SM Married Life

Translation by: Bull Bull
Writer: Lin Cai (Taiwan)
SM Notebook - Married Life (Part 25)

MBS had organized a huge celebration party for its staff to welcome the millennium first Christmas. What came as a surprise were the hosts because this year MBS had not followed the norm of using well-known artists. Instead Director Yin had appointed Shen Qi-Dong and Cui Chen-Shui to host the event. The decision had triggered discussions about their competency since they were neither very well known nor had co-host any events before. Furthermore, never before had sports commentators been selected to host any formal events.

However, their performance for this night proved the people wrong because the new partnership had introduced a new and humorous style of hosting. Their entertaining conversations and comical expressions had brought tremendous joy and endless laughter to the crowd.

President Yin (Xiang-Zhe's dad) was full of smile today, "Now this is what a Christmas party should be like. As compared, previous parties and gatherings were too formal and solemn." He turned to Xiang-Zhe with satisfaction, "Heard that you have appointed them."

"That's right! Actually I wanted to test their co-ordination. Currently, I have a new sports program and still in the midst of a program host selection. The notion to try them out with this party is rather appropriate. Well, they have proven themselves!" Xiang-Zhe explained.

"Ow, that was not a bad idea!" President Yin nodded in agreement, proud of his son. Xiang-Zhe had brought about many new works and creative concepts since he took over part of the management. I have to admit that my son does have a sharp vision in this industry.

"Oh yes, dad, I will be bringing Sun-Mei home tomorrow. We have prepared some Christmas presents for aunt and you."

"Really? Oh..." President Yin started to ponder about the change in Xiang-Zhe, he had never given him any gifts through the years, not even for him to mention the word 'aunt'. "Actually, you can save on the presents...grandchildren would be more appropriate."

"Huh..." Sun-Mei who was concentrating on the party was surprised at his comments. Her cheeks felt hot suddenly.

"Yes, we will! We will work harder," Xiang-Zhe held her hands tightly under the table while answering his dad in a serious tone. Sun-Mei wanted to hide in a hole upon hearing the response; didn't he realize that the terms 'work hard' cause people to think otherwise?

"Excellent!" President Yin exclaimed upon the guarantee, beamed with happiness.

At this moment, Chen-Shui introduced the next segment of the party. "Coming up is the last segment of tonight's party ?The Entertainment Contest."

Qi-Dong continued, "Since both of us are male, we of course will fight for privileges for our species so this contest is limited to the males only. The winner will receive a prize, which is..."

Xiang-Zhe thought about Chen-Shui and Qi-Dong as he sipped his wine, he had not misjudged them. Sun-Mei was right; everyone is potential once they found their hidden talents.

"...A kiss from Miss Zhen Sun-Mei!" Shouted the hosts simultaneously, announcing the 'mystery' prize excitedly.

Sun-Mei seemed to be rooted to the ground upon hearing her name. Xiang-Zhe was not faring any better as he coughed lightly, nearly choked on the wine...

"Participates interested in taking up the challenge, please come forward!" Judging from the response, there was no lack of contestants.

What had happened? Since when have I become a prize? Just as Sun-Mei was still wondering, Xiang-Zhe stood up and walked swiftly to the stage. "As a member of MBS, I believe I should be entitled to the same rights as any other men present, hence I will participate in this contest!" His gentlemen behaviour had never failed to capture any lady's heart, thus won some supporting cheers.

"No problem, of course you are welcome," Qi-Dong gave Chen-Shui a push, things were going as planned and they were merely waiting for the 'actual' show to begin!

One could not wonder if the game was too easy or the other contestants gave in to Xiang-Zhe? He won every round, defeated all contestants and emerged as the final winner!

Sun-Mei who was watching anxiously let out a heavy sigh of relief, she almost had a nervous breakdown being the prize. Thought she had escaped the clutch of the 'evil game'...how wrong she was...

Xiang-Zhe was grinning as he strolled across the stage and took over the microphone, "Miss Zhen Sun-Mei, why are you still sitting there? Aren't you coming up to present the reward?"

Huh? How could he join in the fun that Senior Qi-Dong and Chen-Shui had intended? The audiences turned their attention to Sun-Mei and waited eagerly. In the end, Sun-Mei surrendered with a reluctant smile and approached Xiang-Zhe. She gave him a warning glare before standing on tip-toe, brushing her lips past his...

He reached for her shoulders and pulled her closer when he tasted her lips. He returned a deeper kiss. To end with, Xiang-Zhe held Sun-Mei close beside him and spoke to the amazed audiences, "As all of you have witnessed, I don't give up easily on matters related to Miss Zhen Sun-Mei. Hopefully you understood my point and not make me go the exact miles again!"

His confession of love got everyone's cheers and applause, Xiang-Zhe had once again proved his point that Sun-Mei is his and his only!

********** ********** ********** ********** **********

Winter approached slowly as the weather turned colder each day. Xiang-Zhe and Sun-Mei were sitting in front of the Christmas tree, enjoying the small fire they had started earlier. Dressed in identical cream colour turtleneck sweaters from her and a Cartier gift watch on her wrist from him, they were merely engrossed in the quietness and warmth of Christmas.

"What's on your mind? If your mind was on somebody other than me, I forbid that!" He studied her for a moment but her thoughts were on the card in her hands.

"Xue zhang, thank you..." She could hardly express herself for his gratitude. "You have given me the most meaningful Christmas present ever."

"Heh?" He looked at her with a confused look, true enough, the Cartier watch did cost him a bomb but wasn't that meaningful though.

"You have no intention to tell me?" She waved the card in her hand, "Well, Ying-Mei has told me all the details..."

"Dear Sun-Mei,

I would like to wish you Merry Christmas!

Honestly, I haven't the slightest idea on how to thank Director Yin and you for all the things done. Really thankful for sending the Santa Claus to the orphanage, his presence and Christmas gifts he brought had fulfilled the children's wishes.

Your kindness has brought out the truth spirit of Christmas, which had been missing for ages in this home. Everyone in the home appreciate your kind heartedness for letting us have such a wonderful and enjoyable day of the year..."

"Oh, about that? That was nothing, I did it because I didn't want you to worry too much for Ying-Mei and the children so I..." The true intention was for you to be happy. Well, I was selfish but who wouldn't? I wanted you to have all the happiness you can and for that to happen, nothing will and can stop me in realizing that!

"I feel really fortunate," She looked at him with appreciation, let out a sigh of content, knowing xue zhang was really the best present ever! "Seems like all wishes could come true on Christmas! When I was little, my dad always told me that Santa Claus distributed presents only to obedient children. That's why, whenever Christmas approaches, I would be extremely obedient..." Her eyes sparkled with a child's innocence as she spoke of her childhood.

"Em, really envy you. Days like these in the past were merely another day on the calendar, totally meaningless to me. The times while in England, although there were festive moods, I didn't find any connection with me." He was like a far and remote island in the middle of the ocean before knowing her, never did he care for others or bother with how they felt for him.

"So what about now?" She could feel the pain from his tone.

"Now? I look forward to every Christmas, being able to decorate the tree with you, prepare gifts for the family, then...I can spend the Christmas Eve cuddling you..." He stared at her face and saw the resemblance of an angel from the reflection of the burning fire.

Snow fell quietly like the meteorite shower across the window
"Wow! Xue zhang, it's snowing..." Sun-Mei sat up and pointed at the window, "Let's go outside and view the snow?"

"No way!!" With that, Xiang-Zhang turned and pinned her under him on the sofa, his eyes reflected the passion inside his heart...

"Why not?" Her eyes displayed a state of confusion. Xue zhang had never rejected her requests!

"Because..." She felt the warmth of his hand sneaked through her blouse to her abdomen, "We have to start preparing our present for next Christmas ..."

Snowflakes glided gently from the sky as if in a dance whilst the house was filled with warmth and content...Once Director Yin made up his mind, even broadcaster Zhen had no chance of resistance. However there was one thing, which was certain, Director Yin's gift for the coming Christmas had been decided...