The two youths were running around, followed by Mo Wenbin. They were playing Frisbee.

They were at Chaoyang Park. They placed their mat on the ground under the shade of a tree, and laid their basket of food, utensils and other recreational things. They each contributed an item to the picnic. Xue Jinxu brought kimbab and onigiri which she made herself. Chen Linyun also prepared bento for everyone. Mo Wenbin brought marinated meat for barbecue and even set up the equipment. He even brought his guitar. Xue Guangxi, aside from bringing Su Jingjing along, also brought Frisbee, ball and kites. Su Jingjing brought biscuits, cookies and jellies.

Finally they were able to schedule the picnic. It was a Sunday. Apparently there was no work. All the preparations had been done at Xue s.h.i.+pping for the launch of MT Dragon Heart which was scheduled the following day. While Chen Lingyun had proven his capabilities with his team after seeing partial results. Xue Guangxi had quite got the hang of the s.h.i.+pping business already and even had been building quite a rapport with the employees. Mo Wenbin was still Mo Wenbin.

Indeed it was a lovely autumn day. The sun was brightly s.h.i.+ning, although the wind was a blowing cold. Soon enough this autumn season will finally turn its leaf into winter. They were fortunate to be able to schedule and conduct this picnic before winter.

They decided to meet at around ten in the morning, and they estimated to finish by three in the afternoon. They planned to have nothing but merriment and mirth.

While the three were playing, Chen Linyun and Xue Jinxu were left on their picnic mat. They chatted the way they used to. Once in a while they eat the food that they brought. They started with the kimbab.

"Ahhh."

Xue Jinxu was teasing again. She placed a kimbab in between her lips and gestured for Chen Linyun to eat it – from her lips. There was jest in her eyes.

Chen Linyun tensed up. His woman was playing again. "Are you seriously sure you want me to eat that up? Do you want me to eat you instead?" It was always like this between them. The one initiates, the other tries to 'win'.

This time Chen Linyun won. The lady was so embarra.s.sed, that she maneuvered the kimbab by tilting her head until it entered whole inside her mouth and chewed it. Then she gave Chen Linyun a cold stare.

"Extend your legs." She commanded Chen Linyun.

"What for?" It was awkward. But he followed anyway. He leaned at the trunk of the tree behind them.

Xue Jinxu laid down and rested her head on Linyun's thigh. She had also grabbed his left arm and hugged it with her arms. Her hands landed on his wrists and her head just below it, near his elbow. Her head was lying on his thigh and above her head was his arm that was being snuggled by her arms. She was so soft and warm. She was also rubbing her head like a kitten snuggling closer to its owner. With his free hand Chen Linyun patted her head until she fell asleep.

He sighed. His position wasn't extremely relaxing. It was actually torturing him because it was a test of his self-control. Nonetheless he was extremely happy. This lady was not only being agreeable to him, but also teasing him and being playful to him. Although it was not tantamount to her being in love already with him, at the very least she's warming up to him. He's already contented with that. After all, who would have thought that he had a chance? He had already been rejected before, it d.a.m.n hurt.

The three were still busy laughing and playing at a distance. They seemed to be flying kites now – setting it high then running while trying to make it soar higher. Once in a while they released the thread from the noose to make it longer. They were having fun.

Her soft finger started brus.h.i.+ng over the veins he had on his arm. He was clenching his fist. The ticklish movement tore him from his reverie.

"You're awake now?" He said gently while caressing her cheek with his free hand.

"Uhhmm.." She blinked and sat up straight. She also leaned at the tree's trunk behind them. "You didn't sleep?" She retorted.

"Yeah, couldn't sleep. I was watching you sleep though."

"Mhmm.." She smiled.

She decided to rest her head on the nook of his neck and shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her. They were comfortable.

"Do you have the answer now?" He inquired, as always.

She froze, then withdrew herself from his embrace. She sat up straight.

"I-I…" She trailed off.

'Why can't she answer?' It had been troubling him for quite some time now. She had been responding to him very positively with her body language.

But whenever they try to talk about it, they couldn't progress.

She was knitting her brows. She looked worried and agitated.

"It's alright." Chen Linyun brushed it off. He was saddened by them being quite stagnant in this non-developing stage. He placed his arm again around her and ma.s.saged her arm to relax her. She rested her head again onto his neck.

However in her eyes she could not be at ease just like before.

In her mind she had gone through a thousand times whether or not to cleanly explain her situation to him, but in the end she still maintained the status quo.

"Our newest state-of-the-art s.h.i.+p, MT Dragon Heart, will be launched tomorrow. I hope everything will be alright."

"It will be. You and your team made sure of it." Chen Linyun rea.s.sured her. He kissed her head tenderly.

"Will you be at the launch?" She inquired.

"I'll drop by to support you."

"Thanks." She rubbed her head against his neck and cuddled with him.

She considered him as her blanket who made her feel secured and at ease.

However, she's not sure yet if she could bet on whatever bond they share together.