Jongin and I had arrived at a posh looking restaurant. My eyes furrowed in confusion as to why it was empty.

"Jonginie, is it closed? Why are we the only people here?" I asked as he tugged on his hand, making him look back at me. He gave me a smile.

"I rented it out for tonight. I know it's too much but I just wanna be with you tonight." He sincerely said which made me giggle.

"Cheesy." I commented and he dramatically gasped, placing his other hand on his chest.

"How dare you! I was trying to be romantic!" He cried out and I laughed, pulling him along as we entered the restaurant.

The walls of the restaurant were painted red with intricate golden orchid patterns and a beautiful glass chandelier was placed in the center of the ceiling. There was a space in the middle of the floor and a pianist was softly playing music on a stage. As I continued to admire the place, I failed to notice that a waiter had already led us to our table.

"This place is beautiful," I commented, continuing to marvel at the place as the waiter pulled out the chair for me to sit on. I heard Jongin chuckle as he sat down.

"What I'm looking at is even more beautiful." He commented which caused me to look at him. He gave me a smile which I blushed at.

"Oh please! Let's eat I'm starving!" I joked and he laughed in response as we reached for the menu.

"Shuijing?" Jongin asked. I hummed in response and looked up from the menu.

"Thank you." He stated with a smile and my eyebrows quirked up in confusion.

"For what?" I asked and he reached over and grabbed my hand, rubbing circles on it.

"For giving me a chance. I know you still love Meizuo but I promise, I'll make you fall for me 10x deeper than you have for him." He stated as he gave me a smile which I returned and nodded.

We spent the rest of the night just laughing and eventually dancing. I felt so safe and secure in Jongin's arms. I had never felt like this about anyone before Meizuo and it felt weird. Good weird.

I couldn't be falling for him that fast.

Could I?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

It was a few days after and I dropped by Mingde to see the boys. I hadn't seen them in a while since my schedule was packed and a lot more paparazzi were following me since my date with Jongin who I might add was the sweetest. He's been calling and texting me every day and sending me thousands of flowers.

I heard from Lei that Ah Si and Shancai still hadn't made up. Probably because Ah Si was too stubborn. I headed for the club room and could hear them talking as I walked down the stairs.

"Shuijing!!" Ximen called out as he walked over to give me a hug.

"Hi, guys." I greeted as Lei and Ah Si gave me a hug before walking over and sitting next to Meizuo on the couch, placing my head on his shoulder.

"Hey, you." He said as he placed an arm around me, pulling me closer to him.

"Hey." I smiled in response as I hugged him back.

"So, Shuijing. How are things going with you and Jongin?" Ximen asked and I smiled as I pulled away from Meizuo.

"Amazing. He's the sweetest guy I've ever met." I sighed as I thought about the said boy who had flown back to Korea the day before.

"So where is he?" Meizuo asked curiously.

"He had to fly back to Korea. Apparently, one of their artists was having some problems with contract renewals so he had to go check it out. He said he'd be back by the end of the week." I said and Meizuo nodded as he sipped of what I assumed was coffee.

"So have you kissed yet?" Lei asked which caused Meizuo beside me to choke on his coffee. I gently patted his back and laughed.

"Geez. Take it easy Zuo." I teased which earned me a glare.

"And to answer your question, No. We haven't." I said as I turned back to Lei who gave me a teasing smile.

"Why not?" He added and I shrugged.

"I guess the right moment hasn't come yet." I admitted and he nodded. I turned to Ah Si.

"Wait a minute, I didn't come here to talk about my love life. Ah Si, what's going on with Shancai?" I asked and he huffed grumpily.

"That stupid girl keeps ignoring me even though I already apologized to her." He complained.

"Is calling someone out and telling them to stop walking away from you an apology?" Ximen said and I turned to Ah Si and shook my head in disappointment. Of course.

"Ah Si. It takes two words to fix this. Why can't you just do it? Do you want Shancai to ignore you forever?" I asked as I sat beside him.

"No. But why do I have to say sorry in the first place? She went to that stupid reunion and flirted with one of her classmates!" He reasoned out which earned him a glare.

"Ah Si, do you really think Shancai is that type of girl?" I said and he stayed silent. I sighed before getting up and leaving.

"Hey! Shuijing where are you going?" Ximen called out.

"Going to see Shancai. I'm gonna go check on her since someone has too much pride to even apologize for clearly doing something wrong even if he doesn't admit it." I said as I headed upstairs and to Shancai's classroom.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Shancai!" I called out which caused the said girl to turn back and look at me.

"Shuijing, Hey! I haven't seen you in a while." She cheerfully said and I smiled.

"Shancai! Shuijing!" I heard Qinghe call out as he walked over to us with Li Zhen in tow,

"Hello, Qinghe. Hello Li Zhen." I greeted the other freshman who timidly gave me a wave and a kind smile. I talked to Shancai about it and it seems she really has changed for the better.

"Shuijing, you've gotten prettier! Even more, than I last saw you!" Qinghe complimented. I laughed. The last time he saw me was probably Jing's birthday. I was dressed more simply than I was then. I had on a white collared long-sleeved top with the sleeves pulled up to my elbows tucked into a high waisted brown leather skirt and some brown suede ankle strap heels. I had on some diamond drop earrings and a brown clutch.

"So are you saying I looked less pretty before?" I teased which caused Qinghe to rapidly shake his head and say no. Li Zhen and Shancai laughed at his nervousness.

"I was just kidding Qinghe." I said as I patted his shoulder which calmed him down.

"Shancai, can I talk to you privately?" I said and Li Zhen dragged Qinghe away.

"We'll see you at the cafeteria Shancai! It was nice meeting you again Shuijing!" She called out as Qinghe protested as he continued to be dragged away.

"Shancai, what's going on with you and Ah Si?" I seriously asked as I folded my arms across my chest.

"What do you mean? Nothing." She rapidly answered and looked elsewhere. I sighed.

"Shancai, you like Ah Si right? I know he crossed the line but he does feel sorry about what he did to your friend. Can't you just give him a chance to explain that to you?" I asked.

"Shuijing, what he did was wrong. I know you're looking out for him but this time, if he doesn't change and say sorry, I'm never talking to him again. Sorry Shui, I have to go. I'll call you later." She said as she walked away. I sighed.

Ah Si, how are you going to get out of this?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Hey Meizuo, what's going on with you and Caina?" Ximen asked.

"Everything's going great! I think I'm liking her more and more every day." I answered cheerfully.

That's good to hear." Ximen answered.

"Shuijing looks so happy doesn't she?" Lei suddenly commented and my smile slowly dropped.

"She was practically glowing! I guess it's safe to say Jongin's treating her well." Ximen said.

"I guess he does." I added which caused them to look at me.

"What is it?" Ximen asked.

"I just miss her you know? I haven't hung out with her since I started dating Caina and she's always so busy with work and with Jongin." I stated sadly.

"I feel like I'm losing my best friend." I added which earned a pat on the back from Ximen. I sighed before standing up and walking away.

"Hey! Where are you going?" Ah Si called out.

"I have a date with Caina." I answered before leaving the club room.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Why can't they just date each other?" Ximen said in frustration.

"I know. It's easy to confess your feelings!" Ah Si bragged which earned a scoff from Ximen.

"You have no room to talk Ah Si. Isn't your relationship with Shancai on the rocks?" Ximen said as Ah Si glared at him. Lei let out a little laugh.

"Shut up!" Ah Si exclaimed in annoyance.

"Ah Si, Meizuo and Shuijing still have a chance but Shuijing's right. If you can't be humble and just say you're sorry, you're gonna lose her." Lei said which made Ah Si grow silent.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I was calling Jongin and he said he had to extend his trip a little while longer. But his tone of voice just sounded kinda weird.

"Is everything okay Jongin?" I asked.

"I'm fine really. I just miss you that's all." He said and I heard him sigh through the phone.

"Mhm. How can you be miles away from me and still this cheesy?" I asked with a smile and he laughed.

"But I made you smile didn't I?" He teased and I giggled.

"So how are things going over there?" He asked.

"Shancai and Ah Si still haven't made up and I'm really worried for them. Ah Si is too stubborn and Shancai won't talk to him even if he tries to, in his own way." I said.

"I'm sure it'll turn out okay Shui. From what you've told me, they clearly like each other. Give it time. I'm sure they'll be okay." He comforted and I smiled.

"I hope so Jongin." I said, plopping down on my bed.

"Well get some sleep Princess. You have a long day ahead of you tomorrow. I'll call you okay? Goodnight." He greeted and my smile widened.

"Goodnight Jongin." I said before hanging up and drifting off to sleep.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I was driving as fast as I could to Mingde the following afternoon. Meizuo had texted me that Shancai had gone missing. I had a photoshoot in the morning for a magazine spread and I didn't have time to change but thankfully, the stylists and the photographers let me keep the clothes I was wearing. I was wearing a black square-patterned sleeveless halter neck bodycon dress and some black ankle block heeled boots. My hair was dyed blonde for the shoot, I was gonna dye it back after the shoot but Ximen and Meizuo's endless calls made me worried so I didn't bother.

I parked my car, grabbed my phone, and threw on my oversized cardigan before heading for the stairs near the Nutrition building. I saw Meizuo and Lei up the stairs and hurriedly headed up.

"Guys! I'm here! What's going on?" I asked and they looked at me in surprise.

"You dyed your hair?"

"Why is your dress so short?" They simultaneously asked and I rolled my eyes.

"I had a shoot today and I didn't have time to dye back my hair or change because Ximen and Meizuo kept calling me and- Wait a minute! This isn't important. What's going on? What do you mean Shancai's missing?" I asked.

"Qinghe said she wasn't in class all day. He said she left with the younger brother of one of their high school classmates. His name is Shunping. Apparently, he attends Mingde under the mining department." Lei explained as Meizuo pulled out his phone which started ringing.

"That's strange. She would never miss class." I pointed out and Lei nodded in agreement. I turned to Meizuo who had just put his phone down.

I heard footsteps from upstairs and saw Qinghe panting. I gave him a worried smile which he returned.

"Were you able to contact Shancai?" He asked Meizuo.

"Ximen called earlier and said that Shunping has dropped out of Mingde University." He explained and Qinghe's eyes widened in shock.

"But he came to see Shancai this morning." Qinghe explained and I frowned.

"I don't feel good about this." I admitted, rubbing my arms to keep myself warm.

"You said that your high school classmate is Shunping's brother. Do you have his number?" Lei worriedly asked Qinghe.

"Let me see." Qinghe replied, fishing out his phone and calling his classmate. I looked around and noticed someone missing.

"Where's Ah Si?" I asked and Lei shrugged. Meizuo sighed and took out his phone to call Ah Si.

"We think something worse happened between him and Shancai. He comes to class early and leaves as soon as it ends. He goes home directly and doesn't respond to our calls and messages." Lei explained and I sighed.

"Ah Si's phone is turned off." Meizuo said as he hung up.

"Yan Zhibu's phone is ringing." Qinghe explained as Lei grabbed his phone and answered it.

"Hello? Are you Yan Zhibu?" He said and he looked at us in shock.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

We all headed for Ah Si's house after finding Ximen. Mr. Liu told us that Ah Si was in the library so we hurriedly headed down to find him talking to someone and checking the stock market.

"Ah Si!" Lei called out as Ximen, Meizuo and I followed behind him. Ah Si looked at us before removing his Bluetooth phone from his ear and looking at us.

"What's up? Did something happen?" He asked nonchalantly before turning back and typing on his computer.

"Why won't you answer your phone?" Meizuo asked him in frustration.

"I'm not in the mood. What happened?" He asked, typing away.

"Shancai's missing." I exclaimed making him stop and look at me in disbelief.

"What do you mean she's missing?" Ah Si asked, standing up. Lei explained the entire ordeal and Ah Si seemed to get angrier and angrier by the minute.

"I'm going to find her and-" He was cut off with his phone suddenly chiming. He opened it and sneered.

"What is it? Is there any update on her?" Ximen asked before grabbing the phone from Ah Si's hands and showing it to us. I gasped. It was a picture of Shancai, with duct tape on her mouth. Her hair was being pulled back. She was crying and clearly terrified.

"If you want her to live, come alone immediately--" He read out.

"Oh my god.." I said, covering my mouth and shock and turning to Ah Si who looked enraged. He started to run up the stairs.

"Ah Si! Where are you going?" Lei called out as he left.

"Don't follow!" He shouted back and I sighed. This was not going to end well.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

It had been a few hours since Ah Si left when we got a call from Mr. Liu that Shancai and Ah Si were rushed to the hospital. Shancai had a few bruises and some abrasions but she was fine nevertheless. Ah Si on the other hand was badly bruised. He was beaten up by the people who kidnapped Shancai. Apparently, Ah Si had a personal vendetta against their boss and Shancai was the bait to lure him.

We decided to visit them the following day since they were both knocked out from the medication. Shancai was confined in a private room next to Ah Si's and I was watching her while the boys were watching Ah Si.

I was texting Jongin about what had happened when I heard Shancai groan. She was waking up.

"Shancai?" I asked, standing up and placing my phone in my pocket.

"Shuijing?" She called out, rubbing her eyes. I smiled.

"How are you feeling?" I asked, helping her sit up.

"Everything hurts. How long was I out?"She asked, leaning her back on the pillow behind her.

"You've been asleep since yesterday. The medication they put you and Ah Si on was pretty strong." I explained as she rubbed her head in pain.

"Wait. Where is Daoming Si?" She asked, looking up at me frantically.

"Ah Si is just next door. The boys are looking after him." I explained.

"How is he? Is he okay?" She panicked.

"Ah Si was badly beaten when he was brought here Shancai. He had a busted lip, bruises all over and the doctor said he broke a few ribs." I said, comforting her.

"I have to see him." She said, getting out of bed and dragging her IV drip stand with her.

"Shancai wait!" I said, running after her. I saw her talk to Lei with a grim expression on his face. I saw her panic and burst into Ah Si's room. I walked over to Lei who gave me a small smile.

"What's going on Lei?" I asked warily. He just laughed and led me inside to find Meizuo and Ximen with the exact same somber expressions. My eyebrows quirked up in confusion.

'Play along' Meizuo mouthed and I smiled a little before reverting into a blank expression. I watched as Shancai walked over to Ah Si, apologizing and pleading for him to wake up and not to die. I saw Ximen and Meizuo trying to keep in their laughter from the corner of my eye and to be honest, I was too so I hid behind Lei and he moved closer so I could laugh a little. I heard Ah Si groan as Shancai began to cry.

"What are you talking about? Is this how you treat a patient?" He asked, looking at Shancai who was crying. He then burst into laughter and so did we.

"Did you see Shancai's expression earlier? I almost couldn't contain myself." Meizuo said, laughing while clutching Ximen's shoulder. Ah Si kept laughing as I held onto Lei and laughed as well.

"Daoming Si, you tricked me. Do you want to scare me to death? I'm going to kill you." Shancai threatened as she straddled Ah Si and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I'm going to kill you. You and Huaze Lei tricked me." She huffed looking back at Lei who innocently shrugged then turned to me.

"You too Shuijing!" I did the same as Lei and just laughed at her.

"Hey, what were you thinking?" Ah Si scolded, looking at the 4 of us and then at Shancai.

"Is this how you treat a patient? I broke three ribs. I'm hurt all over. Yet this stupid girl is sitting on me. Who told you to play such a prank?" He continued to ramble and Shancai just huffed.

I smiled. I knew they would be okay.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

We left them alone to talk and Meizuo had asked to talk to me privately so we went back to Shancai's room.

"What did you wanna talk about Zuo?" I asked.

"How are things with you and Jongin?" He suddenly asked which made me confused.

"Great. He's really sweet." I answered dreamily. I turned to Meizuo, who looked distracted.

"How about you? How are you and Caina?" I asked eventhough it hurt to say it.

"It's great but.." He trailed off which made my eyebrows furrow in confusion.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Something just doesn't feel right and I've been noticing her ex-boyfriend hanging around more than usual and I think she still loves him." He said sadly and I frowned. Sure I was hurt over him dating Caina but he was still my best friend and still loved him.

"Do you love her?" I asked.

"I don't know.." He said truthfully.

"What do you mean you don't know?" I asked in confusion.

"I don't think I was really in love with her in the first place. I found her attractive and she's a nice person but I don't think I ever loved her." He confessed.

"So what's your plan?" I asked.

"I'm gonna break up with her. It's obvious she still loves him and I don't wanna hurt her more by letting her stay with me." He stated and I smiled.

"Are you sure?" I asked hesitantly and he nodded.