now that they were having it, she wanted everything to be perfect.Her and Ah Hai were already married but still she found all this unbelievable, like a dream.


    This jittery feeling in her stomach was new. She had been so happy with Ah Hai, just being with him,that she had never bothered herself about the little details of having a wedding ceremony. But now that they were holding it, she couldn''t hold her excitement.How would he look she wondered.


    And the fear of something untoward happening. It wasn''t anything big, just that she wanted nothing to go wrong.She just needed to focus and keep herself calm. It was taking all her energy to not turn into a bridezilla!


    Shi Ai walked back to her bed and lay down there. Picking up her phone, she opened the picture gallery looking through the pictures. Her phone was filled with pictures of her and Ah Hai over the last year. Or rather pictures of Ah Hai when she thought he wasn''t looking. She took out her favorite picture and thought back to that moment. She had forced Ah Hai to pose for a picture and he had just been standing there, posing stiffly. Suddenly inspired, she had kissed him on the cheek, just as she was about to click. And his surprise and happiness reflected in that picture. It was their best picture until now. Did Yang Mei hire a photographer?They needed as many pictures as they could.Suddenly, she felt this urge to talk to her hubby and listen to his voice. They hadn''t spoken sincere night before yesterday when he had hate crashed her party. He would have had to endure so much teasing from his brothers for that!


    But his phone was switched off. This made her frown. Ah Hai never switched off his phone!Especially when he was away from her.. Something ugly tried to raise it''s head but Shi Ai forcefully suppressed it and consoled herself,"Maybe his phone had been confiscated by his brothers.."


    Shi Ai walked back to the window, looked out with a pout, the sun was still not shining! And then went back to the bed. Unable to sit still, she walked to the window again and then back to sit on the bed.


    Yang Mei who had just opened the door, observed this new form of pacing and sitting and simply shook her head.


    "Are you trying to wear a hole in the carpet?I admit that this carpet is old and not very modern but there is no need yet to make it unusabale!"


    Shi Ai looked up at Yang Mei first and then down at the carpet and then up again. Marching to her sister, she complained,"It''s sturdy enough!Mei! Why is the time moving so slowly?It''s been so long since I have woken up but the clock says it has only been ten minutes!


    This made Yang Mei grin and she said seriously,"Then it must be because it really has been just ten minutes!Shi Ai!If you are so impatient when you are getting married for the second time,what were you like when you first got married?Did you even let the registrar finish a sentence?"


    Shi Ai frowned and with a wave of her hand dismissed that."I was patient then because I did not know what it was like to have him as a husband!And I was in a daze.We were escaping from my kidnappers and that marriage was just a way of keeping me safe.I wasn''t even sure if Ah Hai loved me or it was some misguided sense of responsibility .But now I know everything and I can hardly wait!Whatbwere you thinking that you planned the wedding for the evening?I would have felt better if atleast I got to talk to Ah Hai but his phone is also turned off!I need to do something to keep my mind off everything!Look, atleast we can start dressing up!"


    Yang Mei caught Shi Ai''s shoulders and forcefully pushed the girl down on the bed,"Shi Ai,there are still a few hours left for your wedding since it is in the evening!!So,you need to eat something first!Or with your pacing around you are going to be dehydrated and faint from exhaustion on your wedding day!And then Ah Hai will kill all of us for not caring for his beautiful wife properly!Now what do you want to eat?1"


    But before Yang Mei could say anything else,Shi Ai let out a small scream and sprinted to the mirror,observing sideways."Mei!See my little bulge is showing.What if the wedding dress does not fit well?What will we do?Do you have a spare?"


    Yang Mei shook her head in exasperation


    Shi AI pouted and placing her chin on her palms,pouted like a kid."Fine!I want to eat pancakes that you make!Go go!get to work!And add bananas and extra chocolate to them!I don''t even know why you are bothering me!"


    Yang Mei stood up and saluted dramatically,"Yes Madam!" and escaped from her sister who had turned insane.


    Shi Ai lay back on the bed and placed a hand on her belly,"Little baby!It is only because of you I am eating.Otherwise I am so nervous that I think I might just faint!Are you not missing your father?It has been more than forty hours!I am missing him so much!And why is he not calling?All he did was steal a few kisses.Is he enjoying his time apart from us and partying hard? "


    Downstairs,Yang Mei called Zhang Min and asked,"Is he back yet?"


    Zhang Min had come back that night with the excuse that he was missing her.Amused and thinking to help her,Shi Ai had brought them into the garden and left them alone.But Zhang Min had dropped a bomb on her when he told her that Ah Hai was nowhere to be found.And from what she understood,he had not even contacted Shi Ai since that night when he came to meet her here. Now even she was getting worried though she had not paid it much heed then.b


    When Yang Mei received a negative answer she cut off the call and cracked eggs for the pancake, imagining they were Ah Hai''s head!


    Ah Hai Long marched into the airport at a fast pace. He looked at his watch and sighed. Everything had gone as expected and he was back on time. He rubbed his neck as he tried to work out the kinks. He was going to get home and grab a few hours of sleep. Switching on his phone, he noticed there were a few missed calls from Shi Ai and more than a few from Zhang Min. Ignoring Zhang Min''s number, Ah Hai stopped at the exit as he hailed a taxi and dialled Shi Ai''s number with a small smile on his face.


    Just as was about to dial Yang Mei, the cab jerked to a sudden halt.


    Ah Hai looked up and saw they were waiting at the intersection as the light was red. Ah Hai looked down at his phone again, typing out a message to Shi Ai when he heard the driver scream. He looked up to discover that a heavy off road truck had ignored the traffic signal and was driving at them at breakneck speed, pushing away and hitting cars in it''s way. The driver had obviously lost control of the truck, may be the brakes had been loosened. The driver tried to increase the speed of the car to avoid being hit but Ah Hai bad already calculated the risks and if they moved suddenly now, there would be a massive road pile up. Only if they could cause a collision with the cab and forcefully stop the truck would everything work out. In the blink of an eye,Ah Hai had already climbed to the driver seat and taken control of the wheel..

 Chapter 219 - A Cinderella Marriage

    Shi Ai stared at herself in the mirror amazed at the change in herself. She really did look like a cinderella. The glass shoes were also perfectly matched to the theme with tiny delicate designs on it. She looked beautiful if she said so herself. Once again, Shi Ai glanced at the clock as she waited for the hairstylist and make up artist to come. In just a few hours, they would be wedded. Shi Ai pulled at her short hair and then at the box that she had placed on the table in front of her. Why oh why did she insist in keeping her hair short?She wanted to wear the pin that Ah Hai had gifted her in her eighteenth birthday but there was no way it could go in her hair.


    Just then the door opened and two girls in professional black dresses entered followed by a tall and lean man with hair that stood in spikes and were the color of a rainbow. He entered while talking at the speed of light and with grand gestures as he complained,"Let me warn you if the brode is not up to my standards then I refuse to do her make up. I told you that you had to arrange a meeting with her but you refused to this is your punishment. We all think that our loved ones are good looking but it takes a professional to understand true beauty!Miss Yang, a bride is like a blank canvas and I am the painter. And no matter how beautiful and talented a painter I may be I cannot turn an ugly duck into a swan. I am not a fairy godmother even if your bride is cinderella!"


    Just then the man''s eyes met Shi Ai''s in the mirror,"Holy cow!" were the words that escaped his mouth.."Are you the bride?"


    Shi Ai stared wide eyed at the man in front of her and nodded her head belatedly. She understood that this person was the one who was supposed to do her make up and she could see the man was pretty eccentric and unique. Silently he walked to the mirror and then around her chair before dramatically clapping his hands!


    "Perfect!Miss Yang,you may leave!For a canvas as beautiful as this I am even willing to be a fairy grandmother."


    Yang Mei winked at Shi Ai as she walkedout of the door.Shi Ai gave an awkward smile to the man who seemed to be sizing her up like a pig for slaughter and smilingly said,"Hello.I am Shi Ai and you are??"


    Since Yang Mei had not introduced them Shi Ai could only ask the man for his introduction but the man was offended at this and sniffed the air in disdain.Just then one of his assistants rushed forward,"Oh mam!I think you did not recognise him because he looks even more handsome in person.Let me remind you he is the world famous makeup artist ''The George." who only does one make up a month and this month you were the lucky one!"


    Taking her cue from the assistant,Shi Ai understood how to handle the man and she turned to look at the man and proclaimed,"Oh!So you really are Mr George.Please believe me that I thought that I was hallucinating.I never expected such a talented and god gifted man would agree to do my make up!I cannot Thank you enough Mr George for accepting this and doing me the honor.To have a beautiful Fairy Godmother like you,I will definitely be honored.If you make me only half as beautiful as you,then today would be a success.."


    The two assistants looked at each other and rolled their eyes in tandem. The bride was quite smart as well as beautiful. Actually, what Shi Ai said was the truth. The man really could be called beautiful so essentially the praise was not fake.George was satisied with the brown nosing and raising his nose in the air once again turned back to the bride happily chatting,"Actually I had guessed that the bride would be beautiful.Your man is really beautiful darling.And you are also good looking enough so I am satisfied.Now let us get to work!There is not much we need to do but we need to focus on your hairstyle.Your husband ordered me to bring hair extensions and I think he was right that it would be your style..Let me tell you I was pretty offended about it at first!How dare a man tell me what looks beautiful on a woman.But I guess he had the sense to choose a woman who could carry both styles beautifully!Now I was told that all other accessories would be provided by him!Again,I was totally against this but he would not listen so I had to give in!So show me what all has he arranged for you?" Shi Ai could not help but feel touched at this. Ah Hai had thought of everything. He knew that she would want to wear the pin so he had asked George to bring hair extensions so that could have an elaborate hairstyle.


    Shi Ai looked blankly at George''s question and then hesitantly put forward the hairpin that he had gifted her. That was he only accessory she knew of. Maybe she should call him and ask about any other accessories?But his phone was still unreachable..


    Just then the door opened and Alicia Long walked in with a big box in her hand. Throwing a mega watt smile at George, she said,"Hello George!I see you are doing well.Are you looking for accessories?Well here they are."


    With that Alicia opened the box and not even Shi Ai could stop herself from gaping. George was the quickest to recover as he said,"Did Long Ah Hai take out all the jewels from the shop. Is there anything left for other shoppers?"


    In the box, the first thing that caught Shi Ai''s attention was the delicate tiara than better matched her dress. On that tiara were two love birds holding a heart. Next to it was Ah Hai''s hand written note,"The love birds were Cinderella''s best friends." Similarly the earrings were big round hoops with the same design and a bracelet. Though the designs were simple and elegant, the stones and their brightness and clarity was enough to overwhelm anyone.


    Alicia Long scoffed at the man and answered,"Of course he left the lower quality stuff for the others. And now George get to work."


    "Wow!Xaio Ai!" She squealed and said,"We went wrong in the theme!We should have gone for angel. You look so so so everything!I have no words to say to you."


    Shi Aj looked at her sister who looked just as beautiful dressed up in a rose pink dress as the bridesmaid as she said,"You look just as beautiful!"


    Pfft, no I don''t and I don''t want to. I must say Mr George,you are a genius. Not even a fairy godmother could have done better!"


    George who had been about to take offense at being ignored puffed up like a peac.o.c.k while Yang Mei turned back her attention to Shi Ai as she said,"Come my dear Cinderella. Your coach is ready."


    Extending her hand, she took hold of Shi Ai''s gloved hand and slowly guided her out of the room.


    As Shi Ai stood staring at the coach, she wondered if she would stop being amazed. When her sister told her they were planning a Cinderella theme, this was not what she had in mind. There in front of her stood a real like pumpkin shaped glass coach all with a coach man and two horses to pull it. Where did they even get that thing?Disneyworld??


    Yang Mei understood Shi Ai''s questioning gaze and without asking answered wryly,"Your husband is responsible for this. The church is a few minutes away if you are too shy then we have a car also.Your Ah Hai is cheesy but his cheesiness is also a class apart!"


    Shi Ai grinned happily and climbed the coach ready to go to her very own celebration."

 Chapter 220 - An Accident (2)

    "Crash!"


    The entire streets and intersection came to a halt when the loud sound reverbated and the sound of brakes being forced and cars coming to a skidding stop could be heard.. Soon smoke started to blow out of the collision site and sirens could be heard in the distance. The truck had caused havoc on the previous intersection also which had relatively less traffic so the rescuers dreaded and estimated that the collisions must be huge. They were however shocked when they reached the scene. Many cars had indeed bumped into each other but other than that there was no massive damage. And soon they found the reason, the truck had collided with the fence wall of an abandoned building on one side and a smaller car in the other side. Immediately the area was cleared to assess damages and to eliminate the risk of a fire. Both the engines were smoking and has could be smelled clearly, indicating that there may be an eruption soon..They had to take out any victims as soon as possible..But the extraction seemed impossible because an entire section of the car had been crushed under the truck. Even if anyone was there,they would not have aurvived.


    The investigators started to take pictures and interview the people on the side and check if anyone had any injuries.. There were also those who were in shock at what they had seen. That car could have been them because they knew that if the driver had not swerved and instead speeded then that car would have been safe while theirs would have been under the truck. They explained the entire situation as much as they could even as their hearts shuddered and they prayed for the person who had sacrificed themselves to save everyone else.


    The extraction team tried to work as fast as they could as they cleared the rubble from the collapsed wall. The truck which was relatively undamaged was opened and an unconscious driver was taken in by the paramedics for check up. After that the person would be interrogated and if all the damage was really an accident then they would be only fined but if the driver was found drunk or responsible for this then he would have to pay the fine as well as jail time.


    The pics investigators started to check the surveillance cameras to see what the situation had been like. They followed the truck''s route on camera as it caused havoc throughout, crashing through cars..and then finally when the truck was about to crash into the cab. The cab had just started to cross the intersection when the driver probably saw the speeding truck hurtling towards it. In the next millisecond, the car had changed directions and was instead going towards the truck..At the last moment, when it looked like the car would swerve and save itself, it went in the direction of the truck''s wheels-once, twice and then thrice before the truck was finally pushed into the wall and the car skidded under it..the driver side well banged and crushed.


    The police officers with well trained eyes felt their hearts stop. The driver person really had sacrificed his own life to save the others. They would have to inform his family.. His body would have been twisted and crushed by now. Some of the new officers even rushed out to throw up when they thought of the body that would be extracted. But there was one man, a senior officer,who kept staring at the screen. He even had to repeat his order to the tech expert to replay the scene.


    The others wanted to turn away at this but they knew their senior was not one to simply rewatch this until he had something. When the video was replayed, the officer asked to stop at a place and zoom in. It was the driver''s hands...


    After the video was played several times with various stops in between the officer turned back and sighed."It was not the cab driver who saved the people. It was the passenger in the car."


    This shocked all the officers. "What do you mean Sir?"


    "Do you think a normal citizen can have such a reaction time?For someone to do this they must be able assess and calculate quickly and even then there are chances for failure. But this was accurate so it should have been someone who was trained to drive riskily and make snap judgements. Secondly look at the fingers on the wheel, initially, the driver''s hands can be seen and his fingers are thick whereas when the car attacks the truck the fingers on the wheel are long and lean." This minor detail shocked all the men in the room and they replayed the video realising that the observation was correct. The driver had indeed changed though nobody knew when and how.


    "What does this mean, Sir?"


    "It means there were two people in the car. The question is were both saved. Inform the driver''s family of the accident and find where the passenger was from. Also ask the extraction team how much more time do they need. It has already been thirty minutes. The chances of a persons survival decrease with every passing minute."


    The techie was back to work tracing the cab''s routes and finally to the airport. Indeed the senior officer had been right. There were two people in the cab. The driver in the front and the passenger in the back. "Sir. We have found the person on the cab. Should we call for a search about where he came from or should we wait to get the body..?"


    The senior officer stared at the frozen picture in front of him. His eyes narrowed and his heart chilled."There is no need to search. I should''ve known that such expert movement could be rare.Everyone present there today really were lucky that this man was travelling in that cab.."


    The other policemen realized at once that their senior knew the man and respected him. They started intently trying to recognize the man but to no avail. But it could be seen the man was dressed all in black and they could see the clear knife cut on his cold face. The man was dangerous. And this man was the one who had sacrificed himself for hundreds of people.


    A trainee gathered his courage as he looked at the somber face of his senior and asked,"Sir, do you know this man?"


    A small smile graced the weathered face as he answered,"Not just me but everyone in the police department knows him, by name at least. Most of you look up to him as your idol. You just saw Long Ah Hai in action...or you might know him as Knight Long."


    Everyone s.u.c.k.e.d in a harsh breath at this. Yes. They had all heard of Knight Long. One of the youngest killers trained from the Army, the man had long cooperated with the security forces over the world and handled criminal threats. The senior was indeed right, everyone today had been lucky. But shouldn''t it be a proud moment?A soldier lived to serve the people so it was an honor to die like this


    But the expression on the seniors face was like pain. They had never seen such an expression on the offficer''s face. Knowing that all his subordinates were curious so he simply bent forward and typed a few key words in the search bar and the headlines appeared. Then other officers sorted ahead and they felt their hearts drop..Long Ah Hai was set to get married this evening!That meant the man had probably been on his way to get married...


    Most of them had girlfriends or wives so they understood what it meant. His bride was probable getting ready now for her happily ever after..and what she would receive was instead.. The door to the surveillance van opened at this point and a paramedic walked in,"Sir, we have rescued the cab driver. He is severely injured but conscious and able to talk. And he had confirmed that the passenger pushed him aside at the end moment and took the controls thus saving his life. We are in the process of moving him to the hospital. We also have another problem. The media has reached the scene and are waiting for an explanation.."


    The senior officer nodded and quietly followed the paramedic. It was now time to see if the last person in the accident had survived...


    "No one will say anything to anyone until ordered. Understand?"


    It had been over sixty minutes and they had only just been able to rescue the driver. And now a crane was going to lift the rest...


    After another fifteen minutes the entire car was cleared and the rescuer tried to go inside to check. After a few minutes the man was back and when the senior officer approached him to ask about the possible ''corpse'' inside, the rescuer simply frowned and shook his head.

 Chapter 221 - The Beginning

    Was the man trying to give him hypertension?Or make all his hair white?Zhang Min stood in the room where the groom was supposed to be but which was empty. There was hardly an hour left for the wedding and Ah Hai was nowhere to be found. And the worst part was that no one was even bothered about looking for him.


    Yang Mei had already called him and told him that Shi Ai was almost ready and would start off in the glass coach soon..


    Just then, the food opened and the Long brothers walked in. Neil Long was the first one to notice him or rather acknowledge him as he said,"Are you still worried about Ah Hai?Stop worrying Min Min and come open this bottle of champagne. We must have a pre-wedding celebration."


    Zhang Min felt as if he was about to combust.Frustratedly,he asked,we can only have a wedding if there is a groom.If there is no groom then we cannot have a wedding so there is no point in celebrating!"


    That is when Ryu Long took pity on the younger man and said,"Ah Hai is already back.He messaged me in the morning when he returned!I am sure he must have already spoken to Shi Ai and will be here anytime soon."


    Finally Zhang Min felt a whoosh of relief pass through him.He was back and would be here soon. However the man missed the glance between the older brothers who had actually received no such message.


    Just then the security personnel escorted a few men inside the room.The men were in plain clothes but their aura was clearly police. The senior among the three men walked forward and said,"Mr Ryu Long.I am Chief Inspector Wu and we are here to talk to you about something." The mam looked around a bit uncomfortably and said,"We understand that you are celebrating and apologize for causing this inconvenience. May I ask where the groom is?"


    Every man in the room knew that something was fishy but none of them said anything. Ryu Long was the one who finally answered once again,"What is it, officer?You can tell us."


    The inspector was at a loss as he looked around and said,"We are not sure Mr Long.But we think your brother may be hurt or worse."


    This caused a shocked silence in the room.Only Ryu Long asked calmly,"Inspector,there is no need to talk in riddles.Please tell us clearly."


    The inspector nodded and answered,"There was a major accident on the Highway 4 intersection between a cab and a truch which lost controls. Your brother took a cab back on his way from the airport this morning. A truck had lost control on the way and would have plowed through oncoming traffic but a cab interfered and prevented the disaster by pushing the truck into a wall. After checking the surveillance we suspect that your brother who was in the car took over the controls. The smaller car is smashed and we were unable to find traces of your brother''s body under the truck. The wall he used to stop the truck also collapsed and is being cleared even as we talk but there are chances that your brother may be crushed underneath the rubble. The person who investigated the inside found the front glass broken so maybe your brother was thrown out. We can''t be sure if he has survived or not but for now we suggest that you stop the wedding..for now."


    For a moment Ryu Long felt his world collapse.His little brother...no that was not possible.Everytime he went out to serve the country,Ryu worried but he always came back unscathed.And this time when he had gone back to bid a final goodbye after convincing the superiors that he would not be taking any more undercover missions,he would receive this news..no it was not possible.Coldly,he ordered,"Show me the video."


    The chief hesitated before nodding to the other officer to bring forward the phone to play the video.Silently all the men in the room gathered around the phone and watched as the entire scene was played out..


    Utter Silence resonated in the room when the video was stopped.Not a single man dared to look at anyone else.They still could not believe that a man such as Ah Hai Long could have perished in the accident...They had disbelief in their hearts and on their faces.


    The Chief, too, for the first time in his life felt bad to be the bearer of bad news. He had glimpsed the decoration on the way here and felt the loss was going to be great..but he had to say,"Sir, now you understand the reason why you need to adopt the wedding.."


    Before anyone could answer the inspector a cold voice interrupted,"Would you like to tell me who you are and what makes you think that anyone or anything can stop me from marrying my Shi Ai?"


    The first thought that flashed in Zhang Min''s mind was,"Ghost!" When he saw Ah Hai standing there. And when he heard the words that he uttered, Zhang Min agreed,"Yes..nothing could stop Ah Hai from marrying Shi Ai. See he had even come back as a ghost..."


    Meanwhile,a few hours ago:


    Long Ah Hai stood in front of the mirror as he tried to apply the medicine on his lower back.What a place to be injured!He had to twist like a pretzel to apply medicine and that hurt like hell. His entire back was full of small scratched and skid marks.When he had hit the truck the final time he had jumped out of the moving can and under the truck to the other side.But this had given him many small injuries! Accidents were always a pain in the neck and this one was literally one of those.Having finished applying medicine,Ah Hai turend around and fell face first on the bed.He had an hour to catch up on sleep! This was the reason why he had not even stayed behing at the scene of the accident.If the police had been involved then he would not have been able to catch up on his sleep and maybe even been late for his own wedding! Now everything was fine and even the gift he had for Shi Ai was safe. With that thought in his mind, Ah Hai closed his eyes and slept. While the culprit slept, the victims had almost received a heart attack!

 Chapter 222 - The Beginning( 2 )

    Shi Ai was helped into the glass coach by the coachman. Yang Mei handed her a bouquet and Shi Ai could not help but giggle at the sight. She had proposed to Ah Hai with an apple cut in the shape of a flower and not her bouquet had these colors. They were ivory roses with red tips, beautifully tied together with a sparkling silver ribbon. Once the train of the veil was set into the coach, the door closed and the coach went forward. Yang Mei and Meng Ran who were brides maids were then helped into another horse drawn carriage simpler than the beautiful coach but still resonating of the past beauty...


    Shi Ai''s first glimpse of the place she was to be married at made her breath catch. It was a veritable castle!A real live castle. And it was beautifully decorated. As the coach turned over the paved pathway she glimpsed the flowers entwined with twinkling fairy lights highlighting her way. This place looked like it had been picked straight out of a fairy tale book.


    The coach soon stopped at the entrance and the coachman helped her step out. The moment she stepped out, a shower of flower petals was thrown over her and all the Long kids shouted out from an upper floor balcony,"Welcome to the family, Aunt Ai!"


    Genuine laughter escaped her as Shi Ai lifted her veil and waved to the kids. This laughter of hers would one grace Ah Hai''s table she did not know as it was caught on camera. Shi Ai clutched her bouquet hard as she walked into the castle slowly..All the other guests were already seated inside and even Yang Mei and Meng Ran had come to stand in front of the big ornate closed door while Shi Ai had been laughing with the kids. Soon the music would begin and everyone would walk out one by one.


    Elder Shi walked to Shi Ai slowly and patted her gloved hands. "Shi Ai, Thank you for giving me this honor..I do not have the right to give you away but this old man cannot thank you enough for your big heart.Bless you child!"


    Shi Ai could see the bigtears glittering in his eyes and placing her other hand on his, she said,"Grandfather!You have every right and now no more crying or my make up will be ruined. But can I make a request?"


    Elder Shi would have agreed to any request that Shi Ai made but his eyes almost rounded at that before he laughed out loud startling the others.Shi Ai had requested,"Let''s race down the aisle as fast as we can. I can hardly wait.."


    Ignoring the curious look of others, Elder Shi whispered,"Don''t you worry granddaughter!I can still run a marathon. I will definitely run fast!"


    Shi Ai looked at the walking stick in Elder Shi''s hands and was about to point out that it was enough if he just walked but at that time the faint music could be heard through the doors as they slowly opened..


    Shi Ai''s heart started to beat faster and she dare not look up. She was curious about how her Ah Hai was dressed but she dared not look up. What if she was mesmerized by his looks and fell face first?But she wanted to see him and also wanted to see his face when he first looked at her.


    Meng Ran had already walked in followed by Yang Mei. Shi Ai gripped her grandfather''s elbow hard and soon the bridal music was set to play...


    She looked up when she felt his gaze on her and her breath caught in her throat when she saw him.. She could see the same reaction in his eyes as the world faded and the two lover''s eyes met each other.


    Shi Ai looked at Ah Hai forgetting that she wanted to walk faster. He was dressed in his white ceremonial uniform and there were a number of medals and awards stuck to his c.h.e.s.t. He even had an old fashioned long sword strapped to his waist. But what changed his appearance the most was that his hair had been cut short. They were now a soft and wavy cut changing his look of a bad boy to a respected general. The music had almost come to an end when Elder Shi had to mutter,"I thought we were going to run there. But you aren''t even moving.Do you want to run away and not marry him??I am sure that your husband will murder everyone if you escape but I will help you run if you want. I can pretend to get a heart attack."


    This brought Shi Ai back to the present immediately lest her grandfather really start to pretend and she continued to walk down the aisle.


    Finally as if an eternity had come to an end, Shi Ai reached her life''s deatination-Her Ah Hai..Elder Shi tenderly placed Shi Ai''s hand in Ah Hai extended palm before walking away to sit in his place in the first row.


    Ah Hai held her hand tenderly and bringing it to his lips placed a tender reassuring kiss on the inside of her palm.Then the two walked up the final few steps to the stage,hand in hand.


    Knox,who had been chosen the emcee and officiating officer for the wedding, then announced,"Please welcome the most beautiful bride and her groom, everyone." In reply, he received a thunderous applause.


    He then continued,"The bride and groom have written their own set of vows to say to each other. But before we proceed with the ceremony, we need to get one ritual out of the way. So dear everyone present here, if anyone here has any objections to this wedding or have a burning d.e.s.i.r.e to give up your life, please step forward now or hold your peace forever.."


    This made him a receiver of Ah Hai''s side glare causing him to hurry up..

 Chapter 223 - The Beginning (3)

    "I have to catch my breath to believe this is real. That I still stand here, ready to marry my true love, my heart''s only d.e.s.i.r.e and my best friend.You have been a part of my life, of me for so long that I wouldn''t know how to live without you,Ah Hai.I dared to dream but not believe that I will one day have you..I love that we will spend the rest of our lives together. I promise to love you always, be you hearth when you are cold and grow the love for you in my heart forever.I vow to be carried by you and carry you through every moment, to journey with you and live every moment blissfully for having you by my side.I promise to stay by your side till death do us apart."


    Shi Ai''s soft voice resonated with determination and happiness as she finished her vows.There was nary an eye that was left without a tear in their eye. Even the men had to breathe deeply to avoid their eyes turning moist. Each of the Long brothers entwined their hands with their wives , the warmth of their lives. Even Zhang Min and Yang Mei stared at each other as the two stood in their place as the brides maid and the groomsman.


    "Shi Ai, from the moment we met, I have already promised myself to you and to me this will always be true.Not just for a moment, an hour or a day or a year, I will love you always.You are my guide to love and my light with which I see this world. I promise to spend each day working to become the truest version of myself for you, for us and for out family. With every breath in me I will love and cherish you. My heart beats with you and stops with you.Sometimes I watch the smallest things you do and consider myself lucky to have found you. I will love you always and stay with you always even not letting death part us..Please accept my love forever."


    With Ah Hai''s vows no eye was left dry. Even the men were unable to stop their tears from flowing out. Unaware of the world around them, Ah Hai slipped his ring on her finger. The thick platinum band had a single princess cut diamond but on the inside were the engraved vows that he had said to his bride.Gathering his wife in his arms, Ah Hai carefully lifted her veil and wiped the tears from her eyes. He kissed her softly. The softest ever kiss he had given her. Like a butterfly. It was the sealing of his promise..


    Only as the couple kissed did everyone come out of their stupor and remembered to throw confetti on the couple and shout out Congratulations..A round of loud applause shook the place as Ah Hai and Shi Ai came up for air.


    The celebration then moved out onto the huge lawns for a round of feasting and dancing. Ah Hai and Shi Ai danced the first dance and Shi Ai giggled and laughed once more when she heard the song. It was from sister Alicia''s wedding where he had danced with her! Shi Ai was then claimed by her brother in laws for a dance one by one much to the annoyance of Ah Hai..


    The other couples soon joined the dance floor and the celebration turned wilder and happier. Soon it was time for the bride to throw the bouquet. Since there were not many single girls all the single boys were also forced to wait for the catch. Everyone of the boys had their hands clenched at the back so that they would not catch reflexively. They were not going to be married anytime soon..


    Yang Mei and MengnRan being the only two girls felt shy and excited at the same time. Meng Ran wanted a boyfriend so she naturally prayed that she caught the bridal bouquet so she could at least find a guy while Yang Mei looked at Zhang Min covertly wondering how he would react if she caught the bouquet...if she could be the next in line for a wedding...


    Shi Ai turned around and the bouquet was thrown...Before either of the girls could react,Zhang Min rushed forward and with his arms around Yang Mei,caught the bouquet in both their hands..Everyone started to clap and cheer and when Shi Ai turned around all she saw was Zhang Min holding the bouquet while a shy and red Yang Mei hiding her face in his c.h.e.s.t..She clapped along with everyone else..


    Soon,Shi Ai had been made to sit down by Ah Hai who had already noticed his wife starting to look exhausted.So the last thing that the had prepared was brought forward and while everyone was enjoying a big ''ding dong'' sounded startling everyone..It was time for Cinderalla to return at midnight..Since it was not midnight everyone guessed what it was as Ah Hai carried his bride and almost ran towards the glass coach..Happily,everyone showered rice on the new couple to bless them with prosperity and happiness before continuing the party.


    Inside the coach,Shi Ai lay her head on Ah Hai''s shoulder and breathed in deeply,savoring this feeling.Her arms ound around his waist even as he placed his own arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer to him.Soon they had reached their destination and Ah Hai carried his bride up the stairs and into their room..


    The two people said nothing throughout this ,each basking in the warmth of the other.Finally,as Ah Hai made to help her out of the dress,Shi Ai held his hands in hers,looked at him and said,"Thank you for everything..Ah Hai..I love you...And I love our happy end.."


    Ah Hai smiled and placed a small kiss on the corner of his bride''s lips as he said,"Who said this is the end?This is the beginning of our happiness.."

 Chapter 224 - Epilogue

    Long Ah Hai carefully sat on the patient bed and gently took his frail wife into his arms. Her eyes opened slightly and she gave him a small smile through the oxygen mask that covered half her face before closing them back.Her glassy and dull eyes pained him whenever he though of how they used to twinkle. He had to be careful not to jostle her with all the medical instruments attached to her.. The machine that beeped with the sound of her heart beating had recently become his favorite music. It told him that she was still here with him in this world. Ah Hai saw the knowledge in her eyes..the acceptance that she was going to leave this world soon..He did not want to let her go. But he knew that he could not fight fate anymore.Not after the fatal heart attack she had last week. Her heart had given up and her body wanted to follow suit. Living on this fake machine was not what she wanted. She was waiting for him, he knew. Waiting that he would accept the truth and let her go.


    His hand carefully picked hers, the one that was attached to the IV, and he placed them together palm to palm, their fingers entwined. Her hold tightened for a minute and she opened her eyes with difficulty. But even without that he knew what she wanted to request and began to sing for her..In the last few years as her health had worsened,Shi Ai started to have difficulty sleeping and he would sing for her..She used to joke that he was so bad at singing that her brain shut down forcefully to evade the noise.


    Ah Hai looked at their entwined hands,his eyes brimming with moisture but his voice steady as he sang their song...She was too young to die..Not even fifty..He was lucky to have found her earlier.They had been able to spend twenty five years of togetherness..Each moment was worth a lifetime to him and with every breath it turned more majestic..In this last weekweek since she had entered the hospital,Ah Hai had never left her bedside..arranging all their pending matters from this room itself..Their children,he knew,would miss them..But he could not stay in this world without Shi Ai not even for his children. He thought back to the birth of the twins. So little and precious..Both their wishes had come true as Shi Ai wanted a little boy like him and he wanted a little girl for him..They had been blessed even then because the fates had known that Shi Ai would not be able to carry a child again so they were given two at once.They would be fine,he consoled himself.They had each other and like they always said,twins were never alone .And soon they would be busy with their own lives now that they were all grown up.. They also had strong cousins and uncles and aunts to guide them..But the most important thing was Shi Ai had raised them well..


    Only as he mused this did Ah Hai realise the sudden silence in the room..The sound of the machine had stopped. His song slowly faded away and he looked at his wife who had now stopped breathing. Just like that..gone from the world peacefully. The tears that clung to his lashes fell down his face as he placed a last final kiss in her forehead and closed his own eyes.The next moment, his own heart slowed down and breathing stopped, he followed his Shi Ai in their new journey.And that is how Long Ju''er and Long Shu found their parents when they brought them breakfast. The two siblings hugged each other and cried supporting each other.


    Hey everyone. I hope you enjoyed reading this novel as much as I enjoyed writing it.There are many things I want to talk about but since this is a premium chapter I won''t take much of your time..;)coins I mean.


    Firstly I want to thank all you readers who comment and encourage me all the time.


    Secondly I want to thank all the readers who do not comment but I know you are there reading. Thank you to all of you as well..


    It is because of you all that I can call myself an author. So a very big thank you to all. I purple you all!


    A very big thank you to my favorite band BTS because of which I started writing my novels here and even now find myself rejuvenated when I listen to their music.Army Forever!Shoutout to all the Armys..I purple you too..


    I know all of you are eager to read Matt Long''s story and I have been working on it.. The book will be published on 7th June and is called Stroke of Love. It is because of all your support that I have taken on the challenge to write two novels at the same time.. So I hope I can do justice to them both.It is now time to say goodbye to Ah Hai and Shi Ai..and please accept a goodbye from this author also for now...


    Until we meet again I hope you will join Xie Eun and Wolf as they begin their journey on the obstacle path, life has laid for them. "Secret Marriage:The Wolf And The Sheep" is my entry for the web novel Spirity Awards and so it needs all the support it can get. *Shamelessly* asking for backing from my all-powerful readers. I want to give a synopsis here but that would be too thick skinned of me so letting the promotion stop here.


    If you have anything to say to me, you can leave a comment here or send a discord message to me "Though I don''t check that too often.!" But I will reply when I see it.


    All suggestions, criticisms and views are welcome..