The mural surpassed all high expectations. When the light hit it at the right angle, the painting looked alive, as if the characters slowly crept out from the wall. They all stood with tensed bodies and masks hiding part of their facial features. These accessories matched their outfits, which represented a native animal.
The customers went crazy over it and the added props gave an extra sense of immersion. Men and women, young and old, grabbed masks, stood behind fake rocks and posed to be part of the world Lu Ming created. She was proud of her work. However, the celebration bothered her.
The restaurant advertised the mural and insisted she attend the 'second opening'. This put her in the spotlight and for once, she felt relieved Chi Sying forced her into a tight skirt and frilly top; everyone wanted photos with the artist. This never happened to Lu Ming before. She was used to being a wallflower and preferred hiding in the shadows.
"Just as I anticipated! Isn't it marvellous?"
The siren returned, as promised. Since then, she disposed of the tight-fitting dress and instead, wore a casual shirt and denim shorts. Yet, the aura of sophistication never left her despite the casualness of her outfit. 'Definitely a siren,' Lu Ming concluded. 'Who else can look that good?'
"Woah."
Lu Ming's breath caught in her throat. Her heart thudded in an quickening beat. Goosebumps prickled her skin. It couldn't be... When she turned around, a handsome face blinded her. Sunglasses held his hair back, a silver, heart earring glinted on his left ear and his style matched the siren; casual but expensive. The siren's friend was none other than Li Jun.
"No way," she heard herself say. Quick to avoid their gaze, she tried to hide at the counter. Unfortunately, the owners pushed her back out and another customer grabbed her for a photo.
"Can you see yourself, Xian Bo?"
The man, similar in age with scruffy black hair, grinned. "She even painted my mole!"
"Have you visited this cafe?" The siren asked. "Maybe she saw your face and memorised it. I heard talented artists do that."
"You should know I never visit this part of the city."
"What about the artist? Have you met her?"
"Where is she?"
They pointed her out immediately, somehow sensing her horror amongst the crowd. When they locked eyes, her stomach dropped. However, a flicker of hope went through her when she saw them walk past her and towards the counter. 'I'm saved', she thought. A second later, this relief vanished; they arranged with the owners for her break to be with them.
She sat at the table because of Wu Mai's enthusiasm at rich clients. Had it not been for the owner's excitement and Lu Ming's need to please, she would have left the cafe early. In the beginning the three customers asked her occasional questions about work. Fortunately, they kept reverting to talking among themselves which helped, as Lu Ming's attention remained on the thigh pressing into her own.
Li Jun insisted to sit beside her and then, kept brushing against her. It made her heart skyrocket. What could she say to him? I think I cursed you? I don't often turn so weird and kiss strangers? The nerves from the awkward lunch made her want to vomit.
"How have you been?" He whispered, his breath ticking her skin.
"Ah. Er. Good. How have you been?"
"Heartbroken."
"Why?"
"A lady of interest kissed me, then never returned."
"Oh. It happens I guess," Lu Ming replied, unsure what to say about his dating life. Was he seeking advice or wanted to brag about his love life?
Li Jun held her gaze then burst out laughing. The rich sound pleasantly flowed to her ears and for some reason, she blushed. This caught the attention of his guests.
"What's so funny?" Siren asked.
"Lu Ming is embarrassed to ask for your names," Li Jun lied smoothly, finding his breath again with a grin. "The women to the left is Phoenix and the man to the right is Xian Bo. We work together."
"Nice to meet you."
"We heard a lot about you from Li Jun but who would have thought you are the painter Phoenix mentioned too," Xian Bo exclaimed and appeared marvelled at the idea.
"Funny coincidence," Lu Ming replied awkwardly.
"Just like painting our portraits."
Lu Ming gulped and became flustered. What could she say? "I really didn't know. I hope it doesn't offend you. I already asked the owners about re-doing it and they disagreed. I just. I didn't meant to do it. It's-"
"Ignore him. He likes to tease just as much as Li Jun," Phoenix replied. "However, I am interested in your work. I love the style. Could I hire you as my painter?"
"That is... a generous offer."
"Phoenix, phoenix, phoenix," Li Jun taunted. "Try before you buy. Test before you invest. You may not like her style in other art. The mural is based on a game whereas her other work will vary. I suggest she draw you something on a napkin to truly show her technique."
Phoenix's eyes lit up. Without warning, she offered Lu Ming a pen from thin air. "Would you?"
'I hate wanting to please others', Lu Ming thought but nodded with a smile to the customers. She took the pen from Phoenix and napkin from Li Jun, careful not to touch him, then readied herself. After a deep breath, she met the pen with the paper.
At first, feeling the scrutiny and pressure, she doodled. The onlookers remained intent on watching, analysing each detail. As seconds ticked by and they noticed her fidgeting hands, they relaxed as if she didn't give them a correct answer. It was bizarre. What did they truly expect?
"I apologise. It's hard to work in a busy place. This is my business card if you do wish to see my work," Lu Ming said shyly, handing over the small bit of cardboard. "I should leave. Your lunch will be much more enjoyable-"
"Please stay."
Li Jun touched her with his bare hand. Was it to make her hesitate? Was it to flirt? It didn't matter for as soon as he did, her ability activated like a light switch. She couldn't turn it off. The pen glided across the napkin, sketching something beyond her recognition. Her mind turned blank. It took seconds to register the soft sounds of awe from the table. Yet, when she did, her hand refused to stop.
Then, heat spread across her back. It coaxed her out of the trance like magic. After fluttering her eyelashes to focus again, she looked up to face shocked expressions. How could she explain this ability? Why did they look so enraptured? What did she draw? On the napkin, an odd eye stared up at her; a universe danced in the iris. It belonged in a Sci-fi webtoon or movie.
"Lu Ming, we are leaving."
Behind her, the person spreading warmth guided her out of the seat. A slave to the pleasant feeling, she obeyed Chi Hao Chen. Briefly she wondered why was he here but pushed the question aside. She wanted to leave anyway. Who cared for the reason right now.
"Is that her choice? You appear rather controlling. We arranged this lunch with her approval and I don't think it is polite to whisk her away," Li Jun said casually. However, his eyes turned hard and threatening.
"Lu Ming," Chi Hao Chen said in warning. She knew better than to argue and secretly, praised his timing. It felt like she was being exploited by the three people somehow.
"I apologise for my leave. I made plans with my friend and forgot about it. Thank you for the meal," Lu Ming said. When the words left her mouth, embarrassment hugged her; they didn't eat any meals. Why did she say that? How mortifying! Her nervousness to be with them became obvious now.
"Thank you for the company. I am sure we will meet again!" Phoenix said in her sweetest voice.
Now, after returning to the restaurant, Lu Ming was terribly sure they would.