Driving around the city with no destination in mind was not what Chen Mu had on his weekend schedule. He expected a chill, relaxing weekend with a peaceful slumber and big breakfast the following day. It was already 1 A.M. in the morning and he was still sitting in his car wondering what he could do for Susu.
"Back then, the sly tricks that Karen used to get Tian Yuo's attention was so obvious that I could puke out rainbows like the Skittles commercial. I thought that he would figure it out since her actions were damn shameless. She didn't leave him any personal space whenever and wherever she saw him." He looked at the beautiful full moon that shone in the night sky with groups of stars twinkling around it.
"I still can't figure out why he would get attracted to her. She's not even that pretty or that curvy. At least there were better looking girls out there, but why her? Sigh, men are probably animals who think with their lower portion than use their brains when facing females..." He snapped out of his daze and stepped out of his car to feel the breezy air by the beach.
It was still rather early for anyone to be roaming around, so he didn't think of the chances of encountering someone while taking a short walk on the boardwalk. "Hmmm? That familiar looking back... isn't he...."
Quickly, he dialed a number and placed the phone next to his ears. Seconds later, the man in front of him picked up a call with his same old, husky tone that could easily seduce any woman he wanted, "Hello?"
"CEO Huang Zhi Hei, I never knew you were this romantic to take a walk by yourself." For a second, Chen Mu felt relieved to see him because he considered Zhi Hei as a close friend after some business interactions and socialite events.
"You couldn't have tapped my shoulder or called out my name like the daily habits that you almost did every time you greeted me at my company?" Out of every friend that Zhi Hei had, Chen Mu was the only one who could speak to him in such a carefree way. He respected Chen Mu's intelligence when it comes to business tactics and fast resolutions to emergencies.
"Che, so cold like always~ But that's what I like about you~ Ahhh, you're always this cold to me. This is why you don't have a girlfriend yet. You gotta warm your tone or they'll all hop away like bunnies. Keep your spikes to yourself, porcupine." He winked.
Even though Tian Yuo was Chen Mu's childhood friend and practically knew everything about him, Zhi Hei is actually closer to Chen Mu. In front of Zhi Hei, Chen Mu could rant his frustrations and emotional stress whenever he needed an outlet. Though he sounded more like a needy girlfriend, Zhi Hei would still make time to see him and they would exchange each other's stories.
Over time, the two began opening up to each other and would feel free to discuss anything that was bothering them, excluding their family business plans. Sometimes, they would hear news about the problems that each other's company was facing and suggest possible resolutions.
Zhi Hei grinned as he made eye contact with Chen Mu and pointed to his phone screen.
Beep
"Hey!!! I saw that!! You hung up on me!!" he stuffed his phone into his pocket and childishly stomped while walking towards Zhi Hei.
"You reek of beer. It's rare for you to drink and drive. Something wrong?" Zhi Hei asked in an indifferent tone.
Chen Mu sighed and flipped both palms upside down with his hands spread out while looking helpless as he explained the situation to him. He already told him about Susu and basically every tiny thing about her. By the time he had finished telling him the whole situation that happened overnight, they were sitting in Chen Mu's car with two Starbucks Black Coffee.
"How should I comfort her now?" His hands clasped together looking as if he was trying to ask a master to accept him as a disciple.
"Look for the waiter first and trace it back to the culprit. According to what you've just told me, you also haven't heard Susu's side of the story yet. Come up with an excuse and try to slip that question out without making it awkward. Find out what happened from both sides and your chances of digging out the mastermind would be higher." He frowned after tasting the bitterness of the coffee.
Chen Mu quickly handed him two packs of sugar, "But...she just lost her first time to my bastard friend. I don't think I should bring this up. She might be very sensitive to this topic right now."
"What's worse? Asking her with the chance of her feeling sad and awkward in front of you or for her name to remain unclear because nobody is smart enough to trace back to the waiter to dig for more information?"
"You're right. It's like 2:30 A.M. now. Maybe I should go to pay her a visit in a few hours." Chen Mu pointed at his watch looking disappointed.
"I've read some articles before about cases like this. Well, not exactly the case, but similar. The female loses her virginity and commits suicide because she couldn't stand feeling dirty and violated before marriage. Even though Susu was in love with that Tian something friend, his verbal insults are enough to trigger her emotions. You sure you want to wait till later?"
"... You're right. Sorry, but I'll head over to Susu's now. I'll find an excuse and somehow accompany her for the night. Lord Hei! You're always a life savior~ Feel free to talk to me about your love problems~~ I can give you the most romantic ideas for dates hohoho~~"
Seeing Chen Mu's restless face, he exited the car and watched him drive off before going to his own, "Sigh, at least this chipmunk has his chances. Mine is probably still with that man. I wonder if she remembers me.."
-Susu's apartment-
Susu was turning left and right on her bed without a hint of fatigue in her eyes. She tried counting sheep and listening to soothing music, but nothing helped. Her brain was full of endless thoughts on what happened the previous night after she had drunk the drink.
In the middle of mumbling, "...Karen handed me the drink, but why would she drug us if she likes Tian Yuo so much? It's not making any sense..."
Ding Dong
Wrapping her body with her fuzzy robe, she turned on the lights and looked through her tiny peephole, "Chen Mu? What's he doing here?"
She opened the door, "Why so late?"
"I have an emergency!! Only you can help me!" He acted very conflicted.
"Huh? What is it? Sounds pretty important. Are you sure you don't want to call your secretary?" She wondered if it had something to do with work. If so, his assistant would be a much better choice than her.
"Remember one of the Japan facial sheet masks that you bought?" he casually walked passed the door and comfortably laid himself on the couch.
"The cherry blossom one that you extremely loved?" After rubbing her chin countless times, she finally remembered that particular mask he complimented for an entire month.
"Uh huuuh! That one!"
"What about it?"
"I ran out!!!" Though it sounds ridiculous, skin concerns were one of Susu's weaknesses. She was the one who introduced him to facial masks and skin creams. Now, this one and only reason should work like a charm.
Susu was rendered speechless by his midnight crisis...but still, she silently walked into her bedroom and came out with a box of the cherry blossom masks, "Here. Alllll for you~"
The corner of his mouth twitched when he witnessed the mountainous stack of cherry blossom masks, "Ah..hhaaa... you're very prepared!"
"Anything else? If not.." Her hand reached for the door knob, but halted when he stood up and said in a calm, unwavering voice, "Wait."
She turned around to find herself trapped between his arms and her back now leaned against the door, "Let's...have some fluffy pancakes with strawberries on the side."
'If masks don't work, then food will have to do. Who says we can't eat at 3 A.M. in the morning? Pffft.'