Granting You A Second Life

Li Xiuying and Ren Daiyu had just finished watching the film. Ren Daiyu stretched her arms above her head.

Ren Daiyu: "I haven't watched that film in ages; I had forgotten how good it was."

Li Xiuying: "Ice cream?"

Ren Daiyu: "One scoop of strawberry please."

Li Xiuying walked to the kitchen.

Ren Daiyu was fl.i.c.k.i.n.g through the channels in search of something to watch; when her phone started vibrating on the table.

She leaned forehead and picked up her phone. She looked curiously at her phone screen; it was a message from a number she didn't recognise.

This surprised Ren Daiyu because this was her personal line; she had changed her phone number straight after her break up and only her family had this number.

Ren Daiyu opened the message and read: 'Daiyu, this is Chong Honghui. Our father's thought it would be a good idea for us to try and date. I believe you have an acceptable background and an adequate appearance hence I'm willing to give you a chance. I've booked a table at Yuèliàng for 7 pm next Friday. Be on time, dress appropriately and try not to douse yourself in perfume and smother your face in makeup.'

Ren Daiyu quirked a brow and snorted as she read the message. 'Who the hell was this caveman?'

Li Xiuying returned with two bowls of ice cream. She handed one bowl to Ren Daiyu and sat back down in her seat.

Ren Daiyu said in a sarcastic tone: "Well my blind date has just informed me that I have been granted the wonderful opportunity to date him as well as a set of guidelines concerning my adequate appearance." She turned her phone screen towards Li Xiuying.

Li Xiuying looked at the screen: "Narcissistic personality disorder?"

Ren Daiyu looked confused: "Is that a thing?"

Li Xiuying nodded: "DSM V published by the American Psychiatrist Association."

Ren Daiyu: "He probably does have a personality disorder, but I favor the diagnosis of A**hole. What was my dad thinking? I can't believe he would set me up like this." She shook her head as she thought about how her dad her arranged this blind date.

Ren Daiyu ate a spoonful of ice cream.

Li Xiuying: "Who is he?"

Ren Daiyu sighed: "He's the son of my father's best friend. He comes from a long line of lawyers and Judges. I think he went abroad after he graduated for a few years to practice law. The last time I saw him is when we were 16; but from childhood until the end of high school my family and his would get together once a month for a meal. At that time he was just as arrogant and stuck up but he always put on a humble appearance in front of all the elders like butter wouldn't melt. He was especially courteous, shy, quiet and respectful around my dad. Chong Honghui is a typical white lotus. Is there a male version of white lotus?"

Li Xiuying thought for a moment, and then shrugged her shoulders a little: "Equality. Why now?"

Ren Daiyu: "He's probably recently returned to Beijing to work for his father's law firm. Our dad's had always made subtle comments when we were children, about us getting married. If they want to be family so much, why don't they just get married to each other! Why must they force me?!"

Li Xiuying found Ren Daiyu's animated appearance amusing and thought it would be fun to tease her a little.

Li Xiuying smirked a little: "Bigamy is illegal. You're currently single with an adequate appearance."

Ren Daiyu spoke with an aggrieved appearance: "How can you tease me at a time like this?!"

She wanted to pinch Li Xiuying's cheek, but didn't. She had notice Li Xiuying stiffen earlier at the restaurant when she had leaned in closer to look at the menu. So instead she picked up a cushion and gently threw it at Li Xiuying.

Li Xiuying caught the cushion and placed it behind her back.

Ren Daiyu finished her ice cream. She then spoke with an evil glint in her eyes: "I'm going to head home. I need to have a few words with daddy dearest." She picked up her purse and walked towards the foyer.

Li Xiuying rose from her chair and followed behind Ren Daiyu.

Ren Daiyu put on her boots and opened the front door.

She turned whilst she was half way out of the door; "YingYing don't forget, shopping trip on Thursday. I'll pick you up from here at 4. Bye bye."

Li Xiuying had a small depreciating smile on her face at being called YingYing.

I guess that nickname is here to stay.

Li Xiuying closed the door and made sure it was locked.

Li Xiuying went back into the living room; she picked up her briefcase that was on the floor at the side of the sofa and grabbed her phone from the coffee table. She then walked to her bedroom.

Li Xiuying opened her briefcase at her desk and took out the A4 envelope. She placed the envelope on her desk and closed her briefcase.

She picked up her phone and she sent a message to Ren Daiyu: 'Home?'

Li Xiuying wanted to make sure Ren Daiyu made it home safely.

Li Xiuying took out a set of panda print pj's from her wardrobe and proceeded to the bathroom to take a shower.

30 minutes had passed when Li Xiuying exited the shower. She dried herself off, moisturized and got dressed.

Li Xiuying grabbed the A4 Envelope from the desk and then got into bed. She slowly opened the envelope and took out the large stack of papers.

Li Xiuying found herself staring into the eyes of a soulless demon. The first page of the report was a head shot of dragon tattoo.