It took Xu Mey a long while to make Ye Jun understand the reason behind Jun Li Na not giving out her number. There were two reasons; first, she loved her fiance a lot more than Xu Mey could understand and second, Jun Li Na was an only daughter of a family that was deeply tied to the underworld.
"Take my advice and forget about Li Na." Xu Mey tried to convince him.
"Is her fiance so great that I can't possibly compete with him?" Ye Jun was feeling indignant.
"That I don't know."Xu Mey replied calmly.
"You're her best friend. How do you not know?" Ye Jun was suspicious. It felt odd that a best friend didn't know about her other best friend's fiance.
"I never met him."
"Why not? She's your best friend."
"I never met him because I was never interested." Xu Mey took a pause and seeing the confusion on Ye Jun's face, she continued. "Jun Li Na was my neighbor and that's how we became friends. But when I was 8, I was sent to boarding school. I got distant to her but I still was in contact with her. We lost contact when I was 12 and... *cough* Anyways, I didn't have a way to contact her for a while. Later I met Jun Li Na during the last year of college and by that time, she was already engaged to someone. I never asked because I don't like asking and she didn't tell. Maybe she thought I was not interested in knowing him which I definitely wasn't."
She took a deep breath after explaining everything in the shortest version possible. Ye Jun was focused on the story but Ye Jie only noticed that small pause with a cough. She avoided saying something and Ye Jie had a nagging feeling that it wasn't as simple as losing contact for some small reason.
What do you want to hide so badly, dear wife?
Ye Jun was downhearted. He obediently took the medicine and went to his room to get some rest. Xu Mey and Ye Jie both had the dinner together after freshening up. The maid that Ye Jun sent away in the morning came back and made a lavish meal. There were cheesy shrimp spring rolls, beef fried rice, hoisin roast asparagus, Egg drop soup along with almond crescent cookies.
As much as it was a feast for the eyes, it was much better in taste. Xu Mey ate with content and Ye Jie was alighted to see her happy face thoroughly enjoying the meal.
The discussion during the dinner was very casual. Like Ye Jie asked: "How was your day?"
Xu Mey replied: "It was okay. And yours?"
Ye Jie: "Mine was really good as usual. It got better with that mysterious note in my coat."
Xu Mey's chopsticks stopped mid-air. She gave him a side glance. "Mysterious note?" She was planning on pretending to know nothing.
Ye Jie: "Forget it. There was something like that." He realized how she wasn't an open person and decided to play the ignorant game.
After the harmonious dinner, Ye Jie went to his study to work on the project he had to leave mid-way because of Ye Jun. Xu Mey couldn't do much during the day at the office and decided to make up for it herself.
When she was about to open the wooden door of her own home-office, her gaze fell on a red envelope with a single daisy flower above it. She arched her body to pick them up from the floor. She looked around with confusion and shrugged her shoulder nonchalantly.
She brought both things in the office and placed them on the table while reclining on her leather chair. She held the envelope between her fingers as she played with it while her gaze was stuck on the daisy. After much contemplation, she opened the envelope and took out the note inside. She could smell the faint scent of cherry blossoms on the note.
"My Dear Wife, Xu Mey,
Although the way you answered was really an archaic way. But I loved it. It gave me the feeling that I was important enough for you to take the effort to write an answer. So, I chose that same archaic way to say my piece.
You're right. Time doesn't matter. Moments do. And I'll feel honored to be a part of your worthwhile moments.
I already figured that you're not good with words. And it doesn't matter to me. I know my limits.
What I don't know is you. And what I want to know is you and only you.
Do you know what a daisy flower represent in flower language? It means innocence, loyalty, and purity. It is exactly like your nature. You're innocent when it comes to love. You are loyal and anyone can tell from your relationship with your friends. And purity is something that is written all over your face. You seem so pure that even I'm scared that I might taint you with a single touch.
You must have read this poem of Christy Ann Martine:
'Shed your insecurities
and reveal yourself to me
so I can see each Imperfection,
cherish every flaw,
get to know you
from the inside out,
for my love is raw.'
Daisy is usually given between friends to keep a secret and to never unfold that secret.
I'm giving this daisy to my wife. It's a promise that all our imperfections, flaws will stay between us. I want to know you inside out no matter how much time it takes and I'll let you see everything that I am without hiding anything.
All you have to do is stand by my side and I assure you, I'll be standing right by your side as well. Let's start this relationship with being friends. Hope that will bring some comfort to you.
Your one and only husband, Ye Jie A.K.A Your Mr. Rain."
Xu Mey might not have known before what effect her note had on Ye Jie but after reading his words, she had no way to avoid the reality. Whether he was a smooth talker or not, only time can tell. For now, I can give you a chance.