"I told you it was Christmas Eve..." Richard said. "Think of it as a gift of blessing to my family. I'm happy to have a complete father and mother from now on."
Siu Sean's guess was right.
"Ah, okay..." Siu Sean nodded while rubbing the back of her neck. "Then I'll go home first. Thanks again, Richard, Helena ..." she said. "Merry Christmas to you two too."
"Okay."
Helena also pouted, but Richard immediately pinched his adopted sister's chubby cheeks as soon as Siu Sean turned away. The heart's intention to go home by hitting the rain again failed to happen.
This is so weird...
Yes, very strange....
Why did the heavy rain and strong wind make her heart warm at this time?
.
.
.
7 p.m. Siu Sean squeezed her fingers. She looked at her face once again in the mirror. What is missing? What? Maybe she should ask Sarah Jessica for help one more time?
No, no.
No need. Because Madam Rho Vin said that the make up problem had been arranged by The Scuttes make up later. Because of that, Siu Sean was determined. She immediately wrapped her body in her old long coat, complete with a scarf, and didn't forget a velvet mask to ward off the cold outside.
# Sean, I'm already outside when you're ready to go
(Edward Rich)
Siu Sean's phone screen flickered. After skimming through the message, she called Edward Rich as she walked out. "Gosh... why don't you wait for me at the bus stop as usual?"
Through the balcony, Siu Sean looked down and there was Edward Rich waiting for her in a white Audi. Shit! Why can?
Whether on purpose or not, Edward Rich looked classier than usual. The man was wearing a shirt, vest, and an outer long coat made of leather, who knows what the color would be changed to purple. His long scarf hung down to his knees, but Siu Sean couldn't bear to see his hair style change drastically.
Edward Rich. Who had always shown modesty in front of Siu Sean as a respectful and sometimes impudent friend, now dyed his hair white and he looked like someone else. Oh, no. Maybe it's more like an idol straying in front of her current boarding house.
Siu Sean turned off the phone subconsciously. She gulped. It's hard to accept everything. Oh, crazy. Didn't Edward Rich say he was short on funds and only ate instant noodles almost every breakfast? What's with his current appearance? Why didn't he tell me he had a lot of money? Is he stingy or what? Why not offer Siu Sean a hand?
Siu Sean's thoughts were all mixed up at this point. "Why..." she asked impatiently. Once they face down below. Right next to Edward Rich's car. Siu Sean seemed to be asking for a thousand explanations. "Why lie to me, Ed? You said you'd pick me up at the bus stop, right? In Celine's car."
"I have something to confess..." said Edward Rich.
Confess?
What?
Why suddenly?
"I'm a male prostitute," said Edward Rich. It made Siu Sean's chest feel like it was collapsing in an instant. What did he say? "Host to be more precise. I haven't gotten into the dark world that far. It's just, I do sometimes accept customers' offers to her bed and get paid."
"I..." Siu Sean sighed. "I don't know what to say..."
"Why don't you just say you don't like it if that's how you feel?" asked Edward Rich. "I'm ready to hear everything."
"Ah... Ed..."
"It's Christmas Eve, Sean. I want to let go of all the secrets and be honest with you," said Edward Rich. "Maybe I can ask you for forgiveness, understand? After all, the end of the year is near. So I thought... Early in the year you can be with me without lying."
"I see..." said Siu Sean. Suddenly feeling guilty and instead patted Edward Rich's chest which was decorated with snow. "Thanks, Ed. It doesn't matter. I'm going to be a prostitute anyway." Her smile grew. Their eyes met and Edward Rich looked like he was about to cry.
Honestly, Siu Sean had never seen this side of Edward Rich. The man is strong. Even tend to show absolute attitude in front of anyone. So, it's a bit surprising.
Ha ha. Who would have thought that this year's Christmas Eve would be filled with drama?
Siu Sean couldn't think anymore. She hugged Edward Rich's body. Gentle, but can calm the faint tremor in the man's body quickly.
"I should be the one apologizing," said Siu Sean. "You said you wanted to be serious with me, but instead you had to help me enter that dark world with another man—ha! I'm no worse than you..."
"No-no, Sean..." said Edward Rich. "I think it's good if it's Zhu Fei Long who orders you. At least I know about him. Not often, but I've seen him a few times at bars I went to when I was hanging out with a customer. And yeah... He's really nice.".
Siu Sean wanted to laugh. "Is that so? That's good..."
"Just remember my words," said Edward Rich. When they let go of their hug. "No matter how good Zhu Fei Long is, he's still a powerful rich businessman. He can do anything to you as long as he wants."
Siu Sean got goosebumps when she heard that. "Okay."
"Now shall we go?" take Edward Rich.
"Yes."
They went to The Scuttes after that. Passing the dim night as usual. Crowd on the streets. Christians and non-Christians enjoy the atmosphere. They take a walk. The cold air that blew from the remnants of the rain did not dampen the enthusiasm to keep opening a small party. Several houses on the roadside were set off with fireworks. Residents clustered in front of the veranda. Singing church songs, then cheering when the fire exploded in the sky.
They clap. Several BBQ grills with gigantic pressure cookers raised on the edge of a park bench. Funnily enough, even though Siu Sean was going to have a slightly sad night... The lively sights she saw along the way could make her smile a little.
Edward Rich was right. Siu Sean had to make a resolution this Christmas Eve. Clarify the flow of life. Doing something with a purpose. Without regretting the decision in the slightest.
Siu Sean must forgive her for everything that has been and will happen. Because, maybe then everything will change in a more positive direction than just leaving depression.
Daydream.
Siu Sean just realized that Edward Rich's car had braked on Celine's car right in front of The Scuttes when she heard the sound of pounding disco music from inside.
Turning to the right, Siu Sean saw all the unfamiliar surroundings. Bar commotion. Hundreds of colorful lights that adorn the 24-hour building become more thrilling. Down, Edward Rich opened the door for her to remember that it was time to leave.