Emptiness.
That was the best word to describe Friday morning, waking up in the solitude of my room. In fact, if Devil Cullen and Cullen Fu back in the Soulless Bar were the same person, it explains well.
What both scenarios had in common was how I woke up in bed the next morning clueless of what happened. Both times, everything had ended in a dream.
But the memory of the icy kiss seems to linger in my mind. As cold as Devil Cullen's kisses, they have the effect of heating my lips up to maximum strength. I have some indecent thoughts after that, but they stem from my inexperience in sexual activity. Not that I wish for anything to change right now. Since I ended my previous life without any knowledge on that, in this life, I am puzzled as to what it is like.
I remind myself that Cullen is in every aspect a devil, and a mischievous one at that. Humans and devils do not go very well together. They belong in different realms. But the kiss with Cullen seems to have opened a door to a different world between me and him.
I reflect on his words.
"Lu Shengyi, now do you know what it means to give up your love and your soul?"
Did he mean that my love and soul now belongs to him… in a romantic way? My heart skips a beat when I digest this finding. Provided my deduction is right and he does not plan to consume my life force. But ...my love?
Are devils like him even capable of romantic feelings?
I remember clearly that it was Cullen Fu who appeared in my bed, before Devil Cullen took over. What is Cullen Fu to him, other than having the same name? Both men have very distinctive appearances. A multitude of possibilities appear in my mind, but I rapidly disperse most of them, leaving a few more valid questions.
Did Cullen impersonate the rich playboy CEO because he thought I was interested in Cullen Fu?
So, he was jealous of Cullen Fu?
As if he is reading my mind now, his warning to me last night that he owns me and that I should not think of being with someone else, flashes in my mind.
A jealous man… sounds so desirable. If there was anything I have regretted not having before I ended my past life, it was never having the attention of a jealous partner in my life. Shan Hanyu had never been a jealous sort, which made our love life rather empty.
Now when I look at my past life again and again, all of the pain and anguish was caused by the loss of Shengyi Corporation. The factor that made me end my life. It was not love that brought about my pain, but betrayal of trust. Aside from that we are engaged, I don't feel any special feelings towards our relationship. I used to think that we were the perfect couple, but remembering how he and Xiaoxian were together as a couple in this life, I realise they were the ones who made the perfect couple.
I smile deviously as I realise that I could use this to my benefit. But when can I see Devil Cullen again? I stare around the room, but there is only myself in the room. Devil Cullen has long left. I could call him in my mind, but I know this will not work everytime.
I sigh and lick my lips.
One can't blame an inexperienced woman from harbouring indecent thoughts… particularly when they are with a man who isn't very human. Sadly, what good can even come out of loving an immortal devil? Though I am reborn, I am still human to begin with. The deal with the devil never said anything about living forever.
I might as well forget about the whole love thing altogether and continue achieving what I can for the sake of Shengyi Corporation.
......….
As it's Friday, I don't go to the office, but instead work from the convenience of my home. I hop into the long tub in my bathroom and relax in some calming salts and lavender oil.
A few hours before I get to work on some proposals, I say to myself. Shengyi Corporation just landed some new business some days ago. I don't know who these new clients are, but they insist that they are sent by another company my way.
According to one of the clients, she used to give business to another performer in the industry, however, the company, which she refuses to name, said they were unable to accede to her request due to inadequate materials and recommended her to go to Shengyi Corporation. It seems fishy all right, but who could say no to new business? Every new client means money towards the corporation, and I can't say no to a new deal. Dewey believes we should take on the offer, so if he says it's good, then why not?
I soak in the tub for another hour and listen to the radio as I relax. At the same time, I find out another thing: in this life, my taste in music hasn't changed. I am still fond of June's Showers, the same band I was fond of in the past.
And I am even singing in the shower now, like I used to.
I finish up and clean off in the shower. As I walk past the large bathroom mirror, I ponder for a long time: what will I look like when I start aging?
Aging is something again which I do not know about. My paternal grandparents passed away when I was very young, so I never knew what to do in such circumstances.
I am a very conscious person, so while I don't use makeup, I can't imagine myself in wrinkled skin and looking haggard.
It seems silly that I would be thinking of this all of a sudden. After all, I did die at the young age of twenty-seven. I should be glad even if I could pass thirty years of age. Of course now this is dependent on the decision of the devil Cullen. If he doesn't take my soul from me when I reach twenty-seven, that's a good thing. Until now, I don't even know what is on his mind. All he's done is give me dreams.
I divert my attention to my work requirements, and casually slip into a set of home clothes. My personal preference for home clothes revolves around a comfy tee and shorts, or cotton pyjamas. Of course, I pick the former since I'll be sitting around on my bottom typing away in the comfort of my bed.
I have just turned on my laptop and read through a few emails when I come across a surprising email sent this very minute by Cullen Fu personally.
[Cullen Fu: Dear Miss Lu Shengyi,
It's been awhile since I last heard from you. I hope all is fine, and luck and health is always with you.
I understand that due to my past actions, you still perceive our companies as competitors. I would like to change this fact. What about you and me, discuss the possibilities of our companies working together at 4pm this afternoon at Willow Cafe? Alone.
Even if we don't see each other, don't give up and leave.
I look forward to receiving your reply, which I hope will be favourable to me.
Yours,
Cullen Fu Kelin]
I scowl at how Cullen Fu has the audacity to send such an email to me, and how he is full of himself. Did he think that because he invited me, I should go?
But without going to the meeting, I would not be able to know what is on his mind, and find out if he is up to any tricks now. In a way, it could be helping Shengyi Corporation if I just turn up for a potential business discussion. Even if I disagree with his terms, I don't think I would lose anything by turning up. Who would know? Maybe he is really intending for us to work together considering the benefits from a business perspective.
Nonetheless, it seems to be too good to be true. But if he wanted to hurt Shengyi Corporation, given his financial standing and experience in the industry, Cullen Fu could have done it easily. He was able to repel my investigator's spying on him and with little effort, so to him, Shengyi Corporation is just a small fry he could crush easily with his fingers.
My curiosity knows no bounds. I am inclined to know what Cullen Fu is up to, so I just reply him with an email.
[Shengyi: Dear Mr Cullen Fu,
I am doing fine, just a little chilly from the weather. I hope you are as healthy as before.
I would be happy to accept your offer to meet at the Willow Cafe alone, provided it is your treat.
See you there!
Regards
Lu Shengyi]
I confidently sent out the email, fathoming that Cullen Fu would have no objections.
Sure enough, in seconds, I received another reply from him.
[Cullen Fu:
Dear Miss Lu Shengyi,
Glad you could make it later. See you there.
Cullen]
I was bursting with excitement upon receiving his reply. Just what did Cullen Fu have in mind?
But before I go over to the mentioned venue, I should make some arrangements.