Wednesday, February 20, 2008

In Remembrance Of

Today, we mourn a loss to the entertainment industry. Lydia Sum, better known to millions of Hong Kong people and Chinese people all over the world as "Fei Jie" or the "Hoi Sum Gor" has passed away.

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Fei Jie was truly a role model, a true entertainer, and an exquisite person in her own right. I'm nineteen, so I don't remember watching any of her older dramas, but what I do remember was growing up watching her host anniversary shows and charity events and gameshows, and asking my mother who she was. As a young toddler, I was amazed at her booming laughter, but soon got well accustomed to the infectious chuckles. An anniversary show was not really an anniversary show without her presence. She had that aura about her, that charm, that magnetism that a true entertainer and performer possesses. No one thus far, and I'm not sure there even will be one, has come close to having the light she has.

My thoughts and prayers go out to her, Joyce and her family and friends. I was watching a small snippet of the news on the TV earlier, and the way Joyce and family friends were hounded by the press just made me feel sick to my stomach. All the pushing and shoving, the constant microphone being waved under her nose, the camera flashes going off five times a second; it was disheartening. I get that by being a celebrity, you lose half your privacy to the whole world. I get that most grew up with Fei Jie and hence, feel so familiar with her that everyone feels related to her and also desperately want the news on her death. But everyone else should also get that in a time like this, where a young girl has just lost her mother, nothing but respect and space should be given to her and all those who mourn her. Everyone should just take a step back, give her family and friends time to breathe and come to their own terms and reminisce about what a great, strong person Lydia Sum truly was in the meantime. Because she deserves it.

On an entertainment stage where unfortunately it has stooped to the level where all everyone does is resort to talking about when Edison Chen will return to HK and speculating when the next scandalous sex photo will pop up, it is made even a sadder day that we have lost such a spectacular artiste.

She will be truly missed. There will most definitely not be another Lydia Sum. Rest in peace, everyone's dear friend.

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Monday, February 11, 2008

The Year of the Rat Ahead

So, it's the Lunar New Year again, this time the year of the rat. And so, a typical question on everybody's mine is, how will my year be in the year of the rat? chinese.astrology.com has the rundown for the year ahead. For a good bit of fun in the CNY manner, let's see what happens when we apply those forecasts to our favourite TVB stars.



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The Rat in the year of the Rat
Bobby Au-Yeung (1960), Matthew Ko (1984), Linda Chung (1984), Vivien Yeo (1984)

Out of the year ahead, apparently eight months are favourable for the Rat. The year may get off to a slow start for them, but the latter part of the year will hold bigger and better opportunities - patience will be a virtue. Bobby has a new drama which is currently filming which also stars Sheren Tang that could very well lead to many advertising opportunities towards the end of the year. Matthew and Linda also have Man in Charge, and A Journey Called Life and The Gem of Life respectively, ready for release very soon. For the Rat, this year is also the best time for career advancement; both Matthew and Vivien have been given very big opportunities of late - could this be their time to shine? When it comes to love, there is a high possibility that a recent acquaintance or a newly formed friendship could develop into a serious love affair. Maybe those Matthew/Kate Tsui rumours might come true soon.


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The Ox in the year of the Rat
Damian Lau (1949), Ada Choi (1973)

The year of the rat is a win-lose situation for the Ox. According to the experts, the ox will face half a year of difficulty, with the ending half favourable. This will not the time to take risks, especially unnecessary or avoidable risks. Hard work is more the Ox's style anyway; this is very true for both Damian and Ada whose pure hard work and talent within the entertainment circle over the years is widely known. As for the Ox's relationships, one bright spot may lay in their family relationships, as they might offer you a measure of unconditional love. This bodes well for the newlywed Ada and her loving husband, Max.


Tiger
The Tiger in the year of the Rat
Sonija Kwok (1974), Joyce Tang (1974), Kenneth Ma (1974), Patrick Tang (1974)

42% of the year will apparently be favourable for the tiger in the year of the rat. The Tiger will have to carefully pick their battles, as they probably will not be blessed with many good opportunities. This might not be true for Kenneth as he has a truckload of series due for airing this year. Patrick is also rather favoured by the bosses, and he has the famous Foodie 2 Shoes under his belt. This leaves us with the ladies. Sonija already had a horrible year last year, what with the Michael Tao and third party rumours, so let's hope this forecast doesn't come true with a repeat of last year occurring. The Tiger will also gain a lot in friendships and have a fulfilling social life but the only bump in the road may come in their romantic relationships, as their aggressive approach may not find favor in this conservative Earth element year. Hopefully this doesn't affect Joyce and what seems like a burgeoning relationship with Derek Kwok.


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The Rabbit in the year of the Rat
Michael Tao (1963), Alex Fong (1963), Charmaine Sheh (1975), Yoyo Mung (1975)

After a good year last year, the Rabbit is expected to have a slightly more challenging year of the Rat, especially in the middle months of 2008. Career-wise, it could be frustrating as there might be delays and mix-ups in their way. For Charmaine and Yoyo who have upcoming series to film, might that mean delays in filming/production? Relationships with colleagues could also pose a problem, especially if there is involvement in office politics and gossip. Again, both the rumour prone females better take note. That aside, their domestic scene could make up for the trying workfront. Time is best spent with loved ones relaxing like what Alex Fong will likely do with his wife. Love is likely to be in the air for singles like Michael and Charmaine, but things should be taken slowly to avoid disappointment. Rabbits must also beware of conmen this year; however, a bright spot is that long term investments will bring a good return. Maybe it's time for Yoyo and Ekin Cheng to get a place of their own. ;)


Dragon
The Dragon in the year of the Rat
Roger Kwok (1964), Derek Kwok (1964), Margaret Chung (1976), Annie Man (1976)

With 11 favourable months and 1 neutral month, the Dragon could be the best off amongst all the other zodiacs. Dragons, while having to avoid risk, will have a good chance of realising a big dream this year. Maybe Margaret will be able to expand her yoga venture this year. The year of the Rat also seems to smile on the career of the Dragon. With creativity, heart and spirit, points could be won with those in authority and advancements in career are highly likely. The star of Roger can only go higher with D.I.E. and thriller Last One Standing, while Derek who did great last year, could stand to gain even more recognition this year. Margaret and Annie should also consider filming for TVB again. I'm sure a lot of viewers would agree with that. Equally lucky in relationships, the Dragon stands to find romance, or even better, his or her soulmate this year as it is a very auspicious year for love - love might soon be in the air for singles like the very eligible Derek (Joyce Tang anyone?), Margaret and Annie. The earth element of 2008 also favors family and heart-felt gestures, perfect for Roger and his wife Cindy Au, who will be happy parents very soon!



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The Snake in the year of the Rat
Bowie Lam (1965), Jack Wu (1977), Maggie Siu (1965)

With one less favourable month as compared to the Dragon, the year of the Rat will be a better one for the Snake than last year. Almost every month will present a new opportunity to the snake, although they might want to take a break straight after the Lunar New Year. With the mega-production of The Gem of Life looming ahead for both Bowie and Maggie, the year is bound to be bountiful, and after filming it for many long months last year, a break after the new year is in store for the two. Also, the fast paced energy given off by the Rat creates a dynamic career environment which could inspire the Snake with new ideas resulting in many opportunities which requires quick and decisive actions. If the Snake is bored with their present work situation, this is a good time to seek greener pastures. Could this be a hint to Jack to leave the hosting behind and to continue to carve a name for himself in the acting industry? Single Snakes have a wonderful chance to find love and romance, or maybe just one great fling. All three of them should take note!


Horse
The Horse in the year of the Rat
Sammul Chan (1978), Stephen Huynh (1978), Bernice Liu (1979), Shirley Yeung (1978)

With only three neutral months and the remaining months being unfavourable, it looks to be a tough year ahead for the Horse. A quick start to the year will be important as the latter months of the year could be very challenging indeed. Might that mean awards at the end of the year will once again elude Sammul and Bernice? Projects will become a bit more difficult and delays could be the norm. Hopefully this does not affect Bernice who's currently filming The Legendary Ren Jie and Sammul, who will soon begin filming The Academy III, or cause Shirley's Silver Mansion Golden Dust to be warehoused. While they may experience some bumps in the road, there will be have many opportunities to learn and it might be beneficial to further their work-related knowledge; Bernice and Stephen should continue working hard on improving their pronounciation. When it comes to romance, letting their guard down, especially with those who love them, is one way to happiness. Might Bernice be letting her guard down with a certain Best Actor? The Horse will be best served by exercising patience and understanding the needs of his or her partner. Shirley and long-time boyfriend Gregory Lee should take note, just in case.


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The Sheep in the year of the Rat
Raymond Lam (1979), Ron Ng (1979), Myolie Wu (1979), Tavia Yeung (1979)

With only 5 favourable months, this year will not be as good as the pig year last year for these sheep. However, it is important to note that there are still five favourable months will plenty of opportunities if the Sheep does not get down and let negative emotions get the best of them. All four stars have big projects at hand with many opportunies; Raymond has The Four and Heart of Greed II, Ron with The Four and possibly Thirteen Treasures, Myolie with When A Dog Loves A Cat and apparently Burning Flame III after that, and Tavia with Salt Traders and Heart of Greed II. They will do best this year if they let their head, and not their heart dictate their actions. Ron made a smart choice by branching out to the mainland market last year, and his career might continue rising with the awaited The Four and the filming of the The Academy III. Career-wise, the Sheep might face large pressure from management to work more. Advancement and progress will come if there is strong diligence, of which there is definitely no shortage of when it comes to these four. The sheep must remain rational about their workload and pressure and their inclination to say no if the load is too much to handle. The quartet of Raymond, Ron, Myolie and Tavia are the cream of the crop of the younger generation and are possibly the most overworked ones. This year they might have to learn to face even larger pressure and juggle their work and home life well. For the single Sheep like Raymond, Ron and Tavia, this year could lead to the blossoming of true love. However, existing relationships could be problematic. At the same time, they need to be wary of rumors and gossip, as they will lead to unnecessary arguments. Myolie and rumoured guy Bosco Wong sound familiar?


Monkey
The Monkey in the year of the Rat
Joe Ma (1968), Bosco Wong (1980), Elaine Yiu (1980), Carrie Lam (1980)

Along with the Dragon, the Monkey will have the best year this year out of the twelve zodiacs. Opportunities will be aplenty for the typical, mentally quick and multi-talented Monkey. However, overconfidence could hinder some of those opportunities. The monkey is advised to go with their heart and follow their instincts with their projects at hand. Rewards will be seen when working closely with coworkers who exhibit similar ideas. Bosco, while working closely with his great coworker Myolie Wu reaped great rewards with their outstanding chemistry last year with War of In-Laws II; might that continue in the following year as well? Ideas and hard work will most likely be rewarded this year. Joe, who has signed a contract with TVB late last year could see himself rewarded as early as the end of this year at the anniversary awards. A resurgent Elaine , and well as newbie Carrie could also see themselves with more chances. The monkey's social life should be very active this year. Married ones like Joe will find themselves more than ever, wanting to spend a lot of time with their spouse and might even lead to an addition in the family! The single Monkey should expect to find an abundance of opportunities in love and this might not be the year to settle down. Oh no, does that mean there's no hope for Bosco and Myolie after all?


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The Rooster in the year of the Rat
Paul Chun (1945), Kevin Cheng (1969), Leila Tong (1981), Selena Li (1981)

After the Horse, the Rooster is the sign most likely to have a challenging year with a total of 9 unfavourable months. There will, nevertheless, be a few opportunities. With a big role in The Four, Selena's opportunities will probably come in abundance after its release. A cooperative attitude, and winning allies will be the key to success. With Leila's amiable work ethics and her budding success with her music and the mainland market, she should do well. Progress may be a little slow on the career front this year for the rooster but time must be taken to understand the roots of the problems. Support of co-workers and superiors are vital. Such a well-respected and well-liked veteran like Paul probably need not worry. One of TVB's favourite sons, Kevin will also probably be in a good spot with the support for the upcoming The Seventh Day and the anticipated Last One Standing. The single Rooster like the beautiful Leila, need not rush into anything new this year, as things may not always be quite what they seem. The Rooster in a relationship needs to be wary and avoid missteps, as small problems have the potential to erupt into larger, out-of-hand ones this year. Might rumoured couples Kevin and Niki Chow, along with Selena and Patrick Tang have anything to worry about? Added stressed caused from relationship problems could be detrimental to their health. Let's hope all four stay healthy and happy in '08!


Dog
The Dog in the year of the Rat
Michael Miu (1958), Jessica Hsuan (1970), Fala Chen (1982)

More than half the year is deemed to be positive for the Dog in 2008. For them, it will be more challenging than last year, but still has the potential to be very favourable. With the release of Suspicious Love for Michael and the upcoming The Academy III and Heart of Greed II for him and Fala respectively; that is most definitely valuable potential. Jessica has also apparently been slated to film Just Love II soon. Willingness to leave their comfort zone will lead to significant progress towards the dog's goals and enable them to achieve one or more notable successes. Jessica left her comfort zone last year with her soft-spoken, timid role in Drive of Life which was widely acclaimed. Fala could very well continue that streak by taking on the role of a mute this time round in HOG II. Time spent promoting themselves and their skills and standing out to the people on the company ladder will be well-spent. Fala's popularity rose last year with her dancing skills; will she continue on this year? Domestically, comfort will be found in family relationships this year, be it with parents, children or loved ones. The single ones like the very eligible Jessica, will find good fun and mental stimulation this year; with plenty of chances to meet new friends and explore new love interests. The Year of the Earth Rat will likely be favorable towards their new savings plans and investment decisions; possibly a good year for Michael's business up ahead!


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The Boar in the year of the Rat
Moses Chan (1971), Steven Ma (1971), Gigi Lai (1971), Koni Lui (1983)

Said to be the most generous and honorable zodiac sign, these four are in for a good year this year. The environment is likely to be more unsettling, albeit simultaneously providing more opportunities for success. The formidable Moses won big at last year's awards; imagine what more he could do this year. The boar needs to mentally adjust his or herself and focus squarely on the present this year. Gigi had a turbulent year last year with her brother's incident, and there's nothing better to do than to focus and live to the fullest in both family and career. Increased success is in store for the boar; they just need to stay focused on the prize. Great advice for a budding newbie like Koni. Their work environment is more comfortable this year and people around them will be appreciative of their experience and talent. Might Steven be able to win Best Actor this year with this added appreciation? The single Pig will find plenty of opportunities this year and love is in the air, possibly along with a new career connection or two. Moses, who has all along endorsed the idea of appearing as a celebrity advertising couple with Bernice Liu for work and sponsor-related purposes, has been the brunt of good-natured marriage ribbing from colleagues recently. Might there be more than just a career connection there? The pace of the year also poses some risk to your health and well-being and any risky physical activity should be avoided. Let's all pray for no more horse mishaps for the poor Steven. We want to see both his eyes if/when he wins an award this year.



*

Just a good bit of fun forecasting the year ahead traditional Chinese-style with the twelve zodiacs and the TVB artistes. I don't personally believe in astrology, but I like to read it just for fun... who knows, right? Lol.

And I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy belated Valentine's day! xoxo.

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Thursday, February 07, 2008

Happy Chinese New Year!

Hey guys! I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a very very happy, prosperous and fun-filled Lunar New Year. May all of you continue to have good luck in the coming year - hopefully we all start off the New Year well with a hefty collection of red packets along with big winnings from mahjong! :) Have fun and be safe!

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Monday, February 04, 2008

There and Back Again; Chapter 3

So, finally, the lazy fanfic writer in me completes a chapter of There and Back Again. You guys who read this fanfic are really too good to me. The amount of support I have for this piece of fanfiction is really overwhelming, and I just want to apologise for not repaying that support with quick steady updates! I'm not that good with words, so it kinda takes me longer than what your average writer would need. Anyway, since it's been such a long time since I've updated, you can use the links below to refresh your memory, if necessary. Other than that, I hope you enjoy!

Prologue
Chapter 1 - The Calm Before the Storm
Chapter 2 - You and I Collide


Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket


Chapter 3 - Out of My Element

"You make me feel out of my element
Like I'm walkin' on broken glass
Like my worlds spinnin' in slow motion
And you're movin' too fast." - Aly and AJ, Chemicals React.


Additional characters:
Mary Hon Ma Lei - Lan Yee (Auntie Lan)
Elaine Yiu Zhi Ling - Nurse Brenda Chen


Ben (Raymond Lam) walked into her room, his stethoscope bouncing around his neck as he walked over to Ka Ching’s bed. “Morning,” he grinned, grabbing her charts off the foot of her bed. “How’re you feeling today?”

“Better,” she smiled. ‘Now that you’re here,’ she added in her mind, but only she didn’t say it. It sounded way too flirty.

“Cool.”

“You must be the only doctor I’ve seen in this hospital who says ‘cool’,” she teased him.

Ben laughed, as he checked her stats. “Well, but aren’t I? Cool?”

“You don’t have as many cool points as I do, Dr. Chai.”

“Well, would this give me more cool points?” He produced a shiny fresh red apple from the pocket of his white coat.

Ka Ching (Leila Tong) eyed the apple. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Are you trying to wriggle out of your doctor duties and not come check on me tomorrow?”

“No,” he smirked. “I’m just trying to ease some of your pain of missing Dr. Chan. You said he’d bring you an apple and you’d knit him a scarf, didn’t you?”

“…oh”, Ka Ching managed to get out, taken aback by Ben’s words. She felt a blush creep over her cheeks as he scribbled something on her charts.

He laughed under his breath as he hung the charts back where it belonged. “I’ll be waiting for that scarf then.” And with that, he left the room, while Ka Ching felt herself smiling at the red apple all day long.

*

Noelle (Bernice Liu) checked her watch impatiently, tapping her heel against the cool marble floor as she waited for the lift to come. “Come on,” she muttered under her breath.

It wasn’t exactly her fault that she was late. She needed, okay, maybe wanted, a new pair of heels, and the red peep-toe kitten heels she saw in Gemini in the mall were screaming out her name. But that wasn’t the point.

The point was Ben and Ah Lei would undoubtedly be annoyed. “It’s not like it’s my fault that they both chose such busy professions,” she grumbled again as the elevator doors dinged and opened. “And make me come all the way here just so we can have lunc-” Stepping in in mid-sentence, she stopped short in her tracks. Her eyes narrowed, but the doors had already closed behind her.

“You, again.” A voice sounded.

Noelle turned her back on him, slammed an index finger against the ‘3’ button and crossed her arms against her chest in a huff. “Yeah, so?” she retorted.

He snorted, and Noelle swore she could feel him smirk even with her back to him. “Don’t you have a day job?”

“In fact, I do,” she replied haughtily. “I’m a free-lance model and actress.”

He snorted again, this time louder than the first, and in true fashion, smirked. “I see.”

Annoyed, she whirled to face him. “And what’s wrong with that, huh?”

MC (Moses Chan) shrugged. “I can see why you’ve got so much free time on your hands then. Coming here all the time, shopping,” he said, nodding towards her paper bag which contained her new shoes. “It’s no wonder you’re not getting any jobs, really, with an attitude and face like that.”

Noelle’s mouth dropped in shock, her eyes flashing indignantly. “You- you-”

“Have a pleasant day, Ms. Man,” he said smoothly, and strode out of the elevator, leaving her furious and more agitated than she’d ever been.


*


“I swear, if you guys keep on making me come here to meet you for lunch, we’re not going to be friends for much longer,” Noelle plopped down her shopping bags on a chair and collapsed into the chair next to it. “I hate him. I swear I do.”

Ben checked his watched and clucked his tongue comically. “Let’s see, you’re late, and we’re the ones who aren’t your friends anymore? Real sweet, Man Po Yee,” he joked as his best friend shot him a glare that could kill.

Suet Lei (Tavia Yeung) giggled. A day was not a day if it didn’t witness Noelle’s melodrama and Ben’s offbeat humour. “Okay, spill, who’s got you in such a twist now?” she asked as she pushed the plate of chips to Noelle, despite Ben’s protests.

Shooting her a grateful look, Noelle started. “That- that MC Lam. Who thinks he owns the earth. And acts like he’s the hottest guy on earth. And smartest. And strides around like a pompous jerk. And acts like he owns the freaking hospital!”

Ben chuckled. “I see you’ve met our famous doctor again.”

“Famous?” Noelle snorted. “Ridiculously annoying is more like it.”

“You know,” Suet Lei took a sip of her drink and nodded towards the table where MC was having lunch, complete with a flock of nurses around him. “I don’t speak for myself, but I know for a fact that plenty of nurses in this hospital would kill, and I repeat, kill, to be annoyed by him.”

“Probably shamelessly soaking up all the attention.”

Ben sniggered. “The nurses do have a thing for him, don’t they?” he noted as Suet Lei rolled her eyes and nodded. “I was walking past the nurses’ station this morning and they were all talking about who he’s going to bring to the charity ball, while Suet Lei sat there and did the Sudoku puzzle in the papers.”

“What?” Suet Lei protested. “He’s not my cup of tea. And besides, all they do is talk about him all day. I’ve heard so much about him that it’s boring, actually.”

“That’s my girl. Besides, who would actually want to date him? He might as well bring a mirror to that ball. Save him the fifty trips he’d need to make to the bathroom to keep his self-adoration quota up.”

“God, you’re good, Noelle. Sure, you don’t want to be a comedian instead of a model?” Ben laughed again. “Hey, besides, you gotta give the guy some credit. I could use a date to the charity ball too, and nobody’s knocking on my door like they are on his.”

“Why don’t you take Suet Lei?” Noelle asked, curious. “Or does our best friend have a date already?” she teased.

Suet Lei rolled her eyes. “I’m just a lowly nurse who’s unfortunately got a shift that night. Thank God.”

“Oh, too bad. Want me to go with you, Ben?”

Ben’s eyebrows raised. “Hey, that’s a good idea. Even though you’re probably ditch me for some other hot-shot doctor once we get there.”

“Hey!” Noelle reached across the table and swatted him on the arm. “That’s only like, half-true.”

Suet Lei giggled. “Why do I have a feeling there’s going to be some good stories the next day about this charity ball?”

“Yeah, Noelle’s probably going to have a war with MC again,” Ben laughed.

Noelle glared at the both of them, throwing a chip each their way, while the both of them laughed even harder.


*

“Lan Yee, come on, sit down with me and eat.” Michael patted the chair next to him fondly.

Lan Yee (Mary Hon) looked back at him, shaking her head. “You know I’ve never gotten used to eating in the main dining hall.”

Michael smiled at her. If there was anyone in the world he truly respected and loved, it was Lan Yee. “You’ve been with us for thirty years now. There’s nothing to be shy about! Come on, I haven’t had a beautiful dinner date in ages,” he winked.

“Silly boy,” she laughed, albeit sitting down slowly. “Girls are lining up from here to Macau for a chance at a dinner date with you.”

“But none who can cook as well as you,” Michael joked.

Lan Yee’s tone grew serious. “You and your brother are exactly the same. Are either of you ever going to settle down?”

Michael smiled tightly. “Settling down’s not for me.”

She sighed. “Is it something I put into the food that results in the both of you being so playful when it comes to the love department?” Lan Yee asks, peering in to the food.

Putting down his chopsticks, Michael reached out to put an arm around her shoulders. “Now, MC and I don’t always agree, but I know he won’t object when I say that we’re not being serious because we judge every woman we date against a yard stick. And that yard stick’s you!” he laughed, when Lan Yee glared at him. “You set pretty high standards you know. Can’t blame us.”

“You and your sweet mouth,” she admonished. “If you put half as much effort into finding a job as you do into females, you’ll be a millionaire by now.”

“Well, if MC would let me have that damned trust fund, I would be,” Michael’s tone darkened.

Lan Yee looked at him firmly. “You know it’s not his fault. Your parents left your trust fund in both mine and MC’s hands to decide when you deserve it.”

“Which is ridiculous,” he rolled his eyes. “People get their trust funds when they’re eighteen or twenty-one. Look at me, I’m twenty-five!”

“Then start acting your age,” Lan Yee said, in a gentle tone.

If that had came out from anyone else’s mouth, Michael would have ignored it, exchanged a few harsh words, even. God knows MC gave him enough hell when it came to being serious. “It’s not like I don’t want to, Lan Yee. You tell me to grow up and find a job. So, I think about it. Seriously,” he emphasized. “I want to start a business. But if I don’t have my trust fund, where am I going to get my start-up capital? It just doesn’t make sense.”

“Business?” she asked warily. “Are you sure?”

“Of course,” Michael cajoled. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do since I was eighteen,” he said, twisting the truth a little. “Help me out here, Lan Yee. Please?” he gave her his best puppy-dog look.

Lan Yee pursed her lips. “I’ll…I’ll talk to MC about it.”

A big grin spread across Michael’s face. “You’re the best! MC listens to yo-”

“But I have my conditions!” she interjected.

He grinned, this was a good start. “Name it.”

“You could start bringing home a nice girl for once for me,” Lan Yee glared at him. “Honestly, I don’t know where you find all your girls. Makeup an inch thick, skirts five inches shorter than they should be.”

“Is that it?” Michael laughed.

Lan Yee raised an eyebrow. “Why, do you have a candidate already?”

He smiled. “Well, we’ll see.”

“Tell me!”

Nice, decent girl. She fit the description. “I think you won’t be disappointed,” he grinned, putting a piece of chicken into Lan Yee’s bowl. “Enough boring talk, let’s eat.”

*

Michael walked back into his room, a smile playing on his lips without even knowing it. Striding towards his desk, he ruffled through his top desk drawer, until he came up with a stack of name cards. Shuffling through them, he finally found what he was looking for.

Blooming’s Florist Pty Ltd. “Bingo.”

Every woman loved flowers, didn’t they? She would be no exception.

*

Ben walked down the corridors of the hospital, mentally ticking off things off his to-do list in his head. It had been a tiring day, lots of patients to check on, a couple of surgeries, paperwork. And to top it off, he hadn’t been here for long. Half his residency had been done in the States where he had graduated. Here, he had to start all over again, and put in some extra work – more than what was expected from the others. It wasn’t that he minded working in Hong Kong. This was where home was, where his life had used to be. His best friends were here. He just never thought, never expected that he’d be back.

“Night, Dr. Chai!”

Ben smiled at the nurse. “Have a good night, Brenda,” he smiled politely in return to the flirtatious glance.

“Aren’t you leaving yet?”

“Umm,” he looked at his watch, feigning indifference. 1 a.m. “I think I’ll just hang around and wait for Suet Lei. She’ll almost be done soon,” he said, lying through his teeth. He knew very well that Suet Lei had left nearly five hours ago, having to work the graveyard shift tomorrow during the hospital charity dinner.

The nurse’s face fell. “All right then. Er,” she said, stalling for time. “Night again, Dr. Chai.”

Normally, he would’ve answered with a ‘call me Ben’, but he decided against it tonight. “Good night.” Turning around, he walked away, glancing at his watch again, having to allow her ten minutes to leave the hospital grounds before he could make his safe exit. He didn’t know what it was that they taught as this particular nurses’ station, but they sure were like hyenas. The others were fine; it was just this particular one that had all the clingy nurses. “Must’ve failed with MC this afternoon,” he chuckled to himself, walking back down the hall to his office.

A light still on in one of the private rooms caught his eye. Room 839. Ka Ching, he recalled from memory instantly. Smiling, he knocked on the door softly. He heard a soft shuffling to the door, which then promptly opened the size of a crack.

“Hey, it’s me.”

The door opened wider to show Ka Ching’s beautiful smile. “Hey. What are you doing here?”

“Why are you still awake?” Ben asked at the same time.

“I couldn’t sleep, so I thought I’d play some Scrabble,” she shrugged, biting her lip as she told him. “Don’t laugh.”

“I love Scrabble. I wouldn’t laugh!” Ben instantly brightened up, grinning. “Up for a competition?”

Ka Ching raised an eyebrow, giggling at his reaction. “Are you sure? Don’t you have something else to do?”

“Relax, I’m off duty.”

“Bu- but, aren’t you tired or something?”

“Dude, it’s Scrabble,” Ben remarked, almost like a child. “Are you scared or something?” he teased.

Her mouth fell open in surprise. “No freaking way!”

She opened her door to let him in, shuffling back to her bed in her bunny slippers, while Ben walked in behind her, closing the door.

“Game on!” he grinned.

She stuck out her tongue at him. “We’ll see about that, Dr. Chai.”

He winked, and placed a few tiles on the board. This time, he corrected her, with no hesitation. “C’mon, call me Ben.”


*



So, what do you think this time (yes, especially after such a long time. Did you forget all about the characters? Lol.)? All comments, whether compliments or criticisms, are fully welcome. :) Remember to click on the comments button, or leave me a message on the tagboard to let me know! I really hope this chapter makes up for the super long wait. :-S

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