Chapter 22: Paris International Painting Exhibition

Lin Zoe first had an awkward and confused face. But then, she smiled and had gleaming eyes; like she was dreaming. She looked up to Shen and held his hands tightly.

"Is it true? Is that why both of you were so happy?" she asked. Emily and her brother looked at each other; then nodded back to her. She stayed silent, but then, in only a few seconds, she was jumping everywhere. 

"This is so great. We will be going on vacation, to a good place. Staying here alone is so boring. We will be having fun." 

"Hmph! You better bring me to castles and beaches. Then, we ride horses and eat ice cream under the Pont des amoureux," she said, holding her two hands, gleaming.  

Both Shen and Emily were surprised at her reaction and then laughed greatly. Lin Zoe was so happy, she started dancing. She took Shen's hand and called him to dance with her.

"Shen, we should celebrate. How about I pay diner for all of us?" 

"That's a great idea! I want a lot of food," Emily shouted.

Shen frowned and scolded her sister for her greed. Lin Zoe laughed as she was defending poorly herself. She looked up to Shen and hugged him.

"Don't scold Emily, okay? I will pay all that both of you want," 

"Sister Lin is better than you. Meanie!" 

He only sighed and accepted to let her pay for the food for once, despite him always paying. Lin Zoe and Emily, left Shen away for some time; while chatting. They went upstairs to get changed for the outdoors, at the same time. 

"I really don't understand girls," Shen said, to himself. 

...

Shen was driving the car in the front, and the three of them were chatting and having a great time. Emily was telling about her travels and the paintings she created. She even talked about the museums she went to, and the celebrities she met. 

"Sister Lin, you don't know how much great it was. I was working hard and signed a lot of contracts with local museums and exhibits," she said.

"Wow! Emily, you're so young but yet, brave and talented." 

"Thank you, Sister Lin. I really appreciate what you said."

"She also knows a lot of handcraft and cooking; but yet praises you a lot," Shen said. Lin blushed and smiled all red. "Thanks, dear! Your nice words make my heart flutter." 

He nodded and responded to her, with an elegant and gentle smile. 

Emily tossed her hard with her ankle and whispered. "I told you my brother is so much in love with you,"

"We should already head outside. That's the restaurant," Lin Zoe, pointed. 

The two girls went outside, as Shen was closing the door and locking the car. It was french and looked nice, good for the day. 

"Sit down and you order. It is one of the nicest restaurants in Beijing," she said. 

They looked over the place and it had some nice glass windows and open flowering in the inside. The chairs were comfortable and the table wet was pretty. As for the service, they were still to discover.

"I already feel the nice air of food here. Thanks, Sister. I will order french," Emily cheered. A waiter came and greeted them - as they were seating. 

"Hello, I'm Lina. I will be taking your order. Can I know what you will like to order?" 

Emily was the first to answer. 

"Please, Lina. I want beef ribs and salad, with the fries and mayo beside," she said.

Shen gently tapped Lin Zoe's back, and asked; "What do you want to eat?" 

"Me?" she gasped.

Sighs... she did. "Well then, chicken nuggets and fries, with mayo, will do it." 

"Miss, I will take the same thing," Shen said.

"Ah...Wait... you can..." 

"Yes, Mr. I will bring your order to the kitchen. Thank you for choosing our prestigious restaurant," Lina said, leaving. 

Then, the three of them looked up at each other. Emily spoke up first and cheered everyone with a positive spirit.

"Hey, I'm staying here for two days. Sister Lin, you should cook soup for today. I want to eat chinese. There is no chinese traditional food there in Paris. Then we go to the night market, and we buy a lot of things, and then we go shoppings between girls."  

Emily was enjoying her time and Shen looked happy. She wasn't anxious anymore and instead looked forward to the meal. Her main goal now - was to, make Emily's vacation unforgettable and Shen too, was to help.

"I think I was anxious for no reason," she thought. 

"Hey! Do you know about the swimming competition which is nearby? I heard it was going to be held in Yalong bay, at the Hainan Island." 

"When is it?" she asked, curiously.

" Just tommorow, at 3.pm in the evening." 

"Brother, can we go? It will be fun; besides, I don't have much time to stay." 

"Emily, you are already going to so many places. Aren't you going to make Zoe and yourself tired to death? I'm sure you will be so tired, you will make us miss the flight." he replied.

"Emily, maybe next time," Zoe said.

"Yeah, you're right." 

...

They looked through the reception; at last, their food came and were served in trays. In each tray, was a plate, with the food ordered. Emily got her ribs, salad and fries while, Shen and Zoe got Chicken nuggets and fries. 

Two bottles; mayonaise and ketchup, came for them to serve themselves. Emily ate her ribs and tasted the salad. It was just - delicious! 

Shen and Zoe, enjoyed their meals and listened at each other for some stories. Soon, they heard some cool and relaxing music, which made their environment even more joyful. 

"Hey! Shen," Zoe whispered, in his ears.

"I heard, Emily was looking for a boyfriend and she also looks sad, these days. Should we help her?" 

"No need. She's not a baby anymore. You don't have to worry," he replied.

Lin Zoe smiled and asked if Emily liked the food. She nodded and smiled back. 

"Sister Lin, have you heard about Paris International Painting Exhibition?" Emily asked, delicately slicing her beef meat.

...