Pinocchia

I

Ever since the third Wednesday of June, Lin Feihong's mind could only think about Christmas, specifically about her little brother or sister that would be born during the Christmas week...

No, Lin Feihong was not a little kid eager for a playmate. She was 29 years old. Ok, ok, she would actually like to find a playmate willing to play The Sims and long Monopoly rounds and Chupilca Lesbian Love with her, but since she didn't have enough time to search accordingly and she was better off alone than with bad company. She was ignoring that side of her life for now. Anyway, she wanted a sibling ever since she could remember. She always loved kids and would do anything she could to receive the baby and care for it in the best way possible!

So, as soon as her parents gave her the news, Lin Feihong began searching through every online store ever looking for the perfect gift for the newest member of her family. However, even though she spent every free second of her day for three days, Lin Feihong was still far from finding anything that checked every one of her boxes.

See, Lin Feihong loved her parents. They were two amazing beings that started their own business, a homemade food delivery service, when they were still high school students and made it into a huge restaurant chain. Thanks to their will and dedication, Lin Feihong could grow comfortably, studied in the best schools and graduated from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. She even founded her own hospital. Everything she needed, everything she wanted, her parents gave her. She knew they'd still give her anything, she'd only need to ask for it, because that was always their goal: to never let her lack anything. But exactly because of it they never had enough time for her and Lin Feihong would never let that happen to her little sister or brother.

Too much? Far from it, since even though they had all the money and employees in their payroll, her parents were still two workaholics beyond recovery. If Lin Feihong didn't do anything, the baby would suffer the same things she did.

The gift must be perfect.

She sighed, asking her receptionist to send her next -- and last -- patient of the day in, getting with a mix of annoyance and relief that they had just canceled the appointment. Yes, Lin Feihong was the hospital owner and yes, she was still seeing appointments. She liked helping people and had little patience for bureaucracy. But was it too much to warn her earlier? Was it?! Well, at least she'd have a few more minutes to search today...

"I'm sorry for bothering, Dr. Lin," said Ms. Han, her secretary, at her door. She exhaled hesitation, giving Lin Feihong a good enough idea of how foul her mood was making her look. You're the daughter of your parents, she reminded herself. Be persevering like them, not impatient like President Hou. After reproaching herself, Lin Feihong softened her expression. "But what is the miss searching for? Maybe I could help you find it, if I know what it is..."

Lin Feihong must have said something out loud. Wonderful.

"A toy." Ms. Han frowned. She knew Lin Feihong's family consisted of only her and her parents, but the doctor didn't bother with saying it was for the baby, because without all the context it would sound like she was in a hurry for no reason and she was too tired to explain it all. Ok, she wouldn't explain even if she was not tired. Saying the kind of toy she was looking for was more than enough to answer Ms. Han. "It has to be something interactive, durable and able to adapt to every need of every phase of infancy. Something that notices if the kid's feeling lonely and warns the parents. I don't really know what I'm looking for, but nothing I have seen appears good enough."

"Look, I don't know a lot about it. Usually I just give money to my nephews so they can buy whatever they want on commemorative days. But I know a toy designer. She projected a smart playground for the boys, with a kart course, a tree fort, pools and slides that looked amazing. My nephews liked the playground so much that my brother and my sister-in-law don't even worry anymore about screen addiction. If the miss wants, I could give you her contact number."

"I want it, of course," Lin Feihong accepted, still a bit stunned, barely holding the euphoria boiling inside her gut. Did "smart" mean what she thought it meant? "What exactly is a smart playground, though?"

"Oh, just that it's projected to not let the boys get into accidents. One of them went swimming without supervision one of these days, had a cramp and the system lowered the water level until he could stay seated in the pool. It also sent a warning to their parent's phone. He barely swallowed water."

Lin Feihong let out an unbelieving, hopeful smile. Maybe she found what she was looking for.

II

Lin Feihong spent her entire weekend anxious for that meeting. If it depended on her, she would have already spilled every single detail of her request via email as soon as she left the hospital that Friday, but the toy designer demanded that the first contact with the clients was face to face. She was also only available during Mondays and Thursdays, from 9AM to 3PM. Because of that, Lin Feihong was looking for a decent spot to park instead of having lunch at a restaurant near the hospital. Come on, didn't anyone on that street have a garage? Both sides of that narrow, steep street were filled with cars lined to the curb! Also, why was that street so narrow? They were at the base of Mount Guanyin, far enough from Bali. They weren't lacking in space!

Yeah, she'd have to park on one of the lower streets, some of them had space, and hope to not get fined. Don't be impatient, Lin Feihong, she reminded herself. You're almost there. Think about the amazing gift you'll get and smile. Smile.

After she left her car, Lin Feihong redid her path, looking for number 27. It was a surprise to discover the studio was the singular house in Victorian style in the neighbourhood. A three-story tall mansion in dark stone, white wood and a grey roof, with ornamented balconies, bow windows and a central tower. The size, coupled with the fact it was a residential neighbourhood, made Lin Feihong realize that was not only the work studio, but the designer's home. It was beautiful, even if a bit displaced between the houses with more modern or traditional Chinese architectures.

Lin Feihong pressed the bell.

"Yes?" A sweet, high-pitched voice like a bird chirping or a bell ringing came from the intercom.

"I'm... Lin Feihong. I'm scheduled for this time."

"Oh, Ms. Lin! Please, get in!" the voice invited her in, its sweetness warmed in excitement. "Just follow the stone road by your left to the glass doors. You can't miss it."

The door opened and Lin Feihong followed the instructions. The stone road circumcised the mansion, going across a beautiful garden adorned with well kept trees and rose bushes. Ivies went up the walls, both the house's and the one that bordered the propriety, with small flower beds around her ankles. It really was a beautiful place and that made Lin Feihong remind herself of her parents' house in Shanghai. Not because of the style, naturally, but because of the care put into it. Maybe they could enjoy some time together in the garden after the baby was born...

Lin Feihong saw the glass doors of what seemed to be a greenhouse, a big structure of glass and white arcs, but she couldn't see anyone. However, the side entrance of the house -- two thick double doors of dark wood with carved flowers, branches, birds and butterflies -- was open, allowing Lin Feihong to see some people inside the building dim inside. Employees? Family? Well, it would be better to ask them to call her, since it was almost time and Lin Feihong needed to be back at the hospital by 2PM for her first afternoon appointment. She had no time to sit and wait, even in that lovely space.

Lin Feihong went up the small stairs to the doors, getting in the house, but her salutation to the closest person was dead in her throat. It was not a person, but a very realistic doll. Every "person" in the room was a doll, dressed like Victorian Era citizens, with corsets, lots of layers, ribbons, frills, hats and hats in varied colors and hairstyles. A lot of them were in different places and poses, leaning on the walls and on the furniture, sitting on chairs, sofas and even countertops. There was even a pair sitting on the floor with their legs crossed. A few of them were inside showcases. Lin Feihong got closer to one of them, attracted by the black and pink frilly dress of the doll exposed inside it.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Lin!" One of the dolls, the one in a grey and lilac dress and hat, tanned skin and long black curls, who was turned on her back when Lin Feihong got in the room, said to her with a smile. She was there, standing right behind her, right where she was not an instant ago.

Lin Feihong had the most natural and mature reaction in the world:

"Ah!"

The doll screamed too, taking her gloved hands to her chest and then her mouth, getting back a few steps, greyish eyes widened in fear, mirroring Lin Feihong's movement, who was squirming against the showcase behind her.

Neither of them said anything for a moment, watching each other with the same white sheet expression from fear. The doll was the first one to get free from her paralyzed state, asking:

"Did I scare you?" She pressed her hands nervously, her worried expression as real as a person's. "I'm sorry, I thought you had seen me...!"

Lin Feihong blinked, feeling like a big idiot. That doll looked as real as a person because it was a person, the sweet voiced lady that answered her on the intercom.

"I did... I just..." Lin Feihong cleared her throat. Saying she thought she was one of the dolls of the room would be bizarre. By the way, they were really dolls, right? Lin Feihong gave a cautious look to a lot of them. They didn't breathe, nor blinked, nor moved a singular muscle. Lin Feihong let out the air she was unaware she was holding. That woman should be a model, to be that pretty. "Forgive me. I should have not got in without permission."

"Don't sweat it! Everything here is for appreciation!" The doll, or rather, the model didn't seem to be bothered. She was smiling again. "I'm Ren Xia. Welcome to my atelier."

"You...?"

Was she the designer?!

"Me."

"Ah." Lin Feihong let out, very smartly, as the toy designer giggled. She really sounded like a bird. She begged the gods above, hoping her face wasn't looking as dumb as she was feeling. But who could blame her? The designer looked like a literal and figurative princess, a beauty that did not match in the slightest the average, serious, casually dressed and glass-wearing (wearing glasses was the destiny of almost everyone who worked with small things over the years, damn it!) picture that her mind created over the weekend. "Hi."

That got another giggle out of Ren Xia and she asked:

"Did the miss have lunch already?"

"Oh... no. Not yet."

"Perfect! Please, follow me." Lin Feihong would have followed her with or without the request. The designer guided her outside, to the greenhouse. There was a set of white tables and benches there, alongside a cart of covered dishes, jars, glasses and cutlery. Ren Xia invited Lin Feihong to sit down with a hand gesture. Then, she distributed the plates and glasses over it. She had different options for juice and a chocolate cake for dessert. For one who was thinking she might have to ditch lunch, Lin Feihong was surely lucky. "I always offer treats to my clients, but mostly avoid lunch time, so I'm not really practised with more complex dishes. I apologize if it's not that good."

Even if she lacked confidence, it certainly looked and smelled great.

"Don't worry about it, I wasn't even expecting a meal. I picked this time because it was the only one I had available in your meeting hours. I appreciate your thoughts."

"The pleasure is mine." Even her smile was stunning. Wait, what? "But please, tell me: where can I be of use?"

Get a grip, Feihong, she chastised herself in her thoughts. You're here to get a gift for the baby, not for yourself!

As she tried her best to not get distracted with Ren Xia's beauty, nor the food -- which was delicious, by the way --, Lin Feihong explained it all. The designer listened closely, asking sporadic questions and barely eating anything. She kept pensive for a few more moments after the doctor finished, but then said:

"What you're asking..."

"Is it not possible?" Lin Feihong inquired, worried about the designer's hesitation.

"It is, but it will be very expensive."

"I own Hehua Medical Center, one of the three biggest hospitals in Taiwan," Lin Feihong said, the relief about her request not being denied making its way up her lips. "Money is not an issue."

She didn't come across as too cocky, did she?

"Ok." The condescending smile Ren Xia had answered yes. Don't be snobbish, she reminded herself. You're not President Lin! "I'll make a draft for the project and survey the materials. I'll send you the budget in three days." Right, that was when Lin Feihong should thank her and get out, since she was already late. "Dessert?" Ren Xia offered with that stunning smile. "I guarantee you that it's delicious."

"Yes, please!"

Ren Xia pecked her food, but she ate the dessert with gusto (she must be the sugar loving type) and without forget to ask Lin Feihong for more details about what she expected of the toy, about her tastes, her parents and the house her future sibling would reside. Lin Feihong wasn't the type to open up easily, but she found herself answering the designer's questions without batting an eye. She was charismatic and cute, not to mention gorgeous. After they finished lunch, she accompanied Lin Feihong to the door.

Ok, Feihong, you just need to say goodbye and leave.

"If you have any new ideas, questions or just want to talk, just send a message, ok?" Ren Xia said, with that infectious elation she had.

"Even if it's not about the project?"

"Of course! I love talking!"

"Then I do have a question."

"I'm listening."

"Why are there so many realistic dolls in your studio?" Ren Xia laughed with that ringing bell's voice. "I know you build toys, but there are more than ten of them!"

"They're for my stand." What? "Oh! A group of doll collectors is promoting an exposition in Johannesburg in three weeks and the most impressive stand will get a hefty sum of money, other than international recognition. A lot of people in the scene are trying their chances. My collection is almost done, I'm just missing a few scenery elements for the showcases."

Scenery elements? Did that mean the furniture was also her creation?

"Your dolls are very impressive and beautiful." Just like their creator. "You're winning for sure."

Ren Xia's smile should be capable to light the whole world.

"You're very kind, Ms. Lin."

"You may call me Feihong. If you want."

"Thank you... Feihong."

III

It was Friday. The budget arrived the day before and, as promised, the gift wouldn't be cheap at all. Nothing Lin Feihong wasn't able to afford, and it was for a good cause. So, naturally and obviously, she moved forward. Actually, as she attended the insufferably boring council meeting, she reminded herself of Ren Xia's collection to the exposition and had another idea.

Then, Lin Feihong was now in front of the designer's door.

Yes, she could have sent a message, it would be more practical, quicker and less disconcerting on so many levels, but Ren Xia said she likes talking -- she asked her to send messages --, that the studio was for appreciation -- on Mondays and Thursdays, from 9AM to 3PM, it was over 5PM of Friday -- and Lin Feihong kinda was already on her way before she could actually think about what she was doing. So she was standing still, staring at the door for minutes instead of ringing the bell.

For Buda, how old are you?! The worst it could happen is her saying it's not visiting hours and sending you home! Nothing too bad! Ring the fucking bell once and for all, damn! Lin Feihong had intrepid thoughts, her finger had avoided the bell at the last second, as she pressed her fists and forehead against the door's cold surface. Damn it... Of all the people she could have crushed on, did it need to be the one responsible for the baby's gift? All of her relationships ended awfully. If she fucked it up with Ren Xia, everything would go down the drain! What could she do?!

"You need help?" A female voice firm and deep asked and Lin Feihong stepped away from the door as if it were burning her. A woman in red and black gym clothes, carrying a huge duffle bag stared at her with her arms crossed. Her eyes were evaluating her, a bit worried and very suspicious. Lin Feihong blanched. It was Ren Xia. A version with no dress or makeup and the hair cut short (no, it was just tied in braids and arranged to look like a mohawk, actually). "I have never seen you, but you're still lying over my door. Are you sick?"

"No, I..." Lin Feihong muttered, utterly lost. The designer did not recognise her? "It's me, Lin Feihong." Ren Xia kept staring at her, her brows furrowing slightly. She had really not recognised her, even by her name. "The client that came here Monday, on lunch time."

"Oh! The M3gan girl." The recognition came alongside a cheeky smile, a bit on the mocking side, not cute in the slightest. M3gan?! "The studio is closed today."

That disarmed the protest rising up Lin Feihong's throat about her baby sibling's gift being called a murder toy. She muttered quickly and with no conviction:

"I know, but I had another idea and I was close by..." About 50 minutes by car, but who's counting? "So..."

"Hm..." Ren Xia muttered and passed by the doctor, turning her back at her as she unlocked the door. Lin Feihong sighed. And she thought the worst thing would be her getting sent back home. She was only recognised only when "M3gan" was mentioned, why would she bother kicking her out? Her luck for love was indeed shitty. She must have been pouting, she always pouted whenever she was pissed or hurt, and now she was both. Damn, she wasn't even recognised! So that's why she turned and started to go down the street as fast as she could. "What are you doing?" That deep voice so, so different from the one she listened Monday, but still similar enough, caught up with her again. Ren Xia looked at her as if she had a third eye in her forehead. "Get in."

Of course Lin Feihong left without looking back. What self-hating person without any type of pride would turn back and get in her crush's house after not being recognised?

"Have you forgotten my face?" Lin Feihong asked, almost sounding moody but refraining just enough, as she followed Ren Xia to the main door.

That smile without a hint of cuteness again (was she imagining or there was an edge of flirting there?) preceded the designer's answer.

"I would never forget a face like yours, but I can't remember something I have never seen, can I?"

Lin Feihong wasn't expecting it, but instead of happy, she got even more confused.

"You're not Ren Xia?"

"Not in a million of years," the woman denied, shuddering as if the idea perturbed her. She even missed the keyhole. "I'm Ren Hui."

Oh. My. God.

"Are you twins?"

"I was born two years after her, so no." Ren Hui finally opened the door, inviting Lin Feihong inside with her head. "Come here, this idea of yours is easy to explain fast or...?"

"Oh..."

"Don't get me wrong," Ren Hui added before Lin Feihong could think of an answer. She had no plans to leave quickly until then, but with Ren Xia's sister home, maybe it wasn't a good idea to extend her visit. Specially because everything Ren Xia had that was cute and adorable, Ren Hui had in hotness and intensity. "I'm not trying to rush you. I just need to know if I listen to you now or if I shower before. I really need one."

"Isn't it better for me to talk to Ren Xia?" Lin Feihong wanted to know, trying to not think about Ren Hui in the shower. Her being a hotter version of Ren Xia wasn't helping! Lin Feihong decided she was really needy lately, she definitely had to go out more.

Ren Hui laughed at that, giving Lin Feihong the impression she had just said a great joke, before explaining:

"She's not here today."

"Oh." And she thought misfortune gave her a false alarm earlier. Not that meeting Ren Hui was bad, obviously. "If so, isn't it better for me to come back another day?"

"I don't see a reason why. You're already here and have this face of someone in dire need of a seat and some water." Sit and drink with that woman around? When she gave her chills just by dragging the end of her phrases with that provocative, firm tone? Yeah, that would be a great idea to complicate her chances, if she ever had one, with her sister. "And I also want to ask some specifications about M3gan- I mean, your order."

"You're also a toy maker?" Lin Feihong inquired, trying to get a grasp on the conversation. She thought Ren Xia worked by herself.

"Mechatronic engineer. But I help Ren Xia with her projects when she needs it. In that special case, it will be very necessary."

If Ren Hui would also work on her sibling's gift, there was nothing she could do, right? Lin Feihong would need to talk to her sooner or later, so sooner it is. It was her duty as an older sister. It was for the baby's wellness.

"If that's so, I can wait," Lin Feihong consented.

"Great." There was that cheeky and provocative smile on Ren Hui's lips again. "I won't take too long. Get something to drink, turn on the TV... Sit, down, jump, fetch, whatever it's the best for you. Suit yourself."

IV

Lin Feihong threw her head back and let her moan draw out long. It made no sense to pretend to be modest once Ren Hui was sucking, licking and fingering her clitoris in a long, long, kiss. That damned hottie was about to make her come for the second time already and she was using just her mouth! On her clitoris! Her nipples were hard, begging to be touched. Her pussy was drenched, begging to be fucked. But Ren Hui's hands, covered in beautiful tattoos -- a laced glove that went up her forearm with butterflies, flowers and branches on the right and a fingerless glove of scales and moths on her left wrist -- that hid various thin scars, wandered over her body aimlessly, teasing her skin and grabbing her flesh, not bothering with any specific erogenous zone. Hell, Lin Feihong had promised herself that the next time she slept with anyone it would be on her terms. But instead, she was on Ren Hui's bed, giving all of herself to the woman.

No, she hadn't even attempted to touch herself. What would be the fun in that, if she had someone else to do it for her? Ok, maybe she tried to shift the focus of Ren Hui's mouth by grabbing her hair. Everything Lin Feihong managed with that, though, was some painful moans and elated laughs, as Ren Hui's hands became thorns in her thighs and her provocation on her clit turned fiercer, wilder. It was a torture and Lin Feihong had no intention of scaping it. Fuck her stupid promise, that pride of hers and her stubbornness. Fuck them all, that was so good...

"Fuck me already, dammit...!" Her pride screamed its last, drawn out breath and Ren Hui laughed as she sucked her clit again, dragging her tongue and upper lip over it. A peck was left on her needy pussy and soon something soft and wet started provoking her. Ren Hui's tongue. Finally.

But what about her crush on Ren Xia, one might think. In Lin Feihong's defense, it was never her intention to lay with Ren Hui, no matter how much of a lust or war goddess she appeared to be, from the root of her hair to the tip of her toes. She was being a great older sister by getting in that house and they talked, yes, about their new idea for her order -- instead of just a toy, an entire project for her little brother or sister, including furniture, doors, windows and everything else; her parents knew already she would be taking care of it all, naturally --, but one might understand that she was stressed because of that damned council meeting, tired from her long working week and had too much horniness to unload. And yes, she accepted that drink. Then, she accepted other and another and until Ren Hui commented that M3gan -- or rather, the gift she wanted to give their sibling, was more like an eternal babysitter, a best friend that wouldn't fight you for petty reasons and a loyal and incorruptible juridic assistant than a toy. Then, their purely professional conversation -- that, yeah, it had a lot of flirting going on -- became a long monologue by Lin Feihong about how the baby needed that present to (first allegation) be happy, (second allegation) have their parents' attention and not just comfort and opportunities that they could provide and (third and last allegation) to not grow up to be like her.

"Owner of the biggest hospitals in Taiwan, that's about to open their second branch?" Ren Hui inquired, her forehead wrinkled.

"A disappointment of a person," Lin Feihong corrected her, tearful. "Yeah, I've always been one of the best students in my classes, graduated with an Honors Degree and funded my own hospital, something I wouldn't be able to do if I wouldn't be able to if I didn't have a knack for business, no matter how much financial aid my parents gave me. Yeah, it's all true. But I'm not kind, persevering or generous like my parents. I'm impatient and ruthless like President Hou from Wuji Group, the woman that disinherited my mom and threw her on the streets because she got pregnant as a teen and chose to have me. I'm greedy and snobbish just like President Lin from Jinyin Bank, the man that disinherited my dad because he didn't want to be a disgraceful pig like him, that tricks women and throws them away with their `illegitimate' children as if they're nothing. I'm more like them than like my parents that turned their backs on them. I'm a burden to them. That's why they never wanted me close after our financial situation got stable, when they had a good enough number of employees and could take some time to be with me. I was still in middle school, they could have been closer if they wanted to. That's what I'm scared of. If the baby takes after me, after my damned grandparents, they'll have another disappointment, another pain, and they'll stay away. I can't let that happen. No way. Love, attention and someone to be proud of, a kid that will not bring bad memories to the parents, a happy family. That's my Christmas gift to my family. So, stop bringing up how peculiar it is and just do it how I asked you to."

Ren Hui finished the drink in her glass. Then, she walked off from the countertop to sit beside Lin Feihong on the sofa. She was not smiling, a first since they started talking, even if her expression was still laid-back. She put a strand of hair behind Lin Feihong's ear -- after all those drinks and talking, the doctor's ponytail was all messed up -- and pampered her with a few pats on her head, before saying:

"Your parents love you, Feihong." The doctor kinda huffed, kinda whimpered, and that got her a cheeky laugh and a pinch on her cheek. Maybe she was pouting. "If they didn't, they would hit rock bottom and beat you to a pulp, until you became the daughter they wanted to, you fought back or ran away. That, of course, taking into account that they'd not withstand the idea of doing the same thing their parents did and abandon you. They'd still turn to monsters like them, but different ones. Instead, they kept working to give you whatever you wanted. You said yourself that they'd do it even today, when you have your own business, your own money. You know what I think? They love you, but they had to make a choice: being with you and raising you miserably or letting go of being with you to work themselves dead so you could have the best life they could provide you. They chose to give you the best, but lost your growth because of it. My guess is that they didn't know how to be close to you when they had time to do so. I bet you started to stay out longer during that time, until you got into university and then you wouldn't have the time even if you wanted to. Then you graduated and ran away here, miles and miles away are the perfect excuse to pretend you're just carving your own path and that's nothing wrong with your family. That should be the first Christmas you'll spend with them since you moved, right?"

"You-!"

"I'm not blaming you. I'd probably do the same. But that doesn't change the fact you ran away. Your gift... That's your way of helping your family to be happy, but it's also a desperate way of saying `Hey, are you seeing that? I care about you and about my baby sibling! I'm not like my grandparents! Please, stop ignoring me and give me a chance!'"

"You're insufferable!"

"Truth hurts, baby. That being said, I'm pretty good at what I do and I'll do what I can so you can have your happy ending. I imagine how beautiful your smile will be once you hear them say they love you. You're already beautiful now, without that... I want to see it so bad..."

It was at that point that they started making out.

Lin Feihong's body was trembling entirely. She was so, so close to cumming again. Moans escaped uncontrolled from her mouth, each time faster and stilted. Her fingers were fisting the bit of Ren Hui's hair she could grab, her other hand pulling her head against her body. It was not mere provocation with her tongue anymore, but a kiss that got even deeper as it swept her off her feet. It was disconcerting and sublime how, even when undone in shudders of pleasure she still had only Ren Hui's mouth. She couldn't have been expecting her to be able to retribute those caresses in the same way right after without even a water break, right?

The orgasm came over Lin Feihong, her mind going blank, her bones liquefying. When she came back to her senses, she had all over her body swollen lips, avid teeth, cheeky tongue, calloused palms, long fingers, sharp nails, hot skin, big boobs, toned stomach, tiny waist, wide glutes and thick thighs, the entirety of Ren Hui going up her, over her skin, each hungry touch starved part of her envying the attention conceded to her pussy. Her throat was so dry, her voice weak and disappearing, but her moans still found a way out, fighting for space with the last spasms of her orgasm. Ren Hui helped her through it, with a kiss from her honeyed mouth, tasting like Lin Feihong and the expensive drinks they had. She had Lin Feihong's come dripping in her mouth, her chest that Ren Hui was sucking relentlessly. Each piece of skin she kissed as she rubbed their pussies together with no delicacy, not caring about how sensitive Lin Feihong was after she came thrice. No, she didn't need to be delicate, they were both wet, not to mention how crazy she was to come after playing for so long. But Lin Feihong's sanity, the very little sanity she still had, was disappearing like dry ice under the midday Sun.

Lin Feihong passed out from pleasure.

V

And woke up alone with a hell of a hangover.

Not seeing any sign of someone else in the room -- that was Ren Hui's room, that wasn't a weird wet dream! --, Lin Feihong got her phone that was laying on the bedside table, where she was certain she had not put it last night. As far as she could remember, she dropped it and her bag on the gaming room's sofa. Ren Hui should have gotten it for her, just like her purse, dropped on the couch on the wall. Her clothes, that Lin Feihong remembered very clearly to have dropped around the room's floor -- maybe some of them stayed behind on the stairs or the corridor? -- were also over the piece of furniture, without a single crease and neatly folded. They smelled nice, too, so they must have been washed. That made Lin Feihong fall from the dream world and check the time on her phone. It was past 8AM already. God, she had blacked out completely!

Lin Feihong opened the door, just a sliver of it, and spied the corridor to see if anyone was around, but it was empty. So, she ran to the suite's bathroom. She wasn't smelling bad or anything -- it seemed like Ren Hui took care of Lin Feihong after she blacked out, which filled Lin Feihong with the desire to kiss her silly, because she hated to sleep dirty --, but she wouldn't trade anything for a good hair wash. That would also help with her hangover, a bit at least.

After she felt like she was a decently clean human being, Lin Feihong put her clothes back on, grabbed her stuff and went in search of Ren Hui... Ok, who was she trying to deceive? She was also searching for Ren Xia. No, she should not, except for commercial reasons, especially being so deliciously sensitive and sore from last night, but damn, she was so cute! And Ren Hui was so damn hot, resourceful and seductive! Oh, Lin Feihong was so, so fucked!

"Hello," Lin Feihong called, being careful to commit to memory her steps so she could go back to the room later, because she could (vaguely) remember how to go to the gaming room from there. Then it would be easy to find her way out. That house was enormous. "Ren Hui? Ren Xia? Anyone?"

"Good morning." A soft, polished voice answered and Lin Feihong turned, being met by one of the sisters, looking at her with a placid expression from the first step of the stairs that would go to the third floor. Which of them, it was impossible to know, because her simple, casual clothes, blue round glasses and the long straight hair loose didn't really match either of their styles. That was actually closer to the designer image she was thinking of last weekend, even though much prettier. "You must be Ms. Lin."

"Must be...?" No... Oh, no... "Wait, don't tell me-"

The woman smiled a knowing smile, even if a bit indulgent, sweet and moderate, soft like the tone of her voice and the expression on her face.

"That I'm not Ren Xia or Ren Hui?" She finished the question for the doctor. "No, I am not. My name is Ren Yun."

"Oh, I'm going crazy...!" Lin Feihong's despairing and grumbling only made her head throb and Ren Yun to smile a little more. Yes, Lin Feihong knew, deep down, that she was neither of the Ren she knew before the moment she put her eyes on her. Ren Yun looked more like Buda incarnated or some illuminated nun about to be brought back to Heaven, far from the world's dirtiness. "Which one of them are you a twin of?"

"Neither." Oh? "I'm eight years older than Xia, and a decade older than Hui.".

"How old are you?" Ok, that was not very polite. "I mean, you guys look too similar to have such an age gap..." Ren Yun looked at her with that placid face, soft smile still there, even more indulgent than before, but she didn't even attempt to answer. Ok, Lin Feihong might have crossed some lines now. "Look, sorry. I didn't want to be a busybody, I'm just confused. It's nice to meet you." Ren Yun bowed, acknowledging her salutation. "Where is Ren Hui? I wanted to talk to her before leaving."

"She's not now, but left a note for you. You'll find it in your room, over the bedside table, to the left of her bed."

"Oh, right..." There really was a piece of paper folded alongside her stuff, she should have noticed Ren Hui was not the type to leave a mess behind her. "What about Ren Xia? Has she arrived already?"

"She's also not here now, but I'm sure she'll answer in the afternoon if you leave a message." Only in the afternoon? Is she working in her studio with her doors closed? "I understand that you must be in a hurry and the ones you want to talk to are not here, but you just woke up and you seemed to have drunk quite a bit last night. I know Hui likes her drinks strong. If you want to eat something and wait out your hangover before leaving, be my guest."

After overexposing the last day to the flirtings with someone who had the same face, Lin Feihong would like to say she'd love to chat with Ren Yun, but she had such a distant aura, even if she appeared to be kind. It also didn't escape Lin Feihong that the woman hadn't answered most of her questions, giving half-answers at best. If Ren Xia was cute and adorable and Ren Hui was hot and intense, Ren Yun was polished and distant. Maybe she wasn't the type to be comfortable talking to people she hardly knew and was just offering her house out of politeness or consideration to her sister. Damn it, Ren Hui, why not wake her up before leaving?

"I don't want to bother," said Lin Feihong, ready to return to Ren Hui's room, get her note and get out. There were a drugstore on her way to her car, so Lin Feihong could buy something for her hangover there.

"Don't worry about it, Ms. Lin. You're welcome. You're welcome here. Are you already familiar with the property?"

She didn't appear to be giving up on making her stay. Maybe Lin Feihong got her wrong?

"I spent most of my time in the gaming room." It was all Lin Feihong admitted. The rest Ren Yun could guess herself.

"Accompany me, then." Ren Yun went to the stairs to the first floor, and Lin Feihong followed her. She introduced Lin Feihong to the kitchen, the pantry, the living room and the gym. She also asked her if she knew how to go back to the room, explaining the path with all the patience in the world when the doctor let a "kinda" escape from her lips. "In case you need anything, my office is on the third floor, beside the library."

That closed the explanation faucet and Ren Yun turned to get out of the kitchen, after half-bowing to Lin Feihong. She was about to leave when a detail of her appearance got the doctor's attention, so she called her:

"Wait a minute." Lin Feihong grabbed her left hand, the same she was using to push the door to leave. It was covered in tattoos, a beautiful laced glove that went up her forearm with butterflies, flowers and branches that covered and masked the thin scars under it. Lin Feihong fished the other hand from the pocket of her pullover, where she kept them the entire time. A fingerless glove of scales and moth, also covering scars. Lin Feihong's blood boiled. "What type of game are you playing, Ren Hui?! Does Ren Hui even exist at all or is that just Ren Xia having fun over my back since yesterday?!"

"Please calm down, Ms. Lin."

"To hell with calming down!" Lin Feihong pushed her away. "I'll find someone else to do my order! You can fuck yourself!"

After that, Lin Feihong pushed the kitchen's door and marched away from the house. See? She wasn't being unfairly self-deprecating when she said her relationships tended to end up badly. She had a short fuse and hated to be made a fool of. She also wanted a serious and committed relationship, but most people didn't want the same. Anyway... What are the chances of her finding another toy designer -- preferably a man so she has no chance of catching feelings! -- that knows robotics and can finish the gift before the baby's birth? Why did that had to happen?! What the fuck would she do now?

Before Lin Feihong could actually leave, the voice of Ren Yun -- or Ren Hui or Ren Xia, whatever her real name is -- came from behind her, higher than her normal conversing tone, but still too far from an actual shout. She said:

"Yes, these are the same scars and tattoos that Ms. Lin saw yesterday, this is the same hand. But I'm not Xia or Hui, and none of us are playing with you or have any reason to do so."

Lin Feihong stopped and looked back, finding the woman standing still behind her. She looked worried, but not annoyed.

"You're crazy!"

Until Lin Feihong said that.

Every inch of worry left her face, cold annoyance blooming fast without even expelling the softness and temperance she had in her face since Lin Feihong saw her for the first time. If the doctor had to describe her appearance in one word, it would be "hurt", maybe.

"Not crazy. Broken," she corrected, and the doctor in Lin Feihong had a bad feeling, a feeling that she fucked it over and been so fucking unfair. "Three people live in this house, but only one body resides in it. That's why the atelier only opens on Mondays and Thursdays. That's why you couldn't talk to Xia yesterday and can't talk to Hui now. That's why they can only answer you later, one in the afternoon, the other at night, even if you try to send them messages or call them now. The people Hui brings here don't usually know Xia or me, and the ones who Xia falls for usually run as soon as we're mentioned, or when they find out we don't really want to integrate into a single person anymore, or when I refuse to have sex with them. That never happened on the first date. I'm sorry for your discomfort, but I'll not accept you calling my sisters or myself liars. I may not know exactly what they talked about with you, but I'm sure they didn't lie in a single moment. Xia was in a work meeting with you and work is sacred to her, and Hui never bothered sugarcoating anything anyway and doesn't waste her time thinking of excuses. For myself, I'd rather die than to lie. You don't need to have any personal relationship with us, but I ask you to not cancel Xia's contract because of this misunderstanding. She's a competent designer and did nothing wrong. My invitation for you to take care of yourself and your well-being before leaving stands still. The external doors will be locked as soon as they're closed. Good day."

After saying all that, Ren Yun spun on her heels and went back to the inside of the house, probably back to her office, leaving Lin Feihong with her eyes wet with tears and an apology stuck in her throat.

VI

Lin Feihong got a call from Ren Hui that same Saturday night as she promised in her note and was relieving to know the engineer wasn't pissed with her fucking over. Neither did Ren Xia, even if she delimited a very clear "just friends" line between them, to be respectful with her hurt older sister. So even if the relief of Ren Hui's support was small... She was too greedy to wish for just a third of her crush's heart, attention and pleasure to not be frustrated.

But well, Ren Hui didn't even attempt to minimize the situation. That was not like her, as Ren Yun said herself. Ren Yun was hurt. Of all three sisters, she was the one who had suffered the most of it, first from the trauma that caused her Dissociative Identity Disorder, then because of gender dysphoria and finally because of her asexuality. There were also attacks -- both direct and indirect -- about their determination to keep their individualities and, of course, the difficulty to find a lasting partner -- they were similar in that regard, even if for different reasons, but these were problems they got used to facing together. But not the first ones, those still rooted deep under Ren Yun's skin. For them, she was used to lifting an iron cover to protect her sisters and herself and Lin Feihong had managed to get her to lift it. Getting her to lay it down again would take time and a lot of effort. No one ever passed the first try after the ritual of asking for forgiveness.

Well, Lin Feihong liked challenges and would try to redeem herself with all her might. Firstly because it was the right thing to do. She was an impatient, ruthless bitch just like President Hou after seeing her hands and judging her. She had to apologize. After, as time would pass by and her bonds with Ren Xia and Ren Hui strengthened, Lin Feihong decided she wanted all three of them in her life.

About their gender dysphoria... As a doctor, Lin Feihong had already realised they were trans women -- more specifically, she already figured out that Ren Hui was a trans woman, but knowing about their DID got her to realise the same applied to Ren Yun and Ren Xia. Discovering that they were not conventional sisters -- as in, the ones that lived in separated bodies --, was actually kinda relieving for Lin Feihong, since she couldn't stand cheating, so the idea of cheating on a partner with an family member of her was thoroughly fucked up. The Ren girls were similar to her in that regard, wanting a singular partner, because even if they were different people, they still shared the body and couldn't actually be in three places at the same time, and offer a third of a week to the ones they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with was not an option. Lin Feihong wanted them in her life more and more like partners. Oh, yeah, like partners if possible, as friends for sure. That's why she was so intent on getting Ren Yun's trust back.

That was her new Christmas goal, since once her order was done, the excuses to go to the Ren house would be very, very scarce.

VII

Ren Yun was a writer, playwright and artist. Unlike her sisters, she spent a good part of her days at home, except when she left to walk around the city and draw the scenery in her sketchbooks. She loved music, like their parents, and played different instruments. Their house had a music room exclusively because of her, even if it was just a hobby for her. Out of the three of them, she was the one who used their house gym the most, other than practising yoga. Ren Hui worked out the most, but she'd rather go to some of the neighbourhood's martial arts clubs. Ren Xia preferred to stay in the kitchen, practicing her patisserie talents and eating most of her samples. The rest was for her clients and, sometimes, their neighbours. Ren Yun loved birds and butterflies, the tattoo that hugged her neck like a delicate choker was her choice, while the one in her left hand was Ren Xia's and the left hand was Ren Hui's. Her favorite colors were white and baby blue. What else? What else? Lin Feihong wanted to talk to her, to know more about her, not only through the stories Ren Xia and Ren Hui told her. She wanted to know her.

It took two months until Lin Feihong had the perfect idea, barring the mandatory apology coldly accepted and the peace offering -- a collection of five flutes made of silver that was only accepted after a lot of insistence -- that followed. Ren Yun eyes' called her snobbish and impatient, unable to see what's under the tip of her nose. That perforated Lin Feihong's heart with her placid coldness while she accepted the collection with a polished smile, yards away from reflecting the forgiveness the doctor yearned for. Oh, if regret could kill, Lin Feihong would already be dead as soon as she realized her choice of gift was a total failure! But her new idea wouldn't fail her!

"You want me to participate in the preparation of your order?" That was the question Ren Yun made right after saying her plan.

"Yes and no. The orders I made to your sisters are already being made by them. This order is for you, to be made by you, as another part of my future gift to my future sibling."

"Babies are not born alphabetized. As a doctor, I'm sure you know it."

Ren Yun could also be that skeptic even with her placid face, it seemed, but Lin Feihong wouldn't take the bait. Ren Yun would not make her lose her cool.

"You are totally right. They are not born knowing how to read, but they like attention and learn by listening, which make reading moments very beneficial to their development."

"There are a lot of writers in the world that are very honest and without disorders that make you uncomfortable. You can hire any of them to write you a collection or you can buy it in any bookstore. Most of them have a section dedicated to children and you have the money. So, why do you want to hire me?"

"Because I want to apologize to you."

"I forgave you already for that incident."

"Please, let me finish, yeah? I wanted to apologize because that's the right thing to do and because I want to be closer to you. This gift is important to me, it's very, very important to me, and I want you to be a part of it."

"You want to be closer to me?" It was written on her restrained face and frigid look that she thought she wanted to get closer just to have her sisters. "You barely know me!"

"You like rainy days, ice sculptures, osmanthus cakes, cherry tea, hip-hop, rap and R&B!" That comment disoriented the writer. "No one knows it, because your walls are too tall for anyone to see you run around the garden every time it rains, because you always let your failing attempts melt, because you always have tea and cake in the afternoon, always that tea and that cake, because you listen to those songs with your face as serious as a classic music critic."

"How do you know all that?"

Sooner or later she'd have to come clean about that anyway, so Lin Feihong braced herself.

"I've been coming here every Tuesday and Friday nights and been spending the following day in Hui's lab."

"You have been spying on me with Hui's help?"

"I stay in the lab. I just happen to listen to the music because you have it loud and I know everything else because you do it in the garden. You love fresh air, you should leave more! The girls can't help you with this but I can!" Yeah, Lin Feihong was screaming. She forced herself to shut up and took a deep breath before she kept going: "I'll go with you, if you want. I just need a chance. So, please, give me one? Please?"

"If you're doing it just because you want to be with Xia, I can ask her to stop taking offence on my behalf. It's not like she wasn't willing to be with you already."

"I'm also doing it for her, of course, but that's about you and me. I want you to feel comfortable around me, I want to deserve hearing you say I'm welcome here again." That part actually surprised Ren Yun. "You have no idea how much I regretted losing right after I got it. I'm not asking you to be my girlfriend or anything. It's still too soon. I just want to get to know you better, be your friend if I'm lucky. Time and our decisions will take us to the path we'll have to take. You just need to accept my offer."

Ren Yun Said nothing for a while longer and Lin Feihong's anxiety was already through the roof and falling all over her head. When she finally abandoned her silence, what she said was:

"What would the books be about? A children's book collection is a very vague description. Unfortunate..."

Ok, it wasn't the cleanest idea, but it did work!

VIII

Lin Feihong and Ren Yun could not stop talking, be it texting, video calls, voice calls or face to face. It was hard at the beginning, Ren Yun was still too skittish and withdrawn, but they were finding their own rhythm. Lin Feihong made sure to have Ren Yun as the first sister she brought to her penthouse in Taipei, so she could understand once and for all that she was serious about wanting her for herself. Obviously, Ren Hui got there plenty of times afterwards... Ren Xia visited only once and ran away as soon as she was on Lin Feihong's lap with the chords of her corset loose and her dress partially unbuttoned after conceding a singular kiss. Her lips trembled against the doctor's, her tongue hesitant and shy, a very different kiss from the ones she shared with Ren Hui. She was her sweet and lovely princess, Lin Feihong wanted her so much...! Just the memory left her wet...

But anyway! During one of these talks, as they walked down Dawulun Beach's seashore, Ren Yun said this to Lin Feihong:

"I know I'm not responsible for the first order of your gift, but I've been looking up its specifications and asked myself why, instead of creating something so complex to help your sibling and your parents, you don't ask your parents to move to Taiwan? Like that you'll not only be able to help your family communicate better, but also help your parents raise the baby and integrate yourself to this new dynamic."

"They wouldn't come," Lin Feihong said, a bit down, before turning her eyes to Ren Yun, who seemed to be looking at her like a teacher would to a very stubborn kid that she wanted to help but couldn't, which left her very frustrated and very sad. "Do you think they would come?"

"I think you have wasted too much time not asking questions. If they were my parents and I had the opportunity to have them near me again, I'd do everything in my power to convince them, to say that they're welcome in my life."

"What happened to your parents?" There were months already they were meeting each other, but it seemed to still be a sore question to the Ren girls. Lin Feihong never dared to ask them about their family, but when Ren Yun mentioned her parents, she couldn't resist. She really hoped to not have opened any wounds with that question.

"They died in a plane crash when I was seven." That was the answer and, by Ren Yun's expression, it was clear that this accident took more than just the company of the people she loved the most. "Don't waste the time you have with yours, that's a treasure no amount of money can buy."

IX

"Are you sure, Xia?" Lin Feihong inquired, extremely excited.

It was Lin Feihong's birthday, and she and Ren Xia had planned to spend the day together. That was an amazing present by itself, because the designer had not that much time to spare because a certain client put an enormous number of orders for Christmas... But Ren Xia took the day off to stay with Lin Feihong, which from a Ren meant so much more than anyone that had free reign over their own body and time every day of their lives. Lin Feihong was thankful for that already, but there was Ren Xia giving her a beautiful party dress, the same black and pink one Lin Feihong saw exposed in one of the showcases of the studio in her first visit, being wore by one of the dolls for the competition she would attend in Johannesburg -- one that Ren Xia actually won.

"Of course!" Ren Xia confirmed with a big, cute smile and opened her arms to Lin Feihong. "Happy birthday, Honghong"

"Thank you very much, Xia!" The doctor thanked her with a hug and soon they started to jump like two kids until they fell on the couch, not hitting the floor by a hair. "How did you know I liked it?"

"Are you kidding? That's what I do: I find out what people want and make it happen!" Ren Xia bragged, gesticulating profusely and drawing chortles out of Lin Feihong. "That, and you walked straight into it, even though there were tons of other dresses to be appreciated on the way."

"I'm weak for pink things," Lin Feihong admitted, hugging the dress. "Very weak."

"Noted." Ren Xia winked. "Oh! I also prepared shoes and accessories to go with it!" She clapped her hands. "Let's doll you up!"

"You want me to go around wearing it?"

They were in Taipei, in broad daylight!

"Why? Are you ashamed?"

"Who's ashamed?!" Lin Feihong protested. "But I'm not used to wearing long skirts. How will I deal with a dress like that, out of nowhere? How will I drive?"

"I can drive."

"What if I fall?"

"I'll hold you."

"You won't let me get away, will you?"

"Nooooop."

Lin Feihong whimpered, hiding her face on the folds of the enormous dress. Ren Xia kept going:

"You'll have a princess day and you'll do it like a princess."

When Ren Xia talked about dolling up, Lin Feihong though she meant to do that in her penthouse, not to go to a spa and spend hours in skincare, massages, hair and nails! When they left, it was late already, so they went to eat and whenever they went they were the center of attention, because yeah, Ren Xia was also wearing one of her Victorian dresses and was fully accessorized. She only dressed like that, like she was a full time princess. Lots of people asked them for pictures, including in the restaurant. Then, they went shopping and more pictures were taken. She assumed no one was expecting to see two girls in lolita fashion wandering around Taipei, especially with dresses so expensive looking they almost looked like straight out of a time machine. As embarrassed as she was at the beginning, she ended up having a lot of fun. When the night came, they went out to dance. Ren Xia was a great dancer, both modern and classical and she took the opportunity to show off as much as she could. They also drank a lot and, unlike Ren Hui who preferred stronger drinks, Ren Xia was a fan of champagne, the sweetest wines and cider. Lin Feihong even got one of her sweet, trembling and delicious kisses. She wondered if Ren Xia would let her bite her lip, but was surprised when she did it herself. Or rather, when Ren Hui did.

It was midnight. The time with her princess came to an end, but time with her goddess of war and lust was just beginning. She'd just have to wait her take out the cute makeup and change the pretty dress for one of her leather ensembles... No, Lin Feihong would not let Ren Xia's beautiful curls be braided today. They'd be hers tonight.

Lin Feihong really felt like a princess that day.

X

Twenty first of December, a cold Friday morning. Exact six months and a day ago, Lin Feihong got the news of her mother's pregnancy and finally, finally, the big day was coming!

She was at the Ren's, helping Ren Hui with boxing the parts of her gift to her sibling. The plates and frames with the painted and carved motifs into the walls, as well as the doors and windows, were sent two weeks before so the room would be ready to receive the rest of the gift and the doctor would travel that afternoon! She just had to put it all into boxes, freshen up and go to the airport. Wow! Anyone who looked at the 4x4 bright red pickup truck (she tried to find a pink one in that model, but no one had enough style, apparently!) she rented and filled to the brim with packages would think she was a modern version of Santa Claus.

"I can't believe we're finished..." Lin Feihong sighed, after she put the last of the packages in her trunk. Then she turned to her almost-girlfriend, dragging her feet and throwing her body at her, her arms snaking around her neck. Yeah, Lin Feihong was pouting, and was not because she was upset or angry. "Let's get iiiiiin. I want a bath, a bath and a massage..."

Maybe the doctor was getting too pampered and growing very, very spoiled in the last months...

"Don't provoke me, baby," Ren Hui whispered in her ear, her low, deep timber giving Lin Feihong the best shivers. The arms holding her waist were making her tremble. "You know I hate starting things I won't be able to finish."

"It's true that we'll have to stop, but we could keep going once we get in my parents' house, right?" Lin Feihong tried to bargain.

And soon came that suspicious look that hid very well the almost (almost!) perfectly camouflaged hope. Ren Hui pressed:

"In your parent's house?"

"Mhm."

"But I won't go there," she stated, only to go back on it immediately. "Will I?"

Lin Feihong gave a peck on Ren Hui's lips and smiled at her, confirming:

"Of course you will."

"And why only now I'm being informed? What if I had plans for the end of the year?"

Her mouth was teasing, but her eyes glowed with joy. She really was not the best at pretending and Lin Feihong loved that about her. Still, the doctor retorted with a very well feigned petulance:

"You tell me everything so I know you don't. Same for Xia that only needs a little prodding to sing everything in my ears like a pretty, chirpy bird. I just needed to ask Yun. I just told Xia the same I'll say to you now, so. I want you with me at this moment, Hui. You will travel alongside me, won't you?"

"How can I go?" Ren Hui said, her arms basically tied to Lin Feihong's waist and smiling ear-to-ear. "I have training at the club on Tuesdays."

"Huiiiiiii!"

"Just kidding, honey. Just kidding." Ren Hui kissed her, then rubbed the tip of her nose alongside Lin Feihong's face. "I can compensate for the lack of exercise by screwing your little pussy until you pass out."

Ren Hui's voice was low and her hand teasing her pussy over her panties was far too much. Lin Feihong needed her almost-girlfriend to bring her home immediately, or else she would come in any minute. Oh, dear...!

XI

Lin Feihong and Ren Hui arrived at Shanghai International Airport late in the afternoon and went straight to her parents' house. It had been years since the doctor had been there, but the rock garden, the cold-resistant plants growing next to the wooden walkways that bordered the house, the walkways themselves, and the house, everything was exactly the same. Lin Feihong was already running inside, pulling Ren Hui by the hand before she could consider whether it was a good idea or not. I mean, she wasn't a child anymore--she was thirty, she had turned thirty a month ago--and...

Forget it all. Ren Hui didn't stop her, no Ren would have stopped her, no matter which one was in control at that moment. At most, they would have just given her a push of encouragement and held her hand, and Ren Hui was doing just that, with a firm grip that clearly stated her resolve to be there for whatever happened.

They found Lin Feihong's parents in the living room. They were sitting side by side on the couch, knitting something together. It was a peaceful scene and it would be a shame to interrupt. But they came running, their footsteps echoing against the wooden floor. Mr. and Mrs. Lin had already noticed them before Lin Feihong even stopped, worried that they hadn't taken her request to leave the baby's layette to her seriously. She almost made a resentful jab to hide the pang of fear and sadness that the mere idea of her present, the work of Ren Xia, Ren Hui, and Ren Yun, being wasted brought to her heart. But Ren Hui was holding her hand, letting her feel the small clusters of scars on it and remember how her impulsiveness could be harmful. Being afraid didn't give her the right to hurt others unfairly. She may be a little like President Hou and President Lin, but she is Lin Feihong. She is not and need not be like them.

"Mom... Dad... I'm ba-"

Before Lin Feihong could finish her hesitant greeting, her father had already scooped her up in a bear hug. Ren Hui squeezed her hand and let go so she could return the hug properly, and so Lin Feihong did. Her father smelled of baozi, which was curious, as it wasn't a holiday dish, but, well, maybe her mother had craved some... It was so good to know he was spoiling her and the baby, and besides, the smell was divine and reminded Lin Feihong of her childhood. She had always loved baozi, especially her father's, because he always put some surprise in the meat filling: cheese, mushrooms, sour cream... You never knew what to expect, but it was always delicious. It brought back good memories. I wonder if there's one left?

Another pair of arms, and a big ol' belly bump, joined the hug, smothering her. Her dad's voice was muffled but full of emotion as he said:

"Welcome home, sweetie! We've missed you like crazy!"

Then her mother's voice reached her, somewhat reproachful and somewhat amused.

"Your father was about to break a hole in the floor pacing back and forth, worried that you hadn't called yet. He even suggested you might have changed your mind about coming or forgotten your way here!"

Did her father worry about her late arrival? They came straight from the airport, traffic is bad this time of the year, Dad knows that...

"I would have told you if I wasn't coming, and how could I forget?" Lin Feihong replied, sounding a bit disoriented and incredulous. "Even if I spent fifty years away, that wouldn't happen."

"That's what I told him. Our girl is amazing -- unbelievable, isn't she? -- she wouldn't get lost even in an unfamiliar place, let alone coming home. But did he listen to me? Of course not. And they say it's the pregnant women who have mood swings... He only calmed down a bit when I dragged him to knit with me."

At the mention of knitting, the doctor looked at the piece of clothing her parents were working on, half-folded on the sofa. She couldn't quite make out the shape, but it was something large.

"What is it," she asked, her discomfort quickly forgotten. The more clothes the baby has, the better. "A mantle for the baby?"

"No, you said you would take care of his things, so we didn't get anything but a pair of shoes." So they really trusted her that much... Wow. "Yes, I know you young people think matching outfits is a bit odd, but they're just baby shoes. No one will pay attention to them during the New Year celebrations, only the baby and you." Lin Feihong's mother stroked her head with a contemplative look. "You've become even more beautiful in the time you've been away. This will really bring out the color of your eyes and hair."

Mr. Lin took the piece and handed it to his wife, who unfolded it in front of their daughter. It was a long pink and white coat, the exact shade of bright pink that Lin Feihong loved most. They remembered!

"This... is for me?"

"This and many other things," Mrs. Lin replied, handing the unfinished piece back to her husband to refold. "Why the surprised look? You took care of the baby's things, so we had nothing to do with our empty nest syndrome, so we prepared gifts for you. They're all in your room. You can go see them after you've eaten the baozi your father made for you, or he really will burst into tears..."

"I'm not going," Mr. Lin refuted, his eyes suspiciously brimming with tears. "I prefer to savor my happiest moments in silence."

Lin Feihong's mother continued, ignoring her husband's empty protests:

"...and, of course, after you've introduced us to this lovely young lady by your side." While Lin Feihong's mind was still processing the fact that her parents had prepared several gifts for her -- and the baozi were for her! -- Mrs. Lin leaned towards Ren Hui and said in a low voice, pretending that neither Lin Feihong nor Mr. Lin could hear her. "I apologize, miss. I would have better controlled my husband's emotional outbursts if I had known you were coming. I promise he's not this clingy most of the time, only half of the time."

Ren Hui played along, responding in the same manner:

"Don't worry, ma'am. I've already had a good dose of that clinginess with your daughter, so I'm used to it. I actually kind of like it."

"Ah, that's good. Very, very good. You're as patient as I am. We should team up to help them enjoy the moment, not the potential problems that might or might not come with it."

"I'm looking forward to working with you, ma'am." Ren Hui bowed to seal the deal.

"Likewise." Mrs. Lin returned the bow as gently as her nearly nine-month-pregnant belly allowed. Then, she turned back to her daughter, as if she had never stopped. "Don't worry, Feihong. I can hear your stomach calling out for your father's baozi from here. They're getting colder by the second we leave them alone in the kitchen, but take your time introducing us to this lovely lady. Speak when you're ready."

"It's okay." Mr. Lin supported his wife's speech. "They're delicious and it's a shame they'll get hard and tasteless, but I can always make more. Take your time, dear."

"You're teasing me." "Hmm." Both agreed, and Mrs. Lin continued, "But we're also being sincere. Take your time. We're here to listen to you and support you, just like we've always been."

It was Lin Feihong's eyes that were welling up now. "Always?" she asked for confirmation. She needed this, she needed it so badly!

"Of course," her father replied easily and naturally. "You're our beloved little girl. You just have to talk to us, dear. We're here for you."

The introductions were delayed for a few more moments, until Lin Feihong could hold back her tears and let go of her parents' embrace. They had said it, they had actually said it! Before she could stop herself, Lin Feihong was already sobbing, clinging to them, who comforted her with all the patience in the world and tears from Mr. Lin.

After the nervous and uncontrollable crying, came a smile, a smile of pure joy, and Lin Feihong wondered what Ren Hui must be thinking of her while she was introducing her. "This is Ren Hui, one of the six most important people in my world."

"This is one of the three people I love and hope to marry one day." That's what Lin Feihong would have liked to say. But what she chose to say was the only sincere way to introduce any of the Ren without crossing the boundaries of the others. "Tomorrow, I'll introduce the remaining two to you."

Her parents seemed surprised for a moment, not when she introduced Ren Hui as one of the most important people in her life, but at the mention that the other two people would only be introduced the next day. But it was a brief surprise; they must have concluded that those people hadn't arrived in Shanghai yet and they focused on the moment, with Lin Feihong's mother taking the lead to greet Ren Hui.

"Welcome to our home, Ren Hui." Then, her father offered his greetings:

"Thank you so much for taking care of our precious girl."

"Our relationship is more of a mutual caretaking than one-sided care. Even so, I'm honored by your consideration." Ren Hui might have seemed as confident as ever, but Lin Feihong could see that she was nervous. Nothing more natural, since it was the first time she was being introduced to her girlfriend's family, well, her almost-girlfriend's. "Thank you for welcoming me so warmly."

"Make yourself at home," Mr. Lin reinforced his wife's hospitality. Not that Lin Feihong had any doubt about it. Her parents were very kind people, of course they would welcome the Rens with open arms. "But are you sure the count is correct, dear? Counting us, Ren Hui, and the two people you're going to introduce us to tomorrow, that only makes five."

Lin Feihong had the same reaction as Ren Hui: she just looked at Mr. Lin's puzzled face in silence. The answer came from her mother, in a resigned tone, suggesting that this wasn't the first time her husband had forgotten that little detail:

"The baby, dear..."

"Oh." Lin Feihong and Ren Hui tried their best, but ended up bursting into laughter along with Mrs. Lin. "Hey, don't judge me! Chun and the baby are still one little package! We can only count them separately when the baby is born!"

XII

The next day was Saturday, so Lin Feihong could fulfill her promise to introduce Ren Yun and Ren Xia to her parents on the same day. They were both a bit nervous, especially Ren Yun, but her parents proved once again that they were the best kind of people, accepting them as warmly and naturally as they had accepted Ren Hui.

Then, the rush to set up the baby's room began. Lin Feihong even tried to tell her parents to leave it to her and the Ren girls, but they both insisted on participating in everything. It ended up being much faster with their help, that's a fact, and in less than two days of work - with generous breaks, since Mom wanted to participate in everything and couldn't exert herself too much, both because of the advanced stage of her pregnancy and her age (Lin Chun remained so beautiful that it was easy to forget that she was already 46 years old. Every care was little with that pregnancy) - the furniture was all assembled, the clothes folded and stored in their respective drawers, the books arranged on the shelves near the crib and rocking chair, the stuffed animals scattered around the room and the other toys arranged in a cupboard in the corner, a reminder and a promise of future playtime. Lin Feihong touched the delicate figures of the mobile, producing soft sounds, like wind chimes, feeling fulfilled to see that it was finally ready, that everything was ready. The room was ready, and soon the baby would be in it. Lin Feihong could hardly contain her excitement!

Then, Mr. and Mrs. Lin sent her and Ren Yun out of the house, urging them to go for a walk. It had been years since Lin Feihong had walked the streets of her hometown, and the Ren had never been there. They had worked hard to bring comfort to the baby, they deserved a break. So, they went. No, Lin Feihong's parents still didn't know about the most important, elaborate, and expensive piece of the baby's gift. It was Lin Feihong's duty to talk to them about it, and she thought it best to wait a little longer. The C-section was only scheduled for the 27th. She could focus on Ren Yun for today.

Lin Feihong took her to a few tourist spots, promising to take her on a longer tour after the holidays so they could see everything at a leisurely pace. It was late Sunday afternoon, after all. Many places were no longer open to the public. But there was still plenty of fun to be had. They strolled through the streets, snacking on things here and there from stalls specializing in local cuisine. They talked a lot, no surprise, and took a bunch of photos as they watched the rush of people hunting for ingredients for their holiday dinner and last-minute gifts. But the best part, at least for Lin Feihong, was when it started to snow. She knew Ren Yun loved the rain and realizing that her relationship with the snow was just as loving made her stand there, watching as the writer opened her arms and smiled at the sky. Ren Yun's smiles used to be much more modest than her sisters', but in that moment, it was as strong and unrestrained as theirs, as beautiful as theirs and beautiful in its own way. Ren Yun was unique, each of the Rens was unique and irreplaceable. If Lin Feihong could, she would take them far away from the world, far away from anyone who wanted to hurt them. But that was impossible, pain came in infinite forms - blows, words, looks, silence, joy, fear, pride, prejudice - from anywhere - from those who should love us, from those who are paid to help us find our way, from those who remain blind and ignorant until it's too late - and seeped through any crack. So what should Lin Feihong do, all she could do was take care of that smile day after day, making sure it shone like a winter sunbeam, rare and beautiful, never, never fading.

Lin Feihong didn't even notice when she moved, only realizing when she had already hugged Ren Yun. She wanted to kiss her, but she didn't know if she would be uncomfortable with it. And, there was no need. Seriously, Lin Feihong was more than happy to just hug her under the snow. But being hugged back was everything. The way her arms wrapped around her body was gentle, everything about her was gentle, light, and made Lin Feihong feel at peace and safe from the cold...

"I'll never be able to give it back the same way Hui and Xia do..." Ren Yun reminded her, a sad tone appearing in her measured tone. "You know..."

"You don't need to," Lin Feihong assured her, laying her head on her shoulder. "Seeing you smiling without restrictions is more than enough for me." Ren Yun's cheek rested against Lin Feihong's hair without any kind of hesitation, and all the doctor wanted to do was stay there, in her arms, and translate her feelings into words. Even if they didn't work out, even if it hurt, Lin Feihong should say. No more running, no more regrets. "I love you, Yun."

It wasn't so hard, it was everything.

"Me too, Feihong." The answer she desired, the sincere answer no one ever gave her, that never came. It came. It really came... Right? Lin Feihong got her head out of her shoulder just enough to look in her eyes. She was crying, just like Lin Feihong. "I love you too." Ren Yun touched their foreheads. "I love you."

She reciprocated and it was everything.

XIII

They slept together in her old room that night, warmed by each other's arms. The world had more colours and everything was in the right place.

XIV

Lin Feihong woke up to a handful of kisses being left on her face and neck, feeling a warm body half-fallen against her, one hand teasing one of her nipples over her baby doll shirt and a leg rubbing between hers. Damn...

"Xia?" Lin Feihong asked and opened her eyes, meeting the designer's beautiful, impeccably made-up, and very smiling face. The black curls cascaded down her back and shoulders, some resting on the doctor's lap and belly, tickling a little. Ren Xia was so beautiful, she was so beautiful in that baby pink corset, lingerie, and 7/8 lace stockings... and seemed about to burst with happiness, even more so when she saw Lin Feihong open her eyes.

"You confessed to Yun!" Ren Xia almost screamed with excitement. "And she confessed back! You even slept together!"

"We slept hugging, I didn't do anything bad to her!"

"I know that, Honghong," Ren Xia hummed in that bell-like voice, covering the doctor's mouth with a finger. "You're our modern Lady Oscar, kind and bite-able. But no one managed to convince Yun to sleep in the same bed before. This is the first time! Which means she really forgave you, that she accepts you, that she's comfortable with your touches! It means we can be with you! That finally I can be with you!"

Oh, so that's why... Lin Feihong laughed and popped a kiss on her playful princess's lips before remembering, trying not to show how excited she was too at the realization that her princess had finally taken her out of the friendzone!

"You could have before, Yun never forbade you from lying down with me."

"Of course she didn't. Yun is a benevolent and selfless lady, as well as extremely educated and cultured. She respects my individuality and Hui's and wouldn't compromise our happiness. Just as we respect hers and would never force her to marry someone she didn't like or who didn't respect her boundaries. But I was also tired of falling in love and being thrown away. That's why I forbade myself from accepting your touches, even though I liked you. I didn't want to have my heart broken again."

"Oh, my princess!" Lin Feihong gave another kiss to Ren Xia, in order to dispel that sad shadow from her beautiful face. "I can't promise we won't have bad days or that we'll never hurt each other. We're friends, you know I can be pretty annoying sometimes." This admission made her smile and show the tip of her tongue. "But I'll never abandon you, I'll never abandon any of you without you asking me. It's a promise." It was Ren Xia who popped her lips on the doctor's this time. "Besides," yes, she had to tease, because teasing was a way of life, "even if you ask me, I'll probably still fight to convince you to change your mind. I can be unbearably stubborn when I set my mind to something, and I want, want, want you so much! I love you, Xia."

"Oh, Honghong...!" Ren Xia practically purred, hiding her face in Lin Feihong's chest. "I love you too, very, very much! Thank you for being so patient with us! I promise I'll repay you very well!"

"You don't have to. The arid and rocky road made me a better person and deserving of you." That was the right and decent thing to say.

"Do you always sleep in a corset?" That's what Lin Feihong chose to say.

"No..." Ren Xia sealed their lips again and snaked around her body. Her smile mixed sweetness and lust. "I put it for you." So that's why it's pink... Damn! "Everything you wanna do to me since we met, do to me now... Do it...! Do it, please! Pretty please, I waited for so long...!"

"Are you sure you're not going to regret asking for everything at once?"

"I'll never regret letting my woman do whatever she wants to me. I dreamed about it for so, so long..." Ren Xia kissed her again and then asked with her lips almost touching hers: "Wreck me, my lady."

Lin Feihong didn't need a second invitation. For months she'd been longing to worship that body until she drove her to madness, but Ren Hui always drowned her in pleasure before she could think of taking any initiative. Ren Xia, however, surrendered. She was hers, hers to play with, to love, and to cherish, all hers now and until the end of her days, if it were up to Lin Feihong.

First, she adored her with her mouth, savoring deliciously how she was anxious and shy, dragging her fingers slightly over her lace panties. Then, she lowered her mouth, tasting the softness of her skin, pilgrimaging around her large chest, to the edge of her corset and to her neck, avoiding the lace choker that hugged it. Then, her mouth lowered even more, replacing her fingers. She was so hot... her sweet moans were the cherry on top. Lin Feihong dedicated herself to her, without any worries, only stopping once she felt her princess cumming. Her spasms were so, so cute! She was so cute...

...that Lin Feihong chose her boobs as her next target. She loosened the corset straps, just a little, and brought them to light. Deliciously round, firm and cute, as soft as something divine, not made by human hands. Whoever made that work was some genius, maybe she could hire them to one of her subsidiaries, if he was not earning as much as he deserved. She bit them, licked them, sucked them with gusto. Her hand, sullied with the lube her princess wisely left in her line of sight, started playing with her pussy, caressing, holding, fucking, complimenting the works of her mouth. Her moans were so divine! The caresses and gripping of her fingers in her hair were erratic, a bit despaired, but so sweet and delicate as everything in her and that left Lin Feihong burning wet. Her other hand slid to take care of it, but she worked herself slowly, not following any rhythm, a bunch of erring caresses, because her attention was set on her princess only. Hers, all hers.

Ren Xia came again and Lin Feihong sat and pulled her to her lap to a second round of kisses, a second worshiping from her mouth. Her lace choker -- she always wore something on her neck, covering her tattoos -- was the first target. Lin Feihong got rid of it, letting her teeth bit the skin lightly, as she played with her boobs and let her doll all purring and dripping. Her hands grabbed her ass, feeling in them the same balance as her chest, she was so, so perfect... Underneath them and teasing her pretty pussy once or twice, she let her scratches and sharp nails ran over her back.

"Fuck..." Lin Feihong cursed.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I'm just sorry because we don't have any of my toys... I left all of them in Taipei. I'd love so much to shove them into you..."

Ren Xia gave her sweet, stunning smile and gave her a peck on her lips, running to her bags. Yeah, bags. She wouldn't be Ren Xia if she didn't take more than one bag in any of her trips, no matter how long she was going for.

"Remember when I was buying some stuff for your parents yesterday?" she asked as she messed around her bag. Lin Feihong muttered a confirmation, all her focus on the perky ass in her direction. "Well, I came across a sex shop. I wasn't even intending to take anything, but I found this one very cute, so I bought it." It was a strap-on with two light purple vibrators. Of course Ren Xia had to buy it. "But as I didn't know if you'd be fine with penetrative sex, I left it there. Does that work?"

"Bring it here and I'll show you."

Ren Xia laughed with that bell ringing voice of hers and came back to Lin Feihong's arms. She fucked her princess doggy style, on their sides, with her hands tied against the pillows, in her lap as she played with her boobs and kissed her again and again and again. Lin Feihong was dead, deliciously dead, trembling after all that. So was Ren Xia, but she kept herself lying down, as she was taking it the last few rounds. She came through for the final one, though, impaling herself on the strap-on as she rode Lin Feihong's thigh, crying tears of eagerness, trying to muffle her delighted chirping noises with her hands. As they came and came down over one another, Ren Xia took of the toy, settled herself slyly over Lin Feihong's body and gave her some more kisses over the damp curls of her hair. They fell asleep mere seconds later, sated and happy.

XV

It was Christmas.

Everyone was gathered in the living room, in the midst of exchanging presents - yes, because in addition to the lovely presents that filled Lin Feihong's room (and the baozi), her parents had prepared more things for the gift exchange; they had even arranged presents for Ren Yun, Ren Xia, and Ren Hui! - when Mr. Lin was opening one of the presents that Lin Feihong and the Rens had brought him, when Mrs. Lin gasped. Her skirt and the sofa beneath her were wet, her water broke!

"Looks like the baby also wants to open his presents on the right date..." Mrs. Lin joked, the small wrinkle on her forehead betraying the fact that she was in pain.

"But there are still two more days!" Lin Feihong and Mr. Lin exclaimed together. He rushed out of the room, probably in search of the bag with the things for Mrs. Lin and the baby's stay at the maternity ward, and Lin Feihong from the floor, where she was weakly rooted, looking at her mother in despair.

"Sometimes, they arrive a little early." Ren Yun's soft and gentle voice caught Lin Feihong's attention. She stroked her arm and smiled that tender smile. "It's normal, right?"

"Yes, yes, it is," Lin Feihong agreed, her frantic heartbeat calming down under Ren Yun's care. She was the doctor there. If she let anxiety attack and lost her calm, everyone would lose, and bad things that weren't supposed to happen would happen. Her mother was strong, a true warrior. And it was Christmas, a time of goodwill. Everything was going to be alright. "Let's go to the hospital."

XVI

Lin Chan, Lin Feihong's youngest little brother, that sweet, tiny, very chubby little thing, and Shiva, the Siberian Husky puppy that Lin Feihong had given as a present to the Rens, were in Ren Xia's lap, listening quietly to her adorable chatter about madeleines, muffins, and crème brûlée so very, very delicious made in the Land of Fairies and that the trolls coveted, swearing they would still learn how to make.

It was the day before New Year's Eve. It was already the day before, and Lin Feihong hadn't yet spoken to her parents about the most complex part of her present. It should have been delivered when Lin Chan was born, but it was still in the box, and it was already a week later. She couldn't delay any longer. So, she left her beloved and the little treasures she was entertaining in the living room and went to look for her parents.

Lin Feihong found them in the kitchen, finishing the last preparations to receive the guests for the end-of-year party. The party started early and lasted almost the whole day, so they always finished everything, except for finishing the food that should be served right after preparation, the day before. Meticulous, as always.

"Oh, Feihong!" Mrs. Lin greeted her daughter upon seeing her enter the kitchen. She had given birth less than a week ago, but she already looked brand new. One of the benefits of an unexpected natural birth. Mr. Lin greeted her with an animated "Hi, dear!" a moment after his wife. "Can you pass me that tray?"

"Oh, sure." Lin Feihong did as her mother asked, then stopped in front of the counter where her parents were working. "Mom, Dad... I need to talk to you. It's important."

The two looked at each other and dropped the dough and utensils.

"We're listening, dear," Mr. Lin said. "What is it?"

All of Lin Feihong's conviction deflated like a popped balloon with that question. Even so, she began to speak:

"I... I did something... for you and for Chan..."

"Another present?" Mrs. Lin was surprised.

"The actual present."

"Should we go to the living room to open it?" Mr. Lin was excited, already wiping his hand on a tea towel, ready to go after the present. The idea pushed Lin Feihong to the limit, and she shouted:

"No!" They looked at her in shock and she tried again. "No, it's..." What was she doing? "It's that..." Would she actually tell them that? "It's not in the living room." Doesn't that mean the same as saying that she didn't trust them to take care of Chan? "It's..." They loved her, she was wrong all along! "It's..." But if she doesn't, her present, all the hard work the girls had to prepare it would be in vain...! What does she do?! -- It's that I...!

Lin Feihong started to cry, a nervous cry.

What should she do?!

"Hey!" Mrs. Lin held her by the shoulders. Mr. Lin just mumbled, "Oh, dear! What's wrong? Tell us what's going on, tell us!" while rubbing his daughter's back. "Remember what we talked about?" Lin Feihong nodded. "You can talk to us, my love. We're here."

Desperate, Lin Feihong remembered what Ren Yun had told her, about the time with her parents being a treasure that no money could buy. She was right, of course. So, so right. Lin Feihong had been a coward, cowardly and extremely foolish. She didn't want to be anymore. So, she said through the nervous sobs that escaped her mouth:

"In Taiwan... The present is in Taiwan... It's just that I... I've been looking at some houses, and I found some that look a lot like this one. I haven't bought it yet because I wanted your opinion..." This was true, she had looked, but she hadn't made any decisions. "I know you've built a history in this place, the headquarters of your restaurant is here, it's okay if you don't want to move completely, but I would really like you to be able to spend a few months there from time to time, because I miss you and I want to help with Chan and I can't always come here because of the hospital... Please..."

Lin Feihong's parents hugged her, just hugged her, saying nothing for a few moments. Then, Mrs. Lin pulled away a little, took her daughter's face in her hands and said slowly, with her eyes fixed on hers, as if she wanted to make sure to engrave each word deep in them:

"The headquarters can be moved, Feihong. And, a house is just a house, even this house. In the end, all that matters is our family. When you and Ren return to Taiwan, we will go with you."

"You said it all, dear!" Mr. Lin supported his wife's speech, hugging his daughter tighter. Yes, he was crying. "Oh, my daughter...! I can't believe you asked first, I already had my whole speech prepared...!"

First? They already intended to move there?

Primeiro? Eles já pretendiam se mudar pra lá? Lin Feihong was astonished. Nothing, she really knew nothing, and realizing that, the happiness that this realization made bloom in her heart made her cling to her father and cry even more.

"Holy Buddha, please tell me," begged Mrs. Lin. "How did I end up with such a crying husband and daughter, huh? Come here, come on." Despite the teasing, she patiently welcomed them into her arms. "There, there. It's over now. We're all together and we're going to stay together. You don't need to cry."

The three of them heard a sniffle, then a sad whimper, then a baby's cry began to crescendo. Ren Xia was standing at the kitchen door, still holding Lin Chan and Shiva, and they were all crying.

"That was... it was so beautiful..." Ren Xia praised, her face a red and wet mess.

Lin Feihong laughed through her tears and went to comfort her princess, her little brother, and her dog before her mother, the last bastion of that family, also started to cry.

Epilogue

Lin Feihong was having tea with her parents on one of the verandas of her house, the Victorian mansion that used to be her wives' sanctuary in the past. Ren Hui was in the middle of an improvised game with the children and Shiva, something between soccer, basketball, and "fetch, boy." It was a bit confusing, but they were making it work, and so well that Lin Chan dropped the game and ran to the porch, shouting:

"Come play too, Mom, Dad, Feihong!" Mr. Lin messed up his son's hair and Mrs. Lin sighed, both beginning to get up, when Lin Feihong said to her brother:

"I'm forty. Do you think I have the energy for that?"

"Sister-in-law is forty-three and she's playing." Was the smiling kid's answer.

"How do you know her age?"

"She told me."

"Really?" Lin Feihong narrowed her eyes at her brother and then at her wife, who returned her stare with a "I told him, duh" face and shrugged with that mischievous smile. Cheeky traitor. "Well, except that she works out a lot more than I do."

Lin chan looked at Ren Lian for help and the damned loyal and incorruptible, perfect juridic assistant said, uncaring to Lin Feihong signs for her to shut up or to make a good excuse for her:

"You're still young and in shape. You're just lazy."

Ingrateful daughter!

Lin Feihong jumped to her feet and shouted over the laughter of her parents, brother, wife, and their child:

"You really want me to play, do you? Well, I'm going to play! Don't regret it when I win!"

They hadn't established any rules, let alone a standard that would allow anyone to win the game, but she would win.

"We're terrified, babe!" Ren Hui teased Lin Feihong and threw the ball to her, making Shiva follow her and start barking excitedly, asking her to continue playing. "Move your ass and come give us a beating!"

"Come on, Honghong! It's going to be fun!" That's what Ren Xia would say if it were her day. Lin Feihong could almost hear the cheerful chirps of her sweet voice.

"We're going to be busy with preparations for the neighborhood party, dinner, and Chan's birthday party for the rest of the week, we should take advantage of this time with the kids, don't you agree?" That's what Ren Yun would say, leaving a caress on her shoulder, as always affectionate and sensible in equal measure.

Oh, right... Christmas is coming. She guessed it wouldn't hurt to play a little...