401 a

Xiu was happily skipping around when she came down. Her baby was here for her. How could she not get excited? Even though that was the most usual thing between them. Since the time they began dating, he had been the one to mostly do this pick-and-drop service. But today Xiu was left disappointed when instead of Darren, it was his driver, Ben who greeted her. Her disappointment was so palpable that poor Ben started scratching his head awkwardly. Did she have to look like she was about to cry?

"Ms. Bai, sir had an urgent meeting at the last minute," he decided to be kind enough to explain since he really wasn't okay with her expressions. 

"It's okay," she grumbled unhappily before settling in the seat and texted Darren. Even though she said that her expressions definitely said otherwise.

[You tricked me!"]

She texted Darren and had to wait for about five minutes before he replied. [How did I trick my Sweets?"]

[Seeing your message I thought my baobei (babe/baby) is here for me.]

Darren was grinning as he read her text. He loved her endearments. She really was too cute sometimes. So cute that it was hard for his heart to handle it. 

He indeed texted her but only because Ben had no way to contact her. 

[Sorry!]

He only sent one word but Xiu's mind was left in turmoil. Why was he apologizing when she wasn't even upset with him? She was just a little bit disheartened that he wasn't the one who came to pick her up. But it was already enough that he knew she was his responsibility.

[You don't have to say sorry though. I'm not upset. I just wanted to see you.]

Now, how was he supposed to concentrate in this meeting when she was saying something like that? Did she even realize what her simple words did to him? 

[Sweets, you have no idea how much I want to be with you right now.]

Xiu giggled after reading that.

[Concentarte on your work. I won't disturb now. But I'll be waiting for you.]

She was gonna wait for him then how could he let her wait for long? He had to finish up this meeting as soon as possible!

Just as Xiu put her phone down, she said, "Ben, are you kidnapping me?"

It was a good thing that Ben was an expert driver, unlike Dylan. Otherwise, he would have also gotten into an accident because of her mindless gab. 

"Ms. Bai, you really say all sorts of things, eh?"

Xiu just shrugged her shoulders in reply, "I do. But I can't help it. This is not the way home. This is also not the way to Regan's office. So, where else are you taking me?" Before he could open his mouth, she went on, "In my mind, I have only two possibilities, either you're taking me for a surprise or you're kidnapping me. Choose one!"

Ben was a very serious and professional man but even he was having trouble holding back his smile at her words. She was just like his boss told him; A wonder!

"Surprise?" repeated Xiu thoughtfully. "But my baobei is in a meeting right now."

Ben didn't reply. But this silence was not very suitable for Xiu whose mind had a habit of wandering off from nowhere to anywhere. Her head was pressed against the window as she stared at the passing lights. After a long time, today once again her eyes darted off to those led screen playing advertisements.

She had been trying to convince herself of how much she hated her previous life only to come to the conclusion that she had never hated being an actor. It was the favorite part of her life; playing different roles and conveying so many different emotions. Evoking people's feelings along with her character. 

Ah, the tragedy of our society where celebrities are treated as products.

"Ms. Bai, we're here," announced Ben breaking her trance. She looked around and furrowed her brows a little seeing that they had parked before a French restaurant. "Someone's waiting for you inside."

Xiu's frown deepened but she didn't question anything. Since her fever had yet to completely subside, she was feeling the tiredness along with sleepiness now. But she persistently kept her eyes open.

"Xiu! Here!"

Xiu had yet to enter the restaurant when she could see her mother-in-law waving at her. Oh, so she was the one with the surprise! Xiu shook her head as she turned to look at Ben. Did he have to keep this a secret?

Francesca immediately looped her arm with Xiu's and walked inside with her. "My son had a meeting so I thought I should use this time to my advantage and take my daughter out on dinner. Besides, we need bonding time as well."

Xiu smiled in reply. There was no way she could understand her enthusiasm but Xiu found it quite adorable.

Francesca had booked the best table in the restaurant that was right beside the glass wall that looked over the beautiful flower garden. She was very pleased with her choice.

"You don't mind this restaurant, do you? I'm not really fond of Chinese food so..."

"It's okay. I can eat anything." Xiu cleared it up even before Francesca could finish her sentence.

"That's good then."

"So..."

Seeing Xiu's reaction, she smiled sweetly at her, "Are you trying to figure out what to call me?"

Xiu looked down sheepishly. She had been wondering about that exactly. She really didn't want to get ahead of herself and call her mom. And she also didn't want to call her by her name out of respect. But calling her auntie felt weird because well, look at that gorgeous woman! She was defying age through and through!

"Call me anything you like. I'm not very picky about this stuff."

"Then can I call you...?" 

Xiu wasn't even given a chance to say it when France spoke up herself.

"I'd prefer if you call me mom though."