Stealing Your Heart

On the plaque, he saw some words written in black and embossed in gold. The writing conveyed a sense of power and magnificence.

“What’s written here?” Tawan asked.

Zong Yanxi looked up as saw the words ‘Phoenix Pavilion’ written in Mandarin. She explained to Tawan, “Legend has it that a queen used to live here. That’s why it’s named as Phoenix Pavilion.”

Tawan blinked as he pondered about the meaning of her words.

Zong Yanxi asked, “Do you get it?”

After a pause, she continued, “The queen is the wife of the emperor in ancient days while the phoenix is the king of birds in our nation. To reflect the majestic nature of the queen, she was thus referred to as the phoenix.”

“Your country does have a unique culture. Everything needs to be expressed indirectly.” Tawan seemed to have understood.

Zong Yanxi smiled, “You are learning fast.”

“Come, let’s take a look inside,” Zong Yanxi suggested.

Tawan followed her. “Can you teach me how to write in Mandarin?”

“If you want me to be your teacher, you will have to pay for it.” Zong Yanxi looked at him and joked, “Since you’re so rich, I should charge you ten thousand an hour.”

Tawan replied, “Of course.”

Zong Yanxi laughed. “I’m just kidding.”

“Ten thousand for an hour. You will be my teacher,” Tawan repeated.

Zong Yanxi was speechless.

joking initially, she relented after she saw Tawan’s earnest expression. There was no way she could

Whatever.

bottom, there was a red ribbon tied to it. As she picked one

to Zong Yanxi. “What’s written

‘Love brings with it shared sorrow; it is undying

replied,

when he heard her. “Haven’t you ever gone to school? This is a poem by

the owner of the stall. Since when have

by a famous poet in our country. He talks about love here

almost burst into laughter. How does the fan suit Tawan? He was about eight feet tall and had masculine features.

was so desperate to sell his wares that he lied through his teeth by making such

down and shook his head. “I

the vendor was, she asked, “How much for

“Fifteen.”

fiddle through her purse but Tawan

“Let me pay.”

he regretted not asking for more. After all, a man like Tawan wasn’t going to ask for a discount in front of

money and commented, “Your girlfriend

his heart. This damn foreigner has taken another beautiful girl

hand, Zong Yanxi glanced at the vendor and quipped,

vendor smiled awkwardly when he realized he

girl like Zong Yanxi

to spend time with her parents. Since she was