I took a deep breath and looked at him. "Yes, I spoke with him, but he left in a hurry and said he had to run some errands for his uncle and would be back soon," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
He nodded, looking sympathetic. "I'm sorry, I know it's hard."
I nodded, tears threatening to spill over. It was hard. It's hard to move on, hard to let go. But I knew I had to. I couldn't keep living in the past.
I took another deep breath and pushed the memories away. It was time to focus on the present and move forward with my life. "Thank you," I said, managing a small smile. "I appreciate your support."
He smiled back, and for a moment, everything felt okay. Maybe, just maybe, I could get through this.
"I have some money to lend you," Cheng said.
I understand, Cheng, and I really appreciate the offer, but I can't take it. You need to pay rent, feed your siblings, and pay for their school fees. I'm sure there are other ways I can get the money I need. And my boyfriend will soon be back, I added, tasting the bitterness in my mouth. I can't burden him with my financial problems, as he already has enough to worry about. I'm sure he won't mind, but I don't want to put him in that position.
"I understand," Cheng said. "How about I lend you money until your boyfriend gets back? That way, you can have money for food and transportation. It's the least I can do since you can't take my offer."
I smiled, feeling grateful and relieved. "Thank you, Cheng; you're a lifesaver. I really appreciate it."
After Cheng left the room, I waited patiently for his return. It didn't take long before my stomach grumbled, reminding me that I hadn't eaten anything all day. I couldn't help but feel anxious as the minutes ticked by, wondering when Cheng would return.
Just as I was about to get up and go and look for him, Cheng walked in with a plate of food and uniforms in his hands. "Sorry for the wait," he said, placing everything on the table. "I had to go grab these for you."
I breathed a sigh of relief and thanked him, grateful for his thoughtfulness. The food was bursting with flavor as I ate.
While I was eating, Cheng went to freshen up. When he returned, I had already finished eating and packed my clothes in a corner. I could not go home with the package Liu sent. I was grateful to keep them in Cheng's room, as they were useful now.
While I picked up my shower gel, Cheng gave me a new toothbrush with toothpaste and a new towel. I was embarrassed, as I had almost forgotten how to use a shower, but After a few turns, I got it right and had my bath. The hot water pouring down my body was relaxing and comforting. I felt my worries melt away as the warm water cascaded down my skin. I felt rejuvenated and ready to take on the day.
After what felt like forever, I left the shower and brushed my teeth. The warm water had helped to relax my muscles, but I knew I had to hurry if I wanted to make it to work on time. After a few minutes, I rinsed my mouth before returning to the room.
I quickly pulled on my uniform, making sure everything was in place. It was a simple outfit, but it helped to signify the importance of my job and the responsibility that came with it. Once I was dressed, I took a deep breath and gathered my things before heading out the door.
Cheng is already in the lounge, talking to the servers. I sat in a chair, relaxing my back, before work started. My mind drifted to the first time Wang kissed me in the car. I smiled at the memory, feeling warmth spread throughout my body. I took a few moments to savor it before my thoughts were interrupted.
Excuse me, are you Mr. Zhan? A guy asked while wearing a food delivery uniform. I replied with a simple "yes." Without any further conversation, he informed me that I had a delivery from Mr. Liu and placed the food directly in front of me. I thanked him, and he promptly left.
I couldn't help but laugh at the irony of the situation. Here I was, being sent food from one brother while the other couldn't even bear to look me in the face. It was like a tragic movie with a hint of comedy—truly a reflection of my life.
Cheng sat beside me and asked, "From the lover?"
"Yes." I smiled, feeling guilty for lying to him. However, I reassured myself that I would soon reconcile with Wang. It was difficult to hide the truth from Cheng, but I knew it was for the best. He was my best friend, and I didn't want to worry him.
As I looked around the lounge, I noticed sunlight setting through the window. It was beautiful, but I couldn't fully enjoy it. My mind was preoccupied with my recent misfortune.
I took a deep breath and tried to focus on the present moment. Cheng and I sat in silence, lost in our own thoughts. I wondered if he could sense my unease. I didn't want to burden him with my problems, but I also didn't want to keep secrets from him.
Eventually, Cheng broke the silence. "Is everything okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
I hesitated for a moment before answering truthfully. "No, not really."
"Miss him?" he asked curiously. I smiled, reminiscing about everything, especially the way he was so protective over me that night when he was high on blood wine. "Yes, I miss him so much," I said, my voice trembling a little.
It's difficult to describe how much I miss him. He was more than just a partner; he was everything to me. I remember him wrapping his arms around me, pulling me close, and kissing my head. I remember how he made me laugh, even when I was feeling low.
I am sure he feels the same. Cheng said and stood up. I quickly got to work and arranged my workspace for the night. After we were done, Cheng sent someone to the nearby cafe to get coffee for us.
As the night progressed, the bar buzzed with excited chatter and laughter. I scanned the room, looking for a familiar face, and my eyes settled on Table 1. I couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness wash over me, knowing that the person I was looking for was not there.
I couldn't believe it when I saw him enter around 1 a.m.; it was almost like a dream. I was so happy to see him that all my worries and sadness vanished in an instant. I forgot the pain of the night before.
A few minutes later, a server came to me and stated that someone from Table 1 had requested my presence. I felt a sense of relief and happiness knowing that Wang had finally realized his mistake and sent someone to call me.
I adjusted my clothes and went to table 1. When I arrived, I saw Wang talking with a cute tall guy, and a feeling of jealousy burned in my veins. I tried my best to remain calm and composed as I approached the table.
"Is he the mixologist?" the tall, cute guy asked. The server nodded in response, and I put on a courteous smile as I stepped forward and greeted them.
"Can you make the same drink for me? He won't stop talking about it," he said as he pressed Wang's shoulders, making me frown. "Make the same for me," Wang said, but before I could say anything, the tall, cute guy dismissed me as he pulled Wang and started talking to him again, laughing.