When Crossbow Meets Blade

Chapter 24

"Natalia?"

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Zilong's POV

Ohhh shit. Oh shit oh shit shit shit shit.

Why the hell is Natalia here?! Wasnt she on a mission earlier? And what does she want from Ling?? Didnt he already turn her down?!

I saw them stare at each other like they just met. Wanwan, being the newbie, looked around confusingly. Crap, how am I gonna explain this to her...?

Before I could bring Ling back, he and Natalia were in their own conversation. He looked uncomfortable though.

Just then, I felt a tug on my sleeve. "Uhm, this is... Natalia? Who is she?" Wanwan asked me. I could tell she was trying to cover up her sadness with that look of curiosity, but it failed.

"I... um... maybe you should ask Ling personally.." I replied. Seriously, how am I supposed to tell her Ling was Natalia's crush and that she'd confessed to him before?! And yea, he turned her down, but its still awkward...

And thats not the only reason we're uncomfortable with her around. If I remember correctly, she tried to kill any other women who dared to go near him... and I'm worried she hasnt changed.

Despite what I said, Wanwan skipped towards Natalia, a smile on her face. "Hi there! I'm Wanwan! You must be Ling's friend!" she extended an arm towards her,  expecting a handshake.

A faint 'tch' escaped from Baxia's lips. Good thing Chang'e was still asleep, I dont want her to wake up and see this mess.

I restrained myself from bursting of anger as I stared at Natalia, waiting for her to return the handshake. She only stared at Wanwan's hand, as if she hated her. Wanwan got the message and hesitantly pulled her hand back, her expression sad. God, help me.

Before things could get any tense, Baxia came in. "Sorry, but we we should be on our way." he said it rather sternly. I've... never seen him this serious before..

Before anyone could answer, he turned around and walked ahead, Chang'e still sleeping on his shoulder.  I followed behind him. followe by Ling. Wanwan only stood there, and she seemed to be in a hushed conversation with Natalia.

"Gosh, what does she want now?!" I said under my breath and I stopped walking and waited for Wanwan. I couldnt hear what they were saying, but her expression was enough.

Wanwan's face grew rather tense and uneasy... and fear. She fidgeted with her fingers uncomfortably, and she looked terribly shocked.

I cant take this anymore. I walked up to Natalia and placed a hand on her shoulder. 

"Like what Baxia said. We have to go. Now." I said to her, giving her the obvious hint we dont wanna converse with her anymore. She shrugged my hand and walked away, disappearing in sight. As soon as she was gone, I turned to Wanwan. Her eyes were blank, no expression whatsoever.

"Hey. What were you talking about-"

"Its nothing! Can we just go back now?!" She swatted my hand away and walked past me, her shoulders brushing against mine rather harshly. Fuck Natalia.

I turned around and saw that everyone was waiting for the both of us. As Wanwan walked towards Ling, he went to her and asked her something, thought they were out of my hearing range. Wanwan only quickly stepped back and stared at him, hatred in her eyes. She shook her head and walked on.

The way back to the HQ was silent. No one said a word, not after what just happened. I realised Ling was staring at Wanwan the whole time, trying to figure out what was wrong with her. She only looked straight ahead and ignored him, not a single smile on her usual cheerful face.

Third Person POV

As soon as they got back, Wanwan immediately made her way to her room, closing the door shut and not talking to anyone. Zilong got Chang'e off Baxia's shoulder and carried her to her room, not waking her up. Baxia went to the bath, and Ling only stood in the living room, silent.

"I already told her no. And she still had the nerve to ask me out." He said, turning to Zilong

Zilong hesitated as he looked for words. "But didnt you already make it obvious you dont want to? And shouldnt your first concern be Wanwan? Didnt you see her reaction just now?!" the words slipped out of his mouth, growing louder as he spoke.

Zilong pointed my finger at Ling. "You have to tell her sooner or later. If not, a huge misunderstanding will come."

Ling looked at him in confusion. He looked at the ground and only nodded, walking away. Seriously, Zilong doesnt like how her appearance could change the entire mood. He hated her for that.

Ling was heading to his room, but stopped once he was infront of Wanwan's door. He was debating if he should tell her now or later. He stood rooted to the ground, his mind going back and forth.

Just then, he heard her say from the inside. "Please go away. We'll talk tomorrow."

"Wanwan, look. I-"

"I dont want to hear it now. Just... please." 

He sighed as he made his way to his room, flopping down on his bed. He needed to clear his mind.

Before falling asleep, both Wanwan and Ling asked themselves silently,

"Why are feelings so complicated?"