************
When Yi Chunhua returned from work, Mei Xing couldn't shake off the weight of her recent conversation with her mother. Despite her lingering thoughts, she decided to mask her feelings to prevent her friend from worrying.
Over dinner, Yi Chunhua shared details of her day as a Financial Assistant at a prominent company, especially since her responsibilities had increased following her manager's tragic accident.
Although the workload was stressful, Yi Chunhua had earned the respect and trust of her colleagues and even heard rumours of a potential promotion.
"So, there's a good chance that I may be getting promoted soon, and I can't deny that I'm thrilled," Yi Chunhua said with a grin.
"That's wonderful news," Mei Xing raised her glass of wine, and Yi Chunhua followed suit. "Congratulations in advance on your well-deserved success."
"Thanks. Now, how about you? Are you going to me about the good news to share, or do I have to wait until tomorrow?" Yi Chunhua asked as she leaned forward into the table, her arms acting as support.
Mei Xing sighed, and her thoughts involuntarily drifted back to the distressing phone call from earlier.
A flash of sadness dipped in frustration crossed her eyes, and Yi Chunhua noticed. She reached across the table to hold Mei Xing's hand.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Yi Chunhua asked gently.
"It's nothing," Mei Xing shook her head, forcing a smile. "I received a job offer this morning," she added quickly.
Yi Chunhua's eyes widened. "Really? That's the best news I've heard all day. Congratulations, sweetheart."
"Thank you."
"Hey now. Why don't you seem happy about it? Are you really okay, Mei? You don't have to hide your feelings with me; I won't judge you," Yi Chunhua reassured her.
Mei Xing bit her lip in hopes of stifling the tears forming. She didn't want to appear weak, nor did she seek pity. However, Yi Chunhua's caring inquiry reminded her that she hadn't had someone genuinely concerned for her in a long time.
That alone was enough to make her emotions well up.
Yi Chunhua rose from her chair and walked over to Mei Xing. Kneeling in front of her, she wiped away the tears. "Oh, Mei. What happened?"
"My mother happened. She called, and she knows about the divorce, and she..." Mei Xing's voice trembled into sobs.
"She wants you to return to Feng Houyi," Yi Chunhua finished the sentence.
Mei Xing nodded.
"My goodness. That woman is cruel and way out of line if she thinks you will return to that awful marriage," Yi Chunhua fumed.
"She even gave me a deadline, Chu. Tomorrow. And I..."
"Do not tell me you are seriously considering her words, are you?" Yi Chunhua quickly cut in. "You already have a job offer, Mei. You're about to start living your life, and the best part is that it will be on your own terms. Please don't tell me you'll go back to Feng Houyi."
Mei Xing shook her head. "I don't want to, Chu. I really don't want to. But I'm scared."
"I know. But if you aren't scared, I would be worried. Then again, you don't have to be scared cause you have me. I'll support you no matter what challenges arise. Just stay firm in your decision and excel in this job. Amaze your clients, okay?"
"I'll try."
"Come here," Yi Chunhua stood and enveloped Mei Xing in a warm hug. "No more tears, Mei. Neither your ex nor your family deserve a single drop of your precious tears."
Mei Xing hugged tight when she heard Yi Chunhua whisper, "You've got this, girl."
••••••
The following morning, Mei Xing woke up with a newfound fixity of purpose. She felt less apprehensive about potential consequences from her family regarding her recent decisions.
Summoning her courage, she decided to take the bold step of reaching out to Aotian, the intriguing man she had met at the coffee shop the previous day.
With a deep breath, she dialled his number, her fingers trembling slightly as she waited for him to pick up.
"Hello, this is Lu Aotian speaking. Who's calling?" Aotian's voice on the other end was warm yet professional.
"Um, hi, good morning," Mei Xing replied, her nerves still present but more controlled. "This is Mei Xing, the architect you met at the coffee shop in town yesterday."
"Oh, I remember," Aotian replied with a hint of interest. "I was hoping you would call."
Mei Xing couldn't help but smile at his response, her confidence slowly began to build up. "Well, I'm calling regarding your offer, and I would like to know if we can schedule a meeting to discuss remodelling your office."
Aotian's next reply was prompt and accommodating. "Certainly, we can do that. How about this afternoon? I have a meeting that is about to start, but I should be free in the next two hours."
Mei Xing glanced at the wall clock in her bedroom; it was already fifteen minutes past ten. "This afternoon works perfectly," she agreed.
"Great," Aotian responded. "Then I will see you at the same coffee shop."
Mei Xing nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "I will be there on time. Goodbye."
After they hung up, Mei Xing couldn't contain her excitement. She let out a long, relieved sigh as she sank into her chair. "It looks like my career is taking a promising turn," she whispered to herself, a newfound sense of hope and determination swelling in her heart.
So without further ado, Mei Xing sat up and opened her laptop. Since she still had more than an hour, she went on carving out different slides of design that may suit Aotian's preference.
Although he has not said anything about that, Mei Xing was good at drafting what a client may like based on his or her personality she grasped during their interactions.
It was a gift she was proud of having.
In the given period, Mei Xing shut the world out as she delved deep into her work.