Against All Odds

Part Three

DALIAN

"Bǎobèi, are you sure about this?" she asked nervously.

He nodded and smiled, "Of course!" he responded, tucking some strands of hair back on her tiny earlobe.
"Don't be nervous hmmm? Ma and Pa will like you."

She wasn't sure if she should believe him.

"And your sisters?" she asked.

"They already like you," he winked at her, lightly kissing her forehead.

Feigning a quick smile, "It's not.. it's not so much about liking me.. I..I've never met a guy's family before.." she said again, nervously.

Wei took hold of her arm and pulled her close, gently.

Stroking her hair, "I know what you're thinking but don't worry hmm? They already know about you and they cannot wait to meet you." He smiled at her. She responded with a faint smile and laid there on his chest.

But he was not unaware of how quiet she was.

Wei Long often talks about meeting the families, but she hadn't quite prepared herself yet. Also, something was stopping her and she didn't know how to bring the subject up with him. He would never understand her, would he?

Looking up at him, she sighed, "Okay, let's do it then, let's go to Dalian," putting on a smile.

She didn't sound convincing, Wei looked at her, paused and said "Bǎobèi, if you're not ready, we can go some other time. I'll stay there for a few days and come home soon."

"Meio! Meio! Let's..let's go."

"Are you..are you sure?"

August nodded and smiled at him, "We should go, I've always wanted to visit your hometown."

Seeing her smile, he felt hopeful, "You will love it Bǎobèi.."

"I'm sure."

They finally started their journey the next week.

Fans and netizens somehow got to know Wei Long would be going home for vacation. So it was decided that August and Hae-Won will follow him and not walk beside him, for security purpose. Darren hired a bodyguard for precautionary measures and the three would walk in front.

August put on a bucket hat, a pair of shades and a mask so fans would assume she's part of the team. But deep down, she was scared they would find out and the whole journey towards Dalian, she was fidgeting. Wei Long held her hand the entire time and was very mindful of her state of mind, in case she has a panic attack.

When they reached Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport, they could see the line-up of fans from the exit door pane. The crowd was much bigger than they anticipated.

When August saw the crowd, she suddenly felt suffocated and almost panicked.

"Bǎobèi, you gonna be okay?" Wei Long asked, knowing how she feels about cameras flashing across his face.

"I..I will be fine Bǎobèi, khogjongmaseyo," she smiled. This is so important to him, and to her too. She must be strong.

Wei Long squeezed her hand for a second to indicate he was there for her should she need him and let go of it, to walk in front. He hated that he could not even hold her hand at the airport, but this is the price one has to pay for fame. And August never complained, she has been more than supportive and Wei Long was not oblivious of this fact.

Hae-Won held her hand and smiled at her, "Khogjongma, I'm here hmm?"

"Gomawoe eonnie," August smiled. Thank God for Hae-Won, who's been so supportive and caring. In fact, she's more like a big sister to Wei Long and August.