Lu Zhilan is a tennis prodigy and Lu Xia's older cousin. Zhilan was expected to become a professional athlete until a career threatening injury. With no other choice, she's forced to go to Germany for surgery and rehabilitation. She's been there for...
"Zhilan! You're finally here!" Her uncle Xiangqian called out as she approached him.
She laughed and he enveloped her in a hug. "Uncle, it's so good to see you! It's been too long!"
He grabbed her luggage and tennis bag from her. "Come now. You must be tired from the flight. Lu Xia stayed back to get roast goose for you. I was going to cook, but he insisted on the takeout. It makes things easier for me."
Thank you, little cousin.
"Roast goose? That sounds great. How has he been? Not too busy right?"
"You know him. He always wants to train."
Zhilan rolled her eyes. "Lu Xia never changes."
They made it to her uncle's car and went on their way.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Welcome home."
Zhilan looked around, amazed. The house was spacious and beautiful. "I love it."
Her uncle ushered her inside. "Let me show you to your room."
He led her to her room which was currently filled with boxes of her belongings. She heard a familiar meow from the corner.
"Lady! Oh, I missed you!" She picked up the fluffy white cat who purred happily in her owner's arms.
"I've taken good care of her since she got here."
She stroked her cat's fur gently. "Thank you, uncle."
He put down her stuff. "Let's see if dinner is here yet."
They went outside and Lu Xia was sitting there with a bag of takeout at the set table. He looked up with his usual blank expression.
"Lu Xia!" She sat down next to him and threw her arms around him.
He made a startled sound, but wrapped an arm around her. "It's good to have you back."
Zhilan pulled away and wore a big smile on her face. "It's good to be back. We have so much to catch up on."
"But first, you need to eat. Here, let's dig in." Her uncle said and began to set everything out.
"Yes, I'm starving." She filled her plate and started eating.
"This goose is delicious. Where did you get it?"
"There's a restaurant at the corner. Lu Xia has a friend whose father owns it." Her uncle answered.
She turned to him, beaming. "That's great. Tell me about your friend."
"He's my senior and he's in the tennis club." He said simply.
Zhilan looked unimpressed. "You're the worst at details."
He didn't respond as he continued eating.
Her uncle shook his head. "I'm sure you'll meet all of Lu Xia's friends when you start school on Monday."
She smiled. "I take it they all play tennis right?"
"Yes."
"Well, they must be a great group if you're friends with them. I can't wait to meet them."
They continued to eat with her uncle occasionally asking questions about her time in Germany.
When they finished, her uncle stood up and stretched. "I think it's great to have you both under one roof again. Make sure to get plenty of rest this whole weekend. Good night."
He left the cousins by themselves and Zhilan ruffled Lu Xia's hair.
"Hey!" He complained while she snickered.
"I'm happy to see you again, baby cousin."
He huffed out in annoyance, but the corners of his mouth turned up. "I'm glad you came back, Zhilan."
"I'm exhausted. I'm headed for bed and so should you. Tomorrow's Friday, but you still got school in the morning."
Lu Xia stood up. "I'm going to practice for a bit. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Good night."
"Good night."
She went back to her room and fell on her bed. Then, she stood up to look through the boxes for a pair of pajamas and changed. Before sleep overtook her mind, she texted Siyang that she made it home.
She distinctly heard her phone chime, but her eyes were heavy as she slid under the covers.
