THE PERFECT TWIN

Chapter 3: You and me makes a we

The next day was a full day of work and when it was almost five, Xiaozhan called Yibo.

Yibo, don't forget we gotta pick up your brother from the airport.

"Ohh is it that time already?"

"Yes. So I'll pick you up now?"

Xiaozhan had the car.  Yibo preferred motorbike. He disliked driving cars on local routes that has many traffic lights. He did not have that kind of patience. On those times he drove, he was no stranger to speeding tickets. Xiaozhan decided that if he wanted to ride a car he would always drive instead. It was safer and hazard free as well. However, when there's a luggage at hand or another person coming along they had to use Zhan's car.

"Umm.. Listen Zhanzhan, sorry but can you pick up my brother by yourself? I can't leave work right now. Something came up."

"Huhh? what came up?"

"Urgh one of the client's car came in and he needed a fix up for tomorrow's race. It was a last minute thing sorry."

"Can't you ask the others to do it?"

What was he thinking once again? It would be awkward for Xiaozhan since he had never met Yibo's brother before.

"Come on Zhanzhan we're swamped with work, ZhangWei is on sick leave, Wenhan is out of town. No one else is supervising the work. I have to be here."

"But your brother doesn't know me.."

"You'll recognize him. We're identical twins, except of course I'm more handsome. Soft chuckle could be heard from the other end of the line."

Identical twins.... Xiaozhan became more nervous at the reminder. He had known it for a while of the existence of the twin brother.  A few times Xiaozhan even joked he could hardly imagine two identical Yibos side by side. Going by himself?!? What a cumbersome situation. Perhaps he could make an excuse to evade picking him up alone.

"Zhanzhan please???"

As if reading his mind, Yibo appealed to his soft side. Xiaozhan wavered. Maybe if he did him this favour then he would feel he owed him and would not outrightly reject the beach getaway idea. Afterall, Yibo would then owe him a favour.

"I'll make it up to you.."

Sigh.. He was after all his future brother in law and a guest too. It was definitely not polite to let him go home by taxi.

"You sure?"

"Yes, I will! A real man never back down on his words."

Feeling slightly lured in by the promise, Xiaozhan felt his heart softened.

"Fine. But you will be home for dinner right?"

Please be home for dinner. Xiaozhan prayed silently.

"Umm.. about that, you guys eat without me. I'm gonna have to cram work tonight."

"Whatt?!? You're coming back home right? I mean, your brother just came back and all..."

He did not want to be left alone with a stranger in their house.

"I'll try my best Zhanzhan. I'm going back to work now. Bye.."

"Wait.. "

The line was cut off.

"Bye.." Xiaozhan muttered softly even though Yibo could not hear what he said.

Xiaozhan recalled his fiance's occasional all nighters at the workshop. There was one time he did not come home for two days and Zhan was worried and could not concentrate on his work.