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.

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

Whatever.

of the vendors who was selling antique fans. They were made of satin and had exquisite motifs embroidered on top. At the bottom, there was a red ribbon tied to it. As she picked one up for a closer look, Tawan picked one up himself. However, the one

Zong Yanxi. “What’s

Yanxi glanced over and saw ‘Love brings with it shared sorrow; it is undying and

then replied,

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

the owner of the stall. Since when have stall vendors

said, “This is a poem written by a famous poet in our country. He talks

 How does the fan suit Tawan? He was about eight feet tall

wares that he lied through

and shook his head.

how persistent the vendor was,

“Fifteen.”

take one.” Zong Yanxi began to 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

paid, the vendor kept the money and commented,

in his heart. This damn foreigner has taken

her hand, Zong Yanxi glanced at

vendor smiled awkwardly

girl like Zong Yanxi wasn’t taken by a

much opportunity to spend time with her parents. Since she was