Zhan's Pov.
It's been a month now, and every night I see Wang, my heart aches more. I can't help but think about him constantly, even though I haven't spoken to him again. I don't want to come across as desperate, so I've kept my distance.
Liu, on the other hand, has been very persistent. He keeps sending me food with notes attached, but it's becoming overwhelming. Some days I don't even eat the food, instead, I let Cheng have it.
As much as I appreciate Liu's gesture, his constant attention feels suffocating. I wish I had his number so I could call him and ask him to put an end to that.
Wang's friend seems fascinated by my blue eyes. I know I can't have Wang, but I still use Liu's products. I'm scared of the consequences if I don't. I don't want a demon after me.
I don't understand how they club every night after their one-month reservation ends yet still retain the same table.
I suspect Wang's friend might have ulterior motives. He seems to be snooping around and asking questions, and I've noticed him talking to Cheng a few times. He also looks at me suspiciously, as if I'm some kind of freak.
Could he be the demon Liu was talking about? He always compliments my eyes and seems to be overly eager to get to know me. I can't help but feel like there's something strange about his presence and that he's up to no good.
Or maybe it's just plain jealousy. I hate the way he looks at Wang, especially when he touches him. It's like he's trying to take something away from me that doesn't belong to him. Whatever he's up to, I'm determined to figure it out. "I will call him tomorrow."
After putting the thought behind me, I continued my work. It was a busy night in the lounge, and I had many orders. However, I could not help but thank Cheng for his kindness. He had allowed me to save my tips in a jar and keep it in his room. It was a small gesture, but it meant a lot to me.
To my surprise, Mao also showed me kindness. He gifted me with a few clothes, which was unexpected but greatly appreciated. It was a relief to have some new clothes since I couldn't afford them.
I can never forgive Uncle Hao for burning my clothes and money. However, Aunt Ru did not say anything. It's difficult to understand why someone would do something like that, especially to their family member.
In the meantime, I am doing my best to behave and avoid situations that may lead to physical violence. It's a sad reality that I have to live in fear of being beaten. But, I know it's important to stay safe and protect myself. It's a difficult situation to be in, but I am determined to make the best of it until I leave.
I am not sure how long it will take to save up enough money since I stopped going to stall 15. I have been budgeting my expenses and saving as much as I can. I am hoping that within a few months, I will have enough money saved to move out.
I also noticed that the scars that marred my skin are fading, and I am grateful for this small blessing. I am still learning to cope with the emotional trauma, but it helps to know that the physical scars are fading. It is a reminder that I am on the path to recovery and that I can eventually move on with my life.
Jackson's Pov
I was sound asleep when my phone began to ring. I reached out from under the covers to grab it, squinting at the bright screen. The name on the display made me do a double-take. It was Wang. I had not seen him in 18 years.
The last time we spoke, it had been a chaotic and terrifying experience. Unknown demon assailants had attacked Wang and were attempting to steal Nomos, his pet. I remembered the fear in his voice as he recounted the events over the phone before I went to see him.
Now, seeing his name on my phone screen, all those memories came flooding back. I hesitated for a moment, unsure of whether or not to answer the call. But my curiosity got the better of me, and I swiped to answer.
"Hello?" I said, my voice still groggy from sleep.
"Hey, it's me, Wang." His voice cracked through the speaker.
"Wang! It's been so long. How have you been?"
We caught up for a while, reminiscing about old times and updating each other on our lives. It was a pleasant surprise to reconnect with someone I thought I'd never speak to again. Even after all these years, our friendship is still strong.
Wang's sudden question, "Where are you?" makes me pause. I know exactly what that means. He needs me to help him solve a problem or accomplish a task. I know this because he has always asked this question when needing my services.
"I'm in Steel land. If I leave now, I will be with you by midnight," I said, standing up from the bed.
"I am in Uscana. That's going to take longer. I need you here sooner," Wang hissed.
"Uscana, what the fuck have you gotten yourself into?" I said, the sleep clearing from my eyes immediately. I knew Wang had a knack for getting himself into trouble, but this was a surprise even for me. I had no idea what kind of mess he had gotten himself into this time.
"It's not trouble; it's a runaway lover. I need you to help me find him." Wang hissed.
I could tell by the desperation in his voice that this was heartbreak. I sighed and said, "Alright, I'm on my way. I'll be there as soon as I can."
"And something else. Someone gave me blood wine," Wang added quickly.
"That is interesting. I will see you soon." I said and hung up the phone.
I dialed Meng's number immediately. She picked up after a few rings.
"Meng, it's me. I need your help. Wang is in Uscana and needs me to find someone. I need to teleport there now," I said.
"I will be with you shortly," she said and hung up. I sighed and grabbed my things, ready to teleport to Uscana.
She knocked on my door 15 minutes later, and I was surprised. I had expected her to teleport. However, she came in through the door and explained that she had been nearby for quite some time.
She smirked and asked me, "I wonder what he's doing there?" She opened her bag and pulled out a crystal. She then performed some sort of voodoo ritual and instructed me to grab my bag.
Immediately after I grabbed my bag, I felt like I was in space or limbo. If there's one thing I hate in life, it's teleporting. I felt my stomach drop and my heart race as I was transported to an unknown place. After what seemed like forever, I found myself in an unfamiliar place.
I stumbled into the street, my stomach churning and my head spinning. It took me only five minutes to get here, but the journey felt like an eternity. I steadied myself against the wall, taking deep breaths to calm my nerves.
I reached for my phone and called Wang. As the phone rang.
"Hello?" Wang's voice was calm.
"It's me," I said, my voice shaking. "I am in Uscana but I don't know where. I feel dizzy and disoriented. Can you pick me up?"
"Of course," he replied without hesitation. "Send your location."
I sent him my location, struggling to keep my balance as I waited for him to arrive. The minutes felt like hours, but finally, I saw his familiar face through my dizziness.
"Let's get you home," he said, taking my arm and leading me out of the street. As we walked towards the car, my stomach slowly settled.