Chapter 93 - Unexpected Visit

The half-Russian named Aleksei Sokolov, who publically went by Jin Qing, was a man that could combat anything. He had a handsome, rugged look that scared children but attracted older married women. His colleagues feared him. He unnerved the New Empress to the point where she would make business propositions, to which he politely declined. He worked for no one but himself. It had always been that way. 

And yet, he spent the last twenty minutes of his evening painting pink sparkly nail polish on Long Mei's toenails. 

How did it get to this? He had no idea. 

They had finished watching a movie together when Long Mei grabbed a bottle of nail polish. She had the intention of doing it herself, but she complained it was too difficult. So she asked him to do it. 

Jin Qing had no reason to decline, so he held the bottle, grabbed her feet, and painted coat after coat.

That was when someone barged into the house without warning. 

Jin Qing's eyes narrowed darkly as he stared at the man with auburn hair and golden-brown eyes standing before them. 

"You're lucky you are Mei's brother. If you had been any other man for walking into my home like that, and you'd be shot between your eyes," Jin Qing warned. 

Long Ken smiled unkindly. "I have not heard from my sister in over a month. So excuse me for being a little concerned if she takes none of our calls. You could be holding her hostage for all I know, but…" he looked at Long Mei, who was dressed in a nightgown. Her hair was tidy, and she was drying the toes Jin Qing had just finished painting. "You look better than the last time I saw you." Long Ken's brows narrowed, wondering how that could be possible.

Indeed, Jin Qing knew what he meant. Long Mei looked more vibrant and healthier than the first day she arrived. He made sure she slept, sought therapy, left the fridge fully stocked so she'd never be hungry. 

Long Mei stood, walking toward her brother with barefeet. "I told you I was fine. I just needed space." 

Shame and guilt washed over Long Ken's expression. He swallowed thickly. "I'm sorry for barging on your evening like this." 

Long Mei grinned softly. "I knew you'd be the first to break." 

Her brother smiled. "Why?"

"Because you are impatient and because you never listen, and you care a lot." 

"Can we talk?" Long Ken asked. 

Long Mei nodded. 

Jin Qing backed away, giving the two some space. He could not hear what they were saying, but he watched as they spoke. Long Mei cried mid-conversation, but Jin Qing could tell her brother did not say something cruel, but rather the opposite. 

Jin Qing wanted to comfort her, but he left them be. It was not his place to invade. 

Long Mei went to hug Long Ken as he wrapped his arms around her. He then whispered something before he drew back, giving her one last look. 

Long Ken's gaze then collided with Jin Qing's. His face told him that he nor Long Mei was someone to mess with, but Jin Qing already knew that. 

Long Xia and Long Yat-sen always wore casual, indifferent expressions, but Long Ken told you everything you needed to know from one look on his face. 

He gave him a hand, and Jin Qing took it, but Long Ken squeezed. "Harm my sister, and you will wish you will have it quick and easy like your brother who's six feet under. I guarantee with me. It'd be far worse." 

Jin Qing did not like the threat, but he appreciated how much he cared about Long Mei. "Last I recall. You were the one that pushed us together, and now you're threatening me?" 

Long Ken gave him a sardonic smile. "When I proposed the idea, I did not suggest you two to move in together, nor for her to ignore us for over thirty days. Now, I'm cautious, Mr. Jin." 

Jin Qing let his hand go. "With me, you don't have to worry about her safety." 

Long Ken reared back. "Remember that this is all pretend, and I expect Mei to return to us when she's ready." 

"You have no claim over her," Jin Qing countered. 

"Neither do you," Long Ken spat back. "But, she'd be safe with her family, and I can't say I trust a dirty cop." 

"Enough!" Long Mei spoke, interrupting them. She looked toward Long Ken. "I appreciate your concern, big brother, but I was the one that asked to leave home. Remember?" 

Long Ken sawed his lower lip. "I know…" he began. "But we will be waiting for you. We have...hot chocolate?" 

Long Mei laughed. "I know." 

Long Ken gave her a look that said he was trying hard and would do anything to win back the graces of his little sister, but he knew it would take time. He then turned and left out of the door. 

Something cold spread through Jin Qing. He was suddenly reminded that this situation was only temporary, and he realized he was already beginning to blur the lines. Jin Qing had never lived with another person since he moved out of his father's home.

Long Mei was everywhere now. Her things. Her scent. How she'd leave an empty plate on the kitchen counter, forgetting to put it in the dishwasher. Jin Qing slept next to her every night. It became routine. 

He could not imagine without her now. And that scared him. 

"Sorry for the break-in and enter. Ken still does not understand boundaries sometimes," Long Mei said to him. 

Jin Qing chuckled. "He's an ass. But I like him." 

Her eyes widened. "I did not expect that." 

"Don't tell him." 

She laughed a big belly laugh that rumbled from her chest. It was warm and bright, and he loved that sound. 

Long Mei then grabbed his hand with a smile planted on her face.. "Let's go to bed."