Love 020 : Love and family

Chapter 6- A glimmer of hope

Weiwei had slept poorly after the Cao Guang incident. She dragged herself out of bed. She couldn't miss uncle Xiao's class or he would worry.  If he worried, than auntie Lin would worry. Over the past 2 years, Weiwei had successfully managed to keep everyone in the dark about her connection to Auntie Lin.  She got dressed and started walking to class when she realized, Xiao Nai was their son. 'The apple didn't fall very far from the tree. Like mother, like son', she thought. They had both come to her defense unasked in the moment she needed it the most. Another thought struck her, " Naihe! She hadn't logged into the game last night and she didn't see any messages in the morning from him. This was strange, he normally left her some type of note. Had Naihe heard about her incident? Was Xiao Nai , Naihe?"

Lost in her thought, she walked into the class mechanically and sat down in her usual seat. She was still preoccupied when she felt someone sit next to her. Her brain found an unconscious comfort in the presence of the person next to her, she immediately realized it was Xiao Nai. They both sat still, neither willing to break the silence. ' What is he doing here?', she thought furiously. Her subconscious screamed at her, ' You know why. He is your in-game husband. Your savior. He likes you. That's why he is here.' She was so lost in her internal monologue that she was only vaguely aware of her classmates gossiping about why the great Xiao Nai was in a sophomore history class and was sitting next to the beauty Weiwei. All the girls in her entire year, had come to see Nai resulting the class being jam packed.

Professor Xiao was surprised to walk into a packed class and then his eyes immediately fell on his son. Nai smirked at his father challenging him to question why he was sitting in the class. Prof. Xiao was about to say something when he noticed that his son was next to only one person and the two of them occupied the entire row. That person was the girl he wished was his daughter, Weiwei. Prof. Xiao immediately realized that for the first time , Nai was attracted to a girl, a girl that he wholeheartedly approved of and wished was part of his family. Deciding to let things progress on their own, Prof Xiao continued on as if nothing was amiss. Neither Nai , nor Weiwei heard a single word of that lecture. The tension between them was electric and were deeply affected by each other's presence.It was pure torture for both of them. When the bell rang indicating that the hour was up, everyone waited to see what the great Xiao Nai would do. He waited with bated breath for his beloved to break her silence.

With all her dignity, Weiwei gathered all her things and stood up indicating she was about to leave. She paused for a moment, gave Nai a wry smile and uttered " My lord Naihe" to him and promptly left to talk to Prof. Xiao. She had missed her weekly check in yesterday with Auntie Lin and Uncle Xiao would not let her go without an explanation. Nai stared at his brilliant furen talking to his dad and slipped out of the classroom. He waited for her discreetly at a column near the stairs. He held Weiwei's gaze as she walked outside and uttered, " North gate, now". Weiwei acknowledged it by tilting her head.

Weiwei still had two more classes before lunch, but this was more important. The north gate was empty at this hour save for a devastatingly handsome Nai leaning casually against the willow tree. Her heart was racing but she gave him a tentative smile.

Nai: " You came! Let's talk somewhere private. I know a restaurant nearby. We have a lot to catch up on". Weiwei simply nodded and walked next to him. Arms barely touching. ' Okay, this is not in my head. I am attracted to him. I want to hold his hand. What's wrong with me? This is not right, it cannot be', she fretted. Nai thought, ' She is so composed. Why am I so flustered. You have spoken to her a million times in the game. Just be yourself and she'll like you'. In the meantime, Prof Xiao had called his wife to share the news that their son had finally showed some interest in girls, well, a girl to be specific and what an excellent choice she was. They decided to head to Jian's for lunch as well.

Nai and Weiwei reached Auntie Jian's restaurant, a  Xiao family favorite in silence and awkwardly sat down. The unflappable Nai was very flustered , he took a deep breath and started talking," On the day before the start of term, I saw a warrior engaged in a furious battle at the gaming cafe near campus. I was enthralled by the sheer skill at which the swordswoman avatar was being maneuvered.It was only after you defeated Boss Meng, did I see your face which was even lovelier than your nimble fingers across the key board. Then, I looked you up. Top of your class, full scholarship, your kindness, compassion , brilliance and tenacity floored me. I was going through life like a blind man, and meeting you was like a blind man being able to see for the first time.I wasn't looking for a relationship and I have never been so attracted to a woman before. I fell in love with you Weiwei. "His sincerity shone through his eyes and Weiwei was deeply moved.

Nai's parents had arrived just in time to hear Nai's last few words of declaration of love to Weiwei. Auntie Lin pulled uncle Xiao back before he could interrupt. She wanted to listen to her dream of being a real family with Weiwei come true. While Nai waited with bated breath for Weiwei to respond, Auntie Jian had brought Nai's favorite soup and dishes to the table. Nai and Weiwei had only eyes for each other.

Weiwei had fallen for Naihe and if she was honest with herself for Nai as well. They had only known each other a short time but the chemistry was undeniable. She started to speak haltingly, " The day I met you in game as Naihe, I was intrigued. Every time after that , when we spoke, I found myself getting attached to you.  You are so loving, kind and generous Nai and your brothers are amazing too. It has been like having a family. And then you saved me from that pest Cao Guang.These past few months have been like a fairytale, like pages from  some one else's book". Weiwei had started to get teary eyed by then, Nai thought she was overcome with emotion and was about to speak when Weiwei continued. "But, we cannot be together. I am not right for you. If I had known who you were sooner, I would not have let it get this far. You don't know about my past, I only bring bad luck to people wherever I go. I have been careful to not let my shadow darken your doorstep, especially since the only reason I am alive today is your mother. I like you, but I'm sorry. This is for your good and your future. Please let me go"  Weiwei hurriedly rose from the table with tears now streaming down both eyes and dashed off outside without seeing Auntie Lin and uncle Xiao in her haste.

Nai sat and watched her leave shell shocked. He felt crushed and his heart tightened. He had still not noticed his parents , not even when they sat down across him. Then his brain started to kick in gear and he muttered, " What did she mean that she is alive because of mom?"

Lin Yao took her son's hand and he finally looked up in surprise. She explained to him how Weiwei had been orphaned and she had rescued her from her greedy relatives. " Son, Weiwei feels like she brings bad luck to people she loves, she feels like she is not worthy of love. Your father and I both love her so much, like a daughter. Heck, legally she is my adopted daughter. She never set foot inside our house, not even when she was 15 and had no family. She is scared to get attached again or have a family again. You need to be gentle and find a way to break through her shell. I promise you, she is worth it."

Nai's respect for Weiwei grew by leaps and bounds. She really was an amazing self-made woman. But, the whole situation was so absurd.He confessed to his first love and his parents had heard the whole thing. He had no doubt that she would be his wife one day, but having your parents blessing even before he started dating her was so absurd. He burst out laughing at the incredulity of the situation.

Uncle Xiao joined in , while Auntie Lin gave them a look to show how inappropriate it was. Prof Xiao said, " Come on my darling, you have to see how weird it is. No young man wants his parents to listen to him talk to his girl. But I am glad we were here. Nai, I have always loved Weiwei. She is the daughter I never had . When your mom told me she was bringing a daughter home from Wuhan, I was excited to spoil her silly. But even as an adolescent, Weiwei always felt that she was a bad omen. We have had to meet her at her house or outside and it has always killed me. That girl deserves love and affection. Don't let go of her".

Nai stood up with a smile. His mom exclaimed, " Where are you going?", he said, " To get you your daughter back. Maybe as your daughter in law " . He winked at his mom and left.