Chapter 161 - The Red String Of Fate

There's an old story in Chinese folklore about a magical connection between two people that are destined to be soulmates, called 'the red string of fate'. The two people connected by the red thread are destined to be lovers, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. This invisible cord may stretch or tangle, but never break. 

*****

[What truly transpired that night]

"You're trapped with me, my apologies." A glint flashed across his russet eyes as he slowly leaned closer. 

His hot breath wafted her nose, a weird odor that was neither bad nor good — yet, it was addicting. Time slowed down, and with every passing second feeling like minutes, Zoey slowly closed her eyes and anticipated his lips on hers. 

The moment Matthew Xi touched her lips again, a spark ignited the fire within them. It instantly caused their body to heat up, and every touch on their sensitive skins tingled. 

Zoey found herself being drawn to him as she was being laid down in the same lounge seat where they first did it. Wow... she could not help but chuckle at the thought. 

"This seat has witnessed everything..." As if having the same thought as her, Matthew Xi whispered in her mouth. 

"The first and the second — we should buy it." Humoring him back, Zoey, who was now laying with him on top of her, hooked her arms behind his nape. 

"No," Shaking his head, Matthew Xi didn't go to her lips but to her ears. "We'll end up buying everything." Biting her earlobe gently, Matthew Xi slowly slid his hand on her hand. 

Well, although he was considering purchasing it, Matthew Xi also thought that his hunger for her wouldn't quench that soon. Not to mention, Zoey's teasing, Matthew Xi wouldn't be surprised if he would want to touch her anytime, anywhere. 

"Then we'll have to buy a warehouse and consider them as our collection." Zoey giggled as she stretched her neck while he nibbled on it. 

"Oh, Z..." As he gently sucked on her collarbone, Matthew Xi chuckled at her suggestions. Well, if that's what she wants, then he shall grant it. 

"Mhmm," Feeling his moist lips touch her neck, collarbones, down to her upper chest, Zoey gasped as her lower region clenched. 

He was doing it slowly, making her feel every detail of his kisses on her skin — even the sound of it. Slowly and carefully, engraving the details on her mind and heart. Zoey bit her lower lips out of frustration, he was teasing her and it was effective. 

"Damn it!" Zoey grumbled in frustration. Within a second, Zoey managed to switch places with him with her sitting on top of him while he was on the bottom. 

"Wow," Lacking any emotion as usual, Matthew Xi smirked as he arched his right brow while having his hands up as if he was innocent of any unspoken accusation that was yet to be spoken.

Upon that sudden aggressive move, Zoey felt her head spin — making her dizzy instantly. Alas, Zoey didn't dwell on it as she only blinked her eyes hard. 

"Matty, let's not forget this night, again." To his surprise, Matthew Xi saw her smile genuinely, her eyes gleaming, which were akin to a fuel that she had poured in his already burning heart. 

"Say it again," propping himself by his elbows, he ordered. "What did you call me?" He clarified. 

"Matt..."

"That's it." Leaning closer, Matthew Xi pressed his lips against hers much harder this time. Unlike his gentle and brief kisses earlier, this time around, he didn't have any intention of letting her go. 

"Mhmm," Zoey moaned in his mouth, feeling his fingers trail on her back before they slowly crept inside her shirt. 

Slowly, Matthew Xi held on the hem of her shirt and took it off — breaking the kiss for a brief second before resuming their activity. "God..." He whispered, as his fingertips lightly dug into her soft back. 

"Ah... wait—" Despite the phenomenal sensation all over her, Zoey could feel her energy gradually drain. Clasping her hand on his chest, she rested her forehead on his as she breathed heavily. 

"Don't vomit on me," Assuming she wanted to puke, Matthew Xi examined her anxiously. However, Zoey suddenly crashed on his shoulder like a withered plant. 

*****

PRESENT TIME

"Ah," Processing his quick summary, Zoey nodded her head as she could not utter a word. 

Not that she didn't expect it — it's just that... Zoey slowly gazed at him whose head was comfortably nestled on her lap. "Who are you?" Bearing a conflicted gaze, Zoey looked at him in disbelief. 

Well, she expected a few outcomes after telling him about seven years ago. However, she didn't expect him to be a little... wild.

"Xi Matthew," Slightly moving his shoulders to shrug, Matthew Xi answered her question without a second hesitation. 

"No, no! What I mean is, where is my Xi Matthew?! That cold, inexpressive, and always unfazed Xi Matthew — My browny?!" Not that she hated this version of him, but Zoey preferred the old Matthew Xi. 

The Matthew Xi who looked at her in mockery with a touch of conflict in her love advances. This version of him, he's like a totally different person! 

Zoey could clearly read what he had in mind beneath those russet eyes. It was as if there was a written: "you're mine, only" in it! 

"Zhou Zoey, that Xi Matthew... don't mistake me for the person you built in your imagination." Peering at her frustrated front, Matthew Xi's monotone voice resounded across the silent hospital room. 

"Why? You're having second thoughts now?" He added, blinking his eyes slowly as if whatever answer she'll give wouldn't startle him anymore. 

"Err..." Biting her lower lip, Zoey averted her eyes as she pondered. "I don't know." She muttered, shrugging her shoulders. 

In retrospect, Zoey mostly lost her interest instantly. But there were some cases that it would linger for a few days before the fire within her would die down. 

Therefore, Zoey could consider the latter. Alas, little did she know, her interest didn't matter anymore because a certain someone wouldn't let her go anywhere anymore. 

"The moment you decided to tell me it was you, you already set your future in stone." Matthew Xi languidly remarked, closing his eyes to rest them for a bit. "Like I said, I get what I want by fair means or foul — that's what you get for not taking precautions." 

"Wa — wow..." Speechless, Zoey couldn't resist those words from escaping her lips. By fair means or foul? Why does he sound like he would take everything from her? Even freedom? 

"Darling, don't get coc—" After a heavy scoff, Zoey was about to retaliate. However, he suddenly lifted his head and stole another kiss from her. 

"Now that I think about it, you always propose naughty activities...." As he retrieved his lips away, he whispered, sending chills down her spine.