My Beloved Model

Since they weren't at home, Mo Yuan was relaxed. He was in a good mood and was happy to help Han Luo arrange her dolls and unpack her luggage. When they had finished, it was evening. Tang Yujin and Han Sheng Ming came back while discussing the topic they had just learnt about, but seeing Han Luo and Mo Yuan watching television together made Han Sheng Ming startled. "What the hell! When did you come here?" he exclaimed to Mo Yuan.

Mo Yuan didn't give his friend that much attention. He was drinking milk while peacefully watching the movie. Han Luo answered for him, "Big brother Yuan and I came back in the morning. He was helping me arrange my room so then I thought I should ask him to stay here tonight. The four of us can have fun together all night!"

Mo Yuan gently added, "They cannot have fun with us all night." His expression was composed.

Han Luo looked at him curiously, "Why not?"

He answered while playing with her long hair, "They have to go to the library tomorrow."

"Ooh…" She looked down feeling dejected. She knew that she was being greedy but she wanted to spend more time with them.

Han Sheng Ming roared, "Screw the library! I'll guard you, little Luo Luo. I can't let you two be alone together." He was fuming as he glared at Mo Yuan. He really couldn't understand his friend; one second, Mo Yuan would show that he didn't like Han Luo, but the next second, he would be very close to Han Luo. At that moment, Mo Yuan's stickily close proximity was truly an eyesore.

Tang Yujin could understand his friend's wrath, but he chided softly, "Language, Xiao Ming. Do you want little Luo to hate you?"

"Ack!" Han Sheng Ming covered his mouth. But it was already too late.

"Big brother Ming, that was bad language. You shouldn't swear." Han Luo lectured as if she were a teacher and her cousin were her naughty student.

Han Sheng Ming quickly apologized… I'm sorry."

She also added, "Also, you cannot skip your studies. We are basically adults, so we have to study hard."

"…Yes… little Luo Luo is correct." Han Sheng Ming was dispirited.

Yet Mo Yuan seemed to be in good spirits. He wholeheartedly paid attention to Han Luo's hair. Her black, shiny hair was as smooth as silk; it was fun to play with.

During dinner, Chef Sophia served double skin milk and crystal cake. Han Sheng Ming was stunned. "Sophia, I didn't know you could make these desserts? Double skin milk is my favorite!"

"My favorite is crystal cake. Thank you, Sophia." Tang Yujin smiled in gratitude.

Before the two boys could react, Han Luo smiled proudly. "No need to thank me. First check if it suits your taste."

Han Sheng Ming suddenly thought of something and asked, "What about Xiao Yuan's dessert?"

Mo Yuan eyed Han Luo with a blank yet intimidating expression.

"Uh… you see, I don't know what dessert big brother Yuan likes." Han Luo shrugged. She started to make desserts when she was only ten. At that time, she asked Tang Yujin and Han Sheng Ming about their favorite desserts casually. Since Mo Yuan didn't contact her, naturally she didn't know what he liked.

Han Sheng Ming beamed. "All right, give it to me." He was sitting beside Mo Yuan. When he took the bowl of double skin milk, he moved the bowl right in front of Mo Yuan's face – as if to show off – and tasted the dessert. It is a velvety smooth milk custard somewhat resembling panna cotta, with two skins. "Yumm! Little Luo Luo, this is so good. You are a good cook!"

Tang Yujin also took a bite at the crystal cake. The crust is made with wheat flour, starch and oil, the filling is a mixture of granulated sugar, lard, and pounded rock candy, candied fruits and nuts. His eyes widened. "This is the exact taste I like. Little Luo, it suits my taste. Thank you very much."

"Aha, this is nothing. I will cook your favorite dishes more in the future." Han Luo was a bit shy and blushed. She never was openly praised for her desserts before, and their straightforward remarks made her shy.

"…" Mo Yuan didn't say anything. Although the others told him to have a bite, he stated solemnly, "I'm full." Saying that, he wiped his mouth and left the dining room.

"Did something make him upset?" Han Luo innocently asked. She couldn't understand Mo Yuan's sudden change of attitude.

"Don't worry, I will talk to him," Tang Yujin comforted with a soft smile.

After dinner, Tang Yujin went to the garden in front of the house. Mo Yuan was there too and decided to ask his friend, "Xiao Yuan, what do you think of little Luo?"

"Why do I have to think anything of her?" Mo Yuan believed that he was too young to reveal what he thought about her now.

Tang Yujin gazed up at the sky. The entire sky was clear, and a few stars could be seen behind the smog of London's pollution. He continued, "You must think something of her. At least you don't think of her someone as annoying as Xiao Ming's sisters."

The right corner of Mo Yuan's lips curled up. Since Tang Yujin was on his left side, he didn't notice his friend's smirk. "Since you know the answer, why are you asking me?"

Tang Yujin saw that Mo Yuan didn't want to reveal his inner thoughts but didn't back down yet. He told him, "I just wanted to make things clear. I want to know if we are in the same plate."

"We are. What do you think of her?" Mo Yuan tried to divert Tang Yujin's thoughts.