[CONTENTID1]Chapter 49[/CONTENTID1]

[CONTENTID2]Not So Bad[/CONTENTID2]

[CONTENTID3]

Tao took a closer look at Anne’s face and realized it wasn't glistened with just rainwater, but tears as well – just like he thought.

Her eyes were red and puffy, confirming his suspicions.

"What happened?" he asked softly.

"NOTHING HAPPENED! NOTHING'S CHANGED! I WAS SIMPLY TRICKED ALL THIS TIME!" she wailed.

"Calm down and tell me what's wrong!" Tao insisted, a little taken back at her outburst.

Anne shook her head furiously.

Tao sighed. "Let's go in the play structure where there's a roof over our heads."

She sniffled and didn't say a word as she let him drag her over there. She looked too weak to climb up herself so Tao picked her up and carried her. He squeezed in and sat next to her in the small space by the slide. He took his jacket and used it as a blanket to shield her cold body.

She didn't refuse this time, hugging it tightly. "Aren't you cold too?" she whispered.

"What?" Tao asked, though he heard her clearly.

"Nothing, never mind," she muttered.

It was silent for a few minutes, except for the sound of rain clashing against the play structure roof and cars zooming down the streets. "So why were you crying?" Tao asked cautiously.

She sniffled again. "Why do you care?"

Why do I care? Well, she is Mei Li noona's sister. "I asked first."

She let out a sigh, still shivering.

Tao took off his gloves and scarf and handed them to her. "Put these on first, you're still freezing."

She obeyed. "Thanks," she mumbled.

"What?" Tao smirked.

"Don't make me say it twice," she scowled.

He chuckled at her and gave in. "Okay okay, now tell me what's wrong."

She looked down at his jacket, not wanting to make eye-contact. "Mei Li and mom lied to me," she whispered after calming herself down.

"What did they lie to you about?" Tao asked.

"They said I'm part of their family," she replied.

Tao raised his eyebrow at her, confused.

"But I just found out I'm not. I'm adopted," she finished.

There was a brief moment of silence.

Tao was thinking about how to reply. "Then they didn't really lie to you," he started.

"What are you talking about? They did!" she exclaimed.

"Noooo," Tao stated. "What lie? You are apart of their family."

"No I'm not!" Anne yelled, her eyes watering.

"Yes you are," Tao said firmly, "Like you said, nothing's changed. Whether you're adopted or not, you're still Mei Li's sister. And you're still your mom's daughter."

She stared at him in shock. "No..."

"Yes," he declared. "You're Mei Ann, your sister's Mei Li, and your mom...?"

"Min Mei," she answered and giggled a little.

Tao was happy that he cheered her up a bit. "See! You guys are definitely a family!"

She frowned again. "But..."

"But what? You've been with Mei Li and your mom forever. You grew up with them. They took care of you. Isn't that what family is?" Tao asked.

She thought about it for a bit. "It's your turn," she said.

"Huh?" he asked, confused again.

"You still didn't answer my question," she replied.

"Oh," he said, "well...I don't know. I just do."

Silence again.

Tao’s phone vibrated in his pocket, breaking the awkward silence. "Yoboseyo?"

"Tao! Where are you?" Kris exclaimed.

"Oh, uhm..."

He didn't get to finish as Kris interrupted him. "Mei Li's sister is missing!"

Tao looked over at Anne. "It's fine, I found her."

"What? She's with you? Well get her back here right now! Her mom is here!" Kris commanded and hung up.

"Should we go