AAE2  The Affair

Original Author: Judy (Taiwan)

Translation By: Carina Lee (Singapore)

Edited By: SC Soh (Singapore)

Re-edited By: All-About-AAE

Shan Mei and Xiang Zhe's Home

Shan Mei opened her eyes and seeing Xiang Zhe’s sleeping form beside her, a contented smile lit up her small face. At this moment, Senior’s well-chiselled face is presented in full view for her viewing pleasure.

“The heaven’s really too good to me!” Shan Mei thought to herself. “To allow me to meet such a great man like Senior, to have his love, so deep, so intense… and as for me, I want to bask in the bliss of Senior’s love forever…”

Planting a light kiss on his lips, Shan Mei carefully withdrew from Xiang Zhe’s embrace, not wanting to awake him. Today is a holiday and Senior finally had a rare chance for a good rest. He had been so busy lately, always returning home in the wee hours of the night. Seeing him work so hard, Shan Mei’s heart always ached for him.

Entering into the living room, Shan Mei picked up the newly-delivered magazine and suddenly, a bold headline caught her attention:

“Extra-Marital Affair - MBS Director Yin Xiang Zhe”

"Extra-marital affair?!"  Shan Mei was stunned for a moment, and began flipping through the magazine. To her shock, she saw pictures of Senior with actress Gao Mei Mei! Gao Mei Mei was standing very close to Senior, and Senior… he was actually laughing so charmingly!

Shan Mei looked on in disbelief at the two persons in the photo. Right now, she could only hear a loud buzzing sound in her ear. She stood dazed for a long time and when she finally returned to reality, she continued reading the report:

“MBS Director Yin Xiang Zhe and Actress Gao Mei Mei, Secret Love Affair Exposed!”

“The Couple’s Lovey Dovey, Broadcaster Zhen Shan Mei Being Cast Aside…”

Shan Mei sucked in a breath of cold air, she couldn’t believe what she’s seeing! Right now, the promises that Senior made to her seemed so near yet so far! He had promised to bring her happiness in this life, the next life and through eternity! Has Senior changed?

Suddenly, the anklet lying on her ankle felt so cold, and seemed to scoff sarcastically at her, “Zhen Shan Mei, you are so dumb! How could you believe in a man’s promises so easily? It’s time to wake up!”

“Is this true? Is it really true?” Shan Mei shook her head vigorously and desperately told herself, “No, this can’t be true, He wouldn’t do this to us! Yes, how could I even think in this way? The entertainment circle is complicated and there are always such rumours flying around without any concrete evidence. As a media person, how could I easily believe those reports in the magazines? And to misunderstand Senior…….?”

“Shan Mei…” Xiang Zhe’s deep, husky voice broke Shan Mei’s train of thoughts.

She deftly kept the magazine, walked towards Xiang Zhe and flashed her usual angelic smile, “Senior, you have woke up!”

“Yes…” Xiang Zhe stretched out his hands and embraced Shan Mei, kissing her on her lips. “What are you reading? You seemed so engrossed!”

“Oh, it’s nothing… Senior, would you someday turn out to be like some married men who would date other girlfriends or keep mistresses?” Shan Mei stared at Xiang Zhe, jokingly asked, but deep inside, she really wanted to hear his reply…

“Hahaha, my little wife…” Xiang Zhe laughed, shook his head in disbelief and pinched Shan Mei’s nose, “What nonsense are you talking about?”

"This Shan Mei is really unbelievable! Her head’s always full of quirky thoughts," Xiang Zhe mused to himself as he lovingly soothed Shan Mei’s soft hair and said, “What programmes do you have today? I’m all yours today!”

“Oh…I haven’t thought of anywhere to go yet. How about you? What do you want to do?” Shan Mei circled her arms around Xiang Zhe’s neck. Senior’s response had set her heart more at ease.

“Me…?” Xiang Zhe flashed her a cheeky grin, “You really want to know?”

Realising his intentions, Shan Mei’s cheeks instantly flushed red and she tried to free herself from Xiang Zhe’s embrace, “ Senior, you… don’t be like this…”

“What do you mean? A husband loving his wife is the most natural thing on earth!”

Ignoring her pleas, Xiang Zhe swung her off her feet and carried her to their bedroom.

“Senior, put me down… Senior…”

Looking at his blushing wife, Xiang Zhe felt the love for her exploding in his heart…

Xiang Zhe looked down at Shan Mei lying in his arms, his dark smoldering eyes, looking deeply into the eyes of his shy wife. Lovingly, he helped her arrange the soft strands of hair that had fallen onto her face…

“Senior, why don’t we think about our programmes for the day?” Twinkling her big, round eyes, Shan Mei circled her arms around Xiang Zhe, trying to stall for time.

“Naughty girl, you are trying to change the topic again, eh?” Xiang Zhe lightly kissed Shan Mei’s eyebrows, eyes, nose…

Sensing his breath so near her, Shan Mei trembled under the wonderful sensations.

“I’m serious!” she said softly and turned Xiang Zhe’s head away. “Senior, shall we go to the Flower Market? The last time I visited Senior Qing Xi at her home, I saw she had these two pots of flowers with pink little petals. It’s so beautiful! Shall we go and buy two pots for our home?”

“Is it really so beautiful? All right, as long as you like it, but the flowers… wouldn’t wither under your care, would they?” Xiang Zhe teasingly asked.

“Senior!” Shan Mei protested with a pout on her lips.

“Ok, no more jokes, but I’ve been acceding to your requests, how do you want to thank me?” Bending down to gaze at Shan Mei, Xiang Zhe made his request.

“Erm, at the most…. I will…” Shan Mei softly uttered into Xiang Zhe’s ears.

Hearing her words, Xiang Zhe happily looked at Shan Mei, the grin on his face widening, “Really? You promised..!”

“……” Shyly nodding her head, Shan Mei’s face flushed a crimson red.

Holding the bashful Shan Mei in his arms, Xiang Zhe couldn’t help but felt so thankful. If they hadn’t met in London, if the heavens didn’t send this little angel onto his car, then he would never have the chance to taste happiness, and this happiness, actually tasted so sweet…

MBS TV Station

“Morning!” “Director Yin, Good Morning…” As usual, Xiang Zhe cheerfully greeted the staff as he walked into MBS building. He couldn’t understand why, but it seemed that people are giving him weird looks this morning. Some are even whispering among themselves. Had something happened? He dismissed it immediately as he had a series of meetings waiting for him…

Broadcaster’s Office

A group of people had gathered around, whispering to one another, and occasionally you could hear:

“That Gao Mei Mei is really a bitch…”

“But Director Yin doesn’t seem to be that kind of man!...”

“What will happen to Shan Mei then?..."

“Good morning, everyone!” Shan Mei’s lively voice broke up their discussion and everyone cast curious looks at her.

“Shan Mei, that…” Chen Shui asked in a loud voice.

“Cui Chen Shui!!” Qing Xi hurriedly cut off Chen Shui’s words, turned to Shan Mei and smiled, “Shan Mei, it’s nothing… you… are ok?”

“Senior, I’m… I’m fine! Has something happened?” Shan Mei looked at them, perplexed.

“Oh, nothing! Aren’t you on your way to do recording? You are going to be late, better hurry,” Qing Xi tried to divert the topic, smiling at Shan Mei.

“Eh, Senior, then I’d better get going. See you later!”

Looking at Shan Mei’s back, Chen Shui asked Qing Xi, “Senior, why didn’t you let me ask Shan Mei?”

“Cui Chen Shui, don’t spread rumours of any news that hasn’t been verified!”

Another colleague, Shen Qi Zong, shook his head and hit Chen Shui on his head with his file, “Get back to work! Be careful of being dismissed!”

Poor Chen Shui, he could only soothe his head and look at Shen Qi Zong as he walked away…

MBS Studios Corridor

After a busy day, along the corridor, Shan Mei called Xiang Zhe on his mobile phone, “Senior…”

“Oh, Shan Mei, I have an urgent meeting to attend and it may take quite some time. Don’t wait for me, go home and take a rest. Remember to take your dinner, understand?” Hearing Shan Mei’s voice always bring a smile to Xiang Zhe, even though he’s in the middle of a meeting, he couldn’t help but show his love and concern openly for his wife.

“All right, I understand, you are such a nag!” Hearing Xiang Zhe’s words of concern, Shan Mei smiled.

Suddenly, some hushed tones caught Shan Mei’s attention…

“Hey, did you read the magazine?”

“The one on Director Yin and Gao Mei Mei…?”

“Yes, I was wondering if it’s really true?”

“Well, there wouldn’t be smoke without fire… Furthermore, I heard that Gao Mei Mei is very interested in Director Yin, often inviting him to dinners…”

“But I thought Director Yin is a well-known perfect husband, haven’t you heard about the fairy-tale like romance between him and Broadcaster Zhen Shan Mei? Makes people green with envy!”

“Come on, who wouldn’t be tempted by the likes of Gao Mei Mei?”

“Who did you hear it from? Director Yin is already married, what can that Gao Mei Mei do?”

“Haven’t you heard of a term called divorce? Now, rumours are flying all around the whole company! Somemore, Director Yin is the future successor to the WenRong Group, who wouldn’t want to marry him? Personally, I would want to as well…!”

Listening to the fading voices behind her, Shan Mei stood dazed for a while, and walked on, her whole head buzzing with the conversation she overheard, and anguish filled her heart…

“Shan Mei… Shan Mei…?” Seeing no reaction from her, Yong Xi hurried up to Shan Mei and patted her shoulder.

“Oh! Yong Xi senior…” Shan Mei was stunned for a moment and looked up to see Yong Xi.

“Shan Mei, what are you thinking of? You were so engrossed that you didn’t even hear me calling you!”

Looking at Shan Mei’s knitted eyebrows, Yong Xi worriedly asked, “Has something happened?”

“Oh, nothing. I was just thinking of some problems relating to the programmes. Yong Xi senior, you are not going back yet?” Shan Mei tried to squeeze on a smile.

“I’m waiting for Xian Da, and clearing some paperwork at the same time. Are you going back already? Not waiting for Xiang Zhe?”

“Yes… then I’ll make a move first. See you tomorrow.” Shan Mei couldn’t look at Yong Xi in the eye, she turned and walked away…

MBS Executive Conference Room

“All right, if there is no other matter, our meeting shall end here today. On the outstanding issues, would appreciate the Department Heads to go back and think about it, we will continue with our discussion in the next meeting.”

Rubbing his forehead habitually, a tired Xiang Zhe looked at his watch. It’s already nine p.m., what is his little angel doing now? He was just about to call Shan Mei on her handphone…

“Xiang Zhe, calling Shan Mei again? Look at you, are you just plain worried or, should I say, already fully controlled by her already?” Xian Da couldn’t help but tease Xiang Zhe.

“Don’t you make fun of me, aren’t you and Yong Xi the same?”

Xiang Zhe switched off his handphone and walked to the carpark with Xian Da.

MBS Carpark

“Xiang Zhe, you are really famous these two days!”

“…?” Xiang Zhe looked at Xian Da, totally puzzled.

“What, you didn’t know about it? There was so much hoo-ha in the magazine and nobody told you?”

Xian Da looked at Xiang Zhe and carried on to tell him the gist of the whole matter.

“Haha, this is really ridiculous, who has been spreading these rumours? There were so many of us discussing about our up-and-coming new programmes that day, how did it turn out to be a private date between me and Ms Gao?” Xiang Zhe could only laugh in disbelief.

“You can still laugh? Rumours’ had been flying all over the company as if the whole matter is real…” Xian Da suddenly asked, “Shan Mei, she… does she know about it?” “Shan Mei…”

Xiang Zhe stiffened for a moment, his smile fading. He suddenly recalled Shan Mei’s weird questions yesterday…. had she knew already…….?

“Xian Da, Xiang Zhe…” Yong Xi called them from behind.

“Wow, Yong Xi, waiting for Xian Da to go home together, such a loving couple!” Xiang Zhe composed himself and took a jibe at Yong Xi.

“Aren’t you and Shan Mei the same?” Yong Xi laughed and gave Xiang Zhe a stare. She turned to Xian Da, who had been smiling brightly, “Let’s go!”

Then Yong Xi suddenly remembered and asked, “Oh, by the way, Xiang Zhe, is Shan Mei all right?”

“Shan Mei? What’s wrong with her?” Xiang Zhe’s eyebrows burrowed in anxiety.

“I bumped into her just now and she seemed very troubled. Has something happened…?” Yong Xi asked worriedly.

"Had Shan Mei heard something? Misunderstood him?" Xiang Zhe's worried thoughts prevented him from hearing anymore, “Erm, Yong Xi, Xian Da, I’m leaving first.”

He ran to his car and drove home…

Shan Mei and Xiang Zhe's Home

The house is in total darkness. No one’s at home. "Shan Mei hadn’t come home, where had she gone?"

Time passed by with the minutes and seconds, Xiang Zhe sat anxiously on the sofa, looking exhausted and feeling frustrated, he started to rub his forehead… He couldn’t get through to Shan Mei’s handphone... Has something happened to her? Where is his angel?

“Shan Mei, please come back…” he sent out the telepathic message desperately.

Meanwhile, Shan Mei was walking aimlessly on the road, thinking about what she had overheard earlier, thinking of Xiang Zhe, how he had been so good to her, his ocean-deep love, how he had been so protective of her… But right now, she is totally confused, her thoughts in turmoil… It’s getting late, Shan Mei felt waves of loneliness crashing upon her… How she wished she could lie in Xiang Zhe’s warm, safe arms!

“Senior… Senior, where are you?” Shan Mei was overcome by grief and wept.

She walked until her numb legs could walk no further. Feeling totally drained of all energy; she finally dragged her tired body home…

Shan Mei gently opened the door.

“Shan Mei…!” Hearing the door open, Xiang Zhe rushed forward and embraced his angel tightly in his arms, “Where have you been? I was so worried!”

“Senior…” Shan Mei was dazed for a while, tears already welling up in her eyes. In Xiang Zhe’s warm arms, she broke down and cried uncontrollably.

“Shan Mei, don’t cry…everything’s fine now…” Xiang Zhe whispered into her ears, his heart ached from the love for her.

“… Senior…” But Shan Mei only cried even harder, her tears drenching Xiang Zhe’s shirt.

“My dear Shan Mei, please don’t cry anymore…..eh?”

Xiang Zhe really couldn’t bear to see Shan Mei so distressed, he continued to hold her, stroking her hair and murmuring comforting words into her ears, “You have misunderstood me. Would you listen to my explanation?”

When her sobs were finally reduced to hiccuping gulps, he wiped the tears from her eyes with his thumb, all the while looking at her with tenderness. Shan Mei shook her head in anguish and said chokingly.

“Senior, it’s all my fault. I’m just not good enough for you to love me, right?”

“You foolish little thing, you still don’t understand how I feel for you? Want me to repeat again? I love you, from now to eternity… You are my one and only in this life. We have made a promise to be together in this life, next life and our many lives to come… Have you forgotten?” Xiang Zhe declared his love once again, fearing that Shan Mei would not believe him.

Listening to his confession of love, Shan Mei felt so overwhelmed by her emotions. She pressed her lips passionately onto Xiang Zhe’s, hoping he will sense her love too.

“Senior…”

Looking into Shan Mei’s misty eyes, Xiang Zhe groaned, then swung her off her feet and into his arms, carrying her to their bedroom…

Shan Mei shyly lifted her head from Xiang Zhe’s arms, “Senior, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have doubted you, and made you worry for me…”

Why am I always so immature, always letting Senior worry about me, Shan Mei rebuked herself silently.

But Xiang Zhe only gently caressed her cheeks, “Ask me directly the next time, and don’t let your thoughts run wild again.”

At this time, Shan Mei’s stomach growled. Xiang Zhe immediately raised his eyebrows and rebuked gently, “You have not eaten till now?”

“Eh, how would I have the appetite to eat just now?” Shan Mei pouted her lips.

“What a disobedient young lady! Do you really want to make me worry to death?” Xiang Zhe sighed deeply, “All right, to make it up to you, your husband, I, shall cook you a sumptuous dinner tonight, what do you think?”

“Really? Then I must really thank you, my dearest hubby!” Shan Mei cast a smug look at Xiang Zhe and said sweetly. “You… I really have to hand it to you!”

Xiang Zhe playfully pinched her nose and laughed…

“Dearest hubby, I’m famished. Hurry up…” Shan Mei held Xiang Zhe’s arms and pulled him towards the kitchen. For his beloved Shan Mei, Xiang Zhe’s folding up his sleeves, dishing up a “Love Meal”. For his beloved wife, he’s willing to do anything…

Later, after a tasty dinner, made even more delicious by being shared together...

Looking at Xiang Zhe working hard at the computer, Shan Mei considered for a long time and finally brought the magazine before him. She pouted her lips and asked unhappily, “Senior, why must you the two of you stand so closely together when taking photographs?”

Startled, Xiang Zhe looked up at Shan Mei, and broke into laughter. “Shan Mei, come over…”

He pulled her to sit on his lap, glanced at the magazine and asked softly into her ear, “Are you jealous?” He looked at Shan Mei with mischief dancing in his eyes.

“I… of course, I’m jealous! How could you allow another woman to behave so intimately with you…?” Shan Mei stared at him, wondering to herself, "Is Senior doing this on purpose? How could he still laugh so heartily at this time?"

“My dear, you should know better, people like us working in this industry are often victims of circumstances. So, there’s no reason for you to be jealous over this…”

Knowing Shan Mei’s jealousy stemmed from her love for him, Xiang Zhe felt so blissful. He brushed a light kiss on her cheeks and soothed her silky hair.

“That’s of course, only me, Zhen Shan Mei, can be so intimate with you!” Shan Mei exclaimed possessively.

“All right, all right! Next time when I’m faced with this kind of situation, I will stand miles away. Better still, I will ask one whole big group of people to stand in between us, how about that?” Xiang Zhe gently coaxed.

Shan Mei circled Xiang Zhe’s neck happily, “That’s more like it!”

“My dear, don’t you think I deserve a prize for my obedience?” As he said the words, he tightened his embrace at Shan Mei’s waist.

“Prize? You are lucky to escape punishment this round and you still dare to ask for a prize?” Shan Mei wrinkled her nose and frowned at him.

“Then… how about punishing me to treat you well tonight?” Xiang Zhe inhaled the sweet fragrance coming from Shan Mei’s body and began to press light kisses onto her neck…

“What are you doing…?” Shan Mei whispered demurely, and trembled under Xiang Zhe’s touch.

Xiang Zhe gazed appreciatively at the treasure he held in his arms. He thought of the incredible bliss she had given him and marveled at the depth of his own passion. Never in his life had he experienced anything like it. Finally, he pressed his lips onto Shan Mei’s…

The magazine had since fallen onto the ground, lying silently… And the night is as ever… so gentle…

THE END