“Ah thank you for coming,” Yifan kept chanting to everyone and anyone who entered the event. I groaned but had no choice but to stand there as well. Why did my parents force me to come greet these walking banks for? I’m not in charge here, gege should be suffering alone.

We aren’t one.

We are two separate human beings but to baba and mama, if one Wu sibling did something the other had to so as well. How unfair. “This is so boring,” I grumbled.

No one was passing by therefore it was okay for us to communicate at the moment. “But I thought you loved parties and dressing up.” Yifan mocked, cocking a brow at me.

I blew a raspberry and waved my hand at him, dismissing his proclamation. “Not these kinds of parties.”

“Well, you better get used to it then, mei. You’ll be attending dozens perhaps even hundreds of these things in the future. That’s what a Wu does.” He snickered and before I could do something to get back at him, another middle-aged, filthy rich couple walked into view. “Thank you for coming, we hope you enjoy the event.” My brother wished as he shook the man’s rough looking hand.

The geezer then looked at me, expecting some sort of introduction from me and I just nodded my head at him. He scoffed and I could care less. Did you want me to kiss your feet?

And as Yifan was going in to shake the lady’s freshly manicured hand, I figured out the perfect thing to do in order to achieve my revenge. I smirked and stealthily bumped his arm with my elbow which resulted in his hand landing on one of her twin’s.

Luckily for him though, the man who I presumed to be her husband was busy conversing with another associate and by the grin on the woman’s face, she was not the least bit offended by his bold action.

I watched as his face turned bright red and then he instantly bowed in apology, “Mianhe.”

I snorted and could see him glaring at me.

“It’s okay,” she purred as she helped him stand back up. And before she was pulled away she sent him a playful wink. Oh god, you’re like forty lady. Cougar much? Get away from my young gege. But I have to admit that was priceless.

Laughing evilly and cynically to myself, I wasn’t paying attention to the scowl currently plastered on Yifan’s face. “You.” He hissed.

I snapped out of picturing his cherry-tomato face when he touched the woman and my eyes widened. He was cracking his knuckles and although I knew he wasn’t going to hit me, I ran for it. You can say, I ran faster than Forest Gump. And for some reason, it was fun.

As I bolted into the room, no one seemed to notice my sloppy entrance. I caught my breath and glanced back up at the staircase where I found Yifan greeting more guests. He’s definitely going to get me later for that. I can already feel it. That’s just how siblings are. Well, that’s just how we are.

“Xiazi, what are you doing here? I thought we told you to stay with your brother.” Mama pointed out sternly.

I was a bit startled at her sudden appearance. I hopped back almost stepping on the bottom of my gown. Aish, why couldn’t I wear a short dress instead of this yellow super duper long one? I look like a lemon for Pete’s sake.  Where did she even come from anyways?! I cleared my throat and tucked a strand of loose hair behind my ear. “Yifan said I could come sit because I was crowding the place.” I lied.

There was a pause that lasted over five seconds forcing me to look at mama who looked up at where I had just fled from. Thankfully, there was a crowd of guests at this time making my story more believable. “Well then, come on. I want you to meet some friends of mine.”

Oh no. She never wants to introduce me to her friends unless they had nephews, grandsons or sons my age. At her words, I was already aware of what mama was up to. When is she going to stop with this whole match-making crap? Can’t she see I’m not interested? “I feel a little dizzy; I’m going to sit first.” I stated.

“Oh?” she folded her arms against her chest, obviously not believing a peep that came out of me. “Let me feel your forehead then,” and as her hand extended to my face I pushed back and waved my arms, hindering her from doing so.  

“I might be hungry, that’s all. No fever or anything. I’ll just go get something to drink.” And without listening to her any further, I ran to our table. I huffed taking my seat and as my bottom met the chair, I let my head fall onto the table.

This is so boring.

Suddenly, my phone rang. I retrieved my clutch and got it out and when I spotted the caller, my heart leapt. “Yeobsayo?”

“Xia!” Myungsoo chirped on the other end.

“Hm?” I muffled.

“How’s the banquet?” he questioned.

Boring and pointless without you. “Same old, same old.” I replied.

For a moment, neither of us said a word. I was able to hear his breathing and I’m positive he could hear the boring elevator music playing. I closed my eyes and bit my lip, I want to see you. Couldn’t I just say that to him?

“Try not to fall asleep when your brother is delivering his speech. It would be very bad especially because you’re his sister and all. I’ll talk to you later; I have to go watch my soufflé.”

“Ok—” I wasn’t able to say anything else because he had already ended the call. I stared at my phone and frowned. How could he just hang up on me like that? And why would he call if he was going to talk for less than a minute? Stupid soufflé is more important than I am.

I threw the device onto the table and harrumphed as I slouched into the chair. Then my parents came and took their seats as well. “Why do you look so angry, princess?” baba said as he rubbed circles on my back.

Every time he did this, I softened up and relaxed. And this time it was no different. “Nothing,” I sighed as I propped my elbow up onto the table and rested my chin on my hand. However, it did not last long when mama hit my arm.

“Elbows off the table.” She reprimanded, shaking her head at me. It’s not like it’s illegal for me to do this. But seeing the scornful expression she was wearing because I still hadn’t done what she ordered me to do, forced me to quickly place my hands on my lap.

Stupid table etiquette and manners.

At this point I had no idea what in the world was going on. All I heard was Tao gege talking and then applause filling the room. My head automatically snapped to the staircase and there I found a single spotlight on Yifan holding onto a wrist of a girl dressed in a royal blue gown.

I squinted my eyes wanting to get a clearer look and then one word Tao said sunk in.

Fiancée? But that’s not the devil. “That's not Hyunri.” I muttered. My lips were hitched to the side and my brows bunched in the center.

I kept staring at the pair and I could see their lips moving. They’re talking. Does he know her? Then I saw Yifan release her yet the guests were still clapping and cheering. How observant are they? I guess I can’t blame them since they’re all rather old. What did he get himself into now? Probably just a misunderstanding.

“Who is that?” Mama spoke in awe.

I shrugged because it looked like no big deal but when I saw their hands connecting and smiles plastered on their faces, my theory of it being a misunderstanding crumbled. Ooh, could she be his date?! Or better yet his new fiancée?! Imagine no more Park Hyunri?!

I felt tears welting in my eyes as the two reached our table. They made quite an attractive pair that I could not deny. I examined gege carefully as he let her hand go and pulled out the chair for her to sit.  What a gentleman. Tch, why didn’t he ever do that for me?

Because this is his lover, duh.

I was really excited at the thought that Hyunri’s absence from the banquet led Yifan to find a new girl. I mean I did not expect him to do this. Yet I didn’t mind! Shoot, it’s about time!

The mystery girl sat down and suddenly grabbed onto Yifan’s hand. “Wait! I don’t know these people. You’re just going to abandon me?” And I know she was trying to whisper it in order for us not to hear but I had sharp ears. She’s shy I see.

I stole a glimpse of Yifan and saw him staring blankly at her with a small smile. What in the world is this? “Well, you only met me five minutes ago and you don’t even want me to go,” I heard him tease. Wait, they just met?! Ah, my face fell. “I’ll be back before you know, introduce yourself.”

I sulked hearing their conversation. He’s still with her. “Annyonghaeseyo, Jeong Yunhee-imnida. I’m not really his fianc—” She couldn’t even finish her statement for mama had cut her off.

“Jeong Yunhee? Is your Aunt Kim Sunwoo?” She questioned with gleaming eyes.

“Neh, do you know her.” Yunhee answered back.

“Indeed, we know your entire family! It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Yunhee-ah.” Baba smiled, widely.

Whoa, did I miss something?

“And you all are…” her voice trailed off. She was confused just as I was.

“We are the Wu Family. I’m Ahiam, this is my husband Jihuang, our daughter Xiazi,” and when Yunhee’s eyes fell on me, I awkwardly smiled. “And up there is our son Yifan.” Mama introduced, eagerly. Wow, I haven’t seen her act like this since I learned how to potty train.

“It’s nice to meet you all. You must have been the close friends ahjumma was referring to the other day. But I should really get back to her.” She urged.

For some reason, I like her. I don’t know why but hey my gut instinct says she’s a keeper. “No need, she probably knows you’re here with that entrance.” I pointed out.

“Ah, geurae.” Was all she said until Yifan returned. Then I noticed her immediately straighten up and the smile eating up his face when he saw that she didn’t leave.

“Have we all met?” Yifan took his seat like it was normal for him to bring some stranger who everyone thought was his fiancée to the table. 

“Oh yes! Wherever did you find her? We are delighted!” mama laughed as she stole another sip of her champagne.

“It’s a long story,” he replied as he shifted his body so that he was facing her. Whoa, he’s so attentive