SM Married Life

Translation by: ariajo
Writer: Lin Cai (Taiwan)
SM Notebook - Married Life (Part 13)

Weather: Sunny Mood: :)

Xiang-zhe and Shan-mei were taking a morning stroll - just like they always did on weekends. Holding Shan-mei's hands in his, Xiang-zhe seemed particularly buoyant. Shan-mei decided to take advantage of such light-hearted mood to put fore her request . . .

"Interview?" Xiang-zhe asked, slightly taken aback.

"Well, Jun-mao says it's not really an interview per se . . . Ummm . . . it's more like taking a few pictures . . . let's just put it that way." Shan-mei clarified warily, her eyes searching Xiang-zhe's face for clues of his temperament.

Shan-mei's childhood friend, Jun-mao, now a press photographer with a leading magazine, had approached Shan-mei for a personal favor. To earn credit with his chief editor, Jun-mao thought of featuring Xiang-zhe and Shan-mei on the cover of the upcoming edition. Naturally, Shan-mei declined the offer politely. But Jun-mao's persistency was not to be ignored. Shan-mei felt her heart softening. After all, he was not only a long-time friend, but also You-zhen's best friend. You-zhen . . . Shan-mei couldn't help but give in . . .

Xiang-zhe's dark brows knitted together slightly. Shan-mei could be a little willful at times. "Don't you think this would put yourself amidst unnecessary attention?"

It would. Xiang-zhe was absolutely right. And Shan-mei knew it. In her heart, she was well aware that Xiang-zhe, with her interest at heart, had warriorously shielded her from all media attention. All press releases were to be handled by MBS' PR department. Their wedding was no exception - all interviews were declined and reporters could only take far shots of the wedding from designated locations. No amount of royalty fees could secure any media with an up-close and personal interview.

"Just this once . . ." Shan-mei posed one slender finger pathetically by her cheek and pleaded with pouting lips, "ple. . .as. . . e!!"

Knowing it best to let logic rule his heart, Xiang-zhe reasoned steadily, "our PR department would be in a difficult position should other magazines make similar demands."

"Which is precisely why I am seeking your opinion first . . ." Shan-mei clung onto Xiang-zhe's arm, working her innocent charm beautifully.

Xiang-zhe looked deeply into Shan-mei's clear dewy eyes, sparkling with anticipation and innocence. "You should learn to say 'no', my sweet." Shan-mei put her faith in others much too readily. Her tender nature didn't make it any easier for her to say 'no'.

"I know you're right . . . but . . . but . . ." I failed, Shan-mei thought. She bit her lips and flopped her head in disappointment.

Xiang-zhe felt the walls his 'logic castle' crumpling under Shan-mei's mournful look. He couldn't seem to help it. Those doleful eyes, those downcast lashes, those pouting lips - all tugged at Xiang-zhe heart, beckoning for him to surrender. The fight of the heart and the soul was the hardest battle of all. Xiang-zhe gave a silent sigh.

"Very well . . ." Xiang-zhe's mouth curved as he dotingly smoothed his hands over Shan-mei's glossy hair. "But, just this once."

Shan-mei's face lighted up with brief gleam of delight before it was overtaken by concern. "But . . . the PR department . . ." She would not want to put her beloved senior at any inconvenience.

"Well, we'll just have to tell them it's 'wife's orders'. Now everyone would know that Director Yin is held at the wife's mercy." Xiang-zhe pursed his lips in mock meekness.

"Oh, thank you so much, senior . . ." Shan-mei threw her arms about Xiang-zhe's neck as she flung herself into his arms. She felt too happy for words. The corners of her mouth no longer felt heavy with apprehension. They curved deeply upwards into a bright, cheery smile.

"Ah . . . I'm rather shy, you know. I'm not used to such public display of affection." Xiang-zhe teased, unable to conceal the broad smile. His actions totally rallied against his words as he closed his arms tightly around Shan-mei, tugging her head under his chin.

One request for one loving embrace. Not a bad deal at all.

The actual shoot itself was more than just a simple photography session. This once in a life time opportunity called for the best cast. The publisher even reserved a deluxe suite as the shoot location. The team went all out to ensure that everything went smoothly.

Xiang-zhe and Shan-mei were on the last set of shots now. For this setting, Jun-mao had arranged for Shan-mei to lean by the arms of Xiang-zhe's chair . . .
"Right, Shan-mei, move in a little closer . . . that's right, now rest your hands on his shoulders . . . yep, relax your arms . . . good!"
"Alright, last one . . . ready, smile . . . good . . . OK!"

Xiang-zhe and Shan-mei heaved slight sighs of relief. It had been almost two hours. Their cheeks almost numbed from the constant smiling. . .

"I thought you said just a few pictures?" Shan-mei gave Jun-mao a reproaching look.
"I'm sorry. I just couldn't resist the rare opportunity." Jun-mao turned to thank Xiang-zhe. "Director Yin, thank you so much. We really appreciate your taking time off to help us out. We are much obliged."
"My pleasure. The obligation is entirely mine, I can assure you. As I understand it, Shan-mei has privileged much from your care and guidance . . ." Xiang-zhe shook Jun-mao's hand with genuine gratitude.
"Our Shan-mei is reformed now. She has fitted nicely into the glass slippers." Jun-mao said with a brotherly smile.
"What? You mean to imply that I'm Cinderella?" Shan-mei retaliated.

Well, not exactly. It would be more appropriate to say that Shan-mei had blossomed into a fine lady. Gone was the little girl tagging behind Jun-mao and You-zhen's shadows. Dressed in her demure pink suit, she exuded with poise and refined composure . . .
"My apologies, allow me to correct myself, Miss Swan. Hahaha how's that?" Jun-mao joked and proceeded to lower his voice to a murmuring tone, "Don't forget to help me secure a post in MBS, eh?"

Shan-mei replied with a stunned look, her lips slightly parted as she searched her mind frantically for the next best thing to say.

"hahaha, just kidding." Jun-mao reined his usual casual manners and thanked Shan-mei again. "Thanks for your help. Dinner next time, my treat."
"Deal?" Shan-mei asked as they parted
"Deal! Farewell, Director and Mrs. Yin." Jun-mao bid with a playful salute.
"Bye" Shan-mei smiled and waved goodbye to the brotherly figure.

"You torment my heart with bitter jealousy whenever you smile so sweetly at other men." Xiang-zhe jested as he put his arms around Shan-mei, directing her toward their car.
"What! What a petty man. Certainly, you don't expect me to bid goodbye in tears, do you?" Shan-mei wrinkled her nose adorably and poked.

"Now, do I get a reward for my splendid performance today?" Xiang-zhe leaned towards her ears and mumbled seductively.
"Of course." Shan-mei nodded her head with affirmation. Seeing the fierce passion gleaming in Xiang-zhe's eyes, she beamed and broke off, leaving gleeful giggles in her trails.
Turning back, she gave Xiang-zhe a triumph smile and announced, "your reward is . . . very expensive . . . ramen!"
This is call giving him a taste of his own fruits.

A charming grin lingered on Xiang-zhe's handsome face. Waves of warmth rushed through his heart. His adorable Shan-mei - the sunshine of his life, the source of his every happiness . . .