Reborn: The Return of the Villainous Mr. Liu

This was the same conversation that had happened between Chyou and Xiaosi too, who finally seemed to learn their plan for the cooperation project in detail.

"Great. That's so awesome~"

Xiaosi tilted his head. "Had you forgotten?"

She coughed. "Not at all. I was just confused about some things here and there."

"So you forgot."

"No…"

His eyes narrowed, but he said nothing. "Anyway, Yating and you have already hit it off so well that it shouldn't be a matter. The other two commercials would also get done in a breeze."

Chyou quietly sipped on her coffee, trying to bury her face in the mug. That earned her a smack on her head by her mother.

"You want your nose to drink the coffee too? Put some distance," Caihong scolded. "Drink properly."

"Ew, sis drinks through her nose too? Disgusting! Should I expose this in the group chat?" Xiang's eyes sparkled.

Chyou threw an apple on his head. "Hey! That's mean."

"You say anything stupid and I will throw more apples at you!" She glared at him.

"You just cannot ruin your perfect image, right?" He sneered.

She rolled her eyes.

Xiang quietly sipped on his own coffee and with a devilish and mischievous smile, he asked, "So, so when is Cheng Yin coming to meet us~"

That painted a huge silence in the air, making Chyou choke.

Damn you brat! Why would you ask that?

Xiaosi and Caihong simultaneously looked up at her as if expecting an answer.

Chyou laughed a broken chuckle as her fingers tightened on the mug's handle. "Well…what is the hurry? He is not going anywhere."

"Sooooo he can come here instead," Xiang beamed. "I am excited to meet him and fish out all the stories from him!"

She gritted her teeth with an urge to hit her brother.

"We are busy with shootings as you can see…" she sheepishly grinned.

Caihong frowned. "Work would never end, Chyou. Can you and Yin not make some time for one evening?"

Xiang furiously nodded.

There was the reason for Yin wanting to meet her family only after he would prove himself clean, which would take a significant amount of time.

Then the situation was also complicated as things were in a rough patch between them. Chyou had herself asked for some time and distance and now how could she ask Yin to meet them amidst all this?

None of the reasons were something that she could openly tell them.

Xiaosi softly patted his lips with the napkin and said, "They are right. You two are dating for a while and seem serious about your relationship. I think it's time we meet. Talk to him and decide on a day. We are available whenever."

Chyou swallowed a gulp. It was easier to talk her way around Xiang and Caihong but not so much with Xiaosi.

She looked down and cleared her throat. "S-sure…"

—

"Cut."

Director Murong gave a thumbs up and wrapped up the shooting. "Great work you two. Qiu, hand over some refreshments. Today was a hectic day."

"Yes, Director!"

She went around the set and served coffee and juices to everybody and as she reached Chyou, she smiled. "Queen! Have some juice."

Chyou politely declined. "No, thanks. I feel quite full."

"Are you sure?" She pursed her lips.

"Yeah."

She then went to Yin's side next where she showed him a bright smile. "Prince Cheng."

On her side, Chyou tiredly covered her face with her palm.

What should I tell Yin? Will he even agree…?

"I don't want it!"

Not just Chyou but everybody jolted with that sudden angry reaction. Yin's expression was clouded with annoyance and iciness as if he wanted to be left alone.

"I said I don't need any refreshment then don't keep on clinging like that."

Qiu's eyes watered and she trembled hard. Being scolded in front of everyone on the set was extremely embarrassing.

Chyou quickly pulled her back and patted her head. "Don't cry, Qiu. It's okay."

She sniffled with reddened eyes. "Queen, I-I was just offering…"

"Yes, I know. It's okay," she comforted her.

She looked up at Yin, confused. He had never lashed out at the staff like that. Everybody else, too, watched in puzzlement.

Yin sobered up and cleared his throat. With everybody's gazes on him, he quickly apologized. "I am sorry. I was just thinking about other things…"

Qiu bit her lip, shivering.

Director Murong frowned. "Is everything alright?"

Yin smiled. "Yes, yes. It was my bad."

Chyou wiped her tears and chirped. "See Yin apologized. Can you please forgive him?"

She tremblingly nodded.

"Aish you are so wonderful! As a reward for always putting up with such annoying actors like us, tomorrow's lunch will be on me~"

"Wooooo! The Queen will treat us!"

"Free food tomorrow hoho!"

The tense atmosphere slowly settled down with Chyou's merriness.

Qiu sniffled. "Thank you…"

She smiled and pinched her cheek. She stared at Yin for just one second but it was enough to tell him that she wanted to talk to him.

—

"Hey…"

Yin said as he stepped into her vanity room and closed the door behind him.

He already knew what she was going to ask him. "Look, I am sorry," he looked away, "She just came at the wrong time bugging me for a drink."

"She was just doing what she was asked to do," she pursed her lips, "Are you…perhaps taking out my frustration on her?"

"What?" He stiffened. "Of course not. I understand your side, Chyou."

His lips held an understanding smile, yet Chyou couldn't feel any sincerity from it. Seeing his struggle and mood, she couldn't help but question herself.

Am I…doing the right thing by asking this distance?

"Okay," she mildly replied.

After much thought, she looked back at him and said, "How are your appointments going? Are they helpful?"

Putting his hands in his pockets, he smiled. "Yeah! I am regular with my appointments. You don't need to worry about that, Chyou. They help a lot. I am slowly getting there."

Relief washed over her heart and a genuine smile blossomed on her lips. "That's great to hear."

Her warm gaze looked at him with pride. "I am proud of you, Yin. Despite our recent differences, you are doing everything you can to heal your addiction."

"...Yeah of course I will," his smile faltered.

Chyou then took a breath and asked, "Yin. I called you here for another thing too."

"Yes?"

She pressed her lips, hesitant. "I know things have been difficult. We are taking time because I want it. But…Mom and Dad were saying today that they would like to meet you."

His eyes slightly widened.

She clasped her hands together. "I cannot exactly tell them the real reasons for asking for more time. I know you will find it selfish of me to ask you this despite what I said on the beach that night…but is it possible that you meet my family?"

"O-Of course, Chyou."

He held her shoulders and smiled. "This wasn't even worthy to take so much tension for. Why would I reject it? I will definitely meet your family."

Chyou was taken aback. But she sincerely appreciated his thoughtfulness. He saved her from giving any awkward explanations to her parents.

But Yin had other motivations though.

Is she kidding me? Of course I will go.

If I impressed her family then I will score! Chyou will forget all about the stupid time and distance she had asked that night and we well get back together, he inwardly smirked.

It will be my win.