Chapter 21: Lin Zoe and Emily Shen are travelling to Paris

Lin Zoe quickly stood up, cleaned her mouth, and smiled to welcome her "sister" at home. It was really her sister-in-law, Emily. She was a little bit scared because, she thought she had been rude and cold. 

She gave a cold look to Shen Zi, then turned back to her sister. 

"Emily, where you at the door for a long time?" then she murmured in her ears; "Or, Shen Zi was too excited, and forgot to take you inside the home?" 

"Oh! I quite came with Shen Zi, but I asked him to leave me outside to surprise you," Emily replied. 

Shen Zi was still eating his cake when he stood up and closed the door between them. Then went back to sit. "It's cold outside, both of you should come and eat in the warmth," he said.

Emily Shen, is the second little sister of Shen Zi. She is an artist, traveling a lot and has a career in painting portraits, photography, and sculpting. Her mind is deep in imagination, and she is desperately looking for her dream guy.  

Emily sat down, while Lin Zoe went to get other covers for her. She also served her a ramekin of applesauce and a cup of iced tea. Emily cut a large piece of cake, then placed it on her plate. She tasted it and smiled. 

"Ah! Sister Lin's cooking is always the best," she complimented. 

"Yes, it is!" Shen Zi added, narcissist.

The cake was - spongy and sweet. It was iced perfectly and the cranberries gave a sour, and also sweet feeling in the mouth. The whipped cream was creamy and made the cake better in both; appearance and taste. 

Shen Zi was sitting at the dining table and was surfing on his phone.  Lin Zoe cleaned the table and invited Emily to the sofa, as she drank her iced tea. 

"Zoe! Your house is so big. It is even better than the last manor." 

- A manor? ---

She couldn't remember and felt a slight headache. She sustained her head with her hand and looked at her other hand.

"Ahhh!" she moaned. 

"Zoe, Zoe! Are you fine?"

She recalled she was still with Emily, which made her wake up and feel better. 

"Yes, I'm fine," she said, smiling.

"Oh, Alright! You scared me right now. I thought you were ..." Lin Zoe abruptly stopped her with her hand and coughed lightly. " No, it's alright! Forget it." 

"Right now, it must have been again one of those flashbacks. They are so annoying." 

She took a bottle of iced tea, then took Emily's hand and brought her to the guest room. Since she had the house all cleaned, it was now presentable for Emily to move in.

"Hey! I give you this bottle of iced tea. It is very late tonight, so stay with us. I will bring you some pajamas, your bedsheets, and some pillows. There is also a bathroom in the room." 

Emily laughed and laughed, until falling on the bed. "Who said I was leaving? I came to stay on vacation with my sister. My luggage is at the porch." 

Lin Zoe was shocked. Instantly, -- Shen Zi, who was eavesdropping, appeared in the room and said with Emily, "Surprise!" 

Zoe's mouth was wide opened -- she didn't know what to say. 

"It's Shen who asked you to come?" she asked, perplexed. 

"Yes, he did. And he even said we will go to ..." At the instant, Shen Zi gave her dark looks and made a "shhh" sign, for her to stay quiet.

She instantly did!

"Go to where?" Zoe asked.  

"Ahem... I mean ... we will go out to have fun," Emily replied, smiling. 

"Alright, everyone goes to sleep. I already have a busy schedule tomorrow. Emily, I'm bringing the furniture you need." 

Zoe pushed away Shen from the room and closed the door. She looked at her husband and he did the same. 

"Shen, have you sent Emily from abroad to here?" she asked. 

"Yes, but do not worry. She already had a week's vacation, and she's going to Paris in two days," he said. 

"Back to Paris?" she asked herself.

"Hmph, you should take a bath and sleep. I will help out, Emily," She ran into the room to look for bed sheets and pillows, under the gleaming eyes of Shen Zi. 

"Maybe it was a bad idea to bring Emily. When will she get closer again to me?" 

...

She brought two pillows, three-bed covers, a tapestry, snacks, and Emily's luggage, to the guest's room. She had worked a lot, after finally arranging Emily's room. Emily was eating for a while when Lin Zoe, asked her a few questions. 

"Emily, how has your trip to Europe been?" 

"They had been wonderful and I brought many souvenirs. Before leaving, I will give some to you and my brother. Do you know why my brother is so cold to me?" 

"No, I don't know why," she replied. 

"Oh! It is because he cares a lot about you." Lin Zoe shook her head and was shocked. "Emily, don't spit out nonsense! He also cares a lot about you. I disagree!" 

Emily placed her arm, friendly on Zoe's neck, and started smiling.

"Ha! Don't you believe me? My brother cares so much about you or why do you think he brought you flowers?"

"The flower of today, Why?"

"It was to console you for the accident which happened lately. He told me everything. He felt like he hadn't taken a lot of time to consider your feelings. He also wants you to get a good vacation or else, why am I here?"  

Lin Zoe thought for a second and realized that all that Emily said, was right but she was a little confused.

"Emily." 

"Yes!" she replied.

"Are you sure of what you said?" 

"You will see by yourself. First, we all need to get a rest, right?" Emily said. 

"Yeah! You are right. I'm leaving first, then. If you need anything, you just call me." she said. 

"Thank you, good night." Emily smiled. 

Lin Zoe left the light on and closed the door of the room. She went into her own room and saw Shen sleeping deeply. 

"My! He's so cute, when he's sleeping. I should rest as well."

She entered the bed and covered herself. At the same moment, Shen opened his eyes and whispered gently in her ears.

"Have a good rest, honey!" 

...

In the morning; Emily, Zoe, and Shen were taking breakfast that was served by the maids. They were all surfing on their phones, for the regular matinal news. The day was bright, and Emily with Zoe; wore matching denim robes and white hats. 

The maids were cleaning and the three of them were enjoying a complete meal. 

Shen was eating a "croissant" when he stopped surfing and called both; Emily and Zoe. 

"Zoe as I told you, you know Emily came back to China for vacation, and will go back in two days. The good is, since Christmas is near and you have always been willing to go to Europe; I took a vacation too and we will all go to Paris." 

"Does that mean, we will be leaving soon?"