Chapter 207 - Story Of Nina Li

CHAPTER 207: HELPING STEVEN FOR NINA

* * *

During dinner, Annie asked Steven and Harry with random questions. 

"So, tell me. What course did you take? Or are you both taking the same degree?"

"Yes, Aunt Annie. Harry and I are taking up Business Administration, but I major in Marketing, and Harry is in Accounting." 

"Oh! That's great! It will be helpful to your family business." 

"Harry, taking an extra course about International Business!" Nina told Annie. 

"Oh. I see! I heard how smart you are, Harry." 

Harry looked up and smiled at Annie. He glanced at Nina, who's smiling wide at him. He truly mentioned he starts another major in one of his letters. And he is uncertain if Steven told Nina anything about it. He doesn't want his brother to misunderstand the whole thing.

Harry lowered his head to resume eating. Nina presumes Harry doesn't like what she did. The smile on her lips disappears. So stupid of her speaking out of the blue. From then on, she has to choose what words she should share.

Meanwhile, Steven hid his surprise.

He never mentioned it to Nina that Harry recently took another major. It only means Harry and Nina, regularly sending letters behind his back. Steven is gripping tightly onto his fork.

Annie observes keenly. She senses the pressure between the twins. She caught Steven's dark glare, but he immediately hid his expression and acted casual.

But she understood that Steven got jealous when Nina complimented Harry. 

"Ahem." Annie clears out her throat. "How about you Steven?" 

"I'm sorry, Aunt Annie?" 

"Have you taken another course?" 

"Oh, yes! I'm thinking of studying programming. Ever since our family is a big supporter of technology. I should learn about it too." 

"That's great! Right, Nina?"

"Yeah! I would love to learn too! You should teach me, Steven!" 

"Sure! It's my pleasure!" 

Finally, both Steven and Nina smile cheerfully again. Annie sighs with relief. She has to lighten up the atmosphere. Her niece could not hide her feelings for Harry, which he only ignored Nina.

And Steven pretends not affected at all. Also, her niece doesn't have any idea that the two men are competing for her attention. 

One is effortless, but one is doing everything to capture her heart. Above all, one gives way.

Annie pursed a smile. How interesting? 

She wanted to know the climax of this love triangle. It excites her of who Nina chooses among the twins. 

Both are handsome. Smart. But it matters who Nina loves among them. 

Dinner is over. Annie invited the twins back to the living room while Nina made tea in front of them. 

Annie only had a taste of it during times, Nelson and Dona staying in England. After the couple flew back to China, Nina never made tea again.

And tonight, she is making them again because she wanted to serve tea to the person she loves. 

Annie is hoping that no one gets hurt at the end of this love triangle. She already perceives that it will be a tough battle to win.

What would matter most?

Love for the woman you adore?

Or a brother's love? 

"Aunt Annie, your tea." Nina carefully places the teacup on the coffee table. 

"Thank you, Nina!" It always delighted her to sip this wonderful tea. She was like brought to cloud nine after the liquid touched her mouth. 

"It was truly the best! I wished Nina would serve this tea even if we don't have our special guest." 

Nina blushed, she nodded. "Yes, Auntie. I will every time you visit me." 

"Is that so? How wonderful! How lucky I am!" 

"Auntie, I wish I could always have a cup of Nina's tea. Sadly, we only have five days to stay in England. After the final, we need to fly back the next day." 

"That is sad. Why don't you tour Harry and Steven around, Nina?" 

"I will, Aunt Annie! We could bike around Cambridge and have a delicious lunch at my favorite restaurant!" 

That night Nina and Steven made plans. Harry listens quietly. He has nothing to worry about the competition since he is already familiar with the questions and formulas. 

But not Steven. He knows Steven is still making mistakes. And he made a deal against that annoying prince. 

Steven needs to win, and their team should win first place. 

"Harry? Are you worried that we go out tomorrow instead of reviewing our quizzes?" 

Steven asks Harry. They are now back at the hotel and about to sleep. 

"I have no worries until you accept a childish challenge." Harry made a remarked as displeasure displayed on his face 

"What?" Steven, who was already lying on his bed. He sat up and looked at Harry. He reasons, "It's not a childish challenge! It was Nina who's involved in that game!" 

"That's what I'm talking about! It's not something to play around!" 

"Okay! I get it! But can you allow that annoying prince to do whatever he wants? Would you let him have a dinner date with Nina?" 

Harry takes a moment of silence, he conceded. Steven is right. Even he would not allow it, especially as he doesn't trust the guy. He wanted to punch him the moment he brought up the deal he made with Nina. He is certain. Possibly Nina was only forced to accept it.

Harry heaves a sighed. He stood from his bed and opened his bag. He took out a plastic folder; he handed it to Steven.

"Here, I created this to have a simple and quick solution to the problems during the competition. You should at least memorize the steps."

Steven scanned the contents and procedures written by Harry. It was a genius solution.

"Thanks, bro! Truly, you are the best!" Steven jumps on his twin brother. A meaningful smile tore from his lips.

In the end, Harry could not conceal his feelings and his desire to protect Nina.

The only rival he recognized is his twin brother. And anyone who attempts to steal Nina, he would fight his love even to death. 

That night, Steven studied Harry's notes. It was easier than the ones their professor discussed. 

*** 

The next day, Harry and Steven seated on the bench, waiting for Nina and Jessica. Steven is yawning. He stayed the entire night reviewing Harry's notes, the reason he was sleeping until now. In his hand is a brewed coffee to stay awake. To not notice his eye bags, he wore black sunglasses as the brightness of the sun irritated his eyes.

Not long after, Nina and Jessica arrive, riding a bike. 

"Good morning!" Nina shouted and waved at them.

Instantly, Steven sat up and met Nina with a broad gap and a wide smile. 

"Good morning, Nina!"

Nina and Jessica step on the brake to stop their bike. 

"Hi, Steven!" Nina greeted him. She peeps behind Steven to greet Harry, who remains seated and reading a book. "Hi, Harry!" 

Harry lifts his head to return the greetings. However, it was too formal. "Good morning, Nina." Then he shifted his gaze toward Jessica. "Hello, Jessica."

"Good morning, young master Harry! Good morning, young master Steven." Bowing, Jessica politely greeted the twins. 

"Good morning, Jessica!" Steven replied he turned to Nina. "So? Now that you are here. What are we waiting for? Let's go!" 

"Yup!"

Nina brought Harry and Steven to the shop, so they could rent a bike for the entire day. 

Gladly, Jessica is more familiar with the city. She leads them around, particularly to the places they often go to. 

When it was lunchtime. They went to the park and chose a spot under a willow tree close to the lake. 

While Harry and Steven feed the swans on the lake, Nina and Jessica place their lunch on the picnic sheet they brought along. 

"Steven, Harry! Let's eat!" Nina called them out. 

Shortly, the twin joined them and sat across them. Looking at the food, it was Steven who expressed his joy.

"Wow! You brought a lot of food!" 

"Jessica helped me prepare them. I'm glad she knew how to make hot buns and dumplings. Korin teaches me, but I haven't mastered it yet." 

"It looks delicious. I'm sure it tastes good as well! I could smell the fascinating essence of steam meat!" 

"Yeah, I'm hoping you would like it. Don't compare it to the restaurant you dine at!" She is nervous if Harry and Steven would like it.

Nina regretted that she didn't continue to practice cooking. All she does during her extra hours is sighing and staring at the sky.

"Hm, it tastes good, Nina!" Steven compliments her while Harry eats quietly. "Hey, Harry! You should compliment Nina! Surely she woke up too early to make us lunch!" 

Harry glanced at Steven before he looked at Nina to make his comments. "It tastes like homemade. The one we always eat when we're home in China." 

Nina's heart flutters from joy. Truly, she woke up before the sun rose in the East to prepare them.

"Thank you, Harry and Steven. I'm glad you like it. Jessica makes them when I feel sad. It also made me feel like I was with Mama and Papa."

"Nina…" 

"Oh! I'm not sad right now! I just wanted to share with you both the homemade buns I enjoyed!" 

"We're grateful you were thinking of us. Right, Harry?" 

"Hm? Oh, yeah." 

"You were reading again. Would you just put down the book for a day?" 

"The book hooked me up. I couldn't stop reading when it reveals who is the killer." 

"Jeez. You are eating and about killing is what you are reading!?" 

Nina beams when Steven attempts to snatch the book, in which Harry is annoyed at his twin brother. 

"Do you want me to feed you? Ahhh…" Steven picks up one dumpling and draws it close toward Harry.

Nina giggled, watching the twin. It was fun that Steven was also here.

"Oh, I prepared tea as well!" 

"Wow! I have been spoiled today!" 

Nina gave Steven and Harry each one a thermos where she keeps the tea to remain hot. 

"Good luck to both of you for tomorrow!" She wishes for Harry and Steven.

And she prayed they would win the championship, so she need not go with Albert to a dinner out.