Something Beautiful and Wicked

0Shi Ailin woke up, alone, heading over to her kitchen to brew some tea, eating a light breakfast. She glanced over at her window, which had a broad view of the neighbourhood. Wide gates and large estates surrounded her—her neighbours were amongst the elite.     3

The clock in her house ticked. She wondered why she even kept the damn thing; it was all she heard since the house was empty. But she tried not to dwell on the silence.     

She knew that Shi Yen couldn't live with her forever, but she hated being left with her thoughts and little distraction.     

Shi Ailin had picked up painting as a hobby, and she turned the living room into an art studio. There were white covers all over the walls and floors. There were paint bottles, full and empty, scattered in every corner and shelf. She had multiple projects on easels because while she's painting, another idea pops into mind, so she quickly draws a sketch, before circling back to the first.     

That morning, she went straight to work. She typically visits any sites associated with their brand, including stores, warehouses, and pop-up locations. However, Shi Yen wanted her at the company that morning, so it must be important.     

Shi Ailin went straight to Shi Yen's office, finding her older sister nose-deep in paperwork. She knocked, and Shi Yen gestured her to come in with a wave of her hand. She then sat down at the chair across her desk.     

"Thank you for coming," Shi Yen said formally. Her older sister always took everything seriously, regardless of your relationship with her. "I have some important news I need to share with you."     

Shi Ailin shifted in her seat. "Go ahead."     

Shi Yen faced her. "I have managed to obtain a position with Shi Group."     

Shi Ailin widened her eyes. "I'm not going to ask how you managed to acquire it. But I can imagine it was most definitely through Yuan Shun."     

"Yes," replied Shi Yen. "He offered me a position, and I took it. That means that I will be a lot busier since I have many responsibilities to juggle." Shi Ailin didn't know where she was going with this. "So that means I want you to be the President of this company."     

Shi Ailin's mouth gaped. "But—"     

"I will still be the owner," Shi Yen said carefully. "And I will continue to do my part, but I want you to run the company. You're allowed to make projects and collaborations without my permission. You can invest and spend the money however you like."     

"But I—I'm not like you," Shi Ailin replied.     

"Stop comparing yourself to me," Shi Yen said, voice clipped. She then rubbed her temples, her voice softening. "Ai. You continue to doubt yourself. Haven't you noticed that your ideas have helped our sales skyrocket? The deal you made with the airport, my perfume campaign. Your scouting visits." She raised her hands with emphasis. "That's all you."     

Shi Ailin wasn't used to being anything important, so it was difficult for her to take it in. She was the second, and as the second, there aren't many expectations of you.     

Shi Yen continued. "My intentions had always been to take back Shi Group, and to give you this company when I take back my place."     

Shi Ailin gaped. "But what if you have children?"     

"You're my successor," Shi Yen said, making it clear. "If I had children, then Shi Group is theirs. But this company is yours. I don't see anyone else succeeding me, but you."     

Shi Ailin's eyes watered. "What if I can't do it?"     

Shi Yen smiled warmly. "You can, Ailin. You just need to gain more confidence. You've already stepped out of your shell and improved significantly."     

"Thank you," Shi Ailin replied, overwhelmed with emotion. "I never imagined this."     

Shi Yen's grin broadened. "You worked hard. Don't forget."     

Her older sister then stood up, giving her a comforting pat on the shoulder since she wasn't used to affection. But then surprisingly, she leaned in to hug her. "You will do well," she whispered. Shi Yen then pulled away. "Your position is effective next week."     

"Thank you," Shi Ailin replied. "I won't disappoint."     

"I know you won't," Shi Yen said.     

Shi Ailin then stood up, heading over to her office. She whipped out her phone, texting Yuan Xinyi and Fang Qi about her position before they replied.     

Yuan Xinyi: "Oh my goodness! Congratulations! We should celebrate <3."     

Fang Qi: "WHATTT??? This calls for a drink, but only if you can hold the liquor."     

Shi Ailin smiled at her phone, texting back her friends.     

She then scrolled her contacts, finding Luo Wanting and Luo Tian's names. She hadn't spoken with any of them since the trip, and she felt like with her position, there might not be a chance to talk to them, and perhaps it was for the best.     

The last thing she wanted was two men that were so different and related, occupying her mind. What was wrong with her?     

She remembered years ago when Luo Tian left her, Shi Yen was so angry on her behalf. She stormed across the floor in her bedroom, with her hands on her hips: 'I can't believe that guy! What's wrong with him?' she said, thinking about it carefully. She then pointed at her. 'You know what you should do? You should fuck his brother for breaking your heart. That would show him!'     

'I wouldn't do that. It's crude.'     

'It's something I'd do,' Shi Yen replied. 'But I've never been broken-hearted, so forgive my insensitivity.'     

Shi Ailin laughed as she cried.     

Back then, it was just a suggestion, and now she can't help but remember sharing with Luo Wanting about how she wanted to try new things. She wondered why she was even that bold to admit it to him since she kept things to herself.     

She took a deep breath, shaking her head.     

After completing some work, she went straight home to change. She then decided to go out to buy her favourite desserts before she walked back home.     

She walked down the street of her neighbourhood, enjoying her pastry when she suddenly felt an uncomfortable stillness. She glanced behind her, the night chill raising her goosebumps. She shook her head, turning a corner, continuing to walk back home. She then heard a groan, and it made her stop.     

Shi Ailin was shaking, slowing, turning towards her left at the garbage disposal. She dropped her pastry, and she screamed.     

Her heart pounded fiercely, when a man, soaked in blood, marched towards her in staggering steps. She wanted to run, but she felt utterly paralyzed.     

The man then came into view of the streetlight, and her eyes widened. He grabbed her before he collapsed in her arms.     

She wiped some of the blood out of his face. "Luo Wanting?"