"I am a very patient person," stated Xiang Weimin. "And I'm quite persistent as well."
Hyson couldn't help smiling at those words. Of course, he already knew that. Why else did he say that he resembled Raelle? Weren't those her qualities? She had an unlimited supply of patience and once she became persistent about something, no one could change her mind.
"Then I wish you luck," replied Hyson sincerely.
To be very honest, his knowledge of Raelle was far beyond anyone else. And that's why he could already foresee the future. There was only so much in Raelle's life for people she called family. He was willing to bet his life that Xiang Weimin won't be able to take a place in her definition of a family. However, he was also certain that Xiang Weimin's persistence might allow him some space in her life. As for in which category, that was hard to say for now.
But he didn't tell this to the Lieutenant sitting opposite him. Seeing him looking hopeful, he couldn't bring himself to dampen his mood at all. Hyson had met him so many times before but today, he truly could see him happy even though Xiang Weimin was trying to hide it.
Hyson found it quite interesting. It seemed there was no need to put so much effort into trying to save him from depression. Just the name of Raelle was enough.
"You..." Xiang Weimin started but held himself back.
"What is it?"
"You live with my grandfather?"
Hyson rubbed his nose, "I do."
Xiang Weimin's body stiffened when he heard that and lowered his eyes.
Hyson's eyes sparkled as he asked, "Why? Are you jealous? Or maybe you hate me?"
Xiang Weimin looked up at him, "Why would I hate you?"
"Perhaps because I have what you want?" Xiang Weimin's eyes dimmed because he couldn't a way to argue with that. "Or perhaps because I stole it from you. Maybe you think what I have, actualled belonged to you?"
Xiang Weimin clenched his fists tightly and took a deep breath, "I agree that I felt uncomfortable when I heard my grandfather doting on you. However, I have never been jealous. Hate has never been a part of my life."
Hyson grinned at that. Again, see? He was like Raelle without knowing it. There was no place for hate in both their lives. However, Hyson was forgetting for a moment that he wasn't that different either.
"You didn't steal anything from me," said Xiang Weimin. "You have what was meant to be yours. I don't have it because it was never meant to be."
"Wow, you really have a big heart," stated Hyson. "However, let me make it clear to you. I'm a petty person when it comes to my family. Whether it's my Opa, Yanyan, or my Ellie, you hurt one and I'm gonna snap your neck."
Xiang Weimin was truly amused by that threat, "I didn't know you're capable of threatening?"
"Take it seriously," said Hyson.
Xiang Weimin sighed out, "I don't plan on hurting any of them. That's my grandfather, my aunt, and my sister! Why would I hurt them?" He shook off these thoughts and changed the topic, "Why don't you tell me what my sister is like? Perhaps it'll help ease up the awkwardness between us."
"There is no awkwardness between you two," answered Hyson. "You're just strangers who share the same blood."
Xiang Weimin snorted, "I wonder why my grandfather likes you so much with that bitter tongue of yours."
"The same reason you like me," replied Hyson cheekily.
"Who said I like you?" retorted Xiang Weimin.
Hyson tsked, "If you can't lie, don't do it. It'll only embarrass you." Taking in the pleasure of being glared at by the army officer who sat across him, he continued, "As for telling you something about your sister. I can tell you that she is just like me."
"Just like you?" scoffed Xiang Weimin. He really didn't believe that.
Hyson couldn't blame him for this disbelief. "Whether you believe it or not is up to you. But I can assure you there isn't much difference between the two of us. In Ellie's words, 'We are just like the two ends of the same thread.' We might stand at opposite corners, but it'll never change that we share the same heart."
"I never noticed before that you had an arrogant side," said Xiang Weimin. "But when you talk about my sister, you do sound arrogant."
"Arrogant? No! Proud? YES!" replied Hyson. "My life's biggest pride had been my best friend and it'll never change. Never ever! This friendship is my pride."
Xiang Weimin didn't argue with him on that since he could tell that Hyson wasn't lying. He felt like Hyson was truly showing off his friendship proudly right now.
"You just said that I say bitter words then you should mentally prepare yourself," Hyson gave him a piece of advice with goodwill. "Ellie doesn't have a filter on her mouth. She can anger someone to death. She is eloquent to the point that you'd get tired but her words would never end."
Hyson finished his Latté that had turned cold by now. But he couldn't just leave it.
"If there is nothing else, I'll leave now," said Hyson.
Xiang Weimin nodded his head, "You're leaving?"
Hyson smiled at him, "I don't know about you but I have two gorgeous ladies waiting for me at home."
Xiang Weimin's lips twitched at his words. He didn't know why but Hyson's words sounded provocative. On the same day, he felt like beating Hyson for the second time.
"Just go already," Xiang Weimin waved him off. "I'm gonna lose my mind otherwise."
Hyson leaned down as he looked at his face and said, "You mean, I didn't manage to eat away your mind? What a surprise!"
Xiang Weimin glared at him, "You!"
"Have a good day, Lieutenant!" Saying that he put on his mask and walked up to the counter to pay the bill before leaving.. Even though it was Xiang Weimin who called him out, he couldn't just bring himself to walk out without paying.