Yuánfèn (缘分)

Chapter 22

Zi Wei and Anyu are in the Dining Room talking to someone on WeChat, when they see Wang He Di and Shen Yue arrive at the apartment. Wang He Di notices that Zi Wei has a worried expression and realizes that something is wrong.

"I thought you were going straight to Xiao Zhan's house", Anyu puts her cell phone in her pocket faster than a cheetah when chasing its prey.

"Why didn't you take the opportunity to walk around a little before dinner?" Zi Wei flashes a smile to both of them, trying to disguise the tension.

"That wasn't my idea," Shen Yue replies with a smile plastered on her face.

"I want to be alone with her for a while" Wang He Di hugs Shen Yue, "no one will bother us here."

Shen Yue blushes.

"I'm going to take a shower, because in a little while I have to go get Annie" Anyu takes a few steps towards his room.

Wang He Di is surprised by his brother's attitude and without wasting time, he stops him from leaving the dining room, "Can I talk to you first, Anyu?"

Zi Wei and Anyu exchange dejected looks. Shen Yue notices their reaction, but doesn't say anything.

"Yue, help me pick out a dress while they're talking. I need to look beautiful tonight." Without waiting for an answer, Zi Wei pulls Shen Yue into the room, leaving the brothers alone.

"Let's go to the library, no one will hear us there," Wang He Di explains.

Anyu agrees and follows him.

Wang He Di asks Anyu to sit next to him on the couch.

"Why did you hide your cell phone when you saw me? Were you talking to our mother?"

"Yes, she texted" Anyu confirms.

Wang He Di sighs, "What did she say?"

"She's making dinner for Annie's family and wants to see all of us in Chengdu, including you, Di."

"Hmm?! Why does she want me to go to this family reunion?"

Anyu shrugs, "you know our mother, when she decides something..."

"I will not go", Wang He Di goes to the window, "I will only go on the wedding day."

Anyu approaches Wang He Di, "there is one more thing, dinner is on your birthday."

With a surprised and at the same time sad face, Wang He Di says nothing. Anyu understands his brother's silence and also remains quiet.

"She doesn't want to celebrate my birthday, you know that," he whispers.

"In the message she only mentions dinner, she doesn't say anything about it being your birthday, "Anyu tries to calm Wang He Di, "our father has established a truce until the wedding, do you remember?"

Wang He Di can't say any more. He leaves the library and goes to his room to digest Anyu's words.

Zi Wei desperately searches the closet for an outfit and Shen Yue watches her friend walk around in a few dresses, as if getting ready for a red carpet event.

"Yue, which look looks better? The red dress or the black one with the black coat?

"Hmmm... I think the night will get colder, I suggest a pair of pants."

"I don't want to wear pants, Yue, I have to look amazing in Wu Lei's eyes."

"And you'll get cold because of a man, tsk, no way!" Shen Yue takes out her cell phone and checks weibo, "You are already amazing Zi Wei."