Fight ICE with ICE

Cheng Xiao: Sudden News

"Ok! So first, you've got to find your balance."

I've only been out of the hospital for 12 hours, but I promised I would ice skate today.

I actually have a good balance! So I don't think it will be a hard thing.

"I think we should go to the center of the rink. Where I can't grab onto anything. Just let me go and let me try it out!" I suggest.

Mr. Xu looks at me a little unsure, but he eventually decides to try it out. He holds out his hand for me to grab onto.

That's a strange feeling! What is this thing that is moving around in my stomach? It gives me a ticklish feeling... I've only felt this one other time... with Mr. Smith...

I hold his hand and start walking like a baby taking it's first steps.

"Ok, this makes me feel a bit uneasy, but if you think you can do it, I'll trust you." He says with his voice sounding very unsure.

I look at him with a look of pure confidence. I might have never skated before, but it doesn't mean I'm gonna give up so easily.

He let's go of me, and for a moment he looks like he is regretting letting me go. But he stands still and let's me try it out.

I stand in the ice for a moment and start trying to take baby steps. I take one step, then two, then three, then I keep on going.

I take small steps until I almost trip. Mr. Xu immediately skates towards me, cursing under his breath, except that it's loud enough that I can hear it.

"Miss Xiao, I'd prefer if we just go around the rink and try skating that way."

I smile at him and agree. He is clenching his teeth but smiling so brightly that who knows how mad he actually is.

He takes me to the entrance of the rink, and we start from there. Slowly but surely, I get the hang of it.

30 minutes later, I'm skating without holding his hand. Still very choppy movements, but I can get around. Kind of.

Cheng Xiao, how do you manage to do all of this? You're the best.

I get a bit too excited though, because I lose my balance. In the heat of trying to not fall, Mr. Xu tries to catch me. I end up grabbing his arm only to pull him down with me.

We both hit the ice pretty hard, but as far as I know, no injuries. Mr. Xu's team quickly enter the rink and start helping us up, and checking for any injuries we could have gotten.

"I'm fine, but I think we should get a rest, don't you think?" He looks at me chuckling at both of us falling.

The thought of finally resting for a bit makes me agree. We sit in a comfortable silence until someone comes running into the room. It's the same guy that almost kicked the door open at the hospital. Mr... Gu? I barely remember anymore.

He runs up to Mr. Xu and whispers in his ear.

Are they hiding something from me? Could they have gotten new information about me?

"Miss Xiao!"

Mr. Xu's voice interrupt my thoughts. He must've called me more than once because everyone is looking at me.

"Sorry for yelling Miss Xiao, do you know Mr. Smith? I'll be very happy to inform you that he is going to be arriving soon. Unfortunately, we don't have much information on this. All we know, is that he is coming to... protect you? I hope it's nothing dangerous, but your father told us to tell you this."

I quickly start thinking about why dad would send Mr. Smith.

Is dad onto me again? Is he still trying to get us together? I mean, I like him, but I'd prefer to take my time. Did he tell Mr. Smith why he's sending him here? I hope that nothing is wrong! Mr. Smith is like a right hand man to dad. He wouldn't send him unless there is something serious going on.

"Miss Xiao? Do you know him?"

I come back to reality.

"Huh? Oh uhh yea! I know him." I smile but then I get the idea.

"Hey... by any chance, did my dad say why he's coming?"

Mr. Xu turns back to Mr. Gu, and he just shrugs.

"I got no idea Miss! The only thing your father told me was that Mr. Smith was arriving soon in 4 days. That he is coming to China so that he can protect you, from someone I'm guessing. But that's where I start to question, who are you getting protected from?"

I look down at the floor.

I don't know who! I only know, I'm in trouble again. I don't want to wake up in a hospital a third time. What happened to me that night, has scarred me beyond repair. All the bruises... they were way too painful to look at. I just hope that whatever Mr. Smith is protecting me from, doesn't harm me.

• AUTHOR'S NOTE

Hai peeps! How r u? Im hope u guys are doing well! I wrote this chapter just in time for release. Im back to trying to keep on pre-writing. I hope I can make it. Well! Thats all for today :) cya next week 👋🏻 baiii