Reborn: The Return of the Villainous Mr. Liu

Shui felt a layer of heat spreading across her neck, tingling it crimson with the proximity. "...I was just t-teasing you."

He sneered. "I don't think so."

"Cute is a compliment, you know?"

"I would rather prefer the handsome adjective," he snorted.

"Why do I need to tell you that though? I already know you are handsome. But more people should learn of your cute-"

Jin threw a warning glare to her side, cutting her off mid-sentence. He pinched her chin slightly upwards and narrowed his eyes. "Is Ai brainwashing you?"

Her hands were mildly trembling at their place. Her eyelashes fluttered gently that made her unable to look into the depths of his jet black eyes. That small action was enough to bring a small tremor to Jin's lips. Their merry banter flew out of the window and he stared at Shui with a gaze that held a million of jumbling thoughts.

The thought of Shui and Yuze coming together for the party.

The thought of Yuze introducing Shui to his world as if there was something special between them.

The thought of Yuze asking her for a dance.

The thought of Yuze holding her as they had danced.

The thought of Shui slipping away from his hands…

He lived six years in Paris exactly to make peace with the fact that Shui would no longer be his. Despite knowing her feelings, he refused to explain anything to her and left for a distant land where he hoped the memories wouldn't haunt him.

Yet…

Yet when he saw Shui for the first time in six years, it was so easy for the warm memories to flood back.

But he had a promise to uphold. A promise that protected his brother's family and happiness.

A jolt spread through him as the reminder of the promise cruelly splashed icy water on this little moment between them. Shui caught the little realization that struck him that immediately put a huge wall between them yet again.

It was the same anguish she had seen in his eyes in Guangzhou during their business trip.

The anguish that not only hurt but which pained Shui too…

As the realization of the current situation dawned upon her, she quickly took a step back. "I-I forgot I had something to do. I will take my leave. Call me if Ai needs any help…"

He stiffened.

Seeing her escape brought forth a feeling as if something paralyzed his arms and legs. He bit his lip hard, cursing himself in all the languages he knew.

It was Jin's decision to stay away from Shui, yet at times he acted in a way that was as confusing as giving mixed signals. And the last thing Shui needed was him to play around with her heart.

Fuck, fuck, fuck!! Get it together, you stupid idiot!

He punched his first in the wall, breathing hard. His skin scraped against the wall and bruises formed on it, but he didn't care about the pain. On one side, Yuze and his closeness with Shui irritated him immensely and on the other side he was well aware of the fact that he didn't have any right to feel that way in the first place.

I have already let go of her…I have already…

From his back, Ai was secretly peeking out through a narrow slit of the door. She had witnessed the entire exchange between them and for a moment, her heart burst with joy thinking that there was hope.

But every time they would take a small step ahead, something would force Jin to take two steps back. She clenched the door knob, a small tear forming on her eyelash.

Ai couldn't see Jin and Shui so miserable like this. He loved Shui. He was in pain because he couldn't do anything about it. The only choice he gave himself was to bear the grief.

Fate cannot be so cruel, Jin. Don't lose heart because I know…I just know that your story would never end in tragedy!

—

Shui ran until she returned to the party, breathless and exhausted. The washroom wasn't that far from the main party hall, yet Shui felt incredibly tired.

Get it together, Shui…

"Shui!"

Yuze rushed towards her, concerned. "What's wrong? You look pale."

"Ah, no. I am fine…"

He frowned, not looking convinced. "Are you sure? Should I drop you home?"

She shook her head. "I am fine. Really."

He sighed. "If you say so. How is Zhou Ai?"

"I think she is okay too. The usual pregnancy symptoms," Shui rubbed her neck slightly, feeling parched. "I will go get a drink. Feeling really thirsty."

"Wait here. I will bring something for you. You look tired," he smiled.

As he left, Shui leaned against the wall, staring vacantly at the people enjoying the party.

"Here."

Her daze broke as she saw a glass saw offered to her. She turned and saw that it was Alix.

"Hey. You are still here. I thought you would have already run off."

Alix smiled. "I wouldn't run away so early. The party has just started."

"I think it's close to ending."

"I mean, the real party."

"Real?" Shui furrowed her brows but she was too lethargic to play her word games. "Thanks for the drink but Yuze is already bringing one for me."

"So?" She shrugged. "Have both. Will your stomach burst if you had two drinks?"

Her brow twitched. She sighed and took the glass. "Thanks."

She took several sips in succession and felt relief wash over her throat. "Ah that felt nice…"

"Much better than being trapped between Liu Jin's arms?"

She stiffened. "You…"

"I was heading my way to the washroom but then I saw you two. And then I had this really cool intuition that I shouldn't disturb you two," she chuckled.

"No-Nothing happened! We were just talking."

"That is what is so saddening for you, right? Talking but no kissing," she smiled.

"You…"

"Hey," Yuze returned with a drink and was surprised to see Alix. He saw Shui's face flushed and asked, "What's wrong? Wait, toh already have a drink."

Shui pushed it back in Alix's hands and glared at her. "I don't want it anymore." .net

"Tsk, so petty."

Yuze stared at Alix with squinted eyes but he didn't let it linger for longer. He smiled at Shui. "Here. Your drink."

"Thanks, I think Xiao is calling me," she craned her neck.

Shui threw another glare at Alix and left. Alix didn't bother and was about to leave when Yuze called out. "Wait."

She stopped and turned back, frowning. "What?"

He walked two steps towards her and asked, "Why...Why did you mislead Shui about your confession? You said you rejected me but that is not true. Why did you lie to Shui?"