Novel - Summer's Desire Chapter 13 to 15

Chapter 13
The atmosphere in the room is tense; no one dares to say anything. Ou Chen studies Xia Mo’s carefully blank expression, noting the lack of color and her tensely clasped hands.

“Tell Ling Hao that the Lei Ou spokeswoman is chosen through a rigid and careful process. If he doesn’t show up within the next twenty minutes, his contract with Lei Ou is null and voided, and he can forget about ever working with Ou Corporations again.”

The buzz in the room increases.

While waiting for Ling Hao, Xia Mo’s phone rings and she pauses when she sees Luo Xi’s name on the caller ID. Since that day at the hospital when Luo Xi stormed off in a jealous rage, Xia Mo has not contacted him. When she answers, the conversation is initially stilted as Luo Xi gruffly asks how her wounds are healing. Unable to hold it in any longer, his voice carrying a bit of petulance, Luo Xi asks Xia Mo if she’s mad at him; otherwise, why else wouldn’t she have called him by now? Because, you know, it’s not a good thing to let someone be mad for so long without even asking!

Xia Mo breaks out into laughter at hearing the childishness in Luo Xi’s voice, the issue of Ling Hao completely forgotten now. Luo Xi laughs with her and two resume their previous ease; when Luo Xi asks Xia Mo when she’ll be free, she hesitatingly explains the situation to him.

True to his threat, Ling Hao never shows up. While others feel that it is a simple matter to simply switch Yin Xia Mo, Ou Chen holds firm to his decision. Tomorrow’s shoot will be temporarily cancelled until they can find a replacement; however, Yin Xia Mo was the company’s decision and she will be successful. Lei Ou’s PR Director is at a lost until his cell phone again rings – Luo Xi has agreed to work with Lei Ou!

Zhen En cannot believe her ears and utterly dances for joy. Xia Mo, on the other hand, is torn; the significance of Luo Xi’s action is not lost on her. She recognizes that she is a cold person – she does not like to get close to other people nor does she want them to get close to her. But in a moment of panic when she saw her opportunity slipping, she had leaned on Luo Xi and confided in him. However, never would she have imagined that he would actually do something about it. If forced to accept something from him, she would have preferred that he had just contacted Ling Hao instead.

Ou Chen keeps a controlled expression when he learns of the latest news – he knows that it is only because of Xia Mo that Luo Xi would agree to work with them. And for a brief moment, Ou Chen entertains the thought that he would rather see this commercial fail than ever give those two the chance to work together! However, he only coolly wishes them luck and then leaves, catching Xia Mo’s eyes on the way. Xia Mo stills, her smile frozen on her face – seconds pass – and she turns her attention back to Zhen En, completely ignoring Ou Chen.

Yao Shu Er calls Xia Mo, asking to see her. When Xia Mo finds at her KTV Studio, Yao Shu Er sitting on the couch and grasping a microphone, softly humming with tears in her eyes. Xia Mo asks Yao Shu Er if she’s suffering from a cold; if she’s still running a temperature the next day, she’ll take her to the hospital. Yao Shu Er hesitatingly asks Xia Mo if she believes in her; she swears that she didn’t order anyone to kidnap her that day!

Xia Mo shows her the photographs and Yao Shu Er continues to piteously proclaim her innocence. Fed up, Xia Mo tells Yao Shu Er to just man (woman?) up and admit to it; if she has the guts to do it then she should have the guts to admit to it! Realizing her act is up, Yao Shu Er admits to having those men kidnap Xia Mo. The Lei Ou contract was rightfully hers! Who was Yin Xia Mo but her classmate, her personal assistant?! She’s just like Wei An, acting all sweet on the outside but secretly scheming and manipulative. That’s right; Yao Shu Er shouldn’t have had Yin Xia Mo kidnapped; she should have just had her killed!

Xia Mo asks Yao Shu Er if she was the one who went to the tabloids about Wei An and Jam. Yao Shu Er says Wei An deserved it; who told her to seduce Jam and steal the success that was rightfully hers? However, Xia Mo tells Yao Shu Er that she had just as many opportunities as Wei An; she was the one who didn’t know how to utilize them. Does she really think that Wei An became famous because she had an affair with Jam? Because she stole what was Yao Shu Er’s? Xia Mo is doubtful.

“What right do you have to criticize me? You too, will do anything it takes to get what you want! For your own success, you’ll do anything to yourself, including destroy your own body! How is that different from me?!”
“Yes. To get what I want, I use myself. But I’ve never used you, I’ve never used other people. You can use yourself to get what you want but you have no right to hurt others. Yao Shu Er, I have never used you. Yes, I initially felt apologetic towards you when Ou Chen named me as spokeswoman, which is why I asked for the second tryouts so that it would be fair and square. Although I’m sorry that I still ultimately took away the opportunity that could have belonged to you, I have never committed a wrong against you.”

When Xia Mo gets up to leave, she tells Yao Shu Er; if as friends, she will forget the whole kidnapping business. But if as enemies, she will be merciless. Yao Shu Er asks Xia Mo why she doesn’t just destroy her. Xia Mo reminds Yao Shu Er of the day they first met – when Zhen En accidentally bumped into her and caused her to be injured and late to her recording appointment. But Shu Er had turned around and comforted Zhen En instead.

That Yao Shu Er will forever be Yin Xia Mo’s friend.

Chapter 14
When Xia Mo returns home, she is greeted by Xiao Cheng, who excitedly exclaims that Luo Xi has been waiting for her for the past two hours. Luo Xi asks Xia Mo how she’s doing and whether the people at Lei Ou have been giving her a hard time. However, no sooner are the words out of his mouth does he laugh ruefully; with HIM there, no one would dare trouble her.

Xia Mo quietly asks Luo Xi why he helped her; is he expecting something in return from her? She’s told him already – she is cold-hearted. Don’t try to get close to her, don’t try to help her. She will just hurt him in the end.

But of course, Luo Xi murmurs bitterly; now that HE is here, his help is no longer needed and unnecessary. There is no need for him to specify which HE Luo Xi is referring to.

However, Luo Xi adds that Ling Hao’s refusal to work Xia Mo is not necessarily because he’s biased against her. She’s a new star and so simply hasn’t proven herself to others yet. Right now, all she can do is to continue to be strong and when she is famous, her success will be a blinding slap to those who once looked down on her. Xia Mo is genuinely surprised when she realizes that Luo Xi purposely came over tonight to comfort her, afraid that she would be hurt by today’s events.

Handing over some files, Luo Xi tells Xia Mo that tomorrow’s commercial shoot is important and he has prepared some background information on himself too so that she can familiarize herself with logistics. Seeing the blank expression on Xia Mo’s face shuts him down though and he stiffly tells her that he didn’t do it purposely for her. When Luo Xi suddenly gets up to leave, Xia Mo stops him, taking his hand.

Okay. She admits defeat. She no longer wants to struggle – hurting him and then in turn hurting herself. She loses to him.

Xia Mo calls out to Xiao Cheng, asking him to bring beer into them. Xiao Cheng is understandably confused – your alcohol tolerance is really bad! – but still brings the bottles in. Xia Mo quickly downs one bottle and opens another one. Luo Xi fumbles to try to stop her.

“All those hurtful words… let me treat them like alcohol and down it all, okay?”

Luo Xi asks Xia Mo if liking him is really so difficult; is it because they are the same? And so is she afraid of trusting and believing in love? But Xia Mo does want happiness too; she wants to be able to unconditionally rely on someone and to be able to freely love and be loved. But can’t Luo Xi understand; that she’s simply too afraid? There is nothing more trustworthy than yourself and if one day the person you completely rely on is gone, then you’ll just fall flat on the ground…

Luo Xi does understand because he too, feels that same fear. But this one time, he’s willing to take the chance. Because he likes Xia Mo. These past five years, he has never forgotten her. She’s like opium to him – will hurt him, will cause him pain and will even cause his death but yet there is no way he could ever leave her. The pain of leaving her is even harder to withstand than any pain she may cause him.

He is really the opium poppy here. Even though clearly knowing that he is dangerous and yet still unable to leave him… being drawn to him time after time…

Luo Xi gently kisses Xia Mo. She freezes and stares back. He is breathtaking.

Holding him close to her, Xia Mo also softly kisses him back on his cool lips, as if hoping to use her own cold body to warm his…

It is a beautiful and warm sunny day when the commercial shoot happens. Ou Chen watches quietly on the side, his eyes never straying from Yin Xia Mo. Xi Meng studies Ou Chen; since being hired by him three years ago, Xi Meng has never seen much emotion from Young Master. When his promotion as CEO to Ou Corporations was officially announced, it was met with much disapproval by people as they did not believe that such a youth could successfully steer the business. However, Young Master had not even acknowledged the criticism and instead took to leading the business; every company and proposal he touched was met with huge success and slowly, the criticism faded. But again, Young Master had absolutely no reaction to his rising success. Xi Meng had thought that Young Master was only focused on career – that he did not care for women.

Until Yin Xia Mo appeared. And although Young Master’s expression is still cold on the surface, his gaze never once strays from Yin Xia Mo.

During a quick break from filming, Zhen En asks Xia Mo in concern if she’s feeling tired yet. Xia Mo reassures Zhen En that she is doing fine and as Zhen En tries to continue the conversation, Xia Mo’s attention is instantly taken away by Luo Xi. Walking up to the side of the water and wearing a white collared shirt with the top button open, he is handsome enough to make a person drunk and lovesick.

Ever since last night, Xia Mo has found it harder and harder to deny him. Luo Xi’s gaze also instantly goes to her and as they stare into each other’s eyes, Xia Mo finds herself strangely at peace. Watching her steadily, Luo Xi breaks into a glorious smile and Xia Mo cannot help but respond in kind.

I should let her go… Ou Chen thinks quietly to himself. Since she was no part of my life five years ago… and now she already has someone she loves…

Once shooting started, Xia Mo being a newcomer, had her share of NGs at the beginning but then quickly got used to the environment. Even the director was amazed that a newcomer could adapt so well. Although maintaining a calm outward expression, there was nothing that did not work well with the mood of the commercial. Once filming began, she instantly transformed and her eyes became filled with deep emotion.

The coy mermaid was no longer able to speak, a little saddened and desperate to be understood – the price was transfixed by her, slowly lowering his head and kissing her. He continues to kiss her, holding her close and she raises herself higher to meet his embrace. This is a love that will never be parted.

Ou Chen cannot tear his eyes away from the scene unfolding before him. He continuously tells himself that this is just an act, that he had reminded himself beforehand that he would not think about her, would think of her as a complete stranger… However, the instant that Luo Xi kissed Xia Mo, Ou Chen found himself thrown into a pit of darkness, consumed by an incredible pain and chill – and he remembers Xia Mo’s cold statement before…

I don’t know you.

However, Ou Chen suddenly finds himself thinking of Zhen En’s rushed words on the day Xia Mo went missing – “You know that Xia Mo is never the type of person to be late!” How would he know that Xia Mo is never “that type” of person? Did he misunderstand? Or is someone purposely hiding something from him?

Filming has finished successfully. Zhen En anxiously asks the director what he thinks – “Yin Xia Mo? She will be famous.”

The commercial is met with instant popularity. Originally, people only clamored to watch Luo Xi but then found themselves drawn to his acting partner – her beauty, her smile; they are smitten by her. And the moment that Luo Xi kisses Xia Mo and she kisses him back, they are mesmerized. Soon, the entertainment world is abuzz with Yin Xia Mo and everything related to her. Sun Records officially signs on Yin Xia Mo and releases her first single, Bubble Mermaid.

Since the release of Lei Ou’s commercial, gossip has spread like wildfire concerning Xia Mo and Luo Xi, and the two have been unable to go out in public like they used to in the past. Luo Xi has made it a habit to come over to Xia Mo and Xiao Cheng’s house every night; sometimes watching the television with Xia Mo, sometimes engaging in debates with her, sometimes going over his scripts and lyrics and sometimes just sitting with Xia Mo and holding her, not saying a word. Slowly, Xia Mo’s home has also become Luo Xi’s home.

In preparation for the upcoming awards show, Luo Xi gives Xia Mo a beautiful white evening gown, whispering that she will be the most beautiful woman that night. Regardless of whether or not she wins an award, the very fact that she is invited means that she has already gained her recognition from the media world. Even if she does not win, there will be plenty of chances later on; in his eyes, she is the perfect woman.

Xia Mo understands that Luo Xi is worried that she will be disappointed. However, with these words, she is no longer worried and filled with warmth. Ever since she told herself to no longer be afraid and to no longer hurt Luo Xi, she has found herself in a completely different world. A world where she is not afraid of being loved and of seeking her own happiness.

One week later. Ou Chen is standing in his office, his hands grasping the invitation to the music awards show but his sight focused on the dark night through his window. When Ou Chen has first seen his invitation, his heart had instantly fluttered; since the commercial shoot had ended, he has not seen her since then. But what is the point of seeing her anyway? Her kiss with Luo Xi continues to burn in Ou Chen’s mind.

The television in Ou Chen’s office is currently airing a live report of the music awards show, the screen ablaze with the glory of the attendants and the flashing lights. Ou Chen slowly pours drink after drink while he watches – until he sees her. Wearing a white evening gown and making her way down the red carpet, she smiles and greets her fans and reporters. Her beauty is subtle but yet so vibrant that no one could ever look away from her.

Perhaps she is his curse – time after time, she causes him to fall into fathoms of pain and yet he is unable to forget her. Perhaps he should give up everything to steal her away, uncaring that she already has a lover, uncaring that he showed up too late to claim a small place in her heart.

Take her! Whatever he wants, he will take!

However, a small voice in the back of his mind tells him that it is because of this misguided sentiment that caused him to commit a great grievance and threw him into torment… Ou Chen’s head starts to hurt again…

Ou Chen’s phone rings. After a moment, Ou Chen quietly commands, “Bring me all the information you found! Immediately!”

Chapter 15
Both Xia Mo and Pan Nan are nominated for Best Newcomer, and the latter is currently sitting to her right. The two share a smile when Pan Nan arrives although Xia Mo is listening to her MP3 and does not engage in conversation. Pan Nan queries Xia Mo when she catches sight of Xia Mo staring off somewhere else, a warm smile lighting her face. She has rarely seen such an expression on Xia Mo before.

Pan Nan follows the direction of Xia Mo’s gaze and catches sight of Luo Xi turning his head at the same time. His gaze instantly aligns with Xia Mo’s, and the smiles are both their faces are exactly alike. Almost unconsciously becoming aware of Pan Nan’s surprise, Luo Xi then turns to her, smiling and waving in acknowledgement. When Pan Nan finally looks back at Xia Mo, her expression has resumed its regular calm exterior.

In love right now?

Xia Mo feels her ears turn red at Pan Nan’s quiet inquiry, her heart picking up speed. She should instantly deny any such thing but for some reason, Xia Mo finds herself unable to say anything at all. Pan Nan laughs quietly, joking teasing her; Xia Mo’s expression looks just like a regular girl’s right now. And here she had thought that Yin Xia Mo was not capable of any emotion!

Changing the subject quickly, Xia Mo asks Pan Nan if she has prepared her acceptance speech yet. Of course, Pan Nan replies, as she laughingly lists, “Thank you HBS, thank you MTV, thank you Sun Records, thanks to my agent, thanks to Dad, thanks to Mom, thanks to Xia Mo…”

Xia Mo laughing commends Pan Nan for her very appropriate acceptance speech and the two engage in lighthearted and easy conversation, Xia Mo’s MP3 quickly forgotten.

At Ou Chen’s office, the awards ceremony continues to play on his television but his attention is riveted on the scores of pictures littering his desk. Some pictures are in great condition while others show the sign of wear and tear, a rip, a fingerprint… the backgrounds change but always, every single picture contains the same two people.

A picture of the school grounds, a younger him that is different from who he is now. The eyes of that younger him carried a brighter light, the camera conveniently catching his gaze on her, a light smile playing on her lips…

A picture in the garage, her voice seemingly low with emotion as she whispers to him. His head lowered to meet her as she is nestled in his embrace, her eyes alight and a smile on her face…

She once smiled at him so softly? Staying by his side, quietly watching him, smiling at him, and never leaving his side… Ou Chen cannot catch his breath, and he grasps his heart as if in pain…

A picture by the swimming pool, he is surrounded by people like him but they all stand a distance away. Only she stands by his side, her hand holding out his towel.

A picture by the clear lakeside and the water sparkles. It is as if he has just completed a jog, his forehead slightly sweaty. She is riding a black bicycle at his side, gently using a towel to wipe his sweat away…

Ou Chen thinks back to the words of the person who had delivered the photographs: “According to my research, five years ago, Ou Chen and Yin Xia Mo were the school’s favored couple… Ou Chen announced at 14 years old that Yin Xia Mo was his girlfriend, so their relationship was known to everyone… due to everyone’s fascination with them, many people liked to privately take their photographs… this is only a small amount of them; if you are interested, we can get many more… however, five years ago, Yin Xia Mo’s parents were killed in a car accident and Ou Chen mysteriously disappeared… it seems as if the two did not contact each other during this time… If you would like more information on Yin Xia Mo during these past five years, we can also get that for you…”

She lied to him. Knowing that he had forgotten everything… she had lied to him…

The awards ceremony announces the winner of Best Female Newcomer – Yin Xia Mo! Everyone bursts into applause as Xia Mo walks up to the stage; she is embraced by the announcer. Ou Chen silently watches, unable to withstand anyone being that close to her.

Award in hand, Xia Mo launches into her acceptance speech, her surprise at being able to win such an award when competing with someone so amazing such as Pan Nan, thank you, everyone… At those words, Ou Chen is seized by a sudden memory…

Thank you… Xia Mo is clearly aware of his temper and grabs a towel, efficiently drying him in quick strokes. However, when she gets to his head, she purposely roughens his hair, drying it every which way. Xia Mo admonishes Ou Chen for throwing a tantrum on her. When he continues to glare mutinously back, she asks him whether he will help her with Luo Xi or not. Why are you throwing a tantrum at me? If you don’t like seeing me, then I just won’t come find you at all… I knew you would help me! Thank you…

Xia Mo, you are mine.

Ou Chen’s head splitting, he suddenly rears up and grabs the keys to his sports car, slamming the door in the process as he leaves the office. What happened five years ago?! Why did she lie to him?! He will find out the truth!

The awards ceremony has commenced. Pan Nan rushes up to Xia Mo to congratulate her, her expression not carrying an inch of bitterness. Xia Mo apologizes to Pan Nan; this award did not belong to her. However, Pan Nan stops Xia Mo from saying any more “mushy” things as it may seriously make her sick. Xia Mo laughs; since Zhen En, Pan Nan is the second person who is able to creep into her heart.

The fans are going crazy as they all shout Luo Xi’s name, screaming their admiration and support for him. Within the mix, Wei An and Shen Qiang’s names are also called out. And then, Pan Nan and Xia Mo; they too, have acquired their own increasing number of fans. A small scuffle breaks out between the fans supporting Xia Mo and those supporting Pan Nan, who are disgruntled that the Best Female Newcomer Award has gone to Xia Mo instead. Pan Nan addresses her fans though; to like her is to like Xiao Mo. To support her is to also support Xia Mo. And the argument is instantly resolved.

In the midst of the chaos, Luo Xi deftly walks over to Xia Mo. She stares back. The fans all forget to say anything as they watch them. Luo Xi quietly clicks her wineglass with his own. Congratulations… and next year you will continue to surpass everyone’s expectations.

HBS has prepared a private room for Luo Xi’s use, and he and Xia Mo take a moment to sneak away. Once the door closes, Luo Xi enfolds Xia Mo in a hug (the infamous K-drama back hug!), holding her close and whispering in her ear.

“The first moment I laid eyes on you tonight, I wanted to instantly take you away from everyone and hold you like I’m holding you right now, taking you into my body. What can I do? It’s like I’ve been poisoned; I just saw you last night but it’s like I can never see you enough, wanting to be with you every moment of the day. Xia Mo… move in with me.”
“What…?”
“Let’s… live together…”

His voice is like a spell. Amidst the dream though, Xia Mo seems to hear a noise that sounds like a knock on the door but as she turns her head towards it, she is captured by Luo Xi’s kiss. The kiss grows passionate and the two no longer can hear any noise at all… The world only belongs to these two sweet lovers now…

The incessant knocking turns to a pounding and then the door swings wide open; the air in the room instantly turns frigid. Luo Xi and Xia Mo look up in surprise – and see Ou Chen standing in the doorway, his lips white and glaring at the couple, a pained expression in his eyes.

Xia Mo freezes in shock. And unconsciously moves away from Luo Xi.

Luo Xi grabs onto her hand, gripping her as if she is his last anchor in the ocean, afraid of hurting her but yet still unable to let go. Xia Mo looks at him in pain – and then sees the vulnerability in his eyes… and his loneliness, his nervousness and fear of losing her.

When Xia Mo finally looks back at Ou Chen, he is already standing directly in front of her. His expression is icy cold. Flinging out his hand, photographs flutter through the air and scatter the ground around them. As Xia Mo catches sight of them, her throat constricts.

“You lied to me! Yin Xia Mo, you are mine!”