Kindred Souls (Wei Wu Xian "X" Lan Wang Ji)

Pride and Apologies

Xiao Zhan's POV:

"Something's up with you?" Alden observes. I choose to ignore the question and act as if I am engrossed into my notes.

He sighs. He knows my nature, if I don't want to talk about something, he can't make me.

"Where's Yibo, wasn't he supposed to join us for lunch?" At that, I freeze and he notices. So this smart ass does know how to make me react. Darn.

When I don't look up, he continues. He knows I am listening to him. "To be honest, he's very different from what I heard from my family". Ah my ears perk at that.

"They have met Yibo's elder brother at various occasions. They said he is humble and very polite. Yibo..." Alden stops and now that it has perked my curiosity, I peek at him and find him grinning.

My pride. Darn. I smile sweetly at him encouraging him to continue.

He laughs at that " Yibo, is quite different from what my brother has informed me. He's very private. He does not attend much of the social functions, thus has seldom photos. He's always away from the media and the people in their circle. Yibo does not like to be touched, so I knew he won't shake hands with me". I stare at Alden.

Doesn't liked to be touched? Then what the heck were we doing today? Don't go there Xiao Zhan!!!

"No one knows much about his, other than the fact that one day he decided to leave everything and go to Seoul and just like that he's back" Alden continues "As far as anyone knows anything about him, brother told me, the only one he's close to, is his older brother, other than him, he has no one" Alden ponders a little bit and concludes "I don't think I have ever heard of him even dating anyone. He's a true mystery".

"Zhan Zhan, it's marvellous that, you're now a part of his world. No one knows anything about Yibo and that's why today's meeting with him was strange"

"Strange?" I finally question.

"He, looked comfortable with you" Alden did observe us closely. Not wanting to think more on that I asked further "Is that why, you didn't shake his hand?". He nods "He doesn't like to be touched".

Hmmm

"Alright I need to leave, I have my classes. Give my regards to Yibo and hope to catch up with you two soon" with that Alden bids his farewell and I am left to my thoughts.

---
I reach Cloud Recess, without Yibo. I wasn't sure if I had to wait for him. And anyways meeting him so soon would have been awkward to the core.

This place is so huge, it still makes me uncomfortable. I always believed in modest living, this is way to extravagant for a person who practically owns nothing.

Wandering around, I am lost in thought and time, and realise it's dinner time, when the old uncle from before calls for my attention.

Walking into the dining area, I see brother Xi Chen and bow respectfully.

"Zhan, I hope you're comfortable here?"

"Yes, thank you very much"

"Alright then" he gives me a kind smile.

I am just about to take a sip of my water, when the plight of all my existence arrives. As usual he respectfully bows down to both of us and takes his seat.

We all begin to eat.

Is it only me or is it really hot in here. Awkward.

There's a moment in front of me, which catches my eye and I nearly spit out all the food. I start wheezing.