I AM

Chapter 12

"I've kept you waiting, Yunlan. Were you worried about me?" her voice was low but musical and playful. That voice - Shen Wei?!

"Who are you?" Zhao Yunlan was almost afraid to ask.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Yunlan. I am...Zhu Hong."

"Zhu Hong?"

Zhao Yunlan could not contain his shock. This was a definitely feminine personality, as he studied Shen Wei's made up face - the makeup was flawless, his naturally long eyelashes curled. The hair was now shoulder-length - it had to be a wig. The black dress that he wore was quite form-fitting and revealed a slim figure. His posture was also softer, his head slightly tilted to the side, his hands gracefully holding a small purse.

"I hope you like what you see," Zhu Hong said coquettishly. "I didn't have much choice in these stores, and I had to rush to put myself together. It will have to do for now," she added, as she fixed the sleeves of her dress.

"Where are your - er, Shen Wei's clothes? And where did you do all...this? I checked all the shops and I did not see you."

"I'm a quick shopper. I'm so used to having to do this on the run, since obviously Shen Wei does not carry around women's clothing and makeup. If it's empty, I usually use the women's restroom to change, since I don't want to shock you men when I walk out," Zhu Hong laughed behind her hand, on which she had managed to put on a quick coat of fingernail polish. "Shen Wei's things are in there," she gestured to the restrooms. "I will go and pick them up, since YOU should not go in," she said as she walked off, her hips swaying gracefully.

Zhao Yunlan followed her and stopped outside the women's restroom. Although Shen Wei looked like a woman, someone who knew him well could also possibly recognize him. Zhu Jiu! He had to get Shen Wei, er, Zhu Hong out of the hotel and away from him.

Zhu Hong walked out with Shen Wei's clothes and belongings and handed them to Zhao Yunlan, being careful not to drop the glasses.

"Thank you, Zhu Hong," Zhao Yunlan tried to keep his voice even. "Let us go someplace else to talk. I'd like to get to know you better."

"You mean you'd like to get me away from Zhu Jiu, right? We know you watch out for Shen Wei, so I will go with you. Besides, you're very handsome and I've had my eye on you for a while," Zhu Hong smiled as she put her hand on Zhao Yunlan's arm.

Zhao Yunlan had mixed emotions as he led Zhu Hong to the car. The touch was soft, feminine, definitely Zhu Hong's. But the hand was warm, definitely Shen Wei's. Zhu Hong found him attractive? Did Shen Wei also share that feeling? The hand on his arm did not feel unpleasant, but was Zhao Yunlan reacting to Zhu Hong? Or Shen Wei?

"Let's go to a quiet bar where I can have a cocktail and we can talk," she began, looking at her phone. "Vue Bar, Hyatt Hotel. I haven't been out in a long time, and I want to relax, maybe take a dip in their jacuzzi which is supposed to be in the middle of the place. Don't worry, I won't attack you...yet," she added with a giggle as she saw Zhao Yunlan glance nervously at the rear view mirror.

Zhu Hong's voice was playful, and Zhao Yunlan could feel the excitement from the back seat. She said she had not been "out" for a long time, and judging by the way she had disappeared earlier, he sensed he would have to keep her in sight at all times.

They sat in the dimly lit room, at a table facing a beautiful night view of the city. Zhu Hong was not joking about the jacuzzi, which was in back of them, quietly churning out bubbles. He hoped she would not seriously consider going in. It would mean taking off her clothes - Shen Wei's bare male body with a female face...