When the night came, there was a twittering sound in his ears, and the monster in the shadow began to move restlessly. Jason’s hungry stomach began to roar, and he couldn’t help swallowing saliva. Hunger is the best spur.

Tumingin ako kay mama para maiwas ang aking paningin sa kanya, baka hindi naman ako ang kinakawayan nya. Nag alay na lang ako ng dasal para kay appa.

Ilang minuto lang ay nakita ko ang paglisan nya. Tinapik ako ni mama ,"Jee, may problema ba?" nag aalala sya habang nakatitog sa aking mga mata.
"Wala po, namalikmata lang po ako" sagot ko naman. 
"Joon... aalis na kami ni Jee. Baka gabihin kami masyado sa daan..." panimula ni mama, hinaplos nya ang salamin ng storage kay papa at nagsalita muli si mama, "Mahal na mahal ka namin Joon..." Unti unting naglakad si mama papalayo, nakasunod lang ako sa kanya, at muli nakita ko yung lalaki kanina. Pamilyar ang mukha nya, pero di ko alam saan ko sya nakita.

Naglakad kami ni mama papunta sa sasakyan. Tahimik lang ang buong byahe namin ni mama, binukas ko na lang ang sounds sa radyo para hindi masyadong tahimik sa kotse.

Tumigil si mama sa isang restaurant, " Kain muna tayo Jee... Na baegopa ( I am hungry)."

"Okay eomma" sagot ko sabay labas sa kotse.  Pagkalock namin ng sasakyan ay pumasok na kami sa restaurant. Nag - bow sa amin ang waiter,  " Ijjog-euloyo. (This way.)". Inalalayan kami ng waiter papunta sa isang three seater na table at ibinigay sa amin ang menu nila. 
Lahat ay masarap, lalo na ang mga best dishes nila:

Dakkochi (Korean Chicken Skew 
Bindaetteok ( Mung Bean Pancake)
Jjinmandu ( Steamed Mandu Dumplings )
Dolsot Bibimbap ( Hotpot Mixed Rice)
Saengseon Jjigae ( Fish Stew)
Kimchi Jjigae ( Kimchi Stew)
Sundubu Jjigae ( Soft Tofu Stew)

"Jee..." bulong ni eomma
Napansin ko na naglalaway na pala ako, natawa na lang ng mahina si mama habang ineenjoy ang 30 seconds ng kahihiyan ng buhay ko. Kaya para hindi na ako mag laway ay nag order na kami ng Bindaetteok, Jjinmandu, Dolsot Bibimbap at Saengseon Jjigae, isinama rin ni mama ang niluto nyang galbi-jjim.

"Jee, dahan dahan lang..." bulong ni mama
"Ang sharap nyung mangkaen " sabi ko habang may laman pa ang bibig ko.
" Oh sya , tapusin mo na lang yang pagkain mo at uuwi na tayo"

Natagalan bago ako nakahinga ng maayos, pakiramdam ko puputok na ang jeans ko, another katakawan day...

Pagkatapos ay sumakay na kami sa sasakyan. Nakita ko si mama na palihim na nangigiti, alam ko kung ano ang pinagtatawanan nya kaya tinignan ko sya ng iritable.
"Sorry Jee, hindi ko talaga makalimutan ang itsura mo kanina..." tahimik pa syang humagikgik
"Ma..."

Kahit natatawa pa sya ay sinimulan na nyang buhayin ang makina ng sasakyan. Kagaya kanina ay tahimik nanaman kami sa buong byahe. Maya maya pa ay binasag ko na ang katahimikan sa loob ng sasakyan, " Ma , naitabi mo ba ang mga yearbooks ko noong high school?"

Sinulyapan nya ako saglit at ibinalik ang tingin sa kalsada. " Oo, bakit mo naitanong?"
"May gusto lang ako tignan, eomma."
"Nasa mga filing cabinets sila, sa may basement. Katabi ng itim na kahon"
" Gomabseubnida, eomma."

Kailangan ko talagang tignan yung mga yearbook na yun, pamilyar talaga sa akin yung lalaki na yon.

Umulan ulit ng snow habang nasa byahe kami. Pagkauwi namin ay napapaligiran na ng snow ang daanan namin. Pagkapark ng sasakyan ay dali- dali akong nag asikaso ng sarili. Hinubad ko na ang jacket ko at nagpalit ng pambahay, si mama naman ay inayos ang dala namin kanina. Bumaba ako agad papunta kay mama, "Eomma pupunta na ko sa basement ahh"
"Sige, nasa kanan ng hagdan ang switch ng ilaw doon"
Nag thumbs up ako na sign sa kanya at tumuloy sa basement. Pagkabukas ko ng pinto ay bumungad aad sa akin ang sobrang dilim ng basement, ang amoy karton at papel, napaubo naman ako sa makapal na alikabok. Dahan dahan akong bumaba sa hagdan, nakakatakot ang sobrang dilim doon, kinakapa ko rin sa may bandang kanan ang switch ng ilaw

*Click*

Bumukas ang ilaw na sobrang liwanag, kitang kita ang ayos ng basement. Maraming karton ang magkakasama sa isang lugar, mga filing cabinets ni papa na nakatabi malapit sa bintana, mga pinaglumaang kagamitan. Nakita ko ang kahon na palatandaan na sinasabi ni mama. Pinuntahan ko kaagad yung filing cabinet na katabi ng karton at nakita ko ang napakaraming photo albums at yearbooks.

Humanap muna ako ng pwedeng upuan at lamesita. Habang naghahanap ng gagamitin ko napatakip ako sa ilong ko dahil sa kapal na rin ng alikabok.

Ilang minuto rin akong naghahanap sa basement nang biglang tumawag si mama, "Jee, matutulog na ako. Ikaw na muna bahala dyan ahh."

"Ok, ma" tipid kong sagot.

Kinuha ko ang isang maliit na stool na nakita ko doon sa likod ng pinto at nagsimula ng tignan ang mga photo albums at yearbooks na maayos na nakasalansan. Una kong nahawakan ang photo album ko noong elementary. Buo pa ang pamilya namin, narito pa si papa. Puro masasayang ala - ala ang naiwan sa amin ni papa.

Hindi ko mapigilang hindi maluha,mas close kasi ako kay papa; noong nawala sya, sa kwarto lang ako umiiyak at humahagulgol. Ayokong ipakita kay mama para hindi sya panghinaan lalo ng loob. Kaso nahahalata pa rin ni mama na umiyak ako, dahil namamaga ang mga mata ko kahit dampian ng icepack.

Nagsisimula ang photo album sa mga pictures ko simula pagkapanganak hanggang pagkagraduate ko ng high school.

Kinuha ko ang isang album, high school ako wala na si appa pero kahit gayun pa man ay tuloy ang buhay. Habang tinititigan ko ang class picture namin ay kapansin pansin ang background nito... Matingkad na white at ang upuan namin ay isang long bench, nakasuot kami ng high school uniform, at ang flooring ay nalalapatan ng red carpet.

Nanlaki ang mata ko nang napansin ko ang itsura ng isang tao sa background...

Isang nerd at isang nobody ang pagtatagpuin muli sa isang reunion party, isang party na sisira sa kanilang magkakaibigan.
Uusisain ni Jee (Kim Ji Won) ang buhay ni Kaede ( Younghoon) at kikilalanin niya ito para malaman ang misteryong bumabalot sa binatilyo.

Malaman din kaya nya na hindi lang ordinaryo ang pagsasamahan nilang magkakaklase?

***Mature Content***

The plane Gun-Ho was on landed at Hongqiao International Airport in Shanghai, China.
Gun-Ho became busy looking at the surroundings such as buildings and business signs once he got off the plain.
"Is this your first time in China?"
"Huh? Oh, yes, it's my first time."
"This airport is an old airport like Gimpo International Airport in our country. There is a new airport in Pudong, just like Incheon International Airport in Korea. That's why a flight leaving Incheon lands in Pudong, and a flight leaving Gimpo lands in Hongquio."
"Oh, I see."
"Since this airport has been here for a long time, you can find Korean restaurants and Korean consulate in this area. The branch offices of many Korean banks such as Industrial Bank of Korea and Kookmin Bank for Shanghai are all located here as well."
Mr. Byeon showed Gun-Ho the Korean consulate and the Korean bank branch offices.
"I chose this flight route to this location for our trip because you might use this airport frequently in the future. We actually have an airport close to Hangzhou City where my restaurant is located and that would be the fastest route to get to the restaurant. However, I chose this airport for your future convenience."
Gun-Ho didn't pay too much attention to what Mr. Byeon had said. He was too busy looking at the people on the street and the buildings in the area.
"We can take an express bus here to Hangzhou City. It takes about two hours."
Mr. Byeon took Gun-Ho to the express bus terminal. The terminal looked similar to the one in the province in Korea.
"Hangzhou City is like a state capital. You can think of it as a city where a provincial government is located. It could be Daegu City or Gwangju City in Korea."
The express bus looked the same as the one in Korea. After passing by a huge Canola flower field, they arrived at Hangzhou City; it was already after sunset. Hangzhou was a big city like Shanghai. Gun-Ho and Mr. Byeon took a taxi after getting off the bus. Mr. Byeon was fluent in Chinese. He said something to the taxi driver, and the driver nodded his head.
"I told him we want to go to Mando Hotel located in Haebang road. My restaurant is located on the 8th floor in the same building."
"8th floor?"
Gun-Ho frowned as soon as he heard 8th floor. Gun-Ho thought the first floor was a better location for high foot traffic. 'Can they get customers on the 8th floor?' Gun-Ho thought. Mr. Byeon explained when he sensed Gun-Ho's disappointment about the location of the restaurant.
"The restaurant has an excellent view from the 8th floor. In addition, it is one of the few Korean restaurants in Hangzhou City, so we do get many customers even if it is on the 8th floor including tourist customers in a group occasionally."
Gun-Ho thought tourist groups should be very good customers for a restaurant. However, the fact that he couldn't speak Chinese bothered him. He had to rely on Mr. Byeon for every single thing.
 
They arrived at Mando Hotel. It was not a huge hotel but looked cozy. Gun-Ho had seen other hotels from their taxi ride on their way here; they were all big, unlike this Mando Hotel. Gun-Ho and Mr. Byeon went up to the 8th floor in the elevator. There was a standing signboard that said 'Korean Restaurant' written in Chinese inside the elevator.
As Gun-Ho and Mr. Byeon entered into the restaurant, the restaurant staff greeted them without bowing though. No one even slightly bent their head to greet them. They all said something in Chinese, which Gun-Ho couldn't understand at all. Gun-Ho looked around and he was amazed.
"The restaurant is very large and clean maybe because it is located in the same building as a hotel. Even the floor was carpeted."
Gun-Ho had a hard time believing this large and clean restaurant is only 50 million won. He then realized when he was about to leave the restaurant that he wouldn't get anything since there was no security deposit required.
"That means I have to make a profit and save that profit up during the whole time I'm running the restaurant. If I look at it that way, 50 million won is not cheap."
The restaurant had about 20 tables, and only two of them were occupied at that time. Mr. Byeon asked Gun-Ho to sit and wait for him in the backside of the restaurant. Mr. Byeon started talking with the staff. It seemed like the restaurant staff was reporting the things that happened during Mr. Byeon's absence. After a moment, Mr. Byeon came to Gun-Ho with a lady who looked like in her mid-20s.
"She is one of our staff; she is doing interpretation too."
"I'm Mae-Hyang Kim." She spoke in Korean.
She extended her hand for a handshake with a smile. She seemed like a Korean living in China.
"I'm Gun-Ho Goo."
Mr. Byeon then said as Gun-Ho and Mae-Hyang shook their hands,
"We have eight staff in total here. Ms. Mae-Hyang Kim is our serving staff, and she also does the interpreting. I don't ask her often for interpreting, but if you take over this restaurant, you will probably need her pretty often for interpreting. She is a very good interpreter."
Gun-Ho looked at Mae-Hyang again.
"Are you a Korean Chinese by any chance?"
"That's right."
Mae-Hyang responded with a smile on her round face. She had a bit of an outdated style but she was cute.
"Who is the cashier? Mr. Byeon, are you the one who is handling money?"
"No. We have a local lady from here in Hangzhou City. Do you see the lady over there who is taking payment from a customer?"
"Oh, I see."
"I've reserved your room in this hotel for your convenience. Your room is downstairs, number 706. Here is the room key. I've already talked to the hotel manager to give you a discounted price for your room."
"Haha, I appreciate it."
"Why don't you unpack your luggage in your room and change clothes before dinner. I will meet you in the lobby after an hour. Let's have dinner in the Chinese restaurant across the street."
"That sounds great."
 
The hotel was small but it had everything it needed. The room was as good as a newly constructed motel in a province in Korea. Gun-Ho took a shower and walked out of the bathroom.
"Oh, TV is here."
Gun-Ho turned on the TV.
A Chinese news anchor was talking in Chinese on TV. Gun-Ho, of course, had no idea what that news anchor was talking about. There was a brochure on the table next to the TV. It was a hotel brochure and a map for tourists.
"They are all written in Chinese letters. I had learned Chinese letters but these look different from what I had learned."
Gun-Ho studied Chinese writing and reading and obtained a level-3 certificate for it in addition to a certificate for Korean history. It was a part of the preparation process for government and private sector jobs. So he was supposed to be able to read Chinese letters, but he could recognize only a few letters from the brochure.
"I guess this part explains about the emergency exit, but all I can read is the word 'safety'."
Gun-Ho laid down on the bed while thinking.
"The restaurant is nice and neat but I'm not sure if I can make money with it."
At that moment, the phone started to ring.
"Hello?"
Gun-Ho answered the phone in English; 'hello' was one of the few English words he knew.
"I'm Hee-Yeol Byeon. It's almost time. Let's meet in the lobby downstairs."
 
Mr. Byeon took Gun-Ho to the restaurant across the street. There were two huge lights about the size of a desk hanging on the main entrance. The restaurant name was Seohochancheong.
"Wow, it is a very big restaurant."
The restaurant's serving staff were standing by at the entrance side like a guard before they assist their customers. One of them brought a menu book to Gun-Ho and Mr. Byeon. While Gun-Ho couldn't read any of it, Mr. Byeon started placing orders proficiently pointing certain dishes listed on the menu book.
"How long should I stay in China to speak Chinese fluently like you?"
"I don't speak Chinese fluently at all. I've been here for seven years, but you will learn very quickly since you are young."
"You are so modest, Mr. Byeon. You have spent seven years in China. That's amazing."
"I'm not just saying it, but you would be able to speak Chinese probably within two years. Let's have Chinese alcohol, Baijinwoo, the Kaoliang wine. I will talk to you more about my restaurant while we are eating."

This is the story of a poor young man whose poverty even shreds apart their family willing to climb his way through society and into the top. A very realistic novel that moves away from fantasy and sci-fi and focuses solely on the issues of society and life.

"Mom, where was that cute thing you always used for my packed lunch when I was still in school?" Apollo asked, emptying all the kitchen cabinets to find that thing.

	Mrs. Rodriguez looked confused. "The bento box? Why do you need it?"

	"I cooked too much of the braised beef so I was wondering if maybe Betha would like to have it for dinner. She can just heat it up later."
	
	"Oh." Mrs. Rodriguez went upstairs.

	"Mom?" Apollo looked around for his mom. "Where'd she go now?" He asked himself. A few minutes later, his mom appeared. "Where'd you go?"

	"You said you wanted to use the bento box so here it is." She sat at the kitchen stool fronting Apollo who was standing by the counter.

	"Oh. Thanks, mom. Aren't you hungry yet? It's almost one." He opened the bento box and started stuffing it with rice, braised beef and veggies.

	"We had way too much breakfast, dear. But I am excited to eat your braised beef later."

	"Yeah me too. I still feel like a pig right now. That was some serious breakfast we had. I won't get that overwhelmed in cooking again. I learned my lesson." He gave Mrs. Rodriguez a sweet smile and she responded the same.

	"You look happy and excited. I'm glad." 

	Apollo was done preparing Betha's packed food then simply nodded at his mom's remarks. "What's this called again?" He asked, holding the thing and looking at every angle.
	
	"Tote."

	"It's very girly. I don't remember that this goes with the bento box."

	"Well I don't think there's going to be a problem with that because it's meant for a girl anyway."

	"Oh. Right." He grinned.

	"You look a little nervous." Mrs. Rodriguez stood up, fetched a bottle of water from the fridge and gave it to Apollo. "Here. Drink up and cool down."

	Apollo's eyes rolled. "Mom, I'm fine. I'll be fine."

	"I'm not fine. I'm definitely not feeling fine." Apollo was in her mom's car parked in front of the pharmacy and he'd been looking at it for quite some time, trying to collect all his courage and thoughts.  His plan was to give Betha the packed meal and ask if she wants to watch a movie at Daylight Avenue before dinner. 

Daylight Avenue was the perfect mall for health and environment enthusiasts. It was the only mall that followed outright banning of plastics so the food court at the 2nd floor as well as all other restaurants used either edible or nature straws that were made of wheat. The ground floor had fashion boutiques from self-proclaimed artists that were very good in their craft. The many variety of good quality garments, shoes, bags, and accessories were exclusive only for Daylight Avenue customers. The grocery store, which was also situated at the ground floor, only sold organic food and only had hessian bags that were made from durable and naturally biodegradable vegetable fibers as their best alternative for single-use plastic bags. The 4th floor was the mall's entertainment avenue comprised of Movie Avenue which has 4 cinemas and a Kids Avenue that didn't have any violent arcades. Apollo's dream destination for his first date with Betha was at Daylight Avenue so that they can just watch a movie and maybe play some arcade.

He closed his eyes and took one inhale and exhale. When he stepped out of the car with the tote bag, he looked around feeling a bit embarrassed to be seen holding it. He finally got inside the pharmacy  but there was no sign of Betha. He tried to check further if she maybe at the far end or inside their stockroom that he almost looked like a brontosaurus. A girl with short curly brown hair in mid 20s greeted him.  "How may I help you? You seem to be looking for something. Can I have your prescription?"

"Oh no. I'm not here to buy anything. I'm looking for Betha." Apollo responded, still looking around to see where she might be. And just like magic, she appeared from behind the shelves. He instantly smiled at the sight of her. "Betha."

"Well hi there. What brought you here?" Betha nonchalantly approached the counter and rested her elbows, hands clasped under her chin. 

Hannah's curiosity was short lived when she recognized the kind of casual flirting that Betha was playing. She stepped out of the picture to give them space. 

"I brought you lunch. I mean dinner because it's way pass lunch. You can just heat this up." Apollo placed the tote bag on the counter and pulled out the bento box. "It's braised beef with rice and some veggies. I cooked too much of it and since you're new in our neighborhood, it's kind of a late welcome gift." He looked self-conscious as Betha studied his face and opened the bento box.

"Wow these look good. They also smell good, Apollo. Thank you." She gave him her sweetest smile. 

Apollo felt like he was going to die. "It's nothing, really." He said humbly.

"Actually, I think I should eat this now. The truth is I haven't had lunch. It was peak hours and I just didn't have time but now I do. Do you wanna join me?"

"Yes." Apollo instantly responded, his heart leaping and jumping up and down like Deedee of Dexter's laboratory. 

"Can you wait for me? I'll just quickly tell Hannah I'll step out for my one-hour break."
Apollo nodded. His heart had not recovered from the adrenaline rush and now he was too ecstatic to know he was going to spend one whole hour with Betha. 

"Where should we go eat this? We can share if you haven't had your lunch."

"My mom's friend owns Samgyeopsal. She's almost never there but the staff lets me, and Gab hang out there sometimes." He opened the pharmaceutical door for her, and they stepped outside. 

"Sure, let's go there."

As they entered the restaurant, Betha was mesmerized with the interior design because at first look, anyone would've thought they had entered an art gallery if it weren't for the mouthwatering scent of beef and kimchi stew. Samgyeopsal didn't completely follow the traditional look of a standard Korean restaurant. The entire surrounding had a mix of Western modern elements and upscale Korean designs that would make anyone want to stay. Chairs were made of high-quality Manchurian ash solid wood with decorative touch that used glossy, breathable, soft, and tough imported cloth. The black and gold color looked elegant and matched the smokeless Korean barbecue table. The walls had paintings with labels under them. Betha touched the labels showing Plum Blossoms, Blossom, Bump, Flare, and then went straight to the corner of 9 showcased artists. "Kim Tae, Kim Tae…oh my gosh their names are so hard to pronounce."

A waitress with smiling face came up to her and read the names of the artists. "Kim Tae-Kueon, Park Je Kyoung, Ham Sup, Shin Ha Neul, Lee Yoonsung, Sang-jin Choi, Chu Yeon-Sin…." 

"Oh, I know this. I know this. I can read it. Candy Park." Betha proudly said.

Apollo burst into laughter. "Good job there, Betha. Good job." He quietly applauded.

"And the last one here is Um Mi Keum. They are all contemporary artists." 

"You're not Korean." Betha said to the friendly waitress then noticed her nametag. "Shelley."
"Yes, I'm a full-blooded American." She smiled. She had natural blond hair, a petite figure and was two inches shorter than Betha who was 5'7" and five inches shorter than Apollo who was 5'10. The girl must've felt so small as she stood between the two future lovers. "Please have a seat. What are you having?"

"Just rice and kimchi stew since we brought a packed lunch. We'll check the menu for the desserts or beverages." 

Shelley, who was holding the menu, handed it over to Betha and Apollo. "I'll be right back."
When she was out of sight, Betha's face looked like she had won the lottery. "This looks like a fine dining restaurant." She said as they both took seats facing each other. Plates, chopsticks and condiments were already set up on the table. 

"It does. Doesn't it? But it's not really. The family just happened to be art collectors and Su-ann, my mom's friend, married an American who's into furniture business."
"Well that's such a perfect combination."
"It is."

"Gab and I are here at least maybe twice a month. Normally it's because mom's craving for Korean so we'd eat here and then order a takeout for her."

"Cool. You seem really close to your mom and she seems so sweet."

"She is." They both started checking the menu for beverages.

After five minutes, Shelley served rice, iced water and kimchi stew. "Thanks, Shelley." Apollo said. "I'll have the usual sikhye."
"What is that?" Betha asked. The menu was clearly a challenge for her because it was her first time in a Korean restaurant.

"It's a sweet traditional rice drink. I think every Korean restaurant has it because it's their traditional end to a meal. Or I don't know. At least that's what I remember. Right, Shelley?"
"Yes. You're right. I haven't seen you for a long time. I'm glad you're here." She commented.
Betha looked from Apollo to Shelley then back to Apollo. "I'll have the same." She closed the menu. "By the way, I'll be out by five and I was planning to shop at Daylight Avenue. I was wondering if you could take me there." She discreetly observed Shelley's reaction though it was hard to pinpoint because she seemed to only have one reaction to her smiley face. 
Apollo couldn't believe the luck that he had. He was just thinking about how to ask her for a date at Daylight Avenue and he didn't even have to. He felt like the gods were with him that he couldn't help but smile with all his 32 teeth showing. "Yes. I'll take you."

Apollo’s ordinary life changes when a new neighbor moves right across his home. He's instantly mesmerized by her looks, unaware that she turns into an old hag with silver hair whenever someone within 5km is about to die. What happens when he finds out her true identity?

They were freshmen from Japan, Singapore and the Republic of Korea who had been selected by Hermes thanks to Qin Guan. The show required six Asian models, six African models and some white models. The boys felt really lucky to be on the stage.
The three Asian men expressed their gratitude and respect for Qin Guan. Their feelings had nothing to do with his age. They were only based on his achievements.
Daisuke Ueda took a deep bow before Qin Guan and stretched out his hands sincerely. When Qin Guan shook his hands kindly, the Japanese model looked up at him in admiration. He felt extremely flattered. Japanese people admired power and only obeyed people with authority.
Singaporeans, on the other hand, were more cunning. They only cared about profit, and power and money governed over the fashion circle. Age and appeal meant nothing to them. They only liked to cooperate and compete against each other.
Meanwhile, the Korean model walked closer to Qin Guan. This was rare, as Koreans were usually unable to read a situation correctly. This model had been born and raised in America though. He had received standard American education, so his English was much better than his Korean.
Thanks to the American media, he knew all about Qin Guan's status in the fashion and entertainment circle.
The industry was no heaven. Stories about the complexity of human nature circulated among the handsome models. 
Qin Guan had changed a lot through time. He was no longer the crazy model that had participated in the Chinese Fashion Week. Back then, he had accepted any offers he could get and left nothing for other models.
Now he had reached the top of the pyramid and was able to choose the best jobs, so there was enough work left for the struggling male models.
Everyone was grateful for his kindness.
The shining star left with his team amid the grateful gazes of his peers.
Far away from that noisy site, Qin Guan and his team found a good restaurant where they could have a party.
People had big dinners in France. The country had long enjoyed a good reputation for its delicious food, but finding delicious food at a reasonable price was really hard. French restaurants always charged too much.
If one travelled to Paris from far away, it would be a letdown for them to end up having dinner in Chinatown in District 13. Qin Guan's keen nose detected a small restaurant in a narrow street in District 10. A wonderful smell filled the entire street.
It was already 10:30 pm, so the restaurant welcomed their last wave of customers before closing time. The room was crowded with eight people.
A French girl with red cheeks and freckles walked over to them with a pencil.
"What would you like?"
Her English was poor. Despite the foreigners pouring into the city during the Paris Fashion Week, French citizens did not stoop so low as to learn English.
Qin Guan smiled warmly at her. "Where is the menu?" he asked in standard French.
The happy girl pointed at the paintings on the wall. "Right there!"
It was so simple!
"Beef, parsley and onion stew, served with a secret sauce."
"Chicken with tarragon and lemon meatballs, fried in various sauces."
"Mutton with cilantro, cumin and soy sauce, fried in alcoholic beverages."
 "Pork with fennel, red pepper meatballs and soup, the best choice for bread dipping."
"The vegetarian meatballs are a perfect mixture of chickpeas and eggplant, so they are refreshing, but not greasy."
There were various ingredients and cooking methods used. Everyone understood the menu thanks to Qin Guan, who translated it from French.
All the dishes cost a fixed 20 euros. For an extra five euros, one could get a soft drink and a portion of vegetables.
Everyone began feasting on the delicious meatballs. Even the restaurant's small bowls looked like artwork.
Each portion included five meatballs. When one cut them with their knife and fork, they could see steam rising from them. The tasty juice, spices and meat were a perfect match. This food was definitely worth the trip to France.
After dinner, they had some vegetables, fruit and cheese to clean their mouths. The soda bubbles in their glasses were twinkling like the stars in the sky of the strange city.
Hello, Paris, the place of any Chinese fashion designer and model's dreams.
Farewell, Paris. Qin Guan had changed the rules once again.


Qin Guan was reborn and sent back to his final semester in High School 18 years ago. Getting a second chance at life, he works hard to turn things around and eventually become a Prince Charming. What will his life be like the second time around? What will he have to go through? How will he succeed in turning from a loser into a Prince Charming? Read this story carefully and find out!

October looked at the side profile of Lexus was thought that he was even more handsome and dazzling in her eyes. She was really grateful to Lexus even though she has to admit that Lexus had a very terrible personality. And for him to compromise like this for her was making her feel so moved. 
She reached out her hand and rested on top of Lexus' and softly squeezed it. Really grateful to this man who does everything to make her happy even if he has to grit his teeth or bleed in anger, he would still do so just to satisfy her. 
"I'll definitely make it up to you." She said as she turned to call on Ma Rong who was leisurely standing in front of October's building with his hands shoved in his pockets. 
October was so happy to have received this once-in-a-bluemoon favor from Lexus that she had immediately turned to call for Ma Rong that she was not able to see Lexus' cunning smile that immediately vanished like a puff of smoke.
"Rong'er, come join us. Lexus invited you." October said with even tone but her face had a slight smile on her face. Again, Ma Rong was immediately confronted by the reality that he will never be able to put such a soft smile on October's face like Lexus did. 
Ma Rong did not let his own bitterness to show on his face. He maintained his aloof smile and said, "Really? Thank you, bro."
The car door instantly swang open and entered the smiling Ma Rong. He found a comfortable spot for him to sit and leaned his back with a contented look. He gave the interior of Lexus' car a quick yet scrutinizing look and nodded his head. He has to say that Lexus and him have quite common tastes. He liked simple yet luxurious things. Also, the car was customized. 
"I hope I am not disturbing your date." 
'Yes, you really are disturbing my first date with my wife, you bastard!' Lexus thought with a dangerous glint shown on his eyes. His jaw was squared and his grip of the stirring wheel tightened. 
"No, you really are not. Don't worry about it." Lexus flatly said with thorns hidden in his words. Through the rear-view mirror, he then looked at Ma Rong's smiling face that he dearly wanted to rip and added, "I am an understanding husband and would dote on mywife unconditionally. Besides, you are her family which also makes you my family." 
'Yes! Bare in mind, you wife snatcher, that you are her family so don't you dare cross the line and step out of your boundaries! Know your place!' Lexus thought as he squinted his eyes at Ma Rong.
The underlying meaning behind Lexus glare was fully received and understood by Ma Rong as he nodded his head slightly. 
'Geez! Don't be over-dramatic. I won't steal your wife...since she is my best friend in the first place. I knew her longer than you did.' Ma Rong's usually carefree smile and bright eyes turned sharp all of a sudden as he looked at Lexus with a smug look on his face. 
October can feel the heat between the two. She frowned and gave both Lexus and Ma Rong a look telling them to behave themselves. Right after that, the ride became silent and the atmosphere was deadly silent but at least it does not have a heavy atmoshere with it. If she ignored them a little longer, she might literally see flashes of lightnings clashing and repelling each other.
Somehow, October felt a little bit of regret and thought if this was a good idea. Or did she just made the two important people of her life to kill each other? 
October felt a throbbing on her head as she gave another look at Lexus' cold and distant look. She sighed in her heart and kept silent. 
After 15 minutes of agonizing silence, they finally arrived at Blossoms, which was a popular restaurant in the city that mainly serves vegetables are the main dish. To be precise, this was a restaurant for vegetarians or people on a diet. 
Having been away from the city for a couple of years, a lot have changed and almost everywhere Ma Rong would turn to look, he felt familiar yet also not. Blossoms, however, was a restaurant he knew of. And so, when they arrived, his face immediately sunk into the depths of the abyss. 
Vegetables? Really now? He wants meat! Meat, meat, meat! 
Ma Rong's face paled and was on the verge of crumbling down to dust. He somehow regretted to tag along with this couple. If he knew that they were headed to here, he would have definitely, absolutely refused a hundred times. He cursed under his breath.
When Lexus passed his keys to the attendant waiting in front of the restaurant, he saw Ma Rong's 'dead' face while looking at the restaurant. He then snorted in mockery. 
With a smooth and quick movement, he intertwined his fingers with October's and gently gazed at her with a sweet smile on his well-sculptured face. 
Seeing the "lovey-dovey" atmosphere surrounding the couple in front of him, Ma Rong felt bitter and his lips twitched in annoyance. Lexus gave him a look with a victorious smile on his face, making Ma Rong to want to punch his face. 
Even if Ma Rong was good-looking himself, he was swallowed up by the heaven-defying couple in front of him. He served as a colorless background for the two as he followed to walk behind him. Despite his unwillingness and resentment to enter the restaurant, he still dragged himself in order to not waste October's kind offer. He was also able to ruin the couple's date so why not see this through?
He was a troublemaker yet he can still get away from the mess he will create; however, he just got himself tripped over in the process this time. 
Soon, they arrived at a round table situated near a terrace overlooking an enormous pond. There were pink lotus flowers in full bloom scattered beautifully on the water's surface and if one would look closer, there were koi fishes swimming about in different colors and sizes. 
The restaurant's ambience was so peaceful and tranquil as it give off a very surreal feeling coupled with the accompaniment of the traditional chinese intrument, guzheng.
The three then sat on their respective seats, with Lexus sitting so close with October and Ma Rong was seated at the furthest corner. Lexus made sure of this sitting arrangement and looked at his 'rival' with his victory smile. 
When Ma Rong realized this, he almost vomited blood from anger. 
He did not imagine that October's man was so petty to this extent. With this, one could instantly tell that he was tagging along and literally disrupted the couple's meal. Ma Rong let out a bitter sigh and helplessly chuckled to himself. He felt sorry for himself who was in this current situation. But then again, he was to blame for this because he did not hesitate to tag along. 
"Sirs, madam, here are your menus. Please press this button if you are ready to order. Well then, excuse me." The waiter politely said and slightly bowed his head before walking out. 
"Choose anything you like, Rong'er. You don't have to hold back." October nochalantly said this as she herself scanned through the menu. She then turned to Lexus who did not pick up his menu and curious looked at him and asked with raised eyebrow, "Why aren't you choosing your dish?"
"Oohhh! Thank goodness! They have pork!" Ma Rong exclaimed and almost burst into tears as soon as he saw some dishes with meat as the main ingredient. 
Lexus gave Ma Rong a blank look and ignored his annoying face. As if a switch was turned on, his face was immediately replaced with a soft and doting face as he gazed at the woman beside him.
"I'll order the same dishes as you." Lexus sweetly said to October with a doting look on his face. 
Seeing this, Ma Rong rolled his eyes and ignored Lexus' taunting smile. He turned his attention back on the list of dishes and choose some in which he thought was delicious. 
Not long later, they pressed the button and instantly, a waiter went to their table and took their orders. 


October is a woman who was cold and devoid of emotions. This was true, until she met Lexus who let her experience a whirlwind of emotions she never thought she had with a gift she never thought she'll receive.

Lanna October Park is the calm and charismatic Assistant Director of the Halo Company. She talks only when needed and was not yet seen smiling by her colleagues which made her known as the Halo Company's Ice Director. But unknown to them, she was in fact the eldest daughter of the Park Real Estate Empire of the whole City D. 

Indifferent with her family's wealth, she decided to be independent and climb the ranks in the business world using her own capability but her stepmother is more threatened by her and so baked a lot of schemes to bring her down and make her unfit to inherit the business.

Because October let her guard down for just once, she fell for one of her stepmother's schemes and was then became the talk of the city the very next day.

Unbeknownst to her stepmother, the man she was with was in fact the notorious CEO, Lexus Song.

Getting her innocence was one but getting pregnant was another making her career and work credibility being questioned. 

"I'll take responsibility." He said.

"No need. I'm already responsible enough to take care of my child." She rejected and turned to leave but was then yanked back and bumped into his hard chest.

"Then take responsibility to me." He said shamelessly as he leaned down to whisper in her ear, "You took my innocence so you have to take responsibility, dear wife."

CHAPTER 6






Its graduation day and this is the last day na magkasama kaming apat. Last moment to my classmates but except to my best friends. Alam kong magkikita pa kami sa susunod kaya hindi pa ito last moment namin. I look around and lahat ng mga students have a teary eyes. Nahawa tuloy ako sa atmosphere rito. Hindi ba sila aware na nakakahawa ang mga emotions nila? Oo na! Mami-miss mo talaga ang junior high life mo pero we can't do nothing. We are expecting na mangyayari talaga ito sa ating life. We need to face the reality.

"Ma, can I take a picture with them?" sabay turo kina Majoy na naghihintay sa akin sa stage. Tapos na ang event and picture taking na sa mga classmates ang nangyayari rito. I want to take a picture with Majoy, Jessie and Dave. 

Tumingin sa kanila si mama at tumingin rin ako sa kanila. They are all smiling to us... as if na sinasabihan nila si mama na 'sige na po, tita. Maganda ka naman po eh.' Duh! Alam ko na ang mga galawan nila. Tumango si mama at napangiti ako.

"Yey! Thank you, ma! Just wait a minute lang po rito, ma. I love you po," I hug her so tight that can make her laugh. Masaya ako eh. Iniwan ko muna si mama at dali-daling pumunta kina Majoy, halos takbuhin ko na ang stage kahit masikip.

"Ganda natin sis, ah? Sponsored by mama ba ito?" tumawa kaming lahat at pinalo ko ang braso ni Majoy.

"Gusto kasi ni mama na dapat maganda ako sa graduation natin. Alam niyo naman ang mga mama... gustong pagandahin ang mga anak," sabay hair flip at na-shock sila. Napahawak naman sa dibdib si Dave at tinaas niya pa ang kaniyang kilay. Bading.

"Lakas makahangin rito ha? Nadala kami. Grabe!" inirapan ko lang siya habang tumatawa. Nagsimula na kaming mag-picture and pagkatapos ay nag-bid ng goodbye sa isa't-isa. Lumapit ako kay mama at tinititigan niya ako ng matagal. Nagtaka pa ako kasi bakit ganito makatitig ni mama sa akin. Hello! Araw-araw kaming magkasama ni mama pero ngayon lang niya itong ginawa sa akin. Na-a-awkward tuloy ako.

Inayos niya ang aking mahabang buhok at ngumiti.

"You're so beautiful, dear. Manang-mana ka talaga sa akin, 'no?" proud niyang sabi at napamewang pa. Okay ka lang ba ma?

"I wonder kung bakit hindi kayo masyadong magkamukha ng papa mo," napabungisngis siya at inakbayan ako. Taka naman ko siyang tiningnan at sinabayan ko na lang siya sa lakad. Okay? Pero... ano bang pinagsasabi ni mama? Can't she see? Magkamukha kaya kami ni papa? Baka kabaliktaran ma? Mas kamukha kami ni papa kaysa sa'yo! BWAHAHAHAHA!

"Nung lumabas ka na sa tiyan ko, 'nak... ang cute-cute mo nun. Dahil sa kakyutan mo... ang sarap mong itapon," tumawa siya at nanlaki ang mga mata ko. What the! Anong klase ina ba si mama? Huhuhu! Ang sama niya.

Napapadyak ako at nag-pout.

"I hate you, ma," mangiyak-ngiyak kong sabi at tumawa lang siya. Che! It's a lame reason to me. Sana hindi na lang ako cute nung baby pa ako. Alam niyo bang parang tinusok ang puso ko sa sinabi ni mama?

Hinila ni mama ang braso ko at inakbayan ako habang naka-ngiti sa akin.

"Para mawala 'yang inis mo sa akin... papakainin kita ngayon," lalo akong nag-pout kasi alam talaga ni mama kung ano ang gusto ko. Salamat ma ha? Kahit gusto mo akong itapon... pinapakain mo pa rin ako. Ang sakit mong magsalita ma. Sobra... 

Napa-cross arms na lang ako at umirap.

Nakaka-stress.

Gaya nga sinabi ni mama ay pinakain niya ako sa isang mamahaling restaurant. Nagulat pa ako na dito niya ako dinala kasi mahal 'to. Hindi ako sanay sa mga mamahalin na mga pagkain at balita ko na five star ito na restaurant. So rich men!

Nag-suggest pa ako kay mama na sa tabi-tabi na lang kaming kumain like McDo or Jollibee para naman maka-save kami ng pera, 'no pero nag-insist talaga siya na dito na raw kami kakain and besides, nagpa-reserve na siya ng table. Ang advance naman ni mama at hindi ko maiwasan mamangha!

Kinurot pa nga niya ako sa tagiliran nung nalaman niya na kumakain ako ng street foods kasi raw yung mantika na ginagamit nila ay pabalik-balik na raw yun ginagamit. Paano daw magkasakit ako at ma-hospital ako... magkakapera pa raw ang doctor. Tss. Alam ko na 'yan. Pabalik-balik na 'yan ni-remind sa akin ni mama na bawal akong kumain ng street foods kasi hindi maganda ang pagkaluto nila at hindi rin maganda sa kalusugan.

Eh? Paano 'yan... mas masarap ang pagkain nila kesa sa fast food chain? Mas bet ko pa yung food nila kasi mura pa. Kuripot kasi ako kaya gusto ko nang mura.

Pumasok kami sa loob at inilibot ko ang aking paningin sa paligid.

"Wow," amazed na sabi ko at aaminin ko, mga professional ang kumakain rito sa restaurant. Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Why did they build this kind of restaurant kung hindi naman ma-afford ng iba? I don't like this but I can't say na hindi ako na-amaze sa place na'to. It look so good and... beautiful.

Just like me. 

"Good evening, ma'am. This way," wow! How did they know na nagpa-reserve kami rito? Tiningnan ko ang kabuuan ni mama at wala naman siyang hawak na kung ano para malaman ng waiter na nagpa-reserve kami. Nah! Hindi dapat ako ma-stress diyan. Masyado pa akong bata.

Sinundan namin ang waiter at nasa likuran lang ako ni mama, nakatingin pa rin sa mga nakaka-akit na mga design.

"This is your table ma'am. Have a seat," ngumiti ang waiter sa amin at tumango lang si mama sa kaniya. Nagulat naman ako nung tumingin siya sa akin habang naka-ngiti at ngitian ko na rin siya. Umalis na siya rito at umupo na kami ni mama. 

"Ma, hindi ko alam na dito na tayo kakain ng dinner. Sina papa po? Sa bahay na lang po ba sila?" tanong ko at tumango si mama. Akala ko pa naman na magsasama-sama kaming magdi-dinner ni papa at ng kapatid ko. Hays...

Napabuntong hininga ako at tumungo.

"Kylyn, are you okay? Aww. Don't be sad please? Hindi na raw sila sasabay sa atin kasi may ginagawa sila sa bahay," tumingin ako kay mama at kinindatan niya ako. Ngumiti na lang ako kahit ang lungkot ng puso ko. Ayaw ko tuloy kumain rito sa mamahalin na restaurant na'to. It's useless kung hindi naman kompleto ang pamilya ko.

"Good evening, ma'am. This is your menu," kinuha namin ang menu at binuksan namin yun. Tiningnan ko ang mga picture sa food at sunod sa price.

Lunok.

Badtrip. Bakit ba ang mahal ng mga pagkain nila rito? Ang sarap naman sa itsura pero parang uurong ang kaluluwa ko na makita ang mga price nila. Palihim akong tumingin kay mama at hindi naman siya namoblema. Ang OA ko talaga. Sige lang. Treat naman ito ni mama eh. Hindi naman mababawasan ang allowance ko rito sa restaurant na'to. Che!

Binigay namin ang menu at sinabi sa kaniya ang order namin. Ngumiti ang waiter bago umalis sa table namin para pumunta sa isang munting bintana at ibigay sa chef ang papel. Kinuha ko muna ang cellphone ko. Mag-che-check lang sana ako sa aking Facebook account.

"Ehem," napatingin ako kay mama at ang strict ng mukha niya ngayon. Ngumiwi siya at tinuro niya ang aking cellphone gamit ang kaniyang ulo. Napatingin naman ako sa aking cellphone at may na realize ako. Yeah, right. Nasa hapag kainan kami at kailangan respetuhin ang pagkain but... wala pa namang mga pagkain rito ah? Bakit ba ang strict ni mama?

"Ehem," pekeng ubo ko at inilagay ang cellphone sa table. Nag-mouth naman siya ng word ng 'good' at napahinga ako ng malalim. Restaurant ba talaga itong napuntahan namin?

Tumingin ako sa paligid at tinititigan ang magandang kisame. Hanggang dito pa ba naman ay strikto pa rin si mama sa paggamit ko sa cellphone habang nasa table? Geez. Wala pa namang food dito and why? Why ma? Why?

Nandito na ang order namin at si mama ang nag-lead ng prayer. Nagsimula na kaming kumain at nanlaki ang mga mata ko. Tumingin ako sa pagkain at tinikman ito ulit. Wow! It taste good. Omg! Ang sarap ng ulam na'to. Siguro mapaparami ako ng kain rito.

"'Nak, it taste good, right?" tanong ni mama at walang lingon-lingon sa kaniya ay tumango ako. Ayokong alisin ang paningin ko sa pagkain. Nasasarapan ako eh.

"Halata nga," rinig kong bulong ni mama at napatingin ako sa kaniya.

"I didn't know ma na kumakain ka pala rito," sabi ko at uminom ng juice. Ngumiti siya at kumain.

"We sometimes go here kung may meeting kami sa kompanya. We need to relax ourselves anak by eating," sabi ni mama at sumubo ulit. Napatango ako at napatingin-tingin sa paligid. Pansin ko lang ang hinhin kumain ng mga costumer dito. Halata talaga sa kanilang lahat na high class sila... kumbaga, hindi basta-basta. Napatingin ako kay mama at gaya rin siya sa kanila. Ang hinhin sumubo at pati na rin sa pag-slice.

Inaalala ko naman yung mga kilos ko kanina habang kumakain at napalunok na lang ako ng laway. Gross! Bakit hindi ako manang-mana kay mama? Ang hinhin ng mga tao rito pero ako? Para akong kumawala sa manila zoo. Kainis! Pinapahiya ko lang si mama at pati na rin ang sarili ko.

Okay, Kylyn. Maging mahinhin ka. Isipin mong isa kang prinsesa at gayahin mo kung ano ang ginagawa nila. Okay?

Umupo ako ng maayos at mahinhin na sumubo sa mga pagkain, pati na rin sa pag-inom. Maarte ko pang hinawakan ang baso hanggang sa inilagay ko na ito sa table. Habang nagsa-slice ay napatingin ako kay mama at nagulat ako. Kanina pa bang nakatitig si mama sa akin?

Taka siyang tumitig sa akin habang hinay-hinay na ngumunguya. HUHUHU! Wala naman akong ginawang mali eh!

"M-ma..." napakurap ako ng marami at sa ngayon, marami na akong nalunok na laway. Tinuro niya ako gamit ang tinidor niya.

"Anong ginagawa mo, Kylyn?" tanong ni mama at masyadong kunot ang noo niya ngayon. Kumunot rin ang noo ko. Kumakain lang naman ako rito. Napatingin ako sa pagkain at tumingin sa kaniya habang nakataas ang dalawa kong kilay.

"Katulad rin po sa inyo, ma," sabi ko at tumagilid ang ulo niya.

"Are you sure? Bakit naging babae ang kilos mo?" ngising tanong niya at lalong tumaas ang aking dalawang kilay. Ano raw?

"Ma, you're talking nonsense here," sabi ko at tumawa siya. Uminom ulit ako ng juice.

"Okay? Let's continue eating."

Hindi ko maintindihan si mama. Ginaya ko lang naman ang mga kilos nilang lahat. Masama ba yun o... hindi ko lang nakuha ang mga kilos nila?

In The House...

Bumaba na kami sa sasakyan at napatingin pa ako sa bahay namin. Napahawak ako sa tiyan sabay gulp. Grabe! Nabusog ako roon ah? Ang sarap kasi ng mga pagkain eh kaya Hindi ko maiwasan na kumain ulit. 

Hindi ko na hinintay si mama at nagsimula na akong pumasok sa bahay. Pansin ko lang na ang tahimik sa loob. Bukas naman ang mga ilaw pero bakit walang ingay? Hinubad ko ang aking sapatos at nagsimula nang maglakad papasok.

May narinig pa akong kaluskos at sinundan ko yun. Napakunot ang aking noo nung malapit na ako sa kusina. Sino naman ang nandito? Don't tell me si Gerald ito, yung aso namin. Hindi naman yun katulad ng pusa na tumatalon sa table at pati na rin sa sink. Imposible. Mabait si Gerald.

"Pa?" walang sumagot at tumahimik tuloy ang kusina. I wonder kung anong meron doon. Pumasok kaya ako. May ilaw naman sa kusina at pumasok na nga ako. Nanlaki ang aking mga mata at hindi ko maiwasan na atakihin sa puso.

"SURPRISE!" sigaw nilang lahat. Oo. Marami sila at nandoon ang aking mga kaibigan. May hawak pa silang banner na 'congratulations, Kylyn' at may picture pa ako roon. Malaki ang ngiti nilang lahat at hindi ko maiwasan na mapahawak sa aking dibdib at sumandal sa pader.

Nakakagulat kasi sila eh! Eksakto pa lang na pumasok ako rito sa kusina at bigla-bigla na lang silang sisigaw ng 'surprise?' Sinong hindi aatakihin nun sa puso? Nakaka-inis lang ha pero... tumingin ako sa kanila at lumapit sina Dave, Jessie at Majoy sa akin, malaki ang ngiti.

"Oy, fren... okay ka lang?" tanong ni Jessie at tumango lang ako. How I hate surprises. Mabuti na lang talaga dahil wala akong hika. Tumawa si Dave at narinig ko rin na tumawa sina papa at pati na rin ang kapatid ko. Wow! Ako ang kadugo nila pero pinagtatawanan lang nila ako.

Hindi kasi nila na-feel yung malakas na tibok ng puso ko dahil sa gulat. My gosh!

"Para kang nasa racing, Kylyn. Hello! Inataki ka ba?" natatawang tanong ni Dave at huminga ako ng malalim ngayon. Teka nga lang... ba't nandito sila sa bahay namin? Trespassing ah?

"Taki taki. Taki taki. Tumba!" biglang kanta ni Nicko at uminit tuloy ang dugo ko. Anong akala niya sa akin, mahina? Tumawa silang lahat at sinugod ko ang aking kapatid pero nagtago agad siya sa likuran ni papa. Hindi ko tuloy siya mahampasan ng kamay sa ulo. Sayang.

"Hoy, Kylyn. Child abuse na 'yang ginagawa mo," sabi ni Majoy at umirap ako. 

"Anak. Congratulations!" masayang sabi ni papa at niyakap niya ako. Narinig ko namang napa-'aww' sila at hindi ko maiwasan na mapangiti. Madalas lang akong yakapin ni papa at ang yakap ng mga magulang ang pinaka the best sa lahat.

"Salamat pa," kumalas kami sa pagyayakapan at napatingin ako kay Nicko na naglakad patungo sa akin. Pipingutin ko na sana ang kaniyang tenga pero nagulat ako nung bigla niyang yakapin ang aking mga binte. Napataas ag dalawa kong kilay habang naka-ngiti.

"Awww. Ang sweet naman ng kapatid ko. Pa-kiss nga si ate," hahalikan ko na sana siya pero inilagay niya ang kaniyang mga kamay sa kaniyang pisnge. Aba! Kanina sweet at ngayon ay ayaw pa-kiss? Anong problema ng Nicko na'to?

"HAHAHA! Ayaw ng kapatid sayo men!"

"BOOOOO! Ayaw kasi niya sa mga germs!"

"BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" 

Napa-ngiwi ako at nawala ang ngiti sa aking mukha. Bastos. Wala talaga silang galang sa akin. Humarap ako sa kanila at tumahimik silang tatlo. Nagsikuhan pa sila at gusto kong paumbugin ang kanilang mga ulo. Mga kaibigan ko ba talaga 'to?

"Pa, bakit po may inimbita kayo na mga strangers?" tanong ko at napa-awang ang kanilang mga bibig. Nagsimula na akong mainis sa kanila.

"Ano, anak? Anong strangers? Mga kaibigan mo sila anak," sagot ni papa at napa-atras ang ulo ko. Hi-nead to toe ko sina Dave.

"Kailan pa po ako nagkaibigan ng ganito?" isa-isa silang lumapit sa akin habang naka-pout. Hinampas pa ako ni Dave sa braso at tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. 

"Wow! Ang maldita mo teh," huminga ako ng malalim at hindi ko maiwasan na matawa. Tumawa rin sila at nagsimula na kaming kumain. Kapag talaga ang mga tunay na kaibigan ang kasama mo ay ang tanging dala talaga nila ay saya. Ayaw kong mawala sila sa akin at importante sila sa buhay ko.

---

Thank you dahil naka-abot kayo rito. Don't forget to vote and comment. I love you!

-ShhPinky

Nakakahina ng loob ang may looks pero hindi pa rin sapat ang may ganito kung paasa naman, 'di ba? Hindi ako bitter.

-Kylyn

Ara's Point Of View

And now, nandito na ako sa HIU, naglalakad ako ngayon dito sa hallway, papunta ako'ng library para mag-basa ng libro nang may bigla'ng sumigaw.

"Ara, where the hell are you!" Napa-lingon ako kay Amanda na nasa likod ko na galit.

"Hayop ka Ara, pati ba naman si Prince sasaktan mo!" Sabi niya sa akin at hinablot ang buhok ko.

"Ano ba'ng pinagsasasabi mo, wala ako'ng ginagawa sa kapatid mo, at saka hindi ko na nga siya nakikita!" Sabi ko ditp habang tinitiis ang sakit dulod ng pagsabunot niya, hinahampas hampas ko siya para bumitaw siya.

"Wag ka na'ng mag maang-maangan, alam ko'ng sinaktan at ginamit mo lang siya para bumawi sa akin!" Sabi niya sa akin.

"Ang kapal din ng mukha mo, itigil mo na ito!" Sigaw ko dito.

"Hindi ako titigil hanggat hindi kita napapatay!" Sabi niya pa.

"Tumigil ka na ate!" May lalaki'ng sumigaw at nagpatigil kay Amanda.

"And why would I stop, she hurt you and she use you to have an revenge!" Sabi ni Amanda kay Prince.

"No, she's not, actually we use each other, I just use her to stop Allexa to stay away from me and she use me to get move on from Sam!" Explain ni Prince.

"Aaaarg!" Inis na sigaw at tili ni Amanda at nag-walk out.

"Are you okay?" Tanong ni Prince at hinawakan ako sa braso.

"Ayos lang ako, at saka puwede ba'ng layuan mo na ako, hindi na natin kailangan ang isa't isa. So please stop this f*cking things!" I said and walked out.

Umuwi na ako matapos ang pangyayari'ng iyon kanina, nang dahil sa revenge na yan, marami inosente'ng nasasaktan at nadadamay.

Napaka-selfish ko kasi, hindi ko inisip kung ano ang kahahantungan ng pagiging maldita ko at pagiging brutal ko sa kanila.

Naka-harap ako ngayon sa salamin, hawak hawak ko ang salami'ng nag-tago sa katauhan ko, sa totoo'ng ako pero, tama na, siguro ay kailangan ko na'ng isuot ang salamin na ito upang hindi na lumala.

Hara's Point Of View

"Ano ka ba, bakit bigla ka na lang tumatawag sa akin, alam mo nama'ng mahirap na kapag malaman ni Samara!" Sabi ko sa kaniya sa telepono.

"Sorry kasi importante lang, kailangan ko ng isa'ng milyon!" Sabi niya.

"Ogh sige, isesend ko na lang sa email mo at ipapadala ko na lang sa iyo!" Sabi ko sabay patay ng telepono kasi narinig ko'ng pababa si Samara mula sa taas.

Pero bigla na lang ako nagulat nang makita ko ang Samara, ang tunay na Samara, yung Nerd na Samara'ng kilala ng lahat, she turn back.

Lumapit ako sa kaniya ng naka-ngiti at niyakap siya, I missed her, so much, I love the way she's innocent, kind, friendly and simple.

"Ano ka ba Hara, sinuot ko lang yung salamin at tinanggal yung makeup ko" Natatawa niya'ng sabi.

"Ganyan ka na lang, sana di ka na mag-bago ulit!" Sabi ko dito.

"Oo na, at saka dun ko lang naisip na, kailangan ko rin siguro'ng maging mapag-patawad, dun ko rin lang na-realize na marami nang nasasaktan ng dahil sa pagbabago ko" Sabi niya.

"Oh, siya, haha, para tayo'ng bata, tara na!" Sabi ko dito, tumango siya sa akin at nag-lakad na ako.

"And wait, where are we going?" Tanong niya.

"Oh, I forget, we will going to celebrate your comeback, and siyempre kailangan ng party, dun tayo sa korean restaurant!" Sabi ko dito at sumakay na kami sa kotse ko.

Dinala ko siya sa isa'ng sikat na korean restaurant malapit sa bahay namin, sikat ito kasi marami siya'ng branches na nag-kalat sa halos buong mundo.

"Annyeonghaseyo!" Sabi nung babae'ng nagbabantay sa harap ng entrance and exit.

"Annyeonghaseyo!" Sabi ko din dito at pumasok na, nasa-likod ko si Samara ar sabay kami'ng naupo sa isa'ng table for four persons.

"I want to try that soju and kibimbap!" Sabi ni Samara.

"Okay, waiter!" Sabi ko at lumapit yung waiter sa akin at binigyan ako ng menu.

"Two kibimbap, four soju and this fried noodles, dalawa rin!" Sabi ko dito.

Nag-hintay kami hanggang sa dumating na yung order namin ni Samara, kumain na kami at uminom.

"Soju is the best, haha!" She said, Samara.

"Haha, siyempre, oh siya bilisan mo na diyan kasi may pupuntahan pa tayo'ng lugar!" Sabi ko pa.

The girl who changed her style after his boyfriens broked with her.

Gu Jingze turned around and said, "Okay, Go make arrangements for lunch."
Secretary Lan heard this and nodded. "What would you like to eat?"
Gu Jingze looked at Lin Che. "What do you want to eat?"
Lin Che said, "I… suddenly feel like eating barbecued meat."
"Barbecued meat?"
"Yeah. Korean style barbecued meat."
Gu Jingze frowned. He turned his head and said, "Go prepare."
Secretary Lan was dumbfounded as she stared at Gu Jingze. To prepare this kind of thing…
Gu Jingze probably did not like eating that at all.
Gu Jingze never ate it and he probably didn't know what it was either.
Secretary Lan looked at Lin Che. She was still gazing at Gu Jingze and didn't seem to see her. Secretary Lan retreated and went to make preparations.
She prepared Korean cuisine and the food was ready outside.
Lin Che walked over and saw that the meat was already cooked. All she had to do was take it.
Lin Che looked at it impatiently and said, "Okay, I guess it is Korean…"
Gu Jingze naturally knew Lin Che. If she saw what she truly liked to eat, she would have already rushed forward gleefully.
"Is something wrong?"
Lin Che replied, "No. This is correct." She didn't want to cause any trouble, so she sat down and said to him, "Let's eat. We can eat the meat with the dips."
Gu Jingze frowned. "Is this different from what you wanted to eat?"
Lin Che took a piece of meat and said, "When we're outside, the meat is barbecued on the spot. We cook and eat at the same time. The meat would be piping hot and delicious with side dishes."
Gu Jingze sat there quietly and pondered. He said to her, "Okay. Stop eating that. Come with me."
Gu Jingze pulled Lin Che along.
Lin Che looked at him. "Where are we going?"
"We're going out to eat."
"Ah, it's too troublesome. This is the same too," Lin Che said.
Although she was a little disappointed that she didn't get what she expected, she did not want to cause any trouble.
His staff already prepared it and she would come across as troublesome.
However, Gu Jingze tugged her towards the exit. He gestured to Secretary Lan and instructed, "Distribute all this food."
They have not touched the food, so other people could still eat it.
It was too late for Secretary Lan to ask if anything was wrong. The couple already walked out.
Secretary Lan looked at the uneaten meat and was disappointed. 
She deliberately had the kitchen prepare the barbecued meat. As they had to barbecue the meat, there were many ingredients involved. She thought of many ways to figure out something that would suit Gu Jingze's tastebuds. Little did she expect that not only would he not take a bite, he even took Lin Che away.
She could only look at the table and told the staff, "Keep the food."
—
Outside, Gu Jingze walked with Lin Che. Looking ahead, he asked, "Does that restaurant serve barbecued meat?"
This type of barbecued meat is rather popular now. The moment they were out on the street, they immediately saw one.
Lin Che said, "Yes, yes. It is that kind."
Gu Jingze turned around and gave her sunglasses and a baseball cap to put on. Because of her big belly, it was easier for her to disguise herself. But even so, she still had to keep a low profile. It did not mean that the disguise would make her completely unrecognizable.
Once that was done, Gu Jingze held Lin Che and they got out of the car. They went straight into the barbecue restaurant.
The restaurant had private rooms separated by curtains.
However, when they asked, the service staff said that there were no rooms available.
Gu Jingze looked around the restaurant. It was too noisy and would not be good for Lin Che. Thus, he took out a black card from his pocket. "Is anyone willing to give up their private room for us? My wife is pregnant and it's not convenient for her to be outside. She wants to eat the barbecued meat here so we especially came here. I'm worried that she'll bump into something here."
The staff saw the black card…
She looked at Gu Jingze again and knew that he was rich.
She was hesitant as she looked around and said, "Let me ask my boss."
Gu Jingze thanked her.
The boss came out. When he saw Gu Jingze, he froze and knew that he was definitely not an ordinary man. He also wanted to make them stay, so he quickly got a customer who just sat down to give way.
The boss told the customer that this man wanted the private room as his wife was pregnant and there was no empty room now. They were worried about the wife if they sat outside.
To thank the customer, the boss said that the meal would be on the house.
Gu Jingze naturally would not allow others to spend money on his behalf. He would definitely tip the restaurant later.
The guests inside saw Lin Che and Gu Jingze standing together. Although they thought that it was troublesome and did not want to give up their seats, the helpless restaurant boss already offered to waive their bill. This was already very tempting. Furthermore, Gu Jingze had a legitimate reason. It was understandable to want a quiet place to eat for his pregnant wife.
Thus, one of them said, "It's okay. It's for the pregnant lady's convenience. It's no big deal."
They swapped places and the boss quickly said, "Please come in. Right this way."
The customers who left turned around and looked at them. They thought that Gu Jingze was very thoughtful.
"Look at him. He's so generous for his wife's sake."
"Why not for his child's sake? Perhaps he is doing this because of the child."
"Hmph. I believe it's because he loves his wife."
"Please. Just because he's handsome, you think that he's an angel. What a superficial society."
Lin Che took the menu, walked in and started placing her order.
She always said that eating outside was not healthy. However, it was exactly outside food that was so satisfying. How could anyone help it?
Lin Che ordered a few plates of meat, and then made some fresh vegetables for Gu Jingze to eat.
Lin Che ate ecstatically. It was completely different from how she was just now.
Lin Che said, "This is really delicious."
Gu Jingze said, "Next time, just tell me what you want to eat."
Lin Che waved her hand dismissively. "It's okay. If it's really not possible usually, I can just make do with whatever."
"Just make do?" Gu Jingze looked at her. "I don't want you to settle. Just say what you want to eat. If I can't even satisfy your tastebuds, what kind of husband am I?"
Lin Che looked at him. It was a small matter, but actually, the smaller the matter, the more one would show their true nature.
Many men liked to say that although they were not romantic enough or not thoughtful enough in the little things, they would devote everything to you when it came to big things. They would give the woman all the money in the household and everything else. What more could a woman ask for?
However, women wanted the little things that showed care and concern.
They probably didn't even care about those major things.
These little things showed a man's true heart.
If one really put in the effort, why was there a need to differentiate the big and little things?
However, Lin Che had also seen it before. Many men always said that they were too busy with work and they could not think of all these little things. They would ask their partners to make do.


Wealthy, powerful and handsome; Gu Jingze is the cream of the crop in the entire country. Every guy wants to be him and every girl wants to be with him. His life is perfect... except that he has one tiny secret that keeps him from getting close to any woman—apparent impotency.

That is, until he wakes up in bed with a total stranger one day. The next thing he knows, he is forced to marry this stranger; a feisty and boisterous woman by the name of Lin Che. 

Lin Che is an average girl whose only aim is to become a successful actress. Ostracized by her family and forced to become independent, she cooks up a scheme to attain her goal. But her plan fails and she ends up marrying this cold and seemingly heartless Gu Jingze. Not only that, she must now find her place in high society, where jealous women and devious plots lay abound - all while juggling her new career.  

Two strangers under one roof: From the outset, they agree to stay out of each other’s lives, but he somehow always manages to appear during her moments of crisis. Slowly and unwittingly, Lin Che begins to find it difficult to imagine a future without him. Will their relationship grow, or is their marriage destined to remain just a contract?

SA-1:
  (shaking Hill)
 QUICK!  You have to drive us to the motel, we're expecting a business call today!

Far from sober, Hill starts the car, slowly finds the way to the motel of the aliens.  Getting there, no good-byes and see-yous, the aliens scramble to their room.  Without the key, they rush to the front desk then back to their room.  They look around to see if any bird is in the room.  Looking outside the bathroom window.  Meanwhile, Hill drives the girls to their apartment.


INT. – MOTEL ROOM - DAY

They wait uneasily for a bird to land at the bathroom window. Soon enough a crow perches on the sill.  They retrieve the crow and set it open on the bed.  An instruction voice says:

  RC CRAFT VOICE:
 The solution inside the test tubes will be good for a million human beings regardless of sex and race.  Simply apply a drop on the skin or any food/liquid intake.  Full conversion of genes in human body takes effect after rest or sleep of four earth hours.

  SA-1:
 We have to plan how to conveniently use these on the people.

  MA-2:
 Who first then who next . . .

  MA-1:
 Dan Hill and Pamela first, right?

  MA-2:
 Then who next?

  SA-1:
 THE NEW JERSEY BETS!!!

The aliens look at each other approvingly of the scheme.
Immediately, MA-2 goes to the room phone.  Calls Pamela, then Dan Hill to arrange for a date with them.

  MA-2:
 Why don't we have lunch together?  We just concluded a business that paid well!

  PAMELA: (O.S.)
 It's only ten in the morning and I still have a terrible hangover. . 

  MA-2:
 After all those drinks last night, real good food will do miracles, then sleep it off in the afternoon.

  PAMELA: (O.S.)
 Okay . . . so where?  

  MA-1:
 At the Juicy Fins Resto?

Shifting scene in Pamela's room as she drops the receiver with the other hand on her forehead. . .

  PAMELA:
 I'll meet you there . . .

MA-2 quickly punches in Hill's number.  Goes thru the same invitation.  In less than a minute . . .

 MA-2:
 So, we'll see you and Pamela there, 
 Okay?

He turns to his fellow aliens.  Mistakenly holds up a dirty finger, quickly closed by the other hand and converts it to a thumbs up sign.


INT. – JUICY FINS RESTAURANT – NOON

The aliens enter the door met by the head waiter.  Escorts them to a table for six, with semi circle seats, at the farthest corner.  They check on the test tubes in their pockets.  Trying to position themselves where Hill and Pamela should be ideally seated.  Soon, we see Pamela enter the door in a very revealing outfit with minis that look more like 'undies'.  She looks around.  A waiter approaches her and points to where the aliens are.  She walks casually towards them.

 MA-2:
 Hi, Pamela!  We're having lunch and
 not going for a swim!

 PAMELA:
 INSULTING IDIOT!

SA-1 whispering to MA-1 . . .

 SA-1:
 MA-2 is always given an easy job . . .

 MA-1:
 Yeah, I hope Hill will be in the 
 same outfit.

As he was saying that, Hill enters the restaurant, dressed in sports coat.  Pauses for a while to locate them.  Points to them and walks over.

 DAN HILL:
 Hi guys!  Looks like you made some
 big kill again!

 SA-1:
 Sit down and help us in the menu.

 DAN HILL:
 Good, good, you know the guy who
 has a good taste for food!

Two to a menu, SA-1 on his own, they browse on it.  Hill points to the list of seafoods, while Pamela with MA-2, points to beef steaks.  On the ends of the seat, is Hill on one, and MA-2 on the other.  The waiter first serves them a bowl of bird's nest soup then pours wine in their glasses.  For Hill and Pamela, they take the soup as quick as they can to somewhat relieve their hangovers.  The waiter comes with the main dishes of lobster, crab and sizzling steaks.  Before starting with the main dish, MA-1 beside Hill, excuses himself.  Hill gets up to let him pass.  As he passes by the wine glass of Hill, he drops some solution of altered genes, while MA-2 draws Pam's attention.
At that point, MA-2 takes the test tube under the table.  Dips his middle finger in it.  Then, holds the thigh of Pamela and grips as if pumping. Carefully pocketing the test tube in the process.  SA-1 and Hill are busy with their lobsters.  MA-1 returns to the table after a while.  Watching them eat with little conversation is like a mother's joy watching her children eat.  Their lunch was unforgiving and nothing left for the dogs.  Like contented cows, they get up and before going out the door . . .

 DAN HILL:
 Guys, the fifth game will be on the
 next day after tomorrow at the Bets' 
 venue, shall I buy our tickets for 
 that?

 SA-1:
 Yeah, sure!  Here's some money for 
 the game and plane tickets.  It's
 on us!

 DAN HILL:
 You guys really do some good 
 business huh?

Moving on their way out of the door . . .

 MA-2:
 Keep helping us . . . we might just 
 cut you in on some deals.

 PAMELA:
 That includes me, right? It's tough
 getting a job—

Outside, the group go on their own way.


EXT. – L.A. AIRPORT TERMINAL – FOLLOWING DAY

The aliens alight a cab.  Check some things in their pocket then proceed to the passenger's lounge.  They find Hill and amazed to see Pamela with him.  They are not their usual.  There's something wrong.  As they come along together . . .
 DAN HILL:
 There's a feeling I can't understand . . .

 PAMELA:
 Same with me --- it's like . . .
 nothing's interesting . . .

SA-1 reassuringly tells both . . .

 SA-1:
 You'll soon understand that kind
 of feeling, we've been having it
 for some time.

They board the plane to New Jersey.  In a zip, the trip was over.  At the terminal lounge of the New Jersey airport, in a low voice the aliens discuss . . .

 MA-1:
 How can we get these solutions to the 
 Bets' team?

 SA-1:  
 We'll have to ask Dan how the Bets
 are quartered before their games.

They approach Hill, still looking uncertain about himself.

 MA-2:
 Dan, how are the teams handled just
 before their games?  Do each player
 go home?

 DAN HILL:
 Sometimes a week or a few days
 before their game, they stay in
 just one place.  Most of the time
 they stay in a hotel before game
 day.

 MA-2:
 Hmmmmm… that's a nice a way to keep
 the team spirit, huh?

Overhearing Hill . . .

Aliens watching Earth from the dark side of the moon.  They are intrigued by the things people and got curious about basketball.  A couple of them disguised as earthmen to find out about basketball. They went through some hilarious experiences in the process.

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Rebirth: How A Loser Became A Prince Charming

The CEO's Lovely Wife

She End Up Na Umasa

Samara Amore's Revenge (Tagalog)

The Beautiful Wife of the Whirlwind Marriage

Exter - Tales of Aliens

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