Chapter 34 – We Belong In Different Worlds (5)

Aunty Lian had Yu Duo’s luggage all packed up the next morning.

“Madam, you take a look at what I have packed for you and see if I missed anything.”

Aunty Lian has great attention to details and had thought of everything, from skin care products to clothing to miscellaneous items, they were all laid out in a very organized and easy to locate fashion.

“Thank you, Aunty Lian, I think this is good.”

Truth be told, Yu Duo didn’t want to bring anything with her except for the credit card. Clothes, purses, skin care products, she could buy them all as long as she has money.

“Good, I am glad to hear that. I’ll have the chauffeur take you to the airport after lunch? Oh, right,” Aunty Lian seemed to have recalled something and sighed, “Ah Chi said he will be over for lunch today. When Master was still around, Ah Chi almost dine with Master every day. Now that Master was gone, Ah Chi only comes every once so often.”

“Ah Chi has a lot to take care of at work, that’s why he hasn’t been over a lot. Aunty Lian, since Ah Chi will be joining us for lunch, be sure to make a few of his favorite dishes.”

“Okay, I will.”

***

Ah Chi arrived around noon.

Aunty Lian had a table full of food to welcome Ah Chi, as though he was her own son, “Ah Chi, you haven’t been over to eat with us for a while. Now that you are here, I have made a few of your favorite dishes. Sit, sit. Try some of them.”

Ah Chi gave Yu Duo an awkward look and wouldn’t look her in her eyes, “Work at the office has been quite busy so I haven’t been able to come over for lunch. When I free up in a couple of days, I will come every day for your cooking.”

“That works, but Madam will be leaving on a trip starting today. From now on, it will just be the two of us...”

“A trip?” Ah Chi looked at Yu Duo dumbfounded.

Yu Duo smiled and said, “Yes, I want a change of scenery.”

Ah Chi immediately asked, “Who are you going with?”

“I don’t need to go with anyone. I just want to go alone.”

Ah Chi frowned and put down his bowl and chopsticks, “No! I won’t let you!”

Yu Duo was surprised. She looked up at Ah Chi.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The air was awkward, and Aunty Lian nudged Ah Chi and chided him a little, “What are you talking about?”

Ah Chi seemed to have recollected himself. His face was beet red as he said to Yu Duo, “Sister-in-law, I apologize. That’s not what I meant. What I was trying to say is that it wasn’t safe for you to travel on your own. If you must go, I will go with you. I will protect you!”

Ah Chi going with her?

Whenever Yu Duo recalled Ah Chi’s behavior that day in front of Fu Sinian’s grave, she would still shiver.

If Ah Chi ever finds out her true colors, that wouldn’t end well.

Yu Duo smiled tenderly, “I know what you meant, but don’t worry. I am an adult and I won’t go anywhere it’s dangerous. I can protect myself. Speaking of, I am a few years older than you. I’d be the one protecting you.”

“But you are a girl, and you...”

Yu Duo interrupted him, “So what if I am a girl? I can speak fluent English. Checking into hotels and visiting all the tourist spots are quite safe.”

Ah Chi still didn’t feel right about it.

Yu Dou put down her bowl and chopsticks, “Your big brother had promised me that he’d take me traveling after his work lightens up. Now that he was gone, I just wanted to go on a trip with your big brother. It’d be like fulfilling his promise for me. What would it be like if you are to come with?”

“But....”

“Alright, Ah Chi, don’t worry. I will take care of myself. If anything happens, I will let you know right away. And I will also check in with Aunty Lian every day. Okay?” Yu Duo looked at Ah Chi eagerly. Her limpid eyes filled with sincerity.

Ah Chi looked down. He was mad at himself for not being able to come up with any words to rebuke Yu Duo’s. Reluctantly he gave in, “When are you leaving?”