The Inconceivable Flame: A Fallen Angel's Disguise

Did we ever get to mention that there are two versions of Ru? Nope?

Let’s divulge into that topic for today. On normal occasions, Ru’s sensible part would be ruling her senses and she would have answered him with, "What can exactly go on between me and your brother? I’m straight through and through!"

That wouldn’t be wrong considering her gender.

But right now, Ji Syaoran’s expressions and anxious tone evoked Ru’s cunning and mischievous side. And let’s face it, that version of her was never up to any good! Therefore, she answered him with, "Between me and your brother? Hmm... I think you can see for yourself. What does it seem like? Isn’t it obvious enough?"

For an outsider, there was nothing wrong with her words. Not at all. But Ji Syaoran wasn’t an outsider. He was the only insider who knew about the happenings of that kiss! Which brought us to the point where Ji Syaoran’s face paled with her words.

’What did it seem like? Bloody hell! It seemed like his brother had fallen for this enchanter. So, his mind wasn’t just playing games?’ Ji Syaoran finally had to accept the facts. He softly whispered, "But I thought my brother was straight."

Ru snorted and said, "Oh please, even I used to think that." After the words left her mouth, she realized what she said was wrong. Xiao Zhiren was indeed straight. He kissed her knowing that she was a girl. Urgh! I really need to stop forgetting my bloody gender.

Ji Syaoran stood rooted without moving at all. He was like a statue who was in deep thought. While his thoughts were unknown but Ru could conjecture that his thoughts were chaotic by the way his expressions were shifting with each passing second.

He suddenly clenched his fists and shouted, "This is all your fault!"

At being accused so blatantly, Ru was rather amused than offended. "Oh really? What did I do?"

"Who told you to have such a face? It’s a killer for both men and women. No wonder my brother fell for your stupid charms. Urgh!" He ruffled his own hair which by the way was already in a mess. "I don’t even understand. Why does everyone like you? My grandmother, grandfather, father, brothers, and my sister, all have fallen for your charms and damn tongue of yours that knows how to please others."

It was the first time for Ru to know that her vicious tongue had a way to charm others. How strange! Anyhow, she gave him a lopsided grin and said, "You like me as well." It wasn’t a question. It was Ru’s conceited self claiming a fact.

Ji Syaoran stared at her in disbelief but couldn’t find a way to refute at all. If he didn’t like her as a person, he wouldn’t be standing here. He had heard about her but knowing her in person was different. Most of all, getting a glimpse of her martial arts, he was completely sold.

How could he say he didn’t like her when he held the greatest respect for martial arts practitioners? He was practically dying to come under her wings.

"You are infuriating as well." He grumbled in the end when no other retort came to his mind.

"I know. I’m quite proud of that trait of mine." Ru answered honestly making him feel exasperated. She was difficult to talk to. And that was for sure! Ru decided to use him to her own advantage as she said, "So, are you planning on asking your brother to keep his distance from me?"

Ji Syaoran shook his head and said, "Why would I? If my brother loves you, then that’s that. Neither I have a say in it nor I want to interfere. If he’s happy. I’m happier." Ru was left speechless with his reply. He wasn’t going the conventional route. Wasn’t he suppose to try and help his brother come back to the straight route? Why such a change?

"Or perhaps, your brother is just confused with his feelings? How about you try setting him up with someone?" Ru tried to knock her own ideas in his mind.

"Huh? No way! My brother is not confused at all." Ru didn’t like his tone of affirmation.

"How are you so sure?" She snapped at him.

"Because he wouldn’t have given up his first kiss in the moment of confusion."

’Say what???’ Ru was stared at him dumbfoundedly.