Chapter Text
Shui Mei is not like any girls around her age. While everyone is busy exploring different stuff outside, she enjoys her free time diligently doing her homeworks or burying her nose in a really good book her Daddy wrote for her. Like the silent and calm water, she’s a quiet but a nice kid who grew up a bit more mature than her age.
He Xuan adores his daughter very much. She’s everything a father could ever ask for. While working as an author and a Literature teacher, he’s often busy with finding the right words and inspiration for his books and teaching college kids who want to have a brighter future finishing their degree but he also makes sure that Shui Mei grows up with him giving her all the love, warmth and protection.
Well, emphasis on protection.
He’s overprotective of his little fishbone. So, when Shui Mei’s school told him that there will be a summer camp in Fu Gu that she needs to attend, he freaked out.
“Xiao Shui, should I go with you?” he asked his daughter, concerned.
That place is… He Xuan sighed. He knows dwelling on the matters from nine years ago will not do anything good to him and his daughter but at the back of his mind, he’s still worried. That place reminds him of everything...
The girl chuckled, wrinkling her nose before she walked towards her Daddy then wrapped her arms around his neck. “Daddy, it’s perfectly safe. I’ll just be gone for two weeks. It’s not that long,” she reassured him.
He Xuan shook his head, still worried about the fact that his daughter will go back to that… town. Patting Shui Mei’s head, he tried to conceal the concern on his face. He knows his daughter would be able to see through him. Shui Mei is a smart kid, a sensible one on top of that. She would definitely know if something’s up. “But, it’s the first time you’ll be separated from me for that long. Maybe, I should call your teacher. I’ll ask her if I could accompany you.”
Hua Cheng, who’s been listening to the father and daughter exchange since earlier, stood up then crossed his arms. “Stop freaking out, He Xuan. My niece is a smart kid. I’m sure she’ll be fine. Right, Xiao Shui?” He ruffled the kid’s hair.
“I know. It’s just that...You know that—” He Xuan bit his lip, swallowing the words he wasn’t supposed to say in front of his daughter. He turned to Shui Mei and looked at his kid’s green eyes. It’s full of anticipation.
He Xuan isn’t that cruel to crush those hopeful eyes. He’s just like any dad who’s a fool for his daughter. Sighing in resignation, he said, “Okay. Can you pinky promise Daddy that you’ll be safe there?”
Shui Mei smiled widely, her bunched up cheeks showing. It instantly reminded He Xuan of someone.
“Pinky promise!”
After making sure Shui Mei was already sleeping, He Xuan tucked her into the blanket then went out of the room, only to see Hua Cheng, the bastard, waiting for him outside.
“Don’t you have a house?” He Xuan groaned. This bastard who coincidentally is his best friend too, got a huge mansion all on his own. So he couldn’t understand why he likes hanging out here in their humble home.
“Don’t worry. The day I busied myself with my own love life, I won’t come here anymore.”
He Xuan groaned then started putting Shui Mei’s books on the shelves. He couldn’t help but think about the summer camp again.
“I thought you’d already decided to let her go to the camp?”
As always, Hua Cheng knows him too much.
Sighing, He Xuan sat on the couch.
“Xiao Shui is growing up. You can’t keep her under your wings forever.”
He Xuan smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes. “She’s the only one left to me. Can you blame me?”
With a sympathetic smile, Hua Cheng put a hand on his shoulder. “Everything will be alright, okay?”
He Xuan chose to believe that...
🍗🍃
It works the other way for Mei Feng, who’s raised in Puqi with her Papi who allows her to discover the world. She often goes home with wrinkled clothes, with mud stains on it and she also grew up athletic. She’s overly energetic and shuts up only when sleeping. Like a gentle wind, she’s a likeable kid who’s a good friend to everyone.
Shi Qingxuan loves his daughter more than anything in this universe. She’s a bit stubborn, a personality Qingxuan knew she inherited from a certain someone , but she is a good kid. While working on new recipes in the food chain company and restaurant business he and his brother runs, Shi Qingxuan made sure that he gives his daughter love, warmth and freedom.
Mei Feng excitedly waved a piece of paper in front of her Papi who just finished plating a new recipe he made for their updated menu.
“Papi, guess who’s going to Fu Gu next week.”
Okay, freedom. But when Shi Qingxuan heard Fu Gu, he freaked out. He didn’t even notice he almost spilled his coffee on his stew. Thankfully, Mei Feng grabbed the cup in no time. This kid sure has a fast reflex.
“Fu Gu?” Shi Qingxuan gulped nervously. That place... “Why in Fu Gu?”
“Papi, our teacher already told you about this, right? It’s that summer camp I attend every year,” Mei Feng said, excitement evident in her pretty, green eyes.
“B-But.. I didn’t know it’s in Fu Gu this time.” Shi Qingxuan’s brows furrowed. Just the mention of that place makes his heart pound, his mind taking him back to many moments of the past. “I’m sorry, little fairy . Let me ask Xie Lian shúshu first.” He stood up, then went outside the kitchen, a bit far away from where he left Mei Feng, then he dialled his best friend’s number.
“A-Lian, do you know where him-who-can’t-be-mentioned is living right now?”
“Him-who-can't-be-mentioned? You mean… your ex—?”
“Hush.” Shi Qingxuan rolled his eyes. Xie Lian is his good friend from college who witnessed it all . He wonders who Xie Lian is spending his time with nowadays. It seems like he became more oblivious than he previously was. “Thank you for mentioning him,” he said, his foot impatiently tapping the floor as he stole glances at Mei Feng who’s playing with her phone by the kitchen counter.
The other just laughed. “It’s been nine years, Qingxuan. You have to move on,” Xie Lian sighed. “I haven’t heard from him. Why?”
“Mei Feng is going to Fu Gu,” Shi Qingxuan said, biting his fingernails, a habit he does whenever he’s nervous about something.
“What? Why?” The guy on the other line is shocked too.
“Summer camp,” Shi Qingxuan sighed.
There’s a long pause before Xie Lian spoke again, his voice comforting. “A-Xuan, Fu Gu may be small when seen on the map but it’s quite big. It’s not like Ming Yi would know that your daughter is going there right now. Just let her go. My goddaughter is anticipating that summer camp every year,” Xie Lian tried convincing the other. This time, he mentioned the name...
“Ha ha ha. It’s not like A-Feng would wander around in Fu Gu, right? She’ll just stay in a summer camp for two weeks. Ha ha haha.”
“Qingxuan, breathe. You’re doing that ha ha ha thing whenever you’re nervous. I bet you’re even biting your fingernails now.” Xie Lian really knows him too well.
“Can you blame me? What if she sees—” Qingxuan shook his head. “Look, I just don’t want my brother to know about this. You know he—”
“You don’t have to worry about your brother. He’s away on a business trip, right? He won’t be back until next month,” Xie Lian reassured.
True enough, all of Shi Qingxuan’s worry almost went away. Qingxuan thinks that’s Xie Lian’s magic — turning the most chaotic hurricane into a calm, gentle breeze.
Shi Qingxuan breathed heavily. “Okay. Everything will be alright.”
He ended the call after more coaxing words from Xie Lian then went back inside the kitchen where he found his daughter in the corner smiling while reading something on her phone.
“Little Fairy.” Qingxuan lightly tapped her.
“Yes?” She quickly took her eyes from her phone to her dad, eyes sparkling. “Are you letting me go to the summer camp, Papi?”
Shi Qingxuan saw the glint of happiness in his daughter’s eyes. Her lips are curved into that familiar smile, little dimples showing. He is reminded again of him-who-can’t-be-mentioned.
“Of course. If you promise Papi, you’ll behave.”
Mei Feng put both of her arms around her Papi’s neck then kissed him. “Thank you, Papi! You’re the best Papi in the universe.”
“No pranks, okay?”
Mei Feng grinned playfully. “Okay, no pranks.”
“No injuries?”
“No injuries.”
“Okay, love you, little fairy," Shi Qingxuan hugged his daughter tightly, pushing back the lingering thought on the deepest part of his mind. What’s important now is his little fairy’s happiness. Nothing else...
🍗🍃
“Your cabbage plushie? Are you sure you put them in your bag? What about your alcohol? Your toothbrush? Your favorite hairpin?” He Xuan worriedly checked through Shui Mei’s mountain of bags he personally packed yesterday. It looks as if his daughter will be gone for a year.
Shui Mei chuckled. “Daddy, you don’t need to worry about me. Stop frowning! I don’t want to see you sad,” she scolded as she tried to straighten He Xuan’s furrowed brows.
He Xuan pulled Shui Mei in his arms and squeezed her into a bone-crushing hug. “Take care of yourself, okay?”
Shui Mei nodded then looked at the man in red who was casually standing beside their car. “Hua Cheng shúshu , please don’t tease my Dad too much, okay?”
The guy just smiled at her innocently, raising both of his arms as if asking her, ‘When did I?’
When Hua Cheng sensed that his friend would start crying any minute now, he placed a hand on He Xuan’s shoulder. “You can let her go now, giant crybaby. Xiao Shui will come home to you in one piece after two weeks.”
He Xuan reluctantly let go of Shui Mei as the latter walked inside the Heaven’s Camp with a huge smile on her face.
On another side of the camp, Mei Feng was hugging her cute fish plushie her Papi gifted her. She watched as Shi Qingxuan finished his call while counting her bags.
“Yes, Ge. I can assure you this camp is safe. For god’s sake this is named ‘Heaven’s Camp’ for a reason. I already talked to the camp master. He seems suspicious at first look but yeah, I think he’s harmless— Okay, okay. I’ll send his name to you so you can check. — This? Uhh, we are in…Banyue.”
Mei Feng looked at her Papi, puzzled. Why would her dad lie about their location? Qingxuan told her to keep it a secret and she understood. Her Papi rarely lies to her so if he did, it must be something important.
She already noticed how her Papi looks like he’s reluctant to let her go to Fu Gu. But, maybe, she’ll ask him after the camp.
“Ge, seriously? Bye, A-Feng and I need to go.” Qingxuan ended the call and knelt down in front of his child. “Sometimes I wonder who’s your dad. Maybe, it’s your shushu ?”
They both laughed. Her uncle can be really overprotective sometimes.
“Remember what you promised me, okay?”
Mei Feng obediently nodded then raised her hand in a promise. “No injuries.”
Qingxuan hummed. “Hmm, what else?”
“There’s more?”
Qingxuan shook his head fondly. Mei Feng is really a naughty kid. “A-Feng?”
“Okay, okay. No pranks!”
Qingxuan pinched her cheeks then patted her head. “Very good. Make a lot of friends, okay? I would be waiting for your stories.”
Mei Feng hugged her Papi tight before she bid goodbye. Before she could completely enter the gates, Qingxuan called her once again.
“Yes, Papi? Is there something wrong?”
Qingxuan surveyed his surroundings then shook his head. “Nothing. Love you, Little Fairy!”
“Love you too, Papi.”
Just like that, Shui Mei and Mei Feng both arrived at the camp safely. There are about more than three hundred kids registered for this Heaven’s Camp.
However, fate is fate… What are the chances of reconnecting two souls who've been already separated for years in an innocent children’s camp?
The camp officially opened as a handsome and bulky man with an athletic figure stood on the podium, calling everyone’s attention.
“Okay, girls. We have friends from abroad that’s here with us, so I’ll assign a buddy for each one of you to help them adapt to our culture for two weeks,” Camp Master Pei Ming told the girls in front of him. “Ready?”
“Ready!” The girls exclaimed, all cheery and excited to know who their partner would be.
Mr. Pei started calling out names. Shui Mei is silently praying it’s someone who she can get along with. Someone who’s interested in books and ballads too. While Mei Feng is hoping for someone whom she can share her hobbies with. Someone athletic and loves volleyball too.
“Oh! These two look like they would get along well,” the camp master noticed as he smiled while looking at his list. “They even have matching names.” He took a deep breath and called the two girls that would be partnered for two weeks, “He Shui Mei, Shi Mei Feng.”
Both girls marched to the front excitedly, their hearts thumping inside their chests. Everyone gasped when they saw the two girls standing there. Not because someone tripped or whatever but…
Their faces! They completely resemble each other.
When you look at the two girls in front, you might think that they are long lost sisters or whatever. From their eyes, to their height to their dimples, it’s a complete carbon copy.
The only difference is that Shui Mei’s hair is straight and longer while Mei Feng’s hair is curled at the ends with cute bangs.
“Who are you?” They both asked each other, confused. They both gasped, as they realized the person in front of them really looks like a complete copy of them.
Mr. Pei looked at them, confused too. “Okay, are you sure you don’t know each other? Maybe are you sisters or twins—”
“No!” They both exclaimed. They both touched their throats as they realized even their voices sound alike too.
The camp master just shrugged, an interesting look could be seen on his face. “Well, I guess you two can work well together with the activities I prepared.”
🍗🍃
‘Work well together.’ Mr. Pei says but it never happened.
“I can’t believe you don’t even know how to play volleyball,” Mei Feng complained, gritting her teeth. They lost when they played her favorite sports and you don’t expect her to stay calm after that. She has a lot of pride when volleyball is at stake so she’s very competitive about this.
“I told you I never played that before,” Shui Mei retorted with crossed arms. Not her fault her Daddy didn’t sign him up for a sports clinic or the likes before this summer camp.
The other gasped, not believing what the other girl just said. “What are you even doing with your life?”
They stared into each other’s eyes, electricity shooting from their eyes.
🍗🍃
“Shi Mei Feng, you are an idiot. Don’t you know Multiplication?” Shui Mei snapped when the other made them lose the last game for that day. Shui Mei’s favorite: Mind Games. She may not be able to play basketball or volleyball but you can count on her when it comes to mind games.
“What? Me? Did you just call me an... idiot ?” Mei Feng asked, her mouth agape. No one… No one had dared call her that.
“I told you to solve the problem, right? We lost because of you!”
“Are you blaming me, smartypants ?” Mei Feng rolled her eyes.
“Yes, I’m blaming you,” Shui Mei growled. “How can you get all the answers wrong? That’s completely stupid.”
“Excuse me?”
“Excuse you.”
It’s just the first day and they already got into each other’s nerves. The other kids couldn’t help but find amusement in the two girls’ banter.
Mei Feng went to talk to Mr. Pei to ask for a partner change to which the latter declined.
“I’m sorry, Mei Feng but your partner is final. Just try to get along with her. It’s just for two weeks. Shui Mei looks like a nice girl. And so you are, too. Since you two look alike.”
They might look alike but they’re on the total opposites of the pole. They said opposites attract, so why… Why do they keep on repelling each other?
🍗🍃
Mei Feng knew she promised her dear Papi ‘no pranks ’ but she has to do something or else her whole summer camp experience will be doomed because of a certain girl named He Shui Mei.
Before going to bed, she created a huge prank that involved glues, goos and paint.
The next morning, as expected, Shui Mei was dumbfounded, her shriek the first thing that almost everyone heard that morning when she found her room full of goo and other sticky objects she couldn’t even recognize one by one.
Mei Feng peeped through the door and laughed her heart out, satisfied with what she’d done.
Shui Mei saw Mei Feng laughing by the door, she took a handful of the sticky materials from the floor, took a step back then prepared to throw it towards Mei Feng.
This, however, created a huge chaos when Mr. Pei rushed to Shui Mei’s room to check on the child. The next thing they knew, the camp master’s hair was already full of glue, and his body was sprawled on the floor of Shui Mei’s room. Gritting his teeth, he stood up, his face all red from anger. “Shi Mei Feng, He Shui Mei, isolation cabin. Now!”
🍗🍃
“This is all your fault!” Shui Mei shouted at Mei Feng angrily. The latter was sitting on the other corner of the cabin.
Isolation cabin is a place where naughty campers are punished. Because of the mess these two created, they would stay in the cabin until tomorrow. Well, in hopes for them to reflect on what they’ve done and probably to be finally, finally be friends, as Mr. Pei had said. This is in exchange for Mr. Pei not yet telling their parents about what happened that morning.
Mei Feng just rolled her eyes, not wanting to admit her mistake. She knows it’s petty of her but she doesn't know why she can’t say sorry to the other girl in the room.
Shui Mei huffed then turned on the lights. “You’re impossible! I can’t stand you.”
Not being able to sleep with the lights on, Mei Feng turned the lights off again. “The feeling is mutual.”
Shui Mei stood up again to turn on the light. “I can’t sleep with the lights off.”
Mei Feng turned the lights off again. “I can’t sleep with the lights turned on.”
The two girls frustratedly ran their fingers through their hairs. Except for their appearances, they really don’t match with everything.
In the end, with a frustrated groan, they got nothing to say but exclaim, “I hate you!” to each other.
🍗🍃
Outside the camp, it started raining very hard. Flashes of lightning appeared on the night sky making both of the girls inside the cabin whimper.
Mei Feng hesitantly stood up, picked up her Fish plushie and walked towards Shui Mei’s bed. Clearing her throat, she said, “I know you’re scared too. Can we—” She pursed her lips. It’s the first time she won’t be able to sleep with her Papi on a stormy night.
Shui Mei peeped on her blanket. When she saw the other girl standing beside her bed, she sat up, then shyly scooted closer to the wall to give space to Mei Feng.
Mei Feng quickly lay down and tucked herself with Shui Mei’s blanket. Another flash of lightning appeared and they both screamed. The next thing they know, they ended up hugging each other. They quickly let go of each other, embarrassed.
Shui Mei saw Mei Feng covering her ears, her eyes also squeezed shut. “My Daddy… uhm… He always reads this story to me whenever I’m scared. Do you want me to recite it to you?” Shui Mei offered, rubbing her nape shyly.
The other nodded.
Shui Mei cleared her throat and started reciting the story He Xuan always reads to lull her to sleep. For how many times she had listened to this, she already memorized it.
The moment Shui Mei sang, Mei Feng’s ears perked up. That story is too familiar.
“How did you know that story?” She asked Shui Mei who’s startled when she suddenly got up.
“I told you, it’s my Daddy’s story for me.”
“B-But that’s what Papi always reads to me, too.”
“That’s completely impossible. Only my Dad knows about this. He created this story nine years ago. He always says it’s my special bedtime story—”
Wait a damn minute...
Their eyes both opened wide, their mouths agape when they finally realized something.Mei Feng quickly ran to her things to get something. Shui Mei did the same and rummaged through her things.
Lightning be damned. They hurriedly went back to their places as they showed each other the pictures of their parents.
The photo was ripped in half but when they put it together, it perfectly fits . It just doesn’t fit, it’s each other’s missing piece that completes the whole picture.
In the photo, Shui Mei’s dad is smiling while holding her and on the other half is Mei Feng’s Papi cradling her in his arms.
They looked at each other, their eyes wide as it finally dawned on them.
Brown eyes, button nose, bunched up cheeks, cute little dimples, constellations of moles on their faces.
Everything suddenly made sense.
“Oh my god!” They both exclaimed as they hugged each other tightly, tears streaming down their faces.
It’s been nine years.
“I can’t believe our fathers hid the fact that we have a twin. I’m devastated,” Mei Feng complained as she hugged her twin tight. All their brawls and bickerings the previous days long forgotten.
“They must have a reason,” Shui Mei told the other. She’s still staring at the other in awe. She can’t believe she really has a sister. Not just a sister but a twin sister.
The other just pouted, still couldn’t accept that their parents hid this important fact from them.
“Wow, I’m having goosebumps. You look like our Daddy when you pout,” Shui Mei giggled.
“Really? Oh my god. I want to meet Daddy, too.”
Shui Mei sighed. “I want to meet Papi, too.”
“Tell me everything about Daddy, Shui Mei. Please~” Mei Feng linked her arms into Shui Mei’s.
The other giggled. “Are you really this overly-energetic?”
“Yes, why? Are you not?”
Shui Mei timidly smiled. “I’m a shy person.”
“We’re polar opposites.”
The other agreed. “Right. But it’s really cute.” She cleared her throat and got herself ready to tell her sister about their Daddy. “To tell you about Daddy, he’s the best Daddy in the world. He’s a professor and a writer.”
Mei Feng clapped excitedly. “Wow, that’s really cool. I love books too.”
“I don’t know if you heard about him but his pen name is Black Water Sinking Ships.”
Mei Feng’s mouth dropped open. “No freaking way. You mean, the mysterious writer who never shows his face?”
“You know him?”
“I’m tearing up. He’s our Daddy? I love his stories. They are all so angsty but the pain is so good. Oh my god. He’s really cool. I love ‘When the Wind Meets the Sea’ the most,” Mei Feng told her twin, she’s wiping happy tears streaming down her eyes.
“Oh my god. This is totally fate. Yes, he is that Black Water. He never shows his face because he prefers to just enjoy writing and at the same time stroll with me in public,” She helped wipe her twin’s tears. “Oh god, I’ve always wondered why his stories are all so angsty and sad, I think I now know why,” Shui Mei realized.
Mei Feng imagined herself being with her Daddy, too. “What is he like as a dad? Tell me more about him.”
“He’s wonderful. He may be busy with writing songs and teaching Literature in univ but he never fails to make me feel loved. He’s a bit overprotective and strict but I completely understand.”
“I love him already, A-Shui,” Mei Feng said, her heart felt like bursting.
“How about Papi?” It’s Shui Mei’s turn to ask.
“Papi is the best Papi in the universe. He’s a chef and we own a restaurant in Puqi.”
“That’s so cool!” Shui Mei exclaimed.
“He’s super cool. No one makes the most delicious pasta the same way as our Papi,” Mei Feng giggled. She misses her dad.
“He’s a busy person too but he makes sure that he provides enough warmth and care towards me. He cooks the best kettle ramen,” Mei Feng tried to think of other things. “Oh right! He’s super loud, too. You might find me talkative now but wait till you meet our Papi.”
Mei Feng suddenly snapped her fingers. “Wait. That’s it. You have to meet Papi. I have to meet Daddy.”
Shui Mei looked at her, confused. Still not getting what her sister was trying to imply.
Mei Feng shook her head. “I thought you’re a smartypants. Let’s meet them.”
The crease on Shui Mei’s forehead became more creased. “How?”
“Let’s switch places.”
“I swear to god, A-Feng, if it’s another prank...”
Mei Feng rolled her eyes. “It’s the most brilliant prank I’ve ever come up with, A-Shui. Look, it’s a win-win situation. You get to meet Dad, I get to meet Daddy. When they discover, we can finally make them meet up. Does it make sense now?”
Shui Mei clapped her hands dramatically, Mei Feng’s plan finally sinking in. “Wow, jie, you’re brilliant. I guess it runs in the blood.”
“That’s what you get for calling me an idiot earlier.”
Shui Mei choked, suddenly reminded of their stupid fights before. “Sorry about that, A-Feng.”
The other grinned. “You’re cute, so forgiven.”
“Calling me cute is like self-proclaiming you’re cute because we have the same faces.”
Mei Feng shrugged. “Let’s start planning tomorrow. We have to sleep, A-Shui”
They both lay down again, facing each other, still couldn’t believe that everything was real. They giggled looking at each other’s faces. They’re still amazed at the fact that there’s half of their family living somewhere else in the world and for the last nine years, they didn’t know it until they got in this so-called Heaven’s Camp in this small town in Fu Gu. So, this is how fate works...
“I can’t believe you got Daddy’s eye mole, too.” Shui Mei told her twin as she traced the constellation on her sister’s face.
“I’ve read in Daddy’s books how fate works. That there’s this magical string connecting all beings fated with each other. Do you think we got one on each of our pinkies?” Mei Feng asked, still in awe, that her favorite author is one of her dads.
“You’re really a fan of Black Water Sinking Ships. He’d be very happy to know that.”
Shui Mei has always wondered where her Daddy gets all the inspirations in his novel. She used to think he might be hiding a secret lover or something. Or maybe he got his heart broken by someone. She couldn’t believe she’s getting all the answers now.
Suddenly, Mei Feng sat up. “Wait, why is Daddy’s pen name Black Water Sinking Ships?”
Shui Mei pouted. “Actually, I don’t know either. He never told me. But Uncle Hua Cheng always teases him that he got his pen name because he sank his own ship. What that means, I have no idea—”
“Wait! Is he the one who broke up with Papi?”