The Hater and the Player

Chapter 21

| Broken sleeves and a
surprising date! |

Waking up with a blaring alarm clock isn't really the best, waking up when you just got four hours of sleep just tops the cake.

Anyway, I can only will myself to get away from my bed and go to my bathroom. Maybe a bath would help releases my sleepiness though I doubt it will help for the rest of the day.

I applied some makeup to cover my dark eye bags, I can't work looking like I just got broken up.

As I got downstairs, I couldn't even cook some breakfast for my parents and just opted for a coffee. I'll just visit the convenience store today, I don't have any energy left.

After leaving home, I went to the school and tried to get by. Fortunately, my students weren't misbehaving and all of them were a bit understanding. They think I'm a bit under the weather and they're right, just not a bit.

My phone rang so I excused myself to class. It was Ming Chen who called, I wanted to reject it but some unknown force made me answer the call.

"Yes?" A bit stiff and cold, I leaned back to the wall as I waited for him.

"Well... I- uh.."

"I have no time, I'm still in class"

I heard a sigh on the other line before he continued.

"I'm sorry for yesterday...I...I decided to finish the movie first. I also talked to the director and he agreed to cut the scene...yes...I won't do it. I'll make it up to you, I promise that I would court you and I would do that"

I smiled at his promise, my stuff posture suddenly relaxed. I'm just a bit sulky and a bit annoyed at my brother and towards their fight. Then I realized I didn't ask him about yesterday.

"Did my brother hurt you? Did he say something-"

"You're gege is good towards me and no, he didn't punch me. He also told me to take care of you, the two of you have a good relationship with each other, how great is that? I admire your brother, I really do like him and we talked about a lot of things"

I didn't even notice his words and stood agapae with my back against the wall. It felt like my three views had shattered the moment he relayed my brother's words.

I don't know if I should feel grateful or squeamish at him saying that. Ugh! Just imagining him threatening Ming Chen for my sake give goosebumps to my skin.

"Hello? Are you still there Feng-er?"

"I am, um...so...when will you go to work?" Though I'm still a bit uncomfortable at him being away from me, it did relieve me to know he cares for my opinion.

"Actually it'll be on Thursday so I wanted to go on a date with you. Will you go on a date with me tonight?" His voice held anticipation as I grin imagining him biting his red ruby lips in nervousness.

Although I really hate to be away from him, eight years of not seeing him can't compare to that merely six months. Besides, Liu Ying and Wei Xiu will arrive here tonight so I have some company with me, so I decided.

"Yes, I'll go on a date with you"

...

School ended and I was stopped by Shu Jian, she already have this knowing smile on her face and I feel a bit suspicious at her.

I still can't forget how much she loves to pretend to be like an innocent kid when behind that she schemes her way. Though I'm a bit grateful for her, it doesn't settle well on me that she's the same species as her brother, though a bit more shameless than him.

"Good afternoon Teacher Feng, my brother is waiting for you"

"Oh, um...thanks"

"No need to be so shy Teacher Feng, it's normal for the two of you to act like Mandarin ducks who couldn't wait to get home"

I automatically blushed at her words, she didn't even flinch saying that. Ugh! Ming Chen, what are you teaching to your sister?!

"L-Lead the way"

She smiled and walk to the gate of the school, fortunately, there are only small amount of students and some have already left the school grounds.

I saw a familiar car and from then on, my feet started to brisk walk. Shu Jian opened the car and as I went in, I was scoop by his cold hands and snuggled close to his side. I was almost stuck to him like a piece of candy.

"Feng-er, finally" then he kissed me on the lips before I pound on his chest.

"You rogue! There's still Shu Jian in here-"

"Carry on, just treat me as an ornament here" Shu Jian dryly replied before Ming Chen shamelessly snuck a kiss on my lips.

This two siblings, one is too shameless to act like a hooligan and the other is shameless enough to stay composed after a dog food attack.

I can only clear my throat and ask him about our destination. He looked at me with a sticky glaze of sweetness before saying.

"Let's not say it less my little sister becomes more polluted"

Wha- what does he mean?

Then my phone buzzed and received a notification, I didn't have the time to ask him when I saw the post on Weibo.

#MingChenInLove
#FinallyExposed
#CutSleeved

It was a picture of two men drinking on a very familiar diner. It was dim yet you can see the silhouette of the two. They appeared to be close to each other and is both sporting a gentle smile on their eyes.

The word 'cut sleeve' were plastered on the post with bold red letters and I couldn't help but look at his blackened face. I mean how could he not? He was misunderstood for having a relationship with my brother.

Great.

Notes:

• Three views stand for view/ conception of life, world and values. When one shocks you or changes your perception of the three views it means it's a very shocking thing or situation for you.
• In traditional Chinese culture, mandarin ducks are believed to be lifelong couples, unlike other species of ducks. Hence they are regarded as a symbol of conjugal affection and fidelity.
• Cutting sleeves, first appeared in the Han dynasty and is widely used today as a euphemism for a gay relationship.

***
Hi people! How are you today?! I hope you have a great day today. Is the chapter a bit boring? Sorry if it felt like a filler chapter, I'll try my best for tomorrow's chapter hm?

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