Rebirth from the Ashes

It was all in Li Yuan’s head.

There was no other meaning behind the gift. It was only a gift-giving gesture on the young lady’s part.

Standing by the door, Kun Lun was a bundle of nerves to see silence befalling the couple. One was busy with homework while the other had his eyes on the book.

Ms. Shen was not usually the careless type of person and would spot even a minute change in Boss’ clothes, style, or any bodily discomfort any day.

Nevertheless, Boss could not sit still as he twirled the wheelchair to pose in different angles and even straightened out his clothes. Yet, she somehow failed to notice the outfit she had given to Boss?

Boss appeared quite upset. The first thing he did when he came home was put on the wool coat given by Ms. Shen. He had been saving it and putting it up on display. Today was the first time he put it on, going out his way to wait for her and show her the clothes.

As the sunset graced the land, light slowly turned obscure.

Shen Xi closed the book and urged the man on the wheelchair. “Brother’s it’s late. It’s bad for your eyes to read in the dark.”

Closing the book, Li Yuan appeared distant as he nodded. “It’s late. You should head home for dinner.”

Shaking and nodding her head, Shen Xi put on a straight face and told him, “Brother, don’t drink in social events or work yourself too hard.”

Li Yuan’s eyes dimmed. “Okay.”

The girl picked up an item on the wall and kept it in her arms, perhaps it was an unconscious move, or maybe she was trying to hide something, afraid that she may cause him worry.

The sorrow in the young lady’s eyes cast a blanket of gloominess and cloudiness in his little sunshine’s complexion.

“What problems did you run into?” He could not stop himself from posing the question.

“Sigh!” Taking a deep breath, Shen Xi furrowed her brows further. “”The Smiling Nation” will release its first episode next week. What if it turns out to be a bust?”

Li Yuan was worried sick, thinking she met with trouble. However, his mind was put to rest by the reply. “No, it won’t.”

“How would you know it won’t? Since it’s now the end of December, those at work would be busy wrapping up the year and social events while those at school are occupied with studies and exams. Who would have the time of day to watch TV shows?” Shen Xi heaved another sigh.

The frown on Li Yuan’s face prompted Li Yuan to offer words of comfort. “The more they are tense, the more they will need to relax. Employees can’t be working all day nor can students be studying 24/7.”

“Really?” With her eyes lighting up, Shen Xi resumed her bubbly and confident self. She gazed at him with expectant eyes. “Brother, what do you think the ratings would be?”

“It should at least soar above 5%.” Li Yuan might be smiling but the joy did not show in his eyes.

“You should treat me to dinner if TV ratings draw up 5%.” Shen Xi let out an uninhibited grin at least. “It’s my treat if TV ratings go above 1%.”

“Sure,” Li Yuan responded.

Shen Xi gleefully extended a pinkie to make a promise and specifically pointed to the wall while studying his face. “Don’t break on a pinkie promise!”

Looking at the shadows of the girl’s fingers against the last rays of sunlight bouncing off the wall, Li Yuan copied her gesture and extended his pinkie.

He attempted multiple times before finally touching her finger’s shadow against the wall. A hint of warmth emerged in his cold voice. “It’s a deal.”

Li Yuan waited until the young lady reluctantly grabbed her bag and climbed down before turning his wheelchair around. His eyes were coated with a layer of ice the moment his back faced the wall, bearing dreariness and self-mockery that stemmed from the core.

Had he not carried high hopes or let greed go to his head, Li Yuan would not be overwhelmed with heartache and a sense of loss such as now.

“Brother!”

The young lady’s clear and sweet voice was suddenly heard coming from behind.