Ming Xi watched as her friend carefully parked his car in front of her old almost run-down apartment building. The classic grey sports car was such a stark contrast in her neighborhood.

"You didnt have to come visit me every month, you know." She smiled at Lei. She met him when she was attending a music and arts convention in school. He was one of the guest speakers then, and though he looked very uncomfortable talking to a huge crowd, he definitely looked like a different person once he started talking about how different forms of arts needed more representation. He was so passionate, she was captivated.

Lei returned her smile as he slowly approached her. "How are you?"

"School got me busy." She shrugged, as they slowly walked towards the stairwell leading to the small apartment she and her parents lived for the past year. It was a 5-storey apartment building that needed a lot of updates and a broken elevator, but the rent is cheap and the units are clean.

Lei glanced at her. She looked the same and still has that aura around her that has always drew his protective instincts. Although her hair was longer, she decided to grow it out to cover the scar at the back of her head after her head surgery, she still has the same large brown eyes, cheeks looking flushed from the cold wind. She looks thinner, but he decided not to say anything.

They arrived in front of her home and was greeted by the smell of freshly baked bread her mother was taking out of the oven. The petite and stubby older women looked up from her hunched position and beamed when she saw Lei.

"Lei! How are you? Come come! I'm just having dinner ready. Papa Dong wont be back until later tonight so I'm glad you're here!"

"Ma, you knew he was coming?" Ming Xe looked at her mother suspiciously. She knew her mother has always been fond of Lei. Unusually fond for someone they met not too long ago.

"Of course! He called this morning and asked if you'll be home." Mrs. Dong nonchalantly brushed off her daughters inquiry and started taking out plates.

They spent a very comfortable evening together, enjoying the delicious meal, just talking and trying to catch up on a lot of things. Lei was being careful not to mention anything about Shanghai and anything that happened in Ming Xi's past. He didnt want to trigger any bad memories. She looked too happy with how she is now that he couldnt bring himself to tell her that Daoming Si is back and is still looking for her.

Lei cleared his throat as he looked at Mrs. Dong "Actually, I came here to talk you Mrs. Dong."

Ming Xi was clearing out the plates and glanced at Lei. "About what?" Always the curious cat that she is, Lei thought.

"Yes Lei? What is it about?" Mrs. Dong fondly looked at the handsome boy sitting in front of her. But her eyes was conveying a different message. Worry and fear.

Lei turned to where Ming Xi was doing the dishes, she was looking at him expectatly, waiting for whatever it was he was about to say. "Ming Xi.. Can I talk to your mother in private?"

She looked at her mother and Lei, her brows furrowed, "Why?"

"It's okay, dear." Her mother plastered a tight smile on her face. "I'm sure it's not something to worry about."

"Uhmm..Oh..kaaaaay..I'll just be in my room." She slowly walked the short distance to her bedroom while looking at Lei suspiciously. "You two are not planning anything sinister are you?" She joked.

Lei chucked and waited until her bedroom door closed then turned to Mrs Dong.

She looked older than the last time he saw her. A few strands of white hair are beginning to show, her eyes looked tired, but the smile has always been warm. She has always been a warm person, from what he can remember when he first met her and Mr. Dong. And her daughter has her no-nonsense attitude, Lei thought.

He always made sure to visit them in Sanya at least every month since they came back to China. He was the one who was contacted by the hospital when the accident happened. His number was the only number on her phone. He panicked when the hospital called and he was asked for consent to medical treatment, He didnt know how to answer the doctor then, but he knew he had to ask Sanchai's parents and he wanted everything done to save her. She was in surgery for hours. Everything happened in a blur.

When he called Mrs. Dong, she was beyond worry after learning of what happened, her husband always the composed man he is, tried to get a grip of the situation after learning from Lei everything that has happened between Daoming Si and Sanchai in London while also trying to comfort his distraught wife. Lei can clearly remember their words when they said they couldnt come because of finances, "Save her. Anything. Just save her."

Of course, he will do anything to save this tiny young woman, they didnt even have to ask. She is, afterall, his special friend. He didnt let Meizuo and Ximen know yet of what happened as he was still weighing his options. But Sanchai's parents decided it for him, "We do not want anything to do with the Daomings, nor anyone related to them. Our daughter has had enough heartbreak. This should be for the best."

The surgery went well. Three weeks later, they transported Sanchai from London to Shanghai in a private plane.

"Lei, there was something you wanted to talk to me about. What is it?" Mrs. Dong's voice broke his thoughts and he brought himself back to what his visit was about.

He gently reached for her hand across the table and lightly squeezed it, "I don't know how to say this, madam. It was bound to happen sooner or later."

Her brows furrowed, "What are you talking about?"

"Daoming Si is back in Shanghai. And he's looking for Sanchai."

Her eyes widened and was followed by a stunned silence. Lei watched as her eyes changed from shock to fear to anger.

"No! He can't.. No! She cant know..." Mrs. Dong let go of his hand, stood and started walking nervously then sat back down.

"No.. Sanchai.. no, Ming Xi cant know about him! I cannot have my daughter go through that again! I know we promised her long ago not to meddle with their relationship, but enough is enough. She almost died! She almost died, Lei!" tears started to fall as she angrily looked at him. "I cant.. no.. He cant find her. I know I'm being selfish, but sometimes I am glad she doesnt remember anything. God knows how hard I want her to live a normal life away from that boy!"

Lei sat there, his own heart breaking at the sight of this strong woman, crying. He understands, he completely understands her. But it is something he can no longer control. Ah Si is his friend too and he deserves to know. He probably wouldn't want to be my friend anymore if he knows the things I hid from him, Lei thought.

___

Meanwhile not too far away, behind the slightly opened door, the young woman covered her mouth to hide her silent sobs, tears falling freely down her cheeks. Sanchai? Cant know? Memory? What was I supposed to forget?