Chapter Text
They immediately started carrying out their plan by learning about each other’s lives and studying how to mimic each other’s mannerisms. With this, they realized just how different they’ve been living their whole life and how excited they both are to meet the other half of the parents that brought them to this world.
“I have volleyball practice every weekend, plus a cooking lesson with Papi almost every day — Oh, I know you’d love this. You’ll get to taste heaven, A-Shui! Papi is the best cook I swear!” Mei Feng shook Shui Mei by her shoulders, shaking her out of excitement.
“Since you’ve been taught by our Papi, I think you won’t have a problem cooking for Daddy. I sometimes try cooking for him but I know deep inside he’s still longing for Papi’s food,” Shui Mei sighed, remembering all those times He Xuan would sometimes look as if he’s in deep thought while they were eating. It was as if he’s remembering something through the food he was eating or something. Now she knows what it is.
“I felt that with Papi too. He always tells me ‘The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.’ and whenever I ask him whose stomach and heart he was able to capture, he’ll just smile then go back to cooking. Now I know why his reaction is like that,” Mei Feng shared. “I can already imagine Papi and Daddy being all lovey-dovey in the kitchen, oh my god, A-Shui. That would be a good prompt for a new novel!”
Shui Mei didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Have you forgotten? Daddy only writes novels with sad endings.”
The other grinned at her mischievously. “Don’t worry, sis. After this plan works out, Black Water Sinking Ships will sail his own ship again, I promise you.”
“Uhh, A-Feng, that smile is kinda creepy.”
🍗🍃
“Do you really have to cut my hair and chop off my bangs?” Shui Mei nervously asked the other who’s holding a pair of scissors they borrowed at the cafeteria.
Mei Feng rolled her eyes. “I really thought you’re smart. Turns out we’re both idiots, A-Shui. Do you expect Papi to not freak out when he finds his daughter’s hair grew several inches in just a span of two weeks? He’ll be like ‘Oh, Little Fairy, you got magic shampoo there at camp?’”
Shui Mei groaned and just accepted her fate. “Okay, okay. Just do it properly.”
“Here we go,” Mei Feng breathed heavily.
“Don’t close your eyes!”
“I’m freaking out too, okay!”
🍗🍃
“Shui Mei, this is Xie Lian shushu and his son, Rouye.”
“You told me it’s a son. Why is it a cat?” Shui Mei asked, looking at the white ball of fluff in the picture.
“That’s his son. Don’t ask me why, okay?”
“Wait, go back to Xie Lian shushu’s photo, please.” Shui Mei asked, her brows furrowed, seeming like she remembered something. “I think I’ve seen or heard his name somewhere.”
Mei Feng laughed. “Xie Lian shushu is traveling a lot doing charity work. You might have seen him busking for a cause or maybe doing feeding programs somewhere.”
“He’s really familiar tho.”
“This is Uncle Hua Cheng. He is Daddy’s best friend,” Shui Mei told her twin.
“He’s so handsome.”
“Stop swooning! Uncle Hua Cheng has someone in his heart already. Anyways, Uncle Hua Cheng is kinda sharp and catches things easily. Please be extra careful around him,” Shui Mei explained. “Oh! One more thing! Daddy calls him ‘Debt Collector’ too.”
“Wait wait wait. If he’s a debt collector, why is he best friends with Daddy? Shui Mei, are we going bankrupt soon? Do you want Wudu shushu to help?” Mei Feng panicked and Shui Mei just laughed at her.
“We’re not getting bankrupt, okay,” Shui Mei assured her. “Daddy calls him Debt Collector but in reality, Uncle Hua Cheng is our savior. I don’t know the whole story yet but I think when I was a baby, something big happened. and Uncle Hua Cheng helped Daddy and I settle down,” she reminisced.
Shui Mei remembered that as the darkest pages in her Daddy’s life as what her Uncle Hua Cheng had told her. He Xuan didn’t really tell her about it and Hua Cheng just gave her very, very few details so she doesn’t know everything.
Mei Feng scooted closer to her sister and pulled her in a hug. “You and Daddy have been through a lot. I wish Papi and I were there for both of you.”
“I’m pretty sure that’s the time when Daddy and Papi went separate ways. I just— what could possibly be the reason why— Wait, who’s Wudu shushu, by the way?”
Mei Feng broke the hug, took her phone again and searched for a picture of her uncle. She showed it to her twin. “He’s Papi’s Ge. He’s mostly away for business trips and some other important things as he said but all I can say is… he’s very overprotective of me and Papi. I almost couldn’t make it here because he thought the camp master’s name was kinda sketchy — Well, it kinda is but you know…”
Shui Mei’s eyes grew wide when she realized something. “Oh my god, what if he’s the reason why Papi and Daddy broke up?”
“No freaking way…”
🍗🍃
Days passed by, Camp Master Pei was very pleased with the way Shui Mei and Mei Feng got closer after they got out of the isolation cabin. They’re totally inseparable.
Little did they know, these two were busy formulating their plan to meet their parents. After two weeks, they were both ready to go home.
“Ready, A-Shui?”
Shui Mei exhaled. “Ready and excited, A-Feng.”
They hugged each other tightly. “See you again soon, sis.”
“Give Papi lots of warm hugs okay?”
“Don’t let Daddy get nasty stiff necks from writing too much too, hmm?”
🍗🍃
Mei Feng was welcomed by He Xuan who’s waiting for her at the port. She excitedly ran to him and enveloped him into a bone-crushing, nine years worth of hug.
He Xuan is so handsome, Mei Feng inwardly thought and approved of her Papi’s taste in men. His eyes are as beautiful and vast as the sea, you could see clearly just how deep this person is. No wonder he could write amazing stories.
“Daddy! I miss you.” Her eyes started tearing up. “I miss you so much,” she repeatedly told him.
“I miss you too, fishbone.” He Xuan replied as he hugged his daughter tighter. “Two weeks feels like two years.The debt collector has been bothering me for the past few days, I’m so happy you’re back.”
Mei Feng giggled. “I’m so happy to be back too, Daddy.”
“Did you meet new friends at camp? Any injuries? Wounds? Did you have fun?” He Xuan bombarded her with so many questions and she chuckled. So it’s true, he’s really overprotective.
“I met this super wonderful girl at camp, Daddy. She’s super cute, too,” Mei Feng said, making He Xuan smile wider.
“ Aigoo , but you’re the cutest for me.” He Xuan pinched her cheeks.
Mei Feng chuckled. “Okay, Daddy. If that’s what you say.”
“Wait, you cut your hair.” He Xuan said, just noticing how his daughter’s hair became shorter.
“O-oh! Right, you don’t like it?”
There’s something that passed by He Xuan’s eyes as if he remembered something but he quickly dismissed it as he patted Mei Feng’s head. “It suits you very much, little fishbone. Let’s go home? The debt collector cooked for you.”
Mei Feng loves this day so much...
🍗🍃
Shui Mei safely arrived in Puqi. She was welcomed by Shi Qingxuan, smiling widely at her, carrying a huge placard.
‘WELCOME HOME, LITTLE FAIRY!’
She smiled wide, a bit teary-eyed and ran towards him. Her Papi lifted her up and twirled her around happily. She never imagined she would be able to finally meet the other half of her parents. Shi Qingxuan is just like how Mei Feng had described him. He had a smile that could light up the whole airport, his hugs were warm, it made her tear up and most importantly, he was like the gentle breeze wrapping him up. This must be a dream...
“I miss you so much, A-Feng~”
“I miss you too, Papi.”
“You kept your promise to me, right?”
Shui Mei looked at him, puzzled.
“The ‘No Pranks ’ deal!”
The little girl just laughed. She suddenly remembered what her twin sister did. Well, if not for that prank, she won’t get to meet his Papi. She secretly grinned, reminiscing everything they went through in the camp.
“I’m sorry, Papi. I actually pranked someone.” She saw Shi Qingxuan’s smile falter. “But!”
Shi Qingxuan swept her bangs away from her face. He really missed his daughter so much. Two weeks felt like two years to him. “But?”
“I made a new friend because of that. And we’re really super close now,” Shui Mei reassured that made her Papi smile again.
“That’s my girl.” Qingxuan kissed Shui Mei’s cheek that made the latter giggle. “What do you want to eat?”
“Kettle ramen!” She happily exclaimed.
“Really, A-Feng? All the menus in the world and you want kettle ramen from your Papi?” Shui Mei nodded enthusiastically, making Shi Qingxuan laugh. He took Shui Mei’s hand and happily said, “Alright, I’ll cook your favorite kettle ramen, A-Feng. Let’s go~”
This is one of the best days ever…
🍗🍃
Except for some times where they’re almost caught, their plan is going smoothly these days.
They get to discover and know more about their dads. Nine years is quite a very long time. There was a lot to catch up on.
However, Shi Mei Feng is not a patient girl. She waited for the perfect time (when He Xuan was already sleeping) to call her twin sister for their plan.
“How’s the situation over there?”
“Papi taught me how to cook. This is so fun, A-Feng!” Shui Mei happily exclaimed. Upon remembering she was supposed to keep her voice down, she hushed and tried to calm herself down. “I’m sorry, I’m just a little excited. How about there?”
“Daddy was shocked I was able to recognize his characters. I’m sorry, sis, I just can’t calm myself down and I was carried away when he talked about working on his new novel. I got too excited and almost spilled my character study of his characters— I mean, do you not talk to him about those?” Mei Feng inquired.
“Of course we do! But I don’t usually swoon about his books because he thinks I’m still too young to be reading his novels.” There’s a sudden panic in Shui Mei’s voice. “Oh my god, did he get mad?”
“Nope. I told him I secretly reads his books and he just giggled and told me I’m already growing up — Oh! Oh! Also! I cooked him kettle ramen… and he—”
“He what?”
“He teared up and asked me where I learned it from. I just told him I learned it from camp.”
Shui Mei gasped. “Oh my god, I’m more than sure now kettle ramen has something to do with our dads, A-Feng.”
“No one’s suspicious of you over there, right?” Mei Feng asked, slightly nervous they might be caught.
It took a bit longer for Shui Mei to answer. “Hmm… I think none. But… Xie Lian shushu went here yesterday and he was confused Rouye couldn’t recognize me—”
With the mention of Xie Lian and Rouye, Mei Feng’s voice raised a bit louder. “What?! Xie Lian shushu was there? Oh my god, he catches on things fast.”
“Papi just told him maybe it’s because Rouye was away for a long time and he forgot about my scent. But you don’t know how nervous I was, A-Feng.” Shui Mei said, nervousness still evident in his voice.
With that, Mei Feng came to a conclusion. “A-Shui, let’s carry out our plan,” she whispered.
“How? I don’t think it would help if I would ask directly about Daddy. I heard Xie Lian shushu and Papi talking and they mentioned something like ‘him-who-can’t-be-mentioned’ and my instincts tell me it’s Daddy.” Shui Mei sighed. They just want their parents to get back together. Would it really be this hard?
Mei Feng spoke after a minute. “Anyways, I got a plan. It seems like Daddy was looking for inspiration for his next novel.”
Shui Mei hummed. “Yes, he told me about that too— Oh wait! Are we going to suggest—”
Mei Feng smiled triumphantly. “Bingo.”
“For the nth time, I’m proud to be your twin, Shi Mei Feng.”
“Be sure to cook Papi’s new recipe for me when we meet again, He Shui Mei,” Mei Feng replied.
And so, they planned their next step, bid goodbye and ended their call. Mei Feng was feeling a bit thirsty so before going to bed, she decided to go out of her room to drink some water.
However, when she opened her door, she almost screamed when she saw Hua Cheng standing in front of her door, one hand holding a glass of milk.
“Uncle Hua Cheng! What are you doing here? You scared me,” Mei Feng exclaimed, holding his chest because of shock.
The other just smiled mysteriously. “I’m just passing by, don’t mind me.” Their Uncle Hua Cheng’s room was next to their Daddy’s. So, what Shui Mei said about this uncle practically living here at their house is true even if their Daddy always says that Uncle Hua Cheng got a bigger house of his own.
With that, Mei Feng turned to leave but she was stopped when Uncle Hua Cheng spoke again. “How did you know Gege ?”
Mei Feng stopped on her tracks and looked at the other, confused. “Who?”
Hua Cheng’s brows furrowed, it seemed like he was trying to assess Mei Feng or something. Then, after a while, his expression lightened. “Oh, I just thought I heard you say Xie Lian gege’ s name.”
Mei Feng’s eyes widened. How did Uncle Hua Cheng know Xie Lian shushu. And he calls him gege ? But most importantly, just how much did Uncle Hua Cheng hear? Oh shit! But nevertheless, Mei Feng tried to compose herself. “I— You must have misheard something Uncle Hua Cheng. I don’t know who that is.”
I’m sorry, Xie Lian shushu. I love you but I must pretend not to know you...
Mei Feng laughed then turned to leave again and get her water. She became more thirsty from nervousness. She was just two steps away when Hua Cheng spoke again.
“Oh, Xiao Shui.”
“Y-Yes, Uncle?”
“Where are you going?”
“Uhh, I’m thirsty. I need to drink water or milk or whatever… Hahahaha ha ha ha.” She laughed nervously.
“Oh, I see.” Hua Cheng said. Just when Mei Feng thought he would let her go, he added, “Since when were you able to overcome your fear of waking up in the middle of the night to drink water?”
Oh shit shit shit…
🍗🍃
“Oh my god, so you were saying… Xie Lian shushu is Uncle Hua Cheng’s childhood crush?”
Shui Mei hummed from the other line. “From what he told me, he and Daddy were orphans. They were raised in Tonglu Orphanage. There’s this charity organization who was always visiting them and Uncle Hua Cheng grew a crush on one of the kid volunteers. He even promised him that he’d marry him someday. But one day, the organization stopped going to the orphanage and they lost contact. He was still trying to find that gege he was always talking about.”
Mei Feng gasped. She was amazed at how everything seems like it’s really connected with that red string of fate she had read on one of their Daddy’s works. “This is fate. This is how fate works, A-Shui! Wow, this is such a small world!”
“I’m so happy for Uncle Hua Cheng. I just realized this is why Xie Lian shushu’s name sounds too familiar when you first told me about him,” Shui Mei realized.
“So now, the good news is… Uncle Hua Cheng promised not to tell Dad I am not you. I also assured him you’re doing well there. He was actually surprised that we really are so alike and that we were able to come up with this plan.” Mei Feng remembered her talks with Uncle Hua Cheng after she got caught.
“Have you asked him about Daddy and Papi? Did he tell you the reason why they broke up?” Mei Feng almost laughed at the way Shui Mei’s voice got higher because of excitement.
“Unfortunately, no. Uncle Hua Cheng told me he won’t interfere with what we were planning but he can’t tell us anything because he promised Daddy to keep everything a secret to us.” Mei Feng sighed.
Shui Mei tried to console her sister. “That’s okay. Uncle Hua Cheng is really like that. Once he makes a promise, no matter what the circumstance is, he would do anything to fulfill that. Let’s just proceed with our plan.”
🍗🍃
The next day, Mei Feng waited for her Daddy to finish his professor duties. She tugged him to the kitchen and let him taste the stew she made for him. Her heart was warm when He Xuan smiled after tasting her food.
“Xiao Shui, ever since you went home from camp your cooking skills have improved,” He Xuan said as he patted his daughter’s head.
“Actually… the friend I made in camp… the one I was telling you about taught me everything,” Mei Feng prompted. She’s crossing her fingers her Daddy takes the bait.
“Oh, really? I would love to meet this friend of yours.” And she succeeded...
Mei Feng smiled victoriously as she continued, “Actually, her dad runs this restaurant in Puqi. I was thinking maybe we could go visit her? I mean… it’s hitting two birds with one stone, Daddy. You’re looking for inspiration for your next novel, right? How about a chef this time?”
Shui Mei told Mei Feng that He Xuan usually goes on trips to look for inspiration and to do research for his novels. There are things that are not simply found on the internet so He Xuan, as an author, made it a habit to go to different places and watch or observe things through his own eyes.
He Xuan hummed as he continued eating his food. He seemed to be in deep thought thinking about what Mei Feng had said. “Sounds good to me.”
Mei Feng squealed as she hugged her Daddy’s neck. “Thank you, Daddy! I swear you’d never regret this.”
“Are you that excited to meet this friend of yours again?” He Xuan asked. This is the first time he saw his child this excited over something. Ever since she came back from camp, he noticed that his daughter has been more energetic than before. It seems like… something shifted or something. Hua Cheng’s right. Letting her attend the camp is truly a good idea. He’s also excited to meet the friend Shui Mei had been talking about all day.
Mei Feng hugged He Xuan tighter and said, “I’m sure you’ll love her as much as I did, Daddy.”
Mission accomplished...
🍗🍃
On the other side, Shui Mei excitedly waited outside of Papi's office. She spent the whole day in their restaurant, trying to help out her Papi. Ever since she came home from camp, she didn’t want to be away from her Papi. So even though she was an introvert, she tried hard to help out to the best of her abilities just so she could tag along with her Papi whom she missed for nine years. She just hoped her Papi didn’t notice her awkwardness sometimes.
When she saw Qingxuan coming out of his office, she immediately ran to him and took his hand.
“Did you wait for too long, little fairy? Did you have a good time today?” Shi Qingxuan asked.
Shui Mei hummed. “I’m always happy when I’m with you, Papi.”
Shi Qingxuan laughed. “You’re overly excited before but you’re not this clingy. Did you miss me that much when you went to camp?”
Shui Mei nodded enthusiastically. “I missed you so much.” If only her Papi knew, she waited for nine years to be with him…
“Maybe I should thank your friend. I think she influenced you a lot. I’d like to cook for her someday,” Qingxuan suggested and Shui Mei’s ears perked up.
“Actually, Papi…” She went in front of Qingxuan. “My friend and her Dad are coming here in Puqi for a trip. She told me her Daddy would like to meet me too so I think you’d be able to cook for her sooner.”
“Oh my god, that’s great! Have them visit our restaurant or maybe tell them to come to our house. I would love to meet that friend of yours, little fairy,” Shi Qingxuan said excitedly. He really likes meeting new people. He was already planning the menu and Shui Mei’s heart was already jumping from excitement.
Qingxuan booped Shui Mei’s nose and the little girl wrapped her hands around her Papi’s neck. “I love you, Papi.”
“I love you too, little fairy.”
Mission accomplished…
🍗🍃
The twin giggled triumphantly over the phone, already seeing the success of their plan. The day after tomorrow, He Xuan and Mei Feng were set to fly all the way to Puqi to meet the friend she made at camp and for He Xuan to find his inspiration for his next book.
“I’m excited to see you again, A-Feng~”
“I’m excited to see you too, A-Shui~”
“Do you think they’ll make up?” Shui Mei asked, she couldn’t help but doubt. Out of the two of them, she’s the one who’s on the realistic side having been raised by He Xuan. “I mean, we didn’t even know why they broke up… what if it’s beyond repair? I don’t think I want to be separated from you and Papi again.”
Mei Feng heaved a deep sigh. “Let’s trust the process. Daddy had said in one of his books, ‘wretched beginning, wretched end’ but I believe that what our parents started isn't wretched. So we’ll make this work, okay? Fate works…” She tried reassuring her sister but in reality she was kind of nervous too. Nevertheless, they wouldn’t know the outcome if they wouldn’t try, right?
And so, the most anticipated day came. He Xuan and Mei Feng flew all the way to Puqi. Mei Feng gave him the address of the restaurant where they would meet with her friend.
They arrived at the restaurant as they were led to one of the VIP rooms. One of the staff looked at Mei Feng as if they saw a ghost. Of course, how could their boss’s kid look like she has a twin? He Xuan looked at them, confused. So Mei Feng distracted him and tugged him to the room immediately.
“Daddy, I’m just going to the washroom,” Mei Feng told He Xuan and she exited the room.
He Xuan sat down and patiently waited. He was sipping on his water when the door of the VIP room opened.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting, the traffic is kinda heavy. Mei Feng just went to the washroom—”
The person who entered made He Xuan’s eyes widen in surprise. Well, the latter was not any better. He had the same shock written on his face when he saw who was waiting for him inside the room.
“Ming-xiong...”
The other looked at the newly-arrived person like he just saw a ghost and he quickly stood up.
“Qingxuan.”
The twin’s parents stared at each other in horror when they saw each other after nine years. Nine years...
“W-What are you doing here?” Shi Qingxuan asked, his voice laced with pain to which made He Xuan flinch.
“I should be the one asking.”
“This is— This is my restaurant and I’m—” Shi Qingxuan cleared his throat. “—I was supposed to meet with my daughter’s friend here— Wait, are you?” He asked, still denying reality.
He Xuan frustratedly ran his fingers through his hair that almost made the other swoon if not for the absurdity of this situation. “Don’t tell me—” He Xuan asked, mirroring the look of horror in Shi Qingxuan’s eyes.
That’s the cue for the twins to enter. The two men gazed at the door, their mouths agape.
“Shui Mei?”
“Mei Feng?”
Shi Qingxuan and He Xuan looked at each other and started to tear up. Seeing their twins together is the last thing they expected to see at this very moment.
“Why—Why are you two together? So, you two met— And what’s with those matching clothes?” He Xuan asked, feeling many things all at once. At that moment, he didn’t know what to feel. He was just overwhelmed at everything that’s happening.
Shi Qingxuan slowly walked towards them. He fell on his knees as he hugged his two daughters. “You two grew up so well,” he cried. “Oh my god, am I dreaming?”
He Xuan was crying too. He was both confused and hurt but seeing his two bundles of joy together tugged his heartstrings.
“Papi, Daddy, we’re sorry but we need to do this. We actually switched places for a few weeks,” Mei Feng explained.
“So...are you saying?” Shi Qingxuan glanced at He Xuan, puzzled.
“Yes, the one with you in Puqi is Shui Mei while the one with Daddy is Mei Feng,” Shui Mei enlightened their parents.
“So, that explains why you’re suddenly cooking a loy for me these days,” He Xuan realized.
“And that’s why Rouye did not recognize you,” Shi Qingxuan finally got it.
They both nodded. “Anyways, we did this for our family.”
“How can you do this to us?” It was He Xuan’s turn to hug both of them now, tears still streaming down his face.
“We want our family to be complete, Daddy. Can’t you just...get back together?” one of them asked.
Shi Qingxuan quickly wiped his tears, and suddenly snapped back to reality. After the joy of seeing his children together, when he met his gaze with He Xuan, his heart hurt. Everything… Everything in the past flashed like broken tapes inside his head. “I’m sorry, little fairies, but things are over for us.”
It was the same for He Xuan. He was overjoyed but he knew things were just… some things are just not meant to be. He knew that better than anyone else. “I’m sorry for cutting this short but He Shui Mei, we have to go back to Fu Gu now.”
The twins looked at each other and they just smiled naughtily at their parents. Of course they have a backup plan. They won’t lose easily like that. “I’m afraid you won’t be able to do that, Papi, Daddy.”
“What do you mean?” He Xuan asked the twins, brows furrowed.
“Can you even recognize who’s who between us?” The twins crossed their arms simultaneously.
He Xuan and Shi Qingxuan looked at each other, their jaws dropped. Truly, they really made an effort just so they would look 100% like each other today, even their clothes and shoes are the same.
“Shi Mei Feng, enough with the pranks.” Shi Qingxuan grabbed one of the kids’ hand.
“Are you sure I’m Mei Feng, Papi? I’m afraid you might take the wrong kid with you. Daddy here will be lonely,” one of the twins said.
“He Shui Mei!”
“Shi Mei Feng!”
He Xuan and Shi Qingxuan each took a kid’s hand and was about to take them away when the twins both exclaimed, “You called the wrong name!”
They were both taken aback. How can their kids be this smart? They didn’t know if they would laugh or cry.
“Finish what you came here for, Daddy,” the other added. “And we’ll reveal who’s who after.”
Shi Qingxuan and He Xuan had no choice but to agree. This whole thing was ridiculous. Things were awkward but the twins are determined. They were confident that no old flames will be rekindled, so they just tried to remain as civil as possible.
It was the second day when He Xuan agreed for him to stay at Shi Qingxuan’s house too. He misses the twins and it’s really a hassle to meet up with them because of Shi Qingxuan’s schedule managing the restaurant and some of the company matters.
It’s funny how he came here to search for inspiration for his next novel. Who would’ve known the person he would be observing and getting nspirations from would be his ex-husband. There’s really a funny thing about fate. Fate? Or should he say, his daughters’ trap.
He misses the twins . Yes, the twins. No one else. He Xuan tried convincing himself as he kept on stealing glances at the chef.
The atmosphere was really awkward and it’s been long since he had seen Shi Qingxuan cooking. He noticed that the latter was wearing no ring. So, he’s still single…
The interior of Shi Qingxuan’s house screams bachelor and he’s wondering if Qingxuan ever took someone here after they divorced.
“You still look the same, Ming-xiong.” He was startled and snapped back to reality when Qingxuan spoke.
“T-Thank you,” He Xuan was taken aback when he heard what Qingxuan called him. It’s been a long time… “You too.” He Xuan bit his lip. “You still call me that name.”
Shi Qingxuan flushed after being caught. Calling the person in front of him Ming-xiong is a habit he can’t get over with no matter how much he tried. Of all the things that He Xuan will notice, it has to be that. “Uhh, old habits die hard. I’m sorry. I guess you changed your name back to your real name now, right?”
Silence passed before He Xuan answered, “You can keep calling me that .”
Shi Qingxuan and He Xuan met in Fu Gu when they were in college. He Xuan was not the name he was using when they met. As soon as He Xuan was adopted, his adoptive parents changed his name to Ming Yi. It was after all that happened that he changed his name back to He Xuan.
They started out being friends. Shi Qingxuan was a Culinary Arts major while He Xuan was a Literature Major.
Shi Qingxuan remembered how he used to scold the other when they’re together because he has this habit of staying in front of his laptop all day without proper sleep and healthy foods. That’s when he started bringing him foods that he personally cooked.
That’s where everything started, Shi Qingxuan thinks. Truly, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.
With He Xuan’s personality, it was really hard being friends with him. He doesn’t open up with anyone that easily and he just… likes being alone. However, Sh Qingxuan is a persistent one. He proclaims to everyone that they’re best friends. Even came up with that ‘Ming-xiong ’ nickname for him. Slowly, he didn’t notice he was not just opening up to the other. He was slowly falling in love with him too...
Shi Qingxuan shook his head when he caught himself smiling when memories flashbacked in his mind.
He Xuan, on the other hand, was also distracted. He was praying hard Shi Qingxuan won’t notice the blush on his face. To divert his attention away from his ex-husband, he turned his back on the chef then opened his laptop to start writing down notes.
“By the way, what do you want to eat for—”
Their jaws dropped open when they saw the desktop wallpaper of He Xuan’s laptop.
It’s their wedding photo. Shi Qingxuan has his arm wrapped on He Xuan’s shoulder as he was smiling brightly at the camera while He Xuan was looking at him like he hang the stars. Who would’ve thought that after a year, everything will be a mess and they’d rip this photo into two.
“He Shui Mei, Shi Mei Feng!”
The two girls just giggled and hi-fived each other from outside the kitchen. It’s another win for them again.
Shi Qingxuan and He Xuan just awkwardly stared at the photo. They both didn’t know what to say. It’s been a long time since they saw this whole. They look so… happy.
“We look so happy there,” Shi Qingxuan bitterly said.
He Xuan froze and stopped clicking his mouse. He’s scrambling to immediately change the photo but he froze when he heard what Shi Qingxuan said. “Yeah. Good old days.”
“Guess we never really know what the future awaits. Hahaha ha ha,” Shi Qingxuan chuckled nervously.
A habit He Xuan knows the other does when he’s nervous so he just forced a smile. “I think you’re right.”
“Hahahahaha the kids told me you still write and that your stories are famous now. I’ve always known you would make it someday,” Shi Qingxuan wanted to smack his own mouth. Why is he such a blabbermouth?
He Xuan’s face felt warm because of that. Ever since, it’s Qingxuan who has been pushing him to continue writing even if everyone around him discourages him that he won’t have a better life following the path of his passion. Hearing those words makes him assured that the path he chose was the right and the best one…
However, a certain memory flashed through his mind. “I’m also a Literature professor. You…” He Xuan took a deep breath. “You and your family don’t have to worry about me raising Shui Mei just fine.”
Knowing where the conversation would go, Qingxuan tried to divert the topic once again. “What’s...your next novel about?”
“It’s about a chef and a struggling author—” He Xuan bit his lower lip. “I mean… uhm… yeah, that’s it.”
“That… sounds familiar.”
🍗🍃
There were several attempts that the twins made to get their parents back together.
There’s this one time, Shi Qingxuan was still showering. He Xuan just woke up and needs to pee. Shui Mei told him someone was in the bathroom on the second floor so he had no choice but to go downstairs for the other bathroom.
The two girls enjoyed the screams their two fathers made when they came face to face with each other.
🍗🍃
“Papi, can you help us open Daddy’s laptop? We’re trying to play Minesweeper,” One of the twins asked Shi Qingxuan.
“What if you just use mine?”
The twins stopped him. “No, no, no. Papi we already have a record in Daddy’s laptop so we need it to be his laptop so… please?” They both pouted. “Also, Daddy wrote us some bedtime stories. We want to read it!”
He Xuan went out to meet with Hua Cheng who just arrived at Puqi (and the twins know why he’s here too). Qingxuan was left in the house together with Shui Mei and Mei Feng.
Shi Qingxuan bit his lower lip. “I don’t know if I could help you with that. Your Daddy doesn't really like it when his things are touched without his permission.”
The twins frowned. “We promise we won’t tell him.” They tugged their Papi’s sleeves. Shui Mei on the right, Mei Feng on the left. “Please, please,” They both pouted even more.
Shi Qingxuan took a deep breath. His daughters are his ultimate weaknesses. “Okay, okay.”
They sneaked into He Xuan’s studio and opened his laptop. “Girls, I don’t really know the password.”
“It’s 0-9-0-6.”
Shi Qingxuan froze. So, He Xuan was still using their birthdate as password? He entered the numbers and it successfully opened.
They share the same birthday in the same year. This is why everyone who knew about them called them soulmates. It’s not just their birth dates that match even their personalities that perfectly complemented each other. They are indeed soulmates…
But… Do soulmates hurt each other too?
“Okay, little fairies, what folder?”
One of the girls pointed to a folder on the upper right corner. There’s a sub-folder inside it. When clicked, there’s another sub-folder and so on.
Shi Qingxuan scratched his head. “Are you really sure, girls?”
The girls nodded at him. When they finally opened it, there’s a folder inside entitled, “SQXIMY”.
When Shi Qingxuan clicked on it, Mei Feng and Shui Mei quickly ran away. “Enjoy reading, Papi!”
He looked at the files inside it.
‘Habit’
‘I’m Going To Find You’
‘All Too Well’
‘Can’t Run Away’
‘A Soulmate Who Wasn’t Meant To Be’
He hesitantly clicked the files. They were all poems… Odes dedicated to him...
Footsteps without a destination
There is no place filled with you
Even in the slightest darkness
Without distinguishing day from night, I used to walk along with you
Through this place where now I am left in alone
When they were still together, He Xuan would write poems to him whenever he’s down. It’s his way of cheering Shi Qingxuan up.
After everything that happened… all those happy and cheerful poems became this painful. Just how much did they hurt each other? Was it really too late to turn back everything and go back to the way they used to?
Until I reach the point in which I long for you
Even if these stacked up memories left as a beautiful love
Dissolve and become the sea
I'll stay here
I won't run away, run away
Until all of your memories are erased
I can't run away...
“I’m sorry. I’m—I’m sorry...” Shi Qingxuan’s sobs echoed inside He Xuan’s room.
🍗🍃
“What are you doing here?”
He Xuan was surprised to see Hua Cheng in Puqi. His friend doesn’t really like going out unless it's a very important business. He has his minions to do everything for him.
Ever since they got separated when they’re both adopted from Tonglu Orphanage, He Xuan didn’t hear from Hua Cheng for so many years. Well, they promised to see each other again but He Xuan thought it’s just children talking. It was when he was at his lowest when Hua Cheng appeared in his life again.
“I just missed you, Black Water,” Hua Cheng said and He Xuan knew better than anyone else that it’s sarcastic. “How’s your house-play with your ex-husband?”
He Xuan gritted his teeth. “You knew about the kids’ plan, right? You’re a traitor!”
The other shrugged. “Well, I kept my promise to you that I won’t tell Xiao Shui about your ex. And I kept my promise to them that I would keep their little secret. So, basically, I’m not a traitor.”
“I wonder what made you keep your mouth shut. I know how protective you are of Xiao Shui too. Things like that, you’ll tell me once you know about it,” He Xuan deduced as he sipped on his beer.
“I found him… ”
He Xuan’s eyes widened. Hua Cheng didn’t need to say a name for the other to know who he was referring to. “You mean… that gege ?”
Hua Cheng glared at him. “Don’t call him gege too, okay? But yes… him. It was all thanks to your kids.”
He Xuan almost choked. “How—How are my girls involved in this?”
Hua Cheng leaned on the armrest of the cushion he was sitting on and grinned. “Well, it was a small world. He was your ex-husband’s friend.”
“What— How come I didn’t know about this—”
“That’s what I want to ask you too.” Hua Cheng drank his drink in one go. “So, who’s the traitor now?”
“A-Xuan has so many friends, okay? And we’re too young when we meet that gege , I don’t even remember his name,” He Xuan defended himself.
Well, it’s true. Only Hua Cheng could keep someone in his heart for that long. Who would’ve thought that he would really be able to meet that first love of his…
“So, what now? Is he still single?”
Hua Cheng shrugged. “I will know tomorrow. I’m actually surprised he still remembers me.” A smile curled on his lips. This time, it’s nothing sarcastic or fake or whatever. It was a sincere smile. Something rarely seen on Hua Cheng’s face. He Xuan couldn’t help but be happy for his friend too.
“Of course he still remembers. You’re that crybaby who always clings to him every time you see him,” He Xuan teased.
Hua Cheng grimaced. “You know who else would become a crybaby after this trip?” He pointed at He Xuan. “You and my poor nieces if you don’t sort out your life choices.”
The other just rolled his eyes as he drank his beer in one go, his chest felt a bit tight with what Hua Cheng said. “Why are you diverting the topic to me?”
“Seriously, Black Water… if it’s worth the fight, fight for it. Running away is not always the solution,” Hua Cheng advised and He Xuan knows he’s right but his heart still feels unsettled.
“You know I never really moved on. You know my heart is still at Fu Gu. But you also know that not everything is as easy as it seems.”
He Xuan had always envied how strong Hua Cheng’s determination to look for someone is… He had always admired the way he patiently waited… while here he was busy hiding… running away…
“There are things better off solved on my own.”
Hua Cheng disagreed. “I’m going to quote one of your books. ‘Two is better than one’ exists for a reason. Two is always greater than one for a purpose, He Sheng. I hope you realize that you don’t always have to solve your problems on your own.” He tapped He Xuan’s shoulder and gave him a genuine smile. Then, he leaned his back on the armrest again then warned, “Now, if you make my cute little nieces cry again, I won’t help you this time.”
🍗🍃
After brushing their teeth, Shui Mei and Mei Feng tugged He Xuan’s and Shi Qingxuan’s hand so they could all sleep inside the master’s bedroom that Shi Qingxuan was not using anymore since He Xuan left. Qingxuan has been sleeping in Mei Feng’s room ever since.
They awkwardly stole glances at each other. Shui Mei and Mei Feng asked them to lie down next to them.
“Daddy, Papi, our special bedtime story.”
He Xuan and Shi Qingxuan tensed. They looked at each other again and immediately looked away. They created this bedtime story together, promising each other that they would read this to their kids as their own personal bedtime story when they grow up.
So… the twins know about this .
“Once upon a time, there was a lonely Earth Master who became friends with the lovely Wind Master...” He Xuan began.
A few sentences after, Shi Qingxuan recited along with him. “They were the top protector of the heavens, protecting kids like you from nightmares…” They still know it by heart…
The story finished and the kids were almost dozing off when one of them asked, “So, did the Earth Master loved the Wind Master more than a friend?”
“Did they live happily ever after?”
Shi Qingxuan looked at He Xuan. He suddenly remembered the poems he found on his laptop. When he saw the other was already staring, they quickly looked away from each other again. “I don’t think—”
“They dream of living happily ever after.”
Shi Qingxuan froze, his heart racing inside his chest as they stared into each other’s eyes. The warmth is still there… It never really disappeared.
The twins slowly dozed off to sleep. Shi Qingxuan and He Xuan kissed their twins’ forehead. They reached for the blanket at the same time and their fingers accidentally brushed each other as they felt electricity run through their fingers.
Clearing their throats, they shyly rubbed th back of their heads.
“I didn’t know you still knew the bedtime story we made,” He Xuan said, not looking at Shi Qingxuan. He was busy playing with Shui Mei’s soft hair.
“What made you think that I’d forget?” Shi Qingxuan answered that made He Xuan’s heart race inside his chest.
“I tried looking for you again a few days after we decided to part ways,” He Xuan admitted.
Shi Qingxuan tried to swallow the huge lump in his throat. He remembered the songs on He Xuan’s laptop.
“But… yeah, they said you already went home to your family’s home right after so I figured—”
Things started going wrong for them after they decided to get married and the twins came to their lives. When they were just a couple, the Shi family was already against their relationship especially when they knew about He Xuan being adopted.
Just a few weeks after they got married, everything started going downhill for He Xuan. His adoptive parents were involved in an accident. Thus, making him an orphan again. The Shi family is one of the wealthiest families in the country and needless to say, having an orphan join their family is someone they don’t want. So, while grieving for his family, He Xuan had to deal with Qingxuan’s family trying to take their son away from him.
Qingxuan and their kids were the only ones left of him and yet, they also wanted to take them away from him.
He Xuan knew just how much Shi Qingxuan loves his family. So, he also knew Qingxuan was torn between choosing him or staying with his family. He knew it was getting hard for him day by day. His world just shattered to pieces and with no one to lean to that time, he just broke down.
Not wanting to let the matters worse than they already were, He Xuan decided to run away on his own, together with their other child. That’s when he seeked help from Hua Cheng. He just… wanted to run away from everything that hurt.
Shi Qingxuan, who was trying his utmost best to be a mediator between his husband and his family, felt the burden and pressure being forced to choose between his parents and his family. So imagine the devastation when he saw the divorce papers signed on his desk by He Xuan. He thought he could handle both. He thought he could hold on to both. So why… Why does He Xuan have to decide on his own?
He was willing to do anything and everything to protect his family but how could he even fight for something when the person you’re trying to hold tighter already let go of your hand?
“I guess, things that aren’t meant to be just have to separate at one point in time,” Shi Qingxuan answered, making He Xuan’s heart break into tiny million pieces.
With a heavy heart, they both fell asleep beside their daughters. When the twins finally made sure that their parents were already sleeping, they sat up and sneaked out of the bed.
Shui Mei carefully took He Xuan’s hand and put it on top of Qingxuan’s. They were shocked when their parents both moved and the next thing they knew, Shi Qingxuan and He Xuan were cuddling each other. Mei Feng smiled as she quickly snapped a photo of them.
“Now, that’s what’s meant to be.” They hi-fived and bumped their butts then went out of the room.
They were awakened the next day by loud screams from the master’s bedroom.
🍗🍃
“Let’s play hide-and-seek, Papi, Daddy!” The two excitedly asked their dads who just side-eyed each other warily.
“Girls, I don’t have time...” He Xuan was about to protest but the twins pouted and he had no choice but to agree.
Shui Mei and Mei Feng’s power is no joke. They got their dads wrapped around their little fingers and they’re both enjoying it.
Mei Feng volunteered to be the seeker. Shui Mei tugged her Daddy’s hand towards the basement.
However, not even a minute later, Shui Mei told He Xuan, “Daddy, I need to poop.” Shui Mei pretended like her stomach hurts as she hurriedly ran outside.
He Xuan was about to go after her but he stopped on his tracks as soon as Shi Qingxuan appeared in front of him, holding a slipper in one hand. “Where’s the cockroach trying to scare my baby?”
Shi Qingxuan gasped when he saw He Xuan there, glued to his spot. He quickly turned around when he realized what his kids did again. But it was too late when both of them heard the door slam shut.
Qingxuan panicked because he knew the door can only be opened from the outside.
“Those two girls, for the love of god,” He Xuan hissed.
“They took after your stubbornness,” Shi Qingxuan pointed out.
“Excuse me? You’re the one who’ll do anything once you set your mind into something,” He Xuan retorted back as they both chuckled, remembering both of their silliness back in the day. “At least, they took after my mind. They are smart kids.”
“But you’re an idiot, Ming-xiong.” Qingxuan cleared his throat. “Oops, I called the wrong name again. Should I call you He-xiong now?”
He Xuan stopped laughing. There’s a palpable silence that hung in the air before he took the courage to speak again. “You’re right, I’m an idiot.”
Shi Qingxuan looked at him and bit his lower lip. “But I guess I’m the more idiot one for not paying you any attention on those times you need me the most. For thinking I could save both of my worlds.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.” He Xuan countered, his eyes started getting red. “I was an idiot for not thinking of your pain. I only looked at mine. I only looked at my own heart hurting.” He heaved a sharp breath trying hard not to let the tears fall. “I was an idiot for running away from everything that hurts… and that included you.” He Xuan had his head on his palms as he sobbed hard. “I’m sorry, Shi Qingxuan.”
Shi Qingxuan is staring at him, tears streaming down his face, too. “I’m sorry for all those hard times that you’re alone. I thought I’m doing things for our family. I didn’t know I was actually ruining things.”
“I’m sorry for running away too, Qingxuan.” He Xuan hugged himself as his sobs got louder, his chest tightened. “Running away from you was the only thing I could think of to save myself. I lost myself in loving you, A-Xuan. I was starting to lose myself when I signed the divorce papers. The last thing I want you to go through was for you to lose your family too just like what happened to me.”
Shi Qingxuan walked towards him to envelop the other into a hug. A hug so tight their chests began to fill the warmth again. A hug they needed the most nine years ago up until now...
“I’m sorry.” They told each other repeatedly as they sobbed into each other’s neck. “I’m sorry.”
He Xuan broke the hug as he cradled Shi Qingxuan’s face with his palms. With tears on their faces, they stared into each other as they realized just how much they missed being held by the other like this. Just how much they missed each other’s warmth. Just how much they missed each other…
He Xuan slowly closed his eyes as he close the gap between his and Qingxuan’s face when suddenly, a phone rang.
It was Shi Qingxuan’s.
As soon as he saw who’s calling, he took a glance at He Xuan before he wiped his own tears and answered the call. “Ge?” He saw something flash in He Xuan’s eyes. Was it fear? Pain? But his attention was diverted when he heard what the person from the other line said. “You’re coming back tomorrow?”
Shi Qingxuan’s heart was broken into tiny million pieces again as he saw He Xuan took a step backward away from him.
🍗🍃
Mei Feng and Shui Mei cried on each other’s shoulders bidding each other goodbye. They thought all their plans worked but maybe… fate was not on their side or it’s just… not working for some reasons or whatever. As soon as their parents went out of the basement, He Xuan declared that they had to go back home right at that instant.
That was the first time Shui Mei saw her Daddy that anxious so she had no choice but to admit that she’s Shui Mei.
“A-Feng~”
“A-Shui~”
It broke He Xuan and Shi Qingxuan’s hearts. But they couldn’t do anything about it. Maybe, some things are really not meant to be… Maybe, some things are losing games even when they try to fight for it.
Shui Mei was silent the whole ride home. She’s still crying thinking of her twin sister and her Papi.
He Xuan held her hand. “I’m sorry, Xiao Shui.”
Shui Mei snuggled closer to him as they both sobbed harder on each other’s arms.
They finally arrived at their house after a long ride. Shui Mei went straight to her room. It was still the same the way she remembers it except for the fact that Mei Feng organized her things and left some volleyball tutorials, telling her they should be able to play that when they see each other again.
“That brat.”
He Xuan looked at her, feeling sorry. Kids shouldn’t bear the consequences of their parents’ decision but here they are, inflicting the same pain to their children.
I’m sorry I have to run away again...
“Little fishbone, what do you want me to cook for you?”
His daughter looked at him and his heart broke when she started crying again while running towards him for a hug. “I want… kettle ramen, Daddy,” she cried. “I-I want a kettle ramen.”
“I-I’m sorry, Xiao Shui.” He Xuan sobbed as he caressed his daughter’s back. “I’m sorry.”
With a heavy heart, He Xuan tried to cook his daughter kettle ramen. The kettle ramen Shi Qingxuan always cooks for him whenever he’s sad. It was the simplest of the dishes Qingxuan cooked for him but he loved it the most. Because despite the simplicity, everything that he needed was already in it.
Just like his life… all he ever wanted was a simple one with everyone he loves in it. He couldn’t ask for anything more. Why does it seem so hard?
Or is it really?
No, he won't let go of his family again. This time, he would never let anything get in between him and his family. Nine years was enough time hiding and running away. This time, he would be the one to run towards his happiness...
He took his phone and called Hua Cheng. The latter immediately answered the call.
“Took you a bit longer than I expected to realize things," Hua Cheng said. As always, Hua Cheng knows him best. "You don't have to say anything. I would arrange everything. I'd book the earliest flight. You just have to have your heart prepared."
He Xuan couldn't thank Hua Cheng enough. "Thank you, Crimson Rain."
"Be happy, Black Water."
Just when he was about to start tearing up again, the doorbell rang. Shui Mei immediately ran towards the door to open it. Her jaw dropped open when two unexpected persons appeared in front of her when she swung the door open.
“Daddy! Daddy!” She excitedly called He Xuan. “I think you need to cook kettle ramen for four.”
“Xiao Shui, what are you talking about?” He Xuan dropped the packs of ramen he was holding when he saw Shi Qingxuan and Mei Feng standing there on their porch, baggages behind their back.
Shi Qingxuan rubbed his nape. “I realized after you left that I can’t lose you again. I can’t lose you for the second time.”
He Xuan was still shocked and confused. “But-But your brother—”
Shi Qingxuan laughed. “We’re both idiots. My brother has been looking for you to reunite us. He said it was our parents’ last will. For me to be happy again. He found it hard to look for you because you changed your name but he found you and it was meant to be a surprise—” He took his phone and waved it in front of He Xuan. “He was the one who gave me your address.”
He Xuan walked towards them and just stared, his expression unreadable.
“You don’t have to run away again from me, He-xiong,” Shi Qingxuan cried. “You don’t have to—”
“Girls, cover each other’s eyes,” He Xuan interrupted him.
The twins complied as He Xuan quickly pulled Shi Qingxuan into a kiss. The latter pulled them closer together as he wrapped his arms around He Xuan’s neck.
Shi Qingxuan bumped their foreheads together when they pulled apart. “Will you let me go again?”
He Xuan shook his head and planted a kiss on Qingxuan’s forehead. “Dream on.”
The two girls giggled, as they hugged each other. They high-fived each other and bumped their butts as they took a peek.
Shui Mei and Mei Feng’s parent trap: success.