Umbrella

(B.C #1) The Rain

Ruan Mei's jade eyes bore into yours with an icy intensity, and with a heavy sigh, she finally broke the silence. Her voice, though soft, carried a subtle coldness beneath its surface. "[Name], sit up properly," she instructed, her concern veiled by a hint of aloofness. You hesitated briefly, then nodded, making a conscious effort to sit up straight.

It had been quite some time since Ruan Mei had taken you under her wing, rescuing you from your home planet's dire circumstances. She couldn't help but find you intriguing, an mysterious individual with a past that remained largely shrouded in mystery. You turned your gaze towards her as she skillfully poured tea into your delicate porcelain teacup. A curious, slightly distant expression flickered across her features as she noticed your lingering stare, causing a faint blush to creep onto your cheeks. You quickly shook your head, attempting to dispel your own thoughts.

Ruan Mei let out a heartfelt sigh, and a gentle understanding filled her eyes as she leaned in, her movements graceful as she placed a dainty dessert on the table before you. This dessert was more than just a sweet treat; it was a sensory masterpiece. Its aroma wafted through the air, tantalizing your senses, and its appearance was a work of art, almost coaxing you to surrender to its delicious allure.

Intrigued by her actions, a nagging curiosity tugged at your thoughts, compelling you to voice your inner musings. "Is something on your mind?" you asked, your gaze shifting from the dessert to her. Ruan Mei's warm and patient demeanor remained unwavering as she responded, "There's something you're not sharing with me, isn't there? You know you're always welcome to tell me anything."

You sighed, the weight of your concerns evident, and reluctantly nodded before confessing, "Oh it's just that...I wonder about my planet and, more importantly, my father's well-being. Will he be alright?" Your gaze kept drifting back to the dessert, gosh you wish you could just eat it...

Ruan Mei tilted her head, her countenance now marked by a subtle hint of disappointment. "Your father, the one who betrayed you, still occupies your thoughts with worry. Why is that?" she inquired, her tone gently inquisitive but clearly searching for deeper truths.

Taking a delicate sip from the porcelain teacup, you took a moment to gather your thoughts, your eyes wandering away from her intense jade gaze, which seemed to delve into the very core of your being. "You see," you began, your words measured and thoughtful, "My father can be quite a challenge at times, but there's a side to him that very few people know. He saved my life when I was just a defenseless infant." Your voice lowered as you recalled the memory, you could still remember the very day your sister told the story, "My own mother had...well, she'd planned to end my life because she couldn't bear to see me suffer." You paused, your voice trembling slightly. "It was my father who decided to intervene and stopped her."

Ruan Mei's demeanor softened, and she nodded in understanding. "I see," she acknowledged. Her gaze momentarily flitted to the dessert, a gentle smile gracing her lips before it shifted to a slight frown. "You know, [Name], I've always felt you should show a little more respect for your food..." Your laughter welled up, and you offered a soft chuckle. "You're reminding me of my mother now that I think about it."

Intrigued, Ruan Mei tilted her head, her curiosity clearly piqued. "Your mother, you say? I don't recall ever hearing about any instances where I might have caused you harm," she stated. You laughed, assuring her without offense, "Oh, not in that way."

As confusion danced in Ruan Mei's eyes, you continued, "My mother was always fiercely protective of me, even though, ironically, she once attempted to end my life." With a sigh, you leaned back into your chair, contemplating the complexities of your past. "I'm sorry if it's all a bit confusing – I admit, I'm also confused as hell too when it comes to my story." Ruan Mei joined in with a small chuckle, admitting, "It's undeniably confusing, yet strangely intriguing." She delicately sipped from her cup, her curiosity unabated. "Tell me more." You considered her request, humming thoughtfully, "Well, you see, I haven't led a particularly eventful life. I've spent my entire 18 years trapped within the walls of my house."