75. Christmas Bromance

Enjoy the meme Gif that I made for the Gossip Duo! All credits to ELOD Episode 3.
This long chapter is dedicated to the Gossip Duo.


*Flashback to Christmas Day*


While Feng Jiu and Dong Hua were spending their Christmas together, the gossip duo was also preparing for their romantic dates.


Lian Song got up way too early to prepare for his important date with Cheng Yu, which was at 6 PM. Then he called Si Ming on the phone.


Lian Song: Merry Christmas, Si Ming.


Si Ming: Why are you calling me at 7 AM? I'm still in bed.


Lian Song: Can't wait to see you later. So what are you wearing for your date tonight?


Si Ming: Why are you even asking me that? We are just heading to the same restaurant, not having a candlelit dinner together.


Lian Song: Come on, Si Ming. I'm just curious, and I'm wearing a tuxedo.


Si Ming: Do you think you're getting married? I'm just wearing smart casual. Why are you even up so early anyway?


Lian Song: I'm excited, and I'm preparing my romantic pick-up lines for tonight's date.


Si Ming: Pick-up lines? The only thing you'll pick up tonight is your tooth on the floor after Cheng Yu slapped it out of your mouth. You should know by now that she hates those cheesy pick-up lines! Show her your serious and romantic side.


Lian Song: I'm not good at that, and I don't know what to talk to her about. So you need to help me out tonight.


Si Ming: How? Do you expect me to put on an earpiece and teach you what to say the whole night?


Lian Song: I wouldn't mind if you don't mind. Tonight is my best chance to win Cheng Yu's heart. Did you forget our Bro Code No.9? 'Always have your bro's back.'


Si Ming: I feel more like a babysitter than a bro at this point.


Lian Song: I don't care; you have to help me out. At the rate that I'm going, you'll become a grandfather before I even marry Cheng Yu.


Si Ming: *Sigh* I guess we could have our usual 'tea sessions' at the male washroom. Just send me an SOS text when you need it. But only use it when absolutely necessary.


Lian Song: You're the best, Si Ming. Love you a million years.


Si Ming: Disgusting! I already have goosebumps from hearing it. Save your love for Cheng Yu. Okay, bye. I'm heading back to bed.


Lian Song: Okay, bye! See you later on our dates.


Then they hung up the call. Lian Song kept practicing his lines on what he should say to Cheng Yu on their date, and Si Ming went back to bed.


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Si Ming woke up at 11 AM, and he started to prepare for his date. He took a shower and stood in front of the mirror. "This is the first time bringing Yu Xi out to a restaurant for a romantic dinner. I hope she would like it. For once, Lian Song made himself useful." He thought to himself.


Then he promptly left the house to pick up the Flower bouquet that he reserved from a week ago. Si Ming actually bought a Promise Ring made out of rose gold for Yu Xi. As much as he wanted to buy her an engagement ring, he wanted to seek her parents' blessings before proposing to her.


Although Si Ming thinks that promise rings were cliche, he also wanted to prove to her that he's committed to this relationship, and he has the intention to marry her someday.


"Hopefully, Yu Xi would like my gifts. Can't wait to spend our first Christmas together." Si Ming smiled to himself. Then he headed over to Yu Xi's apartment to pick her up for the date.


When Si Ming reached her apartment, he pressed on the doorbell, and he held onto the flower bouquet.


His jaw dropped when he saw her dressed in a Red Sleeveless Maxi Dress. "Is this my girlfriend? She's stunning!" He thought to himself, and he pushed his jaw back up with his hand.


Yu Xi blushed and asked shyly, "You like my dress? I secretly ordered it online, and it was on sales too."


"I don't like it; I love it! You look so beautiful tonight, Yu Xi. I fell in love all over again." Si Ming hugged her gently. Yu Xi then kissed him on his cheek and replied shyly, "You're so sweet, Si Ming. Should we head out now?"


"Yes. It's still early, but we could enjoy some drinks before the dinner starts." Si Ming smiled sweetly, and he held onto Yu Xi's hand.


Then they both headed towards Lang Man (浪漫) Restaurant, and they were one of the first to arrive there. Si Ming and Yu Xi then sat down and had a glass of wine while waiting for the dinner to start.


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On the other side, Lian Song was still busy practicing his big speech for the date. He acted like he was going to get married tonight.


Lian Song stood in front of the mirror and continuously reassured himself that the date would end up well. "Hope Cheng Yu would finally give me a chance tonight." Then he continued practicing how to smile charmingly in the mirror.


After practicing for hours, his face was almost numb from trying to smile so much. He lightly slapped his face a few times and told himself, "You can do this! Time to go pick up the flowers and then fetch the 'bride.'"


Lian Song bought a Heart-shaped Locket Pendant, embellished with tiny Crystals for Cheng Yu. As expected, he placed his own photo onto one side of the locket, and his favourite photo of Cheng Yu on the other side.


Then he headed out towards a famous Florist to pick up his reserved flower bouquet before heading over to Cheng Yu's place.


Lian Song was supposed to pick Cheng Yu up at 6 PM, but he was there waiting since 5.30 PM. He checked his hair and bow-tie many times in the Rear-view mirror in his car. "Looking handsome, Lian Song." He shamelessly told himself.


He got out of his car when the clock hits 5.50 PM, and he held on to the flower bouquet. He straightened his tuxedo and took a deep breath. "You look good, Lian Song. You can do this. Si Ming said that my thick skin is a gift from God, so I should use it wisely."


Then Lian Song started having weird imagination again. He imagined that he was here to fetch his bride, and they are now standing in front of the altar. The imaginary Priest then asked him, "Do you Lian Song, take Cheng Yu to be your lawfully wedded wife, promising to love and cherish, through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, for as long as you both shall live?"


He closed his eyes to fully 'feel the moment,' and he mouthed the words, "I do." Then the imaginary Priest proceeded to say, "You may now kiss the bride." Lian Song smiled to himself and started pouting his lips, kissing the air.


At this moment, Cheng Yu was already standing right in front of him, but Lian Song was still lost in his imagination. He started leaning forward to 'kiss the bride,' and Cheng Yu slapped his lips. "What are you trying to do with that pig lips of yours?" Cheng Yu said coldly.


Lian Song immediately opened his eyes and replied shockingly, "I was just doing some facial exercises to tone my face. They said it would make me look younger by ten years. Oh wow! I just noticed that you're wearing a beautiful white dress, Cheng Yu. You look so beautiful today!" Then he smiled sweetly.


Cheng Yu wore an off-shoulder flowy white dress for their date.


"Your sweet-talking won't work on me. Just like how your facial exercises wouldn't work." Cheng Yu said coldly. Lian Song then replied shamelessly, "Oh? They say it would work if I'm really kissing someone." Then he winked.


Cheng Yu rolled her eyes and replied, "Oh? Maybe a few slaps would help you tone up those facial muscles too. You even get a free natural blush look from it. Best of both worlds."


"Aww. It's Christmas, so it's the season of giving. Like giving me a chance." Lian Song raised his eyebrows.


"Are we going now or not?" Cheng Yu then tried to push Lian Song out of the way so she could get into the car.


Lian Song immediately opened the car door for her and bowed like a gentleman. "Here you go, beautiful." Cheng Yu then replied sarcastically, "You look like a butler."


"You don't like my tuxedo? Oh yeah! Here are some flowers for you." Lian Song then quickly handed the flower bouquet to her. Cheng Yu smelled the flowers and replied, "I like the flowers. Thanks."


Lian Song smiled brightly and ran towards the driver's side. Then he got in and drove off. "Let's go before we are late. The candlelit dinner starts at 6.30 PM." He said.


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Lian Song and Cheng Yu arrived at the restaurant just in time before the dinner starts. They waited in line to enter the restaurant. The receptionist then greeted them and checked their tickets. "Welcome to Lang Man Restaurant, my name is Justin. Your waitress would bring you to your table shortly." The male receptionist said politely.


Lian Song whispered to Cheng Yu, "I know why he's telling us his name."


"Why?" Cheng Yu asked curiously.


"Just-in Case." Lian Song smirked and raised his eyebrows. Cheng Yu immediately rolled her eyes and replied sarcastically, "Yeah. Just-in case you get kicked out from the restaurant."


After that, the waitress proceeded to lead them to their allocated seats.


Lo and behold, they were seated right beside Si Ming and Yu Xi. The gossip duo widened their eyes and did their weird bro handshake when they found out they were sitting next to each other.


"What a coincidence!" Lian Song said excitedly. Si Ming mentally sighed and thought to himself, "Oh no, I need to be a babysitter now."


Yu Xi and Cheng Yu also hugged each other. "You look beautiful today, Yu Xi." Cheng Yu smiled and said to her. Yu Xi also replied sweetly, "Thank you, Cheng Yu. You look beautiful today as well. It's pretty nice that we are seated next to each other."


Cheng Yu then nodded her head and replied sarcastically, "Yeah, at least I have an excuse to get away from Lian Song when he's drunk or talking nonsense." Lian Song immediately interrupted, "Hey. I won't get drunk tonight! It's my mission to protect and escort you home safely tonight."


Cheng Yu rolled her eyes and said to Yu Xi, "See? This is what I meant." Yu Xi then smiled and whispered to Cheng Yu, "Lian Song isn't that bad. He looked really nervous, and he especially dressed up nicely for you tonight. Give him a chance, and it's Christmas."


"I'll see about that." Cheng Yu whispered back, and she smiled at Yu Xi.


Lian Song and Cheng Yu then settled down and looked at the menu. The gossip duo also sat next to each other.


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Lang Man (浪漫) Restaurant 
Christmas Special Menu


Appetizers
1. Maple Roasted Squash Salad
2. Scalloped Potatoes


Soup Of The Day
Creamy Turkey Soup served with light and Buttery Dinner Rolls


Choice of Entrées
1. Signature Prime Rib of Beef
2. Grilled Atlantic Lobster Brushed with Garlic Butter & Herbs


Desserts
1. Gingerbread Cake with Buttermilk Frosting
2. Yule Log Cake (Bûche de Noël)


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Lian Song kept looking over to Si Ming. Si Ming then noticed him staring, and he asked, "Why are you staring at me?"


"Oh. Just trying to see what you're ordering. I don't want to pick the one that you chose." Lian Song replied casually.


Si Ming then told Lian Song to focus on Cheng Yu instead. Then the gossip duo minded their own business and concentrated on their dates.


Si Ming and Yu Xi ordered Maple Roasted Squash Salad, Signature Prime Rib of Beef, and Gingerbread Cake with Buttermilk Frosting. Lian Song and Cheng Yu then ordered Scalloped Potatoes, Grilled Atlantic Lobster Brushed with Garlic Butter & Herbs, and Yule Log Cake (Bûche de Noël).


Lian Song raised his eyebrows and said to Cheng Yu cheekily, "See? We are meant to be. We even picked the same dishes." Cheng Yu rolled her eyes and replied, "That's because you insisted on ordering the same dishes as mine."


"So, what gift did you get for me?" Lian Song asked shamelessly. Cheng Yu then took out his gift from her purse and replied, "I knew you would ask me for it. I got you some winter gloves."


"You got me gloves?! You can't wait to 'trap' my heart and 'give me love,' right?!" Lian Song exclaimed excitedly.


*Glove is read as Shou Tao (手套) in Mandarin.


In China, they say that Glove sounds like 'Give Love.' It means that when you gift someone gloves, you're giving them love. It could also mean that you're trapping a person's heart since Tào zhù (套住) means 'Trap.'


Cheng Yu rolled her eyes again and replied sarcastically, "I should have given you socks as your Christmas gift so that you could stuff your mouth with it."


"Aww. It's snowing outside, and your heart is as cold as ice too." Lian Song frowned. Cheng Yu then held out her palm and asked, "So, where's my gift?"


Lian Song smiled and immediately took out the Christmas gift that he prepared for Cheng Yu. "What's this?" Cheng Yu said, and she opened the box. She thought to herself, "Wow. For once, Lian Song knew my taste. I really love this pendant." Then she hid the fact that she was pleased with the gift and replied calmly, "It's not bad. Thanks."


Lian Song replied excitedly, "Open the locket and check it out!" Then he raised his eyebrows. Upon seeing the photo of Lian Song in the locket, she thought to herself, "I should have known better than he would come up with stupid stuff like that. Wait, this picture of me... When was it taken?" It was a picture of Cheng Yu, closing her eyes with a huge smile on her face.


Then she looked at Lian Song, and she pointed at her photo, "What's this? Why do you have this photo of me?" Lian Song then smiled and replied lovingly, "This photo is from high school. I took it while you're asleep when I was taking care of you back then. Remember that I made porridge for you when you were sick?"


"Don't even remind me about that." Cheng Yu looked away since she didn't want to remember the unhappy past. Then she thought to herself, "He actually kept this photo of me all these years? Is he really serious about me?"


"I'm sorry, Cheng Yu. I didn't mean to bring up the past, and I know it was my fault back then. Let's forget about it and make a toast." Lian Song held up his glass of wine and lightly tapped on her wine glass. Cheng Yu gave a half-smile and sipped on her wine. "Maybe, just maybe, Lian Song is really a changed man. I mean... He has been 'behaving' well during the past few weeks. I'll be kind to him today since it's Christmas."


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Sitting right beside them, Yu Xi and Si Ming were smiling and having pleasant conversations. Si Ming wanted to give the promise ring to Yu Xi, but he was trying to find a good time to do so.


"Yu Xi, do you think we are progressing too fast? I mean, I don't think so, but I'm just wondering." Si Ming asked.


"No, I don't think so. Although we only dated for a short while, I felt a connection with you that I have never had with anyone. Many people dated each other for years, but they still don't have this strong connection like us. I'm so lucky to have you in my life, Si Ming." Yu Xi smiled sweetly and held onto Si Ming's hand.


"I'm glad that you think that way, Yu Xi. Do you think we should try to seek your parents' blessings? You already left home for so long, and I'm sure they are worried about you too." Si Ming held onto Yu Xi's hand tighter.


"I don't know... My parents are really traditional and stubborn. I'm afraid it won't go well at all. They might even come after you and cause trouble for you. I really don't want to take that risk now." Yu Xi frowned.


Si Ming reached into his pocket and pulled the ring box out. He hid it under the table first since he wanted to tell Yu Xi how he felt before giving it to her. Si Ming then stared deep into her eyes and said lovingly, "Yu Xi. I know it's hard to get your parents' blessings now, but I just want to make you a promise that I would marry you someday. I would have married you instantly, but I don't want us to rush into it as well. So here's a promise ring." Then he shyly handed her the ring box.


Yu Xi smiled sweetly and opened the box excitedly. "Oh my gosh. This is beautiful! I love it! I really love it!" Si Ming then took the ring and slipped it onto the ring finger of her right hand. "This is my promise to you that I'm committed, and you're the only girl that I would marry in this lifetime. I promise you that the next ring would be worn on your ring finger of your left hand." Si Ming smiled sweetly.


"I love you, Si Ming. Oh yeah, I actually have a gift for you too, but it's back at my apartment. I'm sorry, I don't have much money left so I could only draw a portrait of us together. I framed it up, and I'll give it to you later tonight." Yu Xi smiled sweetly.


"I love you too, Yu Xi. Well, I already love your gift!" Si Ming replied.


Yu Xi kept staring at the promise ring, and Si Ming stared at her beautiful face.


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To no one's surprise, Lian Song was also staring at Si Ming's smiling face while he was busy staring at Yu Xi. Si Ming then noticed Lian Song staring at him with a smirk. He grimaced and said sarcastically to Lian Song, "Have you seen enough? Your date is Cheng Yu, and not me. So you can stop staring at me now."


Lian Song raised his eyebrows at Yu Xi and said, "That's a nice ring. When will we receive wedding invitations?" Si Ming rolled his eyes and whispered to Lian Song sarcastically, "If you ever want to send out your own wedding invitations, you should just keep your mouth shut. Focus on Cheng Yu!"


Lian Song whispered back, "I don't know what to say! All my pick-up lines aren't working. Teach me how to be serious like you."


"Just be yourself, but drop those pick-up lines." Si Ming replied.


Right at this moment, the dinner service started. Appetizers were served first, and all of them started eating.


This time, Si Ming was the one staring over to Lian Song's table. He regretted not ordering Scalloped Potatoes, and he stared at Lian Song's appetizer. Lian Song then turned over and said sarcastically, "Have you seen enough? Your date is Yu Xi, and not me. So you can stop staring at me now."


"Your Scalloped Potatoes looks good." Si Ming smiled. "You don't like your Maple Roasted Squash Salad? Or you had too much 'roasting' from me?" Lian Song smirked.


Roasting - To humorously mock or humiliate someone with a well-timed joke, diss or comeback.


"Yeah, roast me for all you want. I don't care anymore." Si Ming shook his head. Lian Song smirked and replied proudly, "And this is why my thick skin is a gift of God. The thicker the skin, the better the roast."


Si Ming continued staring at Lian Song's plate, and he salivated at his Scalloped Potatoes. Lian Song smirked and ate a big spoon of it, "Mmm... So good. Some people just can't have what I have. Right, Cheng Yu?"


Cheng Yu gave a fake smile and replied sarcastically, "You want to know what you can't have? Me." Lian Song pouted his lips and replied, "Aww, breaking my heart on Christmas. You're heartless, Cheng Yu."


Then he looked over to Si Ming with sad puppy eyes and said lovingly, "Guess I will share my appetizer with you. Pass me some of your Maple Roasted Squash Salad too." Then they started sharing their appetizer.


Next up, their Soup of the day - Creamy Turkey Soup served with light and Buttery Dinner Rolls. The gossip duo frowned at the same time, and they also said at the same time, "I don't like creamy turkey soup." Then they smirked and looked at each other. "Bros for life." Then they did a fist bump.


The two girls looked at each other and shook their heads. Then they whispered to each other, "I can't even believe these two." Then they took the gossip duo's soup and fished out the turkey pieces in it. They also didn't want to finish the soup since they would be full before their Entrées were served.


Soon, their Entrées were served. The waitress served Si Ming and Yu Xi their Signature Prime Rib of Beef. Then she served Lian Song and Cheng Yu their Grilled Atlantic Lobster Brushed with Garlic Butter & Herbs.


The gossip duo leaned over and looked at each other's Entrées again. "Yours look better." They said at the same time. Cheng Yu rolled her eyes and said sarcastically, "Christmas Bromance, huh?" Lian Song smiled brightly and replied, "Of course! Our bromance is unbeatable. Right, Si Ming?" Cheng Yu snickered and asked Si Ming, "Should we switch seats then? Since you guys love each other so much and want to share food too."


The gossip duo looked at each other, and their eyes' lit up. They replied to Cheng Yu at the same time, "Can we? That would be great."


Cheng Yu face-palmed herself, and she thought internally, "I was just being sarcastic, and they actually took it for real. I can't deal with these two." Then she shook her head and got up to switch seats with Si Ming.


The gossip duo then smiled brightly at each other after they switched seats. "Now we can share our food. Let me cut a small slice for you." Si Ming said lovingly to Lian Song. "Here's a piece of my lobster too. Oh, don't forget to have some mash potatoes as well. I know you like that." Lian Song replied lovingly.


Cheng Yu then sat down with Yu Xi, and she said sarcastically, "I wonder who's the couple here." Yu Xi chuckled and replied, "Let them be. We could enjoy our dinner together. Do you want to share my food too? I don't mind that at all."


Cheng Yu then looked at her plate and replied sweetly, "Sounds nice. Let me give you some too." Then the girls continued eating and enjoyed a nice conversation with each other.


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Before the Desserts were served, the restaurant prepared a special event for all the couples. It was a game of Christmas Charades - a game in which players guess a word or phrase from a written or acted clue given for each syllable and the whole item. The winning couple would receive restaurant vouchers and a Christmas Hamper, amounting to a total value of 700 RMB (Approx 100 USD).


The gossip duo raised their eyebrows at each other and smirked. "We should join. If we win, we will split the prize in half."


Cheng Yu then shook her head and said, "They said that it was for couples." Lian Song then replied, "It's 2020; nobody would judge us if I said Si Ming is my boyfriend."


Si Ming also nodded his head in agreement, "True. How would they know that we are not a couple?"


The gossip duo then stood up and headed towards the 'stage,' and they signed up for the Charades game. A total of 4 couples signed up for the game as well. The gossip gave each other a high-five, and their minds telepathed, "Let's win this together."


The gossip duo was the only same-sex couple in the game, and a few people were pointing fingers at them. "Look at those two."


Cheng Yu and Yu Xi also turned their chairs to watch them. Cheng Yu laughed and said, "This would be interesting to watch." Yu Xi chuckled and replied, "Do you think they will win?"


"Of course, they would." Cheng Yu replied confidently. Then the girls laughed and continued watching the gossip duo.


The game started, and everyone drew lots to see who would go first. The gossip duo was the last to go for the game. They smiled at each other and thought to themselves again, "Let's just relax and watch them lose first."


For the first round, the girls' team would be the actor, and the guys' team would be guessing. Then they would switch roles on the second round. At the end of the game, the couple with the highest accumulated scores would be the winners.


All of them were given 2 minutes each round, and the 'actors' would randomly pick out cards with a word/phrase on it. Then the 'actors' would have to act out the word/phrase to their partner. They would also have to guess as many as they could within the time frame given.


"So who should be the girl?" Lian Song whispered to Si Ming. Without thinking, Si Ming replied confidently, "Of course you're the girl. You act like one sometimes too."


"Wait, why me?! I'm manly and tough. You should be the girl." Lian Song argued back.


At this point, all the girls were told to gather on the other side of the stage. Si Ming immediately pushed Lian Song over and said loudly, "He's coming."


Lian Song glared at Si Ming and unwillingly walked over to the 'girls' side. Then he thought to himself, "Fine, I'll be the girl. But if we win, Si Ming better give me those restaurant vouchers."


The gossip duo waited for their turns, and they watched the other contestants failed badly. The first three couples had the highest score of 2 for the first round.


Finally, it was gossip duo's turn. A few people snickered and were gossiping among themselves. Lian Song smirked at Si Ming, and their minds telepathed. "Ignore those people, and we will show them who's the big winner tonight."


Cheng Yu and Yu Xi stood up from their seats to get a better view. "Let the show begin." Cheng Yu said. Yu Xi chuckled and replied, "I can't wait."


The host then welcomed them on stage and said, "The moment that everyone is waiting for, our only same-sex couple. Let's give them a round of applause to show some support!" Most people clapped for them, but a few also threw a few touches of laughter.


"Are you ready?" The host asked. The gossip duo raised their eyebrows and replied at the same time, "Never been more ready than this." Lian Song proudly thought to himself, "I'm confident in my acting skills."


The first phrase was 'Three Wise Men.' Lian Song immediately pointed to himself and pointed to Si Ming. Then he used two fingers to make a Plus sign (+) and held out his index finger to show number one (1). After that, he put on a cold and stern expression to hint him that it was Dong Hua.


Si Ming instantly got the hint and immediately guessed, "Three Wise Men!" He also thought to himself, "That was easy. Three wise men. Me, Lian Song, and Dong Hua." Everyone clapped upon seeing them scoring a point after just a few seconds.


Lian Song immediately took the next card, and it was "The Nutcracker." He said to Si Ming, "Two words." Then he pointed towards his own 'nuts' and squeezed his fist.


"Easy. The Nutcracker." Si Ming said casually. Everyone was shocked that they already scored two points, and they still had about 90 seconds left. Cheng Yu laughed and replied, "Why am I not even surprised?" Yu Xi then replied, "I was surprised that he could even guess the second one."


"You don't know how dirty-minded those guys are." Cheng Yu snickered and replied to Yu Xi. "Now I know." Yu Xi giggled.


The next phrase was 'Boxing Day.' Lian Song smirked and started fake boxing, and he held out two fingers "2 words." Si Ming smiled and replied casually, "This is really easy. Boxing Day."


Everyone clapped even louder upon seeing them guessed the third one. "Those two are good, huh?" They gossiped among themselves. Cheng Yu and Yu Xi also gave each other a light high-five, "I guess those two are really good, huh? Beating everyone in the first round so quickly."


The host then paused the timer with 60 seconds left and announced, "I guess we have a strong and loving couple here. Should we make it harder and give them a Four-letter word card?"


"Yes!" Everyone agreed. The gossip duo smirked and replied, "Bring it on."


The host then handed a card to Lian Song, 'The Nightmare Before Christmas.'


Lian Song thought to himself, "Hmm... Nightmare." Then he immediately puffed his cheeks and acted like he was dry swimming.


Si Ming thought to himself, "Huh? That's a fish, right? Wait, fish. What does fish mean?"


Lian Song then stared at Si Ming and pretended to wipe cold sweat off his forehead. Si Ming immediately got the hint, "It's Dong Hua's Sweet and Sour Fish! Wait! It's four words. Fish. Hell. Dead. Nightmare! Wait... nightmare, three more words."


Then he yelled out, "I know! The Nightmare Before Christmas!" This time Si Ming took slightly longer to guess the answer.


Lian Song immediately gave him a high-five when he got that right. The host walked up to both of them and said excitedly, "Wow, we have a powerful couple here! They already broke the record with 4 points. Now they are left with 25 seconds, would they be able to hit 5 points?!"


Everyone started applauding and cheering them on. "Yes! 5 points! *whistles*." Cheng Yu and Yu Xi were also clapping excitedly.


Lian Song picked up the last card confidently, 'Mistletoe.'


He quickly walked towards the nearest table and stole some Arugula and Spinach leaves from the girl's Maple Roasted Squash Salad. "What? This guy just stole some of my salad." The girl said to her boyfriend.


Then he stood directly in front of Si Ming and held up the leaves above their heads. Lian Song closed his eyes, puckered his lips, and leaned in to 'kiss' Si Ming.


Si Ming anxiously thought to himself, "What the hell is he doing?!" All of a sudden, he got the hint, and he instantly held out his palm, stopping Lian Song from kissing him. Then he yelled out at the last 3 seconds, "Mistletoe!" Upon hearing Si Ming getting the correct answer, it set off a roar of applause from everyone.


Lian Song instantly opened his eyes, with his lips still kissing Si Ming's palm. "Eww! Did you wash your hands after you went to the washroom?!" Lian Song exclaimed. Si Ming smirked and replied sarcastically, "No, I didn't wash my hands. Does it taste salty?"


Lian Song immediately ran towards the nearest table again and stole the guy's untouched Iced water. He drank the whole cup and used their clean napkin to wipe his mouth too. The couple widened their eyes with shock and looked at each other. "What? He stole your salad just now. Now, he stole my drink and our napkins." The guy seated at the nearest table said shockingly to his girlfriend.


"Calm down, everyone. We still have another round of Charades. If nobody gets more than 5 points accumulated in this round, we will have our winners." The host smiled at the gossip duo, and then he gathered the couples to begin the second round.


The gossip duo stood at the corner and watched the other couples. They raised their eyebrows at each other and whispered confidently to each other, "Easy win, bro. So If we win, I get the restaurant vouchers?" Si Ming protested slightly, "What? Why do you get the restaurant vouchers? I want them too."


"Because I'm the 'girl' in this relationship! I love the food here." Lian Song protested too. Si Ming then nodded his head and replied, "How about we come to the restaurant together for another  dinner using the restaurant vouchers?"


"But this is a "romantic" restaurant for couples." Lian Song replied. Si Ming smiled and replied calmly, "Who cares? They won't know anyway. Come on; the food is great here."


"Fine. But you need to buy me desserts." Lian Song gave in. "Okay, deal. How about the Christmas Hamper?" Si Ming asked.


"Hmm... You can bring it home. It looks like it's filled with chocolates and candies."


Si Ming smiled and replied, "Yeah, we can bring it to work to share it with the rest too."


Right at this moment, the 3rd couple completed their second round. The host immediately announced the gossip duo as the winners since nobody managed to get more than 4 points.


"Oh? We won before we started round 2?" Lian Song smirked. Si Ming also smirked and replied, "This is way too easy, and I pity the other couples."


"Let's give another round of applause for the winning couple. Who would have expected that they would win?" The host said. Everyone stood up and clapped loudly for the gossip duo.


As they were receiving their prizes from the host, the gossip duo was given 30 seconds each to show appreciation to each other.


Lian Song went first, and he said confidently, "I have to thank....myself. If I weren't this good, we wouldn't win." Everyone stared at them awkwardly, and the host laughed awkwardly, "The couple must be shy. Let's give them some encouragement and support." Then he clapped awkwardly, and everyone followed suit.


Si Ming then cleared his throat and replied confidently, "I also have to thank myself for being this smart to be able to guess the answers. If I didn't buy restaurant vouchers for you tonight, we wouldn't be here to win it too."


Everyone burst into laughter at this point, and the host had a fake laugh, "This must be their way of showing love to each other. Once again, congratulations to the loving couple." Then he quickly handed them their prizes and took his leave. The desserts were also served shortly after.


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The gossip duo proudly held onto to their prizes and walked back to their seats. Si Ming carried the hampers while Lian Song fanned himself with the restaurant vouchers.


Lian Song then looked at Cheng Yu and asked confidently, "Did you see how good I was back there?" Cheng Yu shook her head and replied sarcastically, "Yeah. You're only good at such things." Lian Song widened his eyes and replied shockingly, "What?! Is that what you think of me? I'm good at everything, but you need to give me a chance to prove it."


"Fine, fine. I'll give you a chance since it's Christmas. Just sit down and eat your dessert." Cheng Yu gestured for Lian Song to sit down beside her. The gossip duo then decided to join their tables and sit together.


Shortly after, the waitress came to serve their desserts, and she looked confused. Lian Song noticed that, and he immediately said, "Yeah, four of us are dating each other." He didn't want the waitress to know that they lied to get into the Charades game.


"Uhh... Okay..?" The waitress replied awkwardly. Then she thought to herself, "Geez, these two guys are sure weird. I guess they are just afraid of people judging them for dating each other."


The waitress served their desserts and left. "Enjoy your desserts. Do let me know if you need anything." The gossip duo and girls thanked her, and then they began eating.


As expected, the gossip duo shared their desserts, and they even fed each other. Then they held up their wine glasses and cheers to each other. Both of them were too engrossed in talking to each other that they totally neglected their dates.


Yu Xi giggled and whispered to Cheng Yu, "I feel like those two are on a date instead of with us. But it's so funny and sweet to see that too. I mean, their friendship is definitely unbeatable." Cheng Yu smiled and whispered back, "Those two came a long way, and they are childhood friends. Nothing can split them up, not even us."


Yu Xi raised her eyebrows a little and asked Cheng Yu, "So... Did you feel the difference in Lian Song today? Both of them looked so cool back there when they were playing the charades game."


Cheng Yu smiled and replied softly, "I can't deny that he did look cool back there. If only he's always this way. Most of the time, he's just spewing nonsense." Yu Xi shook her head lightly and replied, "That's because he likes you too much! I can see that he's very tense around you, but the way he looks at you, nobody could match that. He is definitely serious about you. Give him a chance, and you might be surprised by how well he would treat you."


Cheng Yu took a bite of her Yule Log Cake (Bûche de Noël) and replied softly, "I guess I could try my best to open up my heart to him. But he still has a lot to prove to me." Yu Xi gave her thumbs-up and replied, "That's good! At least you're taking the first step out to try to accept Lian Song. Hopefully, both of you would end up together. I'm cheering you on!"


Cheng Yu smiled brightly and replied, "I also hope that you and Si Ming would get married someday. I can't wait for that! Hopefully, your parents would agree to it."


The girls then looked over to their dates and saw them feeding each other. "These two." Then they shook their heads and laughed. "Let's just focus on our own desserts."


Both of them then started their own casual 'girl talk' and finished up their desserts.


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"I already miss you." The gossip duo said to each other while they were standing at the restaurant entrance. Then they hugged each other and said lovingly, "Merry Christmas. It was a nice date. Thank you."


Cheng Yu shook her head and said sarcastically, "Can I have my 'date' back?" Lian Song immediately turned over to Cheng Yu and exclaimed, "Did you just call me your date?! Yes, yes! You can have me back now." Then he turned to Si Ming and waved him goodbye. "Bye, Si Ming. I'll see you at work."


"Just go. I want to spend time with my Yu Xi now. Bye." Si Ming then held Yu Xi's hand and headed towards his car.


The gossip duo then turned back and looked at each other. They sadly mouthed the words, "Bye."


The girls then turned their heads back and said, "Now, focus on me." The gossip duo then smiled sweetly and replied to their dates, "All attention on you now."


"Merry Christmas"
From your favourite Gossip Duo,
Lian Song and Si Ming.

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