Chapter 341: 341
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Suyin was right. That was the last night he spoke to her. But least she knew it would also be the night she was last seeing him. Wang Shi left for Cheyna the next morning, leaving her alone with Honey. No message. No phone call.
He just left.
Every morning it got harder and harder as she roused, prepared breakfast and lunch, and leave for the office to finish pending work in the country. Everything around her turned grey and dull. Honey stopped speaking to her. Bagheera lost his interest in her. And Cleopatra only showed her white fluff bum every time he saw her.
Though she never told Honey anything, he sensed it. Kids always do. He didn't let her help him get ready, or choose the day's outfit, or comb his hair, or accompany her to school. After breakfast, he'd just go to Wang Shi's office and sit there all day with Bagheera and Cleopatra in tow.
The lunch box which she prepares daily came untouched. At supper, he'd eat at the table with her, but without a word or a glance at her. She craved to hear ducky or mom, but all she got was his silence and lifeless eyes. At night, he'd bring bedding to the living room to sleep on the couch, where he would send a message to Wang Shi-
[Missing you dad ???? ]
And the reply would come instantly, [Me too. Take care of your mom. Love you, bratty. ❤️ ]
He'd reply, [She's fine.]
After that he'd hold the phone to c.h.e.s.t, playing their family videos on loop until sleep takes over. He wasn't watching the videos, but the voices, giggles, bickering, and everything was like a lullaby for his exhausted mind.
Suyin's was no better. Her thoughts were all about Wang Shi and the time they had spent. His teasing. His cooking. Charming smile. Cheeky lines which she used to hate once.
And his fragrance that still lingers everywhere in the house.
Life wasn't life without him, and she'd do anything to get the old life back.
Days bled into weeks, and their two weeks' stay ended. The elections were over and Revon turned out to be the unparalleled winner, crushing his opponent, Zeldiz. And with backing from the Cheyna government and names like Suyin and Wang Shi, Revon's position in the country as the new president will only strengthen with time.
"One more week, Suyin. I would love to see you and Dr. Wang Shi as the guest of honor at the Presidential oath ceremony and dinner."
"Dr. Wang Shi has left already. I should too." Suyin's gaze drifted to the little figure desperately running in and out of the bedroom, collecting things to pack. Bagheera and Cleopatra biting into their own things that they want to take and chasing after Honey. The egg pie, Bacon sandwich, juice, milkshake, and muffins at the breakfast table doesn't catch their interest. They had been packing since night and resumed soon after waking.
"Maybe we could--" he stopped when Marina squeezed the back of his palm.
"We have already taken her eight months. Let's not bother her anymore. I'm sure she's looking forward to meet her family. Every extended day in El Sandrios must be unbearable to stay."
Suyin faked a smile, sipping tea gone cold. She looked over the rim of her cup. Honey was searching for something, but couldn't locate it.
"Alright, then. I won't hold you anymore," Revon called someone and soon someone knocked on the door. He took the liberty to open the door, and in came three men following him, holding things on a tray covered with a silk cloth in red.
He pulled the cloth from each tray.
A beautiful piece of emerald necklace. A rare vintage watch. And a box with intricate carvings and writing that Suyin didn't understand.
"Revon this-- I can't."
"Please. It's nothing in front of everything you and Dr. Wang Shi have done for us." Revon said.
"And we won't let you go without a piece of El Sandrios. It's in our tradition to bid adieu with a gift." Marina said. She picked the most mysterious item; the metal box of a size of three books stacked together and called for Honey. "It took us a while to think of a gift for this little one." Honey looked at her and the box in her hands with no interest. Yet he made sure to remember his dad's upbringing and remained polite.
Revon crouched down, holding Honey by the shoulder. "The last king of El Sandrios was a collector of rare items. We found all this and many more rare items in Alpha's base. Most probably, when Tamis took over the last king he took over his collection as well, which eventually passed on to Alpha."
Marina gently put the box in Honey's hand. "Little one, since you love adventure, exploring, and mysteries. I'm sure you'd love to unfold the mysteries behind the box and find out how to open it. Who knows if it's a key to a great treasure." Honey bowed in gratitude.
"Thank you for the gifts, Marina, Revon." Suyin said, reaching to touch Honey's head, but he dodged it and ran for his room, leaving Suyin rubbing her fingers.
Embarrassed.
Revon cleared his throat. "We shall leave now. Marina?"
"I shall be right behind you," Marina said. Revon understood the hint and left the two women alone. Marina touched Suyin's hand. "Don't misunderstand me, Suyin. Neither I'm prying into your life. But you and Dr. Wang Shi have lived with us for over seven months, it's inevitable to not notice the things between you and him."
Suyin bit her lips.
"In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take, love confessions we never did, relationsh.i.p.s we are afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make. The example is right in front of you-- Luo and Amara. He died in regret. And now Amara, she's no good then a dead." Marina squeezed Suyin's hand and turned, stopping at the door. "Ah, I forgot. Evan has decided to let Amara stay here. She never leaves the place where Luo's tomb is. It won't be good if we force her to leave, isn't it?"
Suyin nodded. "It's an excellent decision."
"Think about my words. Take care." She turned and left, leaving Suyin struggling with her own thoughts. She sat down on the balcony, tired. A man with a hat was mowing the grass. His t-shirt reads in bold.
[Life is uncertain. Eat dessert. Seize happiness. Don't fret.]
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Suyin was right. That was the last night he spoke to her. But least she knew it would also be the night she was last seeing him. Wang Shi left for Cheyna the next morning, leaving her alone with Honey. No message. No phone call.
He just left.
Every morning it got harder and harder as she roused, prepared breakfast and lunch, and leave for the office to finish pending work in the country. Everything around her turned grey and dull. Honey stopped speaking to her. Bagheera lost his interest in her. And Cleopatra only showed her white fluff bum every time he saw her.
Though she never told Honey anything, he sensed it. Kids always do. He didn't let her help him get ready, or choose the day's outfit, or comb his hair, or accompany her to school. After breakfast, he'd just go to Wang Shi's office and sit there all day with Bagheera and Cleopatra in tow.
The lunch box which she prepares daily came untouched. At supper, he'd eat at the table with her, but without a word or a glance at her. She craved to hear ducky or mom, but all she got was his silence and lifeless eyes. At night, he'd bring bedding to the living room to sleep on the couch, where he would send a message to Wang Shi-
[Missing you dad ???? ]
And the reply would come instantly, [Me too. Take care of your mom. Love you, bratty. ❤️ ]
He'd reply, [She's fine.]
After that he'd hold the phone to c.h.e.s.t, playing their family videos on loop until sleep takes over. He wasn't watching the videos, but the voices, giggles, bickering, and everything was like a lullaby for his exhausted mind.
Suyin's was no better. Her thoughts were all about Wang Shi and the time they had spent. His teasing. His cooking. Charming smile. Cheeky lines which she used to hate once.
And his fragrance that still lingers everywhere in the house.
Life wasn't life without him, and she'd do anything to get the old life back.
Days bled into weeks, and their two weeks' stay ended. The elections were over and Revon turned out to be the unparalleled winner, crushing his opponent, Zeldiz. And with backing from the Cheyna government and names like Suyin and Wang Shi, Revon's position in the country as the new president will only strengthen with time.
"One more week, Suyin. I would love to see you and Dr. Wang Shi as the guest of honor at the Presidential oath ceremony and dinner."
"Dr. Wang Shi has left already. I should too." Suyin's gaze drifted to the little figure desperately running in and out of the bedroom, collecting things to pack. Bagheera and Cleopatra biting into their own things that they want to take and chasing after Honey. The egg pie, Bacon sandwich, juice, milkshake, and muffins at the breakfast table doesn't catch their interest. They had been packing since night and resumed soon after waking.
"Maybe we could--" he stopped when Marina squeezed the back of his palm.
"We have already taken her eight months. Let's not bother her anymore. I'm sure she's looking forward to meet her family. Every extended day in El Sandrios must be unbearable to stay."
Suyin faked a smile, sipping tea gone cold. She looked over the rim of her cup. Honey was searching for something, but couldn't locate it.
"Alright, then. I won't hold you anymore," Revon called someone and soon someone knocked on the door. He took the liberty to open the door, and in came three men following him, holding things on a tray covered with a silk cloth in red.
He pulled the cloth from each tray.
A beautiful piece of emerald necklace. A rare vintage watch. And a box with intricate carvings and writing that Suyin didn't understand.
"Revon this-- I can't."
"Please. It's nothing in front of everything you and Dr. Wang Shi have done for us." Revon said.
"And we won't let you go without a piece of El Sandrios. It's in our tradition to bid adieu with a gift." Marina said. She picked the most mysterious item; the metal box of a size of three books stacked together and called for Honey. "It took us a while to think of a gift for this little one." Honey looked at her and the box in her hands with no interest. Yet he made sure to remember his dad's upbringing and remained polite.
Revon crouched down, holding Honey by the shoulder. "The last king of El Sandrios was a collector of rare items. We found all this and many more rare items in Alpha's base. Most probably, when Tamis took over the last king he took over his collection as well, which eventually passed on to Alpha."
Marina gently put the box in Honey's hand. "Little one, since you love adventure, exploring, and mysteries. I'm sure you'd love to unfold the mysteries behind the box and find out how to open it. Who knows if it's a key to a great treasure." Honey bowed in gratitude.
"Thank you for the gifts, Marina, Revon." Suyin said, reaching to touch Honey's head, but he dodged it and ran for his room, leaving Suyin rubbing her fingers.
Embarrassed.
Revon cleared his throat. "We shall leave now. Marina?"
"I shall be right behind you," Marina said. Revon understood the hint and left the two women alone. Marina touched Suyin's hand. "Don't misunderstand me, Suyin. Neither I'm prying into your life. But you and Dr. Wang Shi have lived with us for over seven months, it's inevitable to not notice the things between you and him."
Suyin bit her lips.
"In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take, love confessions we never did, relationsh.i.p.s we are afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make. The example is right in front of you-- Luo and Amara. He died in regret. And now Amara, she's no good then a dead." Marina squeezed Suyin's hand and turned, stopping at the door. "Ah, I forgot. Evan has decided to let Amara stay here. She never leaves the place where Luo's tomb is. It won't be good if we force her to leave, isn't it?"
Suyin nodded. "It's an excellent decision."
"Think about my words. Take care." She turned and left, leaving Suyin struggling with her own thoughts. She sat down on the balcony, tired. A man with a hat was mowing the grass. His t-shirt reads in bold.
[Life is uncertain. Eat dessert. Seize happiness. Don't fret.]
Suyin was right. That was the last night he spoke to her. But least she knew it would also be the night she was last seeing him. Wang Shi left for Cheyna the next morning, leaving her alone with Honey. No message. No phone call. He just left. Every morning it got harder and harder as she roused, prepared breakfast and lunch, and leave for the office to finish pending work in the country. Everything around her turned grey and dull. Honey stopped speaking to her. Bagheera lost his interest in her. And Cleopatra only showed her white fluff bum every time he saw her. Though she never told Honey anything, he sensed it. Kids always do. He didn't let her help him get ready, or choose the day's outfit, or comb his hair, or accompany her to school. After breakfast, he'd just go to Wang Shi's office and sit there all day with Bagheera and Cleopatra in tow. The lunch box which she prepares daily came untouched. At supper, he'd eat at the table with her, but without a word or a glance at her. She craved to hear ducky or mom, but all she got was his silence and lifeless eyes. At night, he'd bring bedding to the living room to sleep on the couch, where he would send a message to Wang Shi- Missing you dad ???? And the reply would come instantly, Me too. Take care of your mom. Love you, bratty. He'd reply, She's fine. After that he'd hold the phone to c.h.e.s.t, playing their family videos on loop until sleep takes over. He wasn't watching the videos, but the voices, giggles, bickering, and everything was like a lullaby for his exhausted mind. Suyin's was no better. Her thoughts were all about Wang Shi and the time they had spent. His teasing. His cooking. Charming smile. Cheeky lines which she used to hate once. And his fragrance that still lingers everywhere in the house. Life wasn't life without him, and she'd do anything to get the old life back. Days bled into weeks, and their two weeks' stay ended. The elections were over and Revon turned out to be the unparalleled winner, crushing his opponent, Zeldiz. And with backing from the Cheyna government and names like Suyin and Wang Shi, Revon's position in the country as the new president will only strengthen with time. "One more week, Suyin. I would love to see you and Dr. Wang Shi as the guest of honor at the Presidential oath ceremony and dinner." "Dr. Wang Shi has left already. I should too." Suyin's gaze drifted to the little figure desperately running in and out of the bedroom, collecting things to pack. Bagheera and Cleopatra biting into their own things that they want to take and chasing after Honey. The egg pie, Bacon sandwich, juice, milkshake, and muffins at the breakfast table doesn't catch their interest. They had been packing since night and resumed soon after waking. "Maybe we could--" he stopped when Marina squeezed the back of his palm. "We have already taken her eight months. Let's not bother her anymore. I'm sure she's looking forward to meet her family. Every extended day in El Sandrios must be unbearable to stay." Suyin faked a smile, sipping tea gone cold. She looked over the rim of her cup. Honey was searching for something, but couldn't locate it. "Alright, then. I won't hold you anymore," Revon called someone and soon someone knocked on the door. He took the liberty to open the door, and in came three men following him, holding things on a tray covered with a silk cloth in red. He pulled the cloth from each tray. A beautiful piece of emerald necklace. A rare vintage watch. And a box with intricate carvings and writing that Suyin didn't understand. "Revon this-- I can't." "Please. It's nothing in front of everything you and Dr. Wang Shi have done for us." Revon said. "And we won't let you go without a piece of El Sandrios. It's in our tradition to bid adieu with a gift." Marina said. She picked the most mysterious item; the metal box of a size of three books stacked together and called for Honey. "It took us a while to think of a gift for this little one." Honey looked at her and the box in her hands with no interest. Yet he made sure to remember his dad's upbringing and remained polite. Revon crouched down, holding Honey by the shoulder. "The last king of El Sandrios was a collector of rare items. We found all this and many more rare items in Alpha's base. Most probably, when Tamis took over the last king he took over his collection as well, which eventually passed on to Alpha." Marina gently put the box in Honey's hand. "Little one, since you love adventure, exploring, and mysteries. I'm sure you'd love to unfold the mysteries behind the box and find out how to open it. Who knows if it's a key to a great treasure." Honey bowed in gratitude. "Thank you for the gifts, Marina, Revon." Suyin said, reaching to touch Honey's head, but he dodged it and ran for his room, leaving Suyin rubbing her fingers. Embarrassed. Revon cleared his throat. "We shall leave now. Marina?" "I shall be right behind you," Marina said. Revon understood the hint and left the two women alone. Marina touched Suyin's hand. "Don't misunderstand me, Suyin. Neither I'm prying into your life. But you and Dr. Wang Shi have lived with us for over seven months, it's inevitable to not notice the things between you and him." Suyin bit her lips. "In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take, love confessions we never did, relationsh.i.p.s we are afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make. The example is right in front of you-- Luo and Amara. He died in regret. And now Amara, she's no good then a dead." Marina squeezed Suyin's hand and turned, stopping at the door. "Ah, I forgot. Evan has decided to let Amara stay here. She never leaves the place where Luo's tomb is. It won't be good if we force her to leave, isn't it?" Suyin nodded. "It's an excellent decision." "Think about my words. Take care." She turned and left, leaving Suyin struggling with her own thoughts. She sat down on the balcony, tired. A man with a hat was mowing the grass. His t-shirt reads in bold. Life is uncertain. Eat dessert. Seize happiness. Don't fret.
