Mrs Cheng wired the severance pay at noon the next day, Song Ruoxin was on her way out of a cafe after a failed interview when the alert came in.
She rushed out her phone from her bag at the chime and held it up. She swore silently and brought down the phone as she saw the cafe's name written boldly.
There were two other messages on her phone, none of which contained any good news. The first was a debit alert while the second was a mail from a company that she had applied to.
She had not made it passed the first interview as usual. Song Ruoxin blew out a heavy breath and roughly ran her hand through her hair.
"Today must not be my day," she muttered bringing down her hand and glancing around. She threw the phone back into her back and walked to the bus stop.
She frowned slightly as she noticed a small crowd in the small playground before the bus stand. It looked like there was a film crew shooting a scene.
Ruoxin slowed down at looked at the playground. She was hoping to see an actor she liked. She hoped that seeing one of her favorite actors might lift her spirit a little.
There was a small crowd standing a short distance away from the netted fence that encased the playground.
The drama crew created a barricade to keep the crowd from getting close. Song Ruoxin moved closer to the playground.
The make-up crew ran to touch up the actors' faces as the director screamed cut. There were six actors taking part in this scene, two of whom separated from the rest.
Song Ruoxin stood on the tip of her toes and stretched her next to get a clearer look. Which was proving to be futile as the make-up crew contact movements blocked her view.
She gave up minutes later and turned around to leave. She paused as she heard someone call her name.
"Xin Xin!"
Song Ruoxin frowned, "that sounds like... It can't be her right?" She tilted her head slightly and slowly turned around.
Her eyes widened as she met Su Hualong's bright eyes, "Ling Ling... What are you doing here". She blinked as her gaze fell on the shorter girl's branded clothes.
Su Hualing was a part-timer like her, these brands of clothes were too expensive for her. Su Hualing giggled at her friend's confused expression, slapped Ruoxin's shoulder,
"Don't think too hard, did I tell you that I got a call back from an audition. It was this production, we filming in this location".
"Oh my, I forgot," her cheeks flushed as she finally noticed the curious stares from the people around them.
Su Hualing's smile widened, "I don't have any scenes for the next hour or so. How about we go get something to drink and get away from the prying eyes"
Song Ruoxin glanced at the people standing around, a few avoided her stares. Their loud whispered questions filtered in, but she just smiled and gave her friend a nod.
"Let's go," Su Hualing held her hand and pulled her forward, "there is a cozy little book cafe not far from here. You will love it, Xin Xin," she said as they walked down a small alleyway.
They stopped in front of a glass door with the illustration of someone reading a book with a cup of coffee beside them.
"Here we are," Su Hualing opened the door and walked in, a waitress wearing a dark green apron met them at the door.
Su Hualing and the waitress seemed familiar with each other, she took their order before going to prepare their order.
Minutes later they were seated in the small seat by the window with their orders placed on the table. Song Ruoxin smiled as she glanced around the cafe.
It looked very welcoming with natural lighting, soft calming music, nice ventilation, and super comfortable seats.
The bookshelf stationed at different corners of the room gave the cafe a calming vibe. It was very much like the bookshop she worked for.
"You have been holding out on me Ling'er," she smiled and shifted her gaze back to Su Hualing who was seated opposite her.
"Why didn't you tell me about this place".
"I thought you are loyal to Moon Bookcafe?"
Song Ruoxin chuckled, "I have to, that is where half of my paycheck comes from. Though it wouldn't hurt to come here once in a while. Ling'er don't keep the good stuff to yourself".
"I just found out about it a few weeks ago. An actress I met during an audition works here, she was the one that took me here. I was planning on suggesting it to you and sister Yun but before I could you ... "
"Got fired," Song Ruoxin sighed and leaned back in her seat. She picked up the cup of hot chocolate and held it up, "what happened after I left?"
"Not much, Mrs Cheng left not long after and Boss Ye ran after her. That dog is so shameless, can you believe that he kept insisting that you seduced him".
"Ha! I seduced him? How pathetic... Like everyone isn't aware of his relationship with Qiwei. Mrs Cheng is just blind to the obvious," she set down the cup and shook her head.
"Mrs Cheng must have reached her wits end with him, Ruoxin. She sent a message to the group chat this morning notifying us that Boss Ye has been removed from his position.
"That is not even the last of everything. Ruoxin, I heard from manager Yao that she blacklisted you. Mrs Cheng's Ex-husband is a big boss in the banking industry.
"Most business owners have outstanding loans with various banks, they cannot afford to offend her. it might be difficult for you to get another job".
Song Ruoxin gripped the edge of the table tightly and pressed her lips together. Su Hualing bent forward and laid her head on her hand.
"Don't beat yourself up, Xin Xin. Our Manager heard this from someone, this might not even be true. It could be a_"
"It is not a mistake. I think it is true, I just spent the entire morning applying for 4 waitressing positions only to be rejected every single time. God... Why does it have to be me," she leaned forward and covered her face with both hands.