Chapter 1492: Great to Have You (52)
Long Xiaoxi immediately looked away, feeling as if a million daggers were piercing through her heart.
Recalling the past, she felt as if she had a blissful dream followed by a nightmare.
She stopped dreaming ever since she snapped back into reality at 14 years old.
Every room in the house had been renovated except hers.
Her room was still the same as it used to be when she was a child. It was spick and span and had a familiar aroma.
Long Xiaoxi drew the heavy curtains open to allow the sunlight to enter and light up the entire room. Her room used to belong to Long Wenlun. However, she requested for a swap in the past because the balcony in his room allowed her a clear view of the mansion opposite.
Mei Yangyang brought her her favorite childhood snacks and said, “Hurry and try these. You can’t get these abroad.”
At the sight of the sweet snacks, she said, “Mommy, I haven’t had sugary snacks in a long time.”
“That’s because you can’t get our local specialties overseas.”
Not wis.h.i.+ng to be a killjoy, Long Xiaoxi grabbed the snacks and began eating them slowly. The first person she asked about was Zhong Minhe.
“Mother, is Brother Minhe still living with us?”
“No, he moved away with his family a long time ago. However, we still paid for his tuition fees for university. He’s a very grateful child and would visit us during every festive occasion. He would ask about you whenever he visits. I heard that he’s become a voice actor and is working for a television series production unit right now.”
“Do you have his mobile number?” Long Xiaoxi asked.
“Yes.” Mei Yangyang took out her mobile phone and gave her Zhong Minhe’s mobile number. After saving his contact in her mobile phone, Long Xiaoxi proceeded to take a warm shower, change into a fresh set of clothes, and put on some makeup. She then headed downstairs for breakfast with her family.
This was the first time that the family of four was sitting together for a meal, ever since she left home at 14 years old.
She’d had a change of taste and no longer enjoyed eating the dishes that she used to love.
After breakfast, they sat on the couch and chatted with each other. Long Xiaoxi then recounted everything that happened when she was abroad and told them about her living conditions. Although the problems that she had faced were minute and trivial, her parents felt that she had suffered a great ton.
Their conversation lasted throughout the entire morning, leaving Long Xiaoxi with no time to even call Zhong Minhe.
Finally, she found the chance to sneak back into her own room using the excuse of being tired.
Staring at Zhong Minhe’s mobile number, Long Xiaoxi tapped on it and placed the mobile phone beside her ear.
The call went through but no one picked up.
After two more missed calls, Long Xiaoxi deduced that he must be busy at the moment.
She gave it some consideration and decided to look him up.
Long Xiaoxi asked her brother for the address of Zhong Minhe’s workplace. She then put on a rabbit fur beanie, a scarf, and a chestnut-colored coat before leaving the house.
She instructed the chauffeur to send her to Zhong Minhe’s workplace.
Upon arriving at her destination, Long Xiaoxi excused the chauffeur and walked toward the voice-dubbing studio.
“May I ask if Zhong Minhe is in?”
“Brother Zhong is still busy. You are?”
“I’m a friend of his. I tried to call him but he didn’t answer. Could you tell me which room he’s working in?” Long Xiaoxi asked.
“Room 205 on the second floor. You may wait for him outside the door.”
“Alright, thank you very much.” Long Xiaoxi then made her way up the staircase and found room 205.
She had no idea what Zhong Minhe looked like now. Throughout the past nine years that she had been abroad, she cut off all contact with the people in S Nation and did not pay attention to the news about S Nation, for she was afraid that she would be tempted to go home.
She continued to wait quietly outside the door for more than an hour.
A woman exited from the room and asked, “Who are you looking for?”
“Zhong Minhe. I’m a friend of his.”
The woman scanned her from head to toe and yelled into the room, “Brother Zhong, your friend is waiting for you outside the room.”
“Alright,” answered an alluring voice that was completely different from what Long Xiaoxi had remembered and imagined.
After all, one had to have a pleasant voice in order to become a voice actor.
She began to feel nervous all of a sudden and wondered if he could recognize her after not seeing her for so many years.
Long Xiaoxi stood rooted to the ground, and so did the woman, who kept staring at her instead of leaving.
“Why haven’t I seen you around before?”
“I’ve been abroad. I only came home today.”
“Abroad?” A sullen expression formed on the woman’s face.
Noticing her reaction, Long Xiaoxi asked in puzzlement, “Is there a problem?”
“No. Brother Zhong said that the girl he fancies is abroad. Surely he can’t be referring to you?”
Greatly taken aback, Long Xiaoxi answered, “I don’t think so.”
As soon as the woman was about to say something, the door opened and Zhong Minhe exited.
Long Xiaoxi stared at him in astonishment. She wouldn’t have recognized him if she didn’t notice that he had a missing arm.
He looked completely different from her expectations.
Although only her eyes were revealed, Zhong Minhe could still recognize her. “Xiao… Xiaoxi?”
She pulled her scarf down to reveal the rest of her face. “Yes, Brother Minhe, I’m back.”
Zhong Minhe teared up while staring at her. She had undoubtedly changed a lot.
Her chubby cheeks and figure were gone.
They did not remain speechless for long. Long Xiaoxi wrapped her arms around him tightly. “I’m sorry for not contacting you for so many years.”
“Good that you’re back. I’ve been waiting for your return.”
Upon exiting the studio, she grabbed his sleeve, just like she used to when she was younger. “That girl just now said that you fancy someone who’s overseas. Who is it?”
“You. Why? Are you doubting me?”
Long Xiaoxi chuckled and said, “You must be kidding me. How can it be me?”
“Why should I do that? I’m being serious. Xiaoxi, I’ve been carrying a torch for you ever since we were children. I like how straightforward you are and how bubbly you are. I also like that you enjoyed playing with me all the time. I used to have an inferiority complex and never dared to express my feelings. However, I’ve become much more confident, and I must let you know how I feel about you now that you’re finally back.”
It had never crossed Long Xiaoxi’s mind that she would receive a confession on the first day that she returned from abroad.
Caught by surprise, she smiled and said, “Brother Minhe, I’m very glad that you’ve become much more confident. You’ve become the ideal person that I had hoped for you to become.”
“You’re changing the subject.”
Long Xiaoxi grimaced and said, “What would you like to hear from me, then?”
Although they had not met in years, they did not feel distant or awkward at all.
“I’d like to hear you say that you’ll give me a chance.”
“I’ll give you a chance,” she answered without hesitation.