Venice (1)

A few hours later there was a loud commotion in the hallway outside my room. Slowly, I opened my eyes listening to the loud voice of Yan Si's mother. The words were a little bit unclear due to the thick walls, but I could grasp the meaning of the conversation. Or the monologue, to be exact. Han Wei was urging Yan Si to wake up and knowing how he slept like a bear in hibernation period, I could guess she found the task excruciating. I got up from my bed and came closer to the door. Normally, I wasn't a nosy, gossiping person, however, I just couldn't stop wondering why Han Wei was so nervous. Her voice was laced with panic and she sounded almost hysterical.

I switched the lights off which I used to doze off until morning and looked outside. Only my eye was visible. Han Wei was standing at the doorstep stomping with her foot. From her profile, I could see she was red with anger and worry.

''Yan Si, I order you, get up right now or I will beat you until your ass is red! I don't care that you are a grown-up man!'' Oh my, that was a sight to behold. I should definitely record it. I laughed mercilessly at his misery and when I saw his dishevelled look I almost couldn't hold myself. His eyes were half – opened, his hair standing in all ends like he was hit with electricity current and he was totally unawere where he was. He blinked slowly and scratched his ear.

''Mom, did the asylum throw you out and now you come back to bully me?'' Had he been in his right mind, he would never say something like this out loud. I bit my palm harshly, barely suppressing my giggles. The silence following his unrespectable question was tensed. I was waiting patiently to see how Han Wei would beat him. And I wasn't disappointed.

''You prick, did your father taught you to speak this way to me?! Let this mother of yours teach you some respect!'' She grabbed his ear twisting it painfully and after that slapped the back of his head continuously. He ran into his room, pleading for mercy while I stuck my head outside. If I wasn't afraid Han Wei would beat me next, I would take my phone and record a video. Well, I had to admit, his mother could be over the top sometimes, but watching how she made Yan Si suffer was a pleasure like no other. Thinking the fun for tonight was over I was ready to close my door when I heard her words.

''You idiot, do you know how worried I am for you? When your father told me that this cursed Kang Xianliang wants your life for compensation, my heart stopped beating. I was scared stiff and I couldn't even breathe. How dare he…'' Her voice stopped abruptly while I stood rooted on the spot. I came out of my room stopping a few steps before the open door of my cousin's bedroom. I could hear distant sobs and hiccupping. The silence that followed was breath-taking. I felt my chest was heavy and I wanted to go in and try to offer some comfort. I could just say that we found the whereabouts of the man who stole the money. But before I can act her terrified voice filled the air.

''Your father and I agreed to send you away until this problem is solved. The plane is ready and is waiting for you. Xi An will come with you too so you won't be alone.'' I froze on the spot. I knew the situation was quite serious but I couldn't really imagine Kang Xianliang fulfilling his threat. Yes, there was this case with CEO Fu but while I was checking his background I found he was quite a shady person. He was in court for money embezzlement but the accusations were later dropped thanks to Kang Enterprise. However, later he had the audacity to lie Kang Xianliang trying to involve him in Ponzi scheme. He holding grudges exacted revenge. However, Yan Si had nothing to do with Kang Xianliang. He never offended him. So, unless he wanted to incur the wrath of Yan Corporation, Yan family, their allies he wouldn't act that ruthlessly. Well, of course, he wouldn't let the money matter to slip but still.

''Hmm, if that is the case I want to go to Italy and take tang jie with me.'' Now, I was dumbfounded. Why did he want to go to Italy with me?

''What? Fine. I don't mind. Italy is farther enough. Kang Xianliang shouldn't be able to hurt you there.'' She sounded more relaxed now. ''I will go and wake her up. Later, maids will come to pack your luggage.'' When she came out of the room she stopped surprised to see me there. After that her face became gloomy. ''Did you eavesdropped just now?'' A cold sweat ran down my back when her threatening voice rang out. Behind my back, Yan Si had taken his phone. The moment he saw my coldly shining eyes he waved back at me. If my life wasn't endangered I would have beaten him into nothingness.

''Aunt, I hear voices from biao di's room and I was worried. Why does he want to go to Italy with me?'' I tried my best to play clueless and innocent. Han Wei's eyes narrowed at me and she sneered derisively.

''I didn't see you for years and you have become such an actress. I suppose this is a family trait.'' One of my brows raised at her biting remark. What had she against my family? I stayed quiet because she was my elder and I couldn't be disrespectful towards her. She looked at me condescendingly and my only answer was an indifferent stare. Seeing that I have nothing to say, she reminded Yan Si to hurry and left us alone. When she was out of sight I stepped into cousin's bedroom and looked at him.

''Was she always like this or this is something new?'' He glanced at me thoughtfully.

''I am not sure. As far as I know, there was a feud between your mother and mine. The reason why was forbidden for discussion when both of you left for Scotland.'' Hmm, interesting. Since I knew Han Wei, I didn't have any negative feelings towards her. During my childhood, she was really irritating but seeing she acted with uncle, mother and Yan Si the same way I didn't mind it that much. That was her personality after all and nothing could be done except ignoring her and finding ways to reduce the conversations. I could bear for a while being in her company. However, things were different if she had ill feelings toward my family and me.

''Ok. Let's left that aside. Why do want to go to Italy with me? I don't want to be a third wheel.'' He snorted.

''You won't be a third wheel. Besides, I will need your help. I am planning to land in Venice where Bei He is. I want to catch him and force him to return the money.'' Hearing this I almost couldn't resist to facepalm myself.

''Pray do tell how did come up with this brilliant idea.''

''It's not stupid! I have a plan. I will tell you when we land.'' A plan, he said. I didn't know what happens in his brain, however, I knew if I wasn't with him he would lose his head without realising. Later, I would try to change his mind about this plan. There were more capable people who should handle a person like Bei He. I took a deep breath and turned to left.

''You are so lucky to have a relative like me. Not everyone is capable to tolerate a person like you.''

''Yes, tang mei, thank you!'' I pursed my lips angrily and shut the door loudly.