458 Number One

When Xiu heard Ying's words that's when she was reminded of the book she took from Xin Zimen's study. The book was written by his wife and it was dedicated to their daughter. How did she forget about that?

"How did she die? And why does no one even mention her name?"

Ying darted her tongue out to lick her lips before speaking, "She was gonna turn six in a few days when she died. I don't know how she died but I do know her death left a hole in everyone's life. Xiaosi doesn't remember her well since he was only four back then. But I and Xiaoli were already about nine. So, we still have some impression of her."

Ying felt awfully strange talking about this. She had never shared this with everyone. Just as Xiu said, no one ever brought up Xin Zimen's daughter and that's why most people even forgot that he had a daughter. Ying was one of the people who didn't forget her but she found it hard to talk about her either.

"As for why no one ever mentions her name... My aunt says Zizi can never love anyone. But just like any father, he fell in love with his daughter. In fact, she was the only one he truly loved in his life." Tears started pooling up in Ying's eyes which she tried to blink away. "Her death left him devastated. So, no one brings her up to avoid hurting him."

"He is such a strong man. I didn't think he'd be so attached to someone," said Xiu thinking about Xin Zimen. 

"Anyways, let's get back to the original topic. As I was saying that I always wanted a little sister and that little one was the only sister I got. You're the first after her who really feels like a younger sister I would want to protect from the world."

Xiu pressed her lips together as Ying parked the car outside Dylan's house. She didn't get off the car even after she unfastened the seatbelt. Instead, she turned to Ying and asked, "Are you really willing to protect me from the world? I can be a handful, I'm warning you."

Ying chuckled at her and shook her head, "Silly, if you're willing to pick a fight with the world for me how can I step back? If my little sister is so eager to fight for me, I as her elder sister should do my job perfectly and protect her with my life."

Xiu alighted from the car and came to Ying's side to open the door for her. "Come down."

"Why?"

"Just come out already!" Ying sighed out before unbuckling her seatbelt and getting down. 

"Now what?" She asked as she stood before Xiu. "Hey!" She was taken aback when Xiu pulled her in for a hug but she didn't push her away. Instead, she rubbed her head and said, "What are you up to now?"

"I just wanted to hug you to remind you that you're not alone. You can even adopt me as a sister, I promise I'll be a good younger sister. Yes, I'll be a little troublesome and crazy at times. But I'll still be there when you need me wherever you need me and whatever you need me for."

But with Xiu, she was finally inclined to believe it. Such special bonds were rare but they were equally precious.

Ying patted her head and said, "Now go away. Aren't you getting late?"

Xiu pulled away slightly and said mischievously, "Boss can come late."

Ying rolled her eyes, "I guess you and Dylan are up to no good again."

"Hehehe..."

"I'll wait here for you," said Ying as she pushed Xiu towards the door.

"Huh? Come inside," offered Xiu but Ying refused to do so. "Then go back home. Don't waste your time here."

"I'm gonna have to keep an eye on you. Somehow you love getting into trouble."

Xiu smiled sheepishly at her. "I know that. But I promise when I decide to leave, I'll call you. I can't let you stay outside here waiting for me. Either come inside or leave."

Ying looked around and thought about it before nodding, "You better call me. And don't go out alone. Don't you dare!"

"Copy that!" Xiu turned to ring the doorbell and waited. She saw Ying getting into the car but she didn't drive away. She was waiting for Xiu to go inside first. But stupid Dylan wasn't opening the door. Xiu was getting impatient. She even kicked the door but nobody opened it. "Oi! Dumbo Dylan! Open the door already!"

Ying was pursing her lips when she saw Xiu hopping around furiously. Then she saw Xiu picking up the flower pot from the side of the door and shouted, "If you didn't open it now, I'm gonna smash your window!"

Ying came out of the car again and ran after Xiu to hold her back. "Ying Jie, let me go. This dumbass is not gonna listen unless I do this!"

"Calm down. Just calm down." Ying slowly took the flower pot from her hands and placed it back down. "We don't have to get violent here. If you smashed the window, his security alarm is gonna go off. So, keep calm."

"He's not opening the door!" 

Ying patted her shoulder and said, "Be smart." Saying that she punched in the code and the door opened. 

"How do you know this?"

"Dylan is forgetful and lazy. He can't remember complicated codes. So, his house code is 1111 because he always wants to be number 1."

"Huh?" Xiu clapped her hands in appreciation. "You really know him so well."

Ying smiled back at Xiu, "I don't know him well. It's just that I heard about this from Weiwei once. I just got to try it now and it worked. Now, go inside. I'm leaving." Xiu nodded and waved her goodbye.