156 Gladiator

After Ying Sheng finished the photo shoot she was beat tired. Her neck was stiff and her body was aching.

"Good job, Miss Ying. It's hard to believe that this is your first time in front of the camera."

The photographer said as he looked at the photos with a satisfied smile on his lips.

"Thank you!" Ying Sheng bowed slightly at the photographer.

"The photographer had tried to convince Ying Sheng to try modelling but Ying Sheng had refused. Too much was going on in her life and she didn't want to add the stress of the media to it.

"If you ever change your mind, give me a call." The photographer said as he handed Ying Sheng a card.

Ying Sheng nodded and accepted it. After saying goodbye to the crew, Ying Sheng walked out of the building.

Surprisingly she saw Liam waiting for her. He was leaning on his car wearing a slim fitting jeans, maroon v-neck and a pair of sneakers.

He was looking at the ground so he didn't see Ying Sheng coming out.

"Is that your boyfriend? Oh he is hot!" The stylist voice sounded behind Ying Sheng causing her to froze.

'Boyfriend? She and Liam?' 

Even though she liked teasing him, she has never seen him in such a way.  After all, she already liked someone.

"Huh, no. He is just a friend." 

The stylist widened his eyes, "You're letting such a cute and handsome guy go? Girl, what's wrong with you. Too bad he's straight! I would have-"

A cold glance from Ying Sheng made him shut up.

"What are you doing here?"

"Oh I forgot to take your contact. We should definitely hang out sometime." The stylist said giving his phone to Ying Sheng.

Ying Sheng entered her number and run towards Liam.

"Liam!" She called out making Liam look up at her.

He flashed her a soft smile and gave her the gladiolus flower he was holding.

Ying Sheng lowered her head and brushed the petals against her nose.

"Thank you, I have never received a flower from a boy before.". 

Liam narrowed her eyes, "Well, I guess it's their loss then."

Ying Sheng shrugged smiling lightly. She has always envied those girls whose boyfriend would get them flowers or chocolates. 

"The flower when I saw it it reminded me of you."

Liam said making Ying Sheng looked up at him. She raised her brows, "Me?"

"Hmm? Gladiolus flower represent strength and persistent.  You're strong."

"Strong? That's the funniest thing I have heard today". 

Ying Sheng arched her brows at him.

"Yes, strong. You didn't fall apart from everything happing to you. Yeah you have your break downs but like a Gladiator you always stand up and face the battle with your head held high. You can still smile with everything going on and continue to be the infamous Miss Ying."

Ying Sheng opened her mouth and blinked a couple of times.

"Was that supposed to be a compliment?" She questioned making a faint blush taint Liam's ears.

"Hmm. I guess?" Liam said awkwardly. 'Did I say too much?'

Clutching the flowers, Ying Sheng planted a kiss on Liam's cheeks.

"Thank you, Liam."

Liam flushed and nodded. "You're welcome."

"So...have you been waiting for a long time? Why didn't you come in?"  Ying Sheng asked.

Liam rubbed the back of his neck, "No not really I just got here."

'Liar. You have been waiting for almost an hour.' His mind screamed at him.

"So how did it go? Did you have fun?" Liam asked softly as he opened the car door for her.

"Yes,  I had so much fun! Changing into different outfits and wearing expensive jewelleries. 

"I thought you hated jewelleries and dresses." Liam asked chuckling softly.

"Oh I do! But diamonds are a girl's best friend. And I got to wear lots of diamond jewellery."

"Hmm." Liam nodded without saying anything.

"What about you, how was work?" Ying Sheng asked playing with the flower in her hands. It was really beautiful.

"Not bad but definitely not good." Liam said with a sigh.

"Oh is your boss a bastard who is overworking you?" Ying Sheng asked raising her brows.

Liam stifled a chuckle and shook his head. He was his own boss how can someone overwork him?

"No. No one is making me overwork."

"That's good." Suddenly Ying Sheng stomach growled. 

She pouted, "Gosh, I'm hungry."

Liam chortle, "You and food. What would you like to eat?"

"Anything as long as it's delicious."

Liam nodded and drove them to a luxurious restaurant. You needed reservation for months  before you can eat at this restaurant but being close friends with the owner had its perks.

"Josmay Restaurant?" Ying Sheng raised her brows as she asked.

"This restaurant is f.u.c.k.i.n.g expensive Liam. Don't tell me you're using your pay to bring me here. Also, don't we need reservations?"

Liam chuckled and shook his head.

"No, I went to school with the owner so I kinda have a VIP membership card here."

"Oh" 

Liam led Ying Sheng inside the restaurant and they were greeted by the manager whose name Liam doesn't even remember.

They were ushered inside a private room and a waitress come to take their orders.

For some reason Ying Sheng was annoyed by the way the waitress was staring at Liam.

"Okay, hun we have finished ordering you can go now."

Ying Sheng snapped at the waitress. The waitress blushed in embarrassment when she heard Ying Sheng and left them.

"There is no need to be rude, Ying Sheng. She was trying to be polite."

Ying Sheng snorted and crossed her arms across her chest ignoring Liam.

Liam heaved a sigh. "Are you angry?" He asked softly but Ying Sheng still ignored him.

"If I don't know better I would say you're jealous, Ying Sheng."

Liam said as he chuckled. Ying Sheng stiffened when she heard him.

Was she jealous? No, okay maybe she felt a little uncomfortable by how Liam was smiling softly at the waitress. But was that jealousy?