Song Meiling stepped into the house after her shopping day with Song Luli.
She found Zhang Enyu sitting up against a windowsill reading a book. He lifted his silvery lashes to face her when she stepped through the doorframe.
The hostility between them had settled a bit, mainly because Song Meiling did everything she could do to avoid him. But there were times where she felt alone since her entire family left her behind. She was left to cohabitate with a man she didn't know, but it was better than no one.
She knew Zhang Enyu worked hard on his assignments; he always cleaned after himself, did his laundry, and kept things neat and tidy. He barely left any personal things around the house, and it was almost as if no one was living with her. The only way she could notice his presence, was through a book he left open on the tea table or his lingering scent--smoke and mint.
"Something came for you in the mail," he said indifferently. Song Meiling glanced at him as Zhang Enyu nodded his chin at the direction of the coffee table in the living room.
Song Meiling approached it, taking an envelope. She opened it carefully; her heart sped up. She took out the loose papers, reading it, and rereading it. Her eyes darted over the first few sentences, and she squealed.
Zhang Enyu glanced at her. He had seen the address from the sender, but he wasn't sure what news it held. Judging by her reaction, she got accepted into University.
"Congratulations," he said to her neutrally.
Song Meiling grinned. "Thank you. I will get to see you less now when the new term begins," she said mightily. While she attends school and studies, it would be freedom away from him.
Zhang Enyu burst out a chuckle. "You do realize you are going to my University?" he reminded her.
Song Meiling's mouth hung open. "Eh?" She said stupified.
Zhang Enyu smiled wickedly. "Have you not paid attention?" he asked her challengingly.
Song Meiling thought about it. "Erm...No...," she responded.
How did she not realize which school he attended? "I didn't care enough to find out," she snapped irritatingly.
Zhang Enyu's lips curved upward; his smoke-grey gaze lingered on her face. "What program have you been accepted for?"
Song Meiling took a deep breath. She was afraid of what he'll think. "Architecture," she responded softly.
She half-expected him to make fun of her. But when she met his eyes, it held some good impression. He crossed his arms, leaning on the back of the couch. "Interesting," he said, genuinely. "Do you have any designs?" he asked her.
Song Meiling widened her eyes, "Yes. I do," she said. She then quickly ran to her bedroom, returning with long sheets of paper, full of contemporary architectural building drawings.
She sprawled them on the dinner table, when Zhang Enyu placed both palms on over the polished wood, gazing at the intricate, overlapping shapes she drew.
"They are rough sketches," she said to him.
Initially, Zhang Enyu's brows furrowed, but his expression softened. With an arched eyebrow, he said, "This is an impressive start. What inspired you?" he asked her curiously.
Song Meiling tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, smiling slightly. "I travelled for a few months, had seen places and buildings that spoke to me. I was fascinated by the history of some buildings--who resided them, what type of politics occurred at what period. I was also curious as to who built them and what techniques they've used."
Zhang Enyu listened attentively. He eyed her, expressing some surprise as if he realized something he wasn't entirely sure before. "I have to admit. I didn't think anything interested you," he said.
Song Meiling let out a laugh. "I keep my interests a secret. If I speak about it, I'm afraid no one will be interested."
Zhang Enyu's eyes met hers. "If you're referring to that douchebag of an ex, then I can assure you, he was not smart enough to care about your interests," he responded.
Song Meiling was left stunned, and a hint of a flush took form on his cheeks, realizing he was behaving nicely to her. Song Meiling smirked in triumph.
She realized that he didn't bother getting to know her before. But there was something about opening herself up, that caused her to feel content.
With her ex, there was nothing to talk about aside from his career. It was all about him, and if she tried to say anything related to her hobbies, he would dismiss her immediately.
Zhang Enyu didn't linger around for a moment longer. He picked up his book, heading towards his room, moving on as if their progress didn't matter. Song Meiling sighed as her brown hair slipped from her shoulders; she turned, watching his silhouette disappear from the doorframe, and a smile bloomed on her lips.
...
Long Jie invited Han Ru over for dinner.
Song Luli did not idle around after the three of them ate quietly, because she figured that they needed to engage in a private conversation.
Long Jie watched Song Luli ascend the stairs, disappearing as she walked down the corridor, but he felt assured that she wouldn't overhear when he heard her slam the door shut.
Han Ru observed Long Jie's expression--a hollowness and conflict seemed to have crept beneath his eyes when Song Luli left the room. He barely saw them exchange a word during the evening, and he wondered what was going on between them.
"Is she angry with you?" Han Ru asked Long Jie.
Long Jie sat in an armchair. "I haven't told her about what is going on with the company. Moreover, she is entirely in the dark about them using her as leverage against me. I can't have her knowing. She might experience anxiety--or worse, she might want to help me. But I don't want her involved."
Han Ru considered it. He was confident that Song Luli was headstrong enough to take any challenge, and if Long Jie didn't talk to her about the situation, the distance between them might only stretch.
"You shouldn't tell her," Han Ru said to him.
Long Jie glanced at him, considering his advice. He nodded, "I know."
"It will only put her in more danger," Han Ru warned Long Jie. "If she were to leave you one day, it would be harder for her if she had an attachment to you."
"I know," Long Jie repeated softly, painfully.
Long Jie listened to Han Ru because he was a logical, clear-minded thinker. He said it straightforward, without sparing his feelings. It was what he needed to hear since he kept slipping into the temptation of seeing her, talking to her, confiding in her.
Long Jie tilted his head back, letting out a long sigh. "Can you do me a favour, Han Ru?" he asked.
Han Ru nodded, listening as to what he had to say.
"I know she saw you the other day for help, and though it pissed me off, I feel as if you're the only one I can trust to help her if I can't. Can you be that person?" he asked him.
Han Ru took a deep breath. "Certainly," he began. "I'll do anything for the two of you."
Long Jie revealed a small smile. "Thank you," he said.