The Inconceivable Flame: A Fallen Angel“s Disguise

When Xiao Zhiren swore that he won’t touch Ru, he was most definitely kidding with only himself. His self-control was always thrown out the window when Ru was involved. How could he resist it? He just couldn’t bring himself to have any restraint around her whatsoever!

After that moment of deja vu had passed, both of them were wearing somber looks as they left the hospital. Ru was the one to drive again as she let him rest in the passenger seat. She noticed he was awfully quiet as he kept his eyes trained on the scenery outside the window.

But Xiao Zhiren couldn’t tell her that he was guilty. That deja vu moment made him hate himself even more. He actually said something like that for another girl? Other than his little chili he really didn’t like seeing someone smile with others? Why didn’t it make sense? At least, not to his stubborn heart who was stuck on the stubborn person sitting in the same closed car unaware of the fact that he was awfully affected by her presence.

As they reach their condominium building, Ru helped him to his apartment. "You should rest. No work is allowed. Doctor’s instructions." Ru ordered while he silently listened. "Aren’t you gonna say anything? Or cat got your tongue?"

Xiao Zhiren stared at her, standing in HIS bedroom all alone with him, with a concerned look in her eyes. Okay! This image was gonna stuck with him. Because his mind had gone blank. He forgot all about that memory he didn’t recognize. All that mattered was the fact that His little chili was in his room and that too for him.

"Aren’t you a medicine practitioner yourself? And I heard a very good one at that. Why did you take me to the hospital then?" Ru was taken aback by the question for two reasons. One, where did this question come from? And second, why the hell didn’t she think of this?

She tapped the tip of her shoes on the floor as she tried to think of an excuse. Hmm. So, why didn’t she just dealt with his illness herself? It wasn’t a big deal anyway.

’Perhaps because you’re too anxious to recall your own talents.’ That unreasonable conscious again! Couldn’t she just strangle her? It won’t hurt anyone.

’Shut up and go back to sleep!’ Ru snapped back.

’Why so early? There is only PG-13 scene going on here. I’m definitely allowed to watch.’ Ru had the urge to smack her head. What was this conscious thinking about? Disgusting!

’You! Just kick the bucket already!’ With a huff, Ru looked at Xiao Zhiren and realized that he had been staring at her all this while. And she was so lost in her own world that she didn’t even realize it at all.

"You! Stop asking questions. The hospital wasn’t far and anyway, this young master’s services are pricey. You won’t be able to afford it." Ru had to make up an excuse right there and then.

"Pricey? So, just like last time, should I pay with my body?" Xiao Zhiren teased her again.

"Oi! You’re courting death!"

"No, love. I’m only courting you. But yes, you’re right. Since you seem to be the death of me. Indirectly, it means I am really courting death." Xiao Zhiren said in all honesty.

"Zhiren, where do you come up with these?"

"What?"

"This cringe-worthy talking? Are you taking a special course or is it God gifted?"

"Hmm... I think I was born with this talent. But I only realized it after you came to my life." Xiao Zhiren replied with a cheeky smile as he leaned his head against the headboard.

"You seem healthy enough to flirt. I should take my leave then." Ru turned to leave and he cried out.

"Wait! Why are you always running? It’s hard to catch up in my weak state. Just stay. What if my condition relapsed?"

Ignoring the first part of his speech, she realized the last part was correct. His condition could really relapse. Haiz! When did she turn into a caring person?

"I’ll stay. But no funny business." She warned him with a glare and Xiao Zhiren raised his hands defensively.

"Wouldn’t dare," was his short reply.

He was content with staring at Ru as she roamed around in his room looking at the abstract arts. She seemed deeply immersed in the paintings.

His phone’s ring disturbed his beautiful view. "What?" he snapped at the caller.

"Woah! Buddy, woke up on the wrong side of the bed or something?" The playful voice from the other end made Xiao Zhiren roll his eyes.

"Adrian, why are you calling?" Xiao Zhiren asked in a leveled-tone this time.

"Why do I feel like you’re trying to get rid of me? Is someone with you?" Adrian’s curiosity got the best of him. And as he heard an affirmative sound from Xiao Zhiren, he added, "Am I disturbing?" Xiao Zhiren again gave an affirmative sound. "Wow! Is it my future sister-in-law?"

That ’sister-in-law’ sounded so good to hear. And the feeling it brought was even more welcoming. It was like Xiao Zhiren could claim that Ru was his and his alone.

"It most certainly is." He replied with a smile tugging at his lips. Ru obviously had no interest in eavesdropping. So, she walked out of the room to give him privacy.

"Oh My! Finally! I really was having doubt in your sexual orientation. But now that I know you swing the right way, I’m very happy for you." Adrian said excitedly not caring that his words were making Xiao Zhiren angry.

"Adrian, how come you remembered to call me?" Xiao Zhiren rephrased his earlier question.

"Oh, right. I have to tell you something. I’m coming to China in a few days. You better welcome me." Adrian spoke jubilantly and continued, "Also, I heard your brother is in Europe."

"Yuan is indeed there. Why?" Xiao Zhiren asked not knowing how did Adrian find out about this. "How do you even know that?"

"He’s under Lord Alev Knight’s protection. Who in the who Europe didn’t get the memo? It was like a bolt out of the blue knowing that Knight Empires specially trained warriors were sent to protect a group of youngsters. And when I dug deeper. It turned out, it’s your brother. I didn’t know you were on such good terms with Alev Knight." Adrian kept talking non-stop without even waiting for any reply from the other side.

However, Xiao Zhiren was also very confused. Why would Alev Knight send his men to protect my brother? It didn’t make sense. Unless...

His gaze darkened while his face hardened at that possibility.

"Send me the details of when you’re arriving. I’ll see you then. Bye for now."

"Okay, bye. Enjoy your time with my future sister-in-law."

After hanging up the phone, he went out of the room to look for Ru and found her cutting some fruits for him in the living room. She even cut the apples in a rabbit shape like he was a kid. But the gesture was loving.

Xiao Zhiren shook his head. Remember why you came to talk. Focus!

"Did you ask Alev Knight to protect Yuan?" He asked.

Ru barely gave him a fleeting glance and focused back on cutting the fruit as she said, "Why are you out of bed? And even if I did what’s the big deal? If I rule the place, I can do whatever I want."

"You rule the place?" Xiao Zhiren’s brows quirked up.

"I mean... Alev rules there and I told you. There is no difference between his and mine. We are practically like one. So, I can use him however I want." Ru replied without giving it much thought. Or without considering the vinegar volcano that was about to burst out behind her.

She was about to pass by his side when he held her hand and pushed her against the wall pinning her down. "I remember you still owe me a favor." He started with a clenched jaw.

"I do remember," Ru replied not even trying to escape from his grip. Why? It felt so bloody natural!

The pending favor was when he saved her from a car accident on the road. It wasn’t a big deal but she had still offered to give him a blank promise.

"Have you thought of what you want?" She asked.

Gazing into her green eyes, he said, "I have."

"What do you want from me?" She inquired curiously.

"You." The word so naturally rolled out of his tongue that Ru was left dumbstruck. "I want you." He repeated for confirmation.