Chapter 4 CHAPTER 3 HER MISFORTUNES

LIAN

The door is acting up again. I tugged, gritting my teeth. I am sweating like a pig and my old uniform is too big that it is hard to move. Hissing, I let go of the door knob and adjusted the sleeves of my jacket, clicking my tongue in disappointment.

It's almost eight am and I can't afford to be late again.

Unfortunately, I have to endure the petty things I could only buy with my little salary. On top of that, supporting my family isn't easy to someone who didn't get a degree.

I closed my eyes and tightened my grip at the door knob as I pulled with all my strength, smiling to myself when it finally clicked shut. I brushed my hands together and descended the stairs two at a time.

"I have followed what you said. That gold digger needs to be buried with debt up to her neck. I am running late for a meeting. Ugh, I have asked Zen that he should renovate this building yet he never listen!" There was a bang and a hiss, and I slow down my pace. Zen? Isn't that the owner of this building? Who is this man? How can he address to the owner as though he was a child?

"I am currently visiting the third of the whole unit to check your information. This building C is the worst. No wonder, it is where the rats are from. Building A is as high class as you promised it, I am happy that serves as my house."

I inclined my head up the stairs, scratching my neck as I struggled not to roll my eyes at the obnoxious statement. Upper class men – a classification that is making my blood boil. I adjusted my shirt and smiled at my reflection at the window, descending the stairs.

The voice belongs to the man who is waiting by the elevator. He keeps on clicking at it, his forehead sweaty.

Impatient, arrogant man.

He ran his hands on his hair and click the device on his ear. He proceed down the stairs, and I followed him, frowning for I cannot understand why he is not using the elevators when he appears to be someone from the higher ups.

He shouldn't be taking our stairs.

I stuffed my hands inside my jacket and tried to eavesdrop, "Alright. Now, I want you to talk to the owner and remove them from their home." I steal a glance at him – what a waste! He is good looking and appears to come from a powerful family. How come he is such a jerk? And who are these people he is talking about? They need to be warned of what he is planning to do. "Once you are done processing that, I want you to proceed with the plan. No mistakes, do you understand? I don't want you--"

I wasn't given any chances to eavesdrop as I reached the lobby, surprised to hear my name, "Lian!"

"Oh, Mrs. Li!" I smiled, bowing at the elder lady who just entered, her arms full of groceries. "How come you are early today?"

"Well, young master demanded that I clean his unit for I am not able to attend to him last week because I am sick." I adjusted my bag and helped her carry her stuff to the elevator, "No, Lian, leave it by the lobby for the elevator is under maintenance. I shall ask some bellboy to help me get this upstairs."

Oh, so that is why that man keeps pressing on the buttons but the elevator won't come.

"If you insist." I bowed at her, "I'll get going then, I don't want to miss my bus." I waved at her and proceed outside, swearing when the rain began to fall. I reached for my umbrella but realized that I left it open to dry at my balcony. Gritting my teeth, I began walking the remaining distance to bus stop.

There are so many people stuck in the shed so I have no choice but to stand next to the post. The screech of wheels and water splattering on my jacket surprised me. "What the – HEY!"

The black Lamborghini did not stop as it hurried past the bus which is already leaving. The line shortened and I was able to take a seat. I started cleaning my jacket with my spare tissue, cursing that blasted driver.

"I missed the bus 24! I should've asked you to meet me at the restaurant, than having to go there alone."

Wait. 24? That's my bus!

I frowned at the lady who takes the seat next to me and I gasped as the next bus rolled in – 25! Oh no, I will be late for my job. I followed the cue that leads inside, my fingers shaking in exasperation. I cannot afford to be late for another thirty minutes. I will be killed by my boss, literally!

I needed this job. As a firstborn and a sister to three younger siblings, with a deceased father and a sick mother, I have to have a job to provide for their rent and monthly check ups. The traffic was horrible as we passed the schools and the malls. I am constantly cursing myself for eavesdropping a while ago. If I had not dawdled over that good looking guy, I wouldn't be in this situation.

The bus takes a turn and it barely stopped before I was up on my seat, plummeting down the sidewalks that leads to the tiny restaurant I am working in. I ignored the guards, throwing my things inside my locker and wearing my apron.

"Xiu Lian!" I closed my eyes, praying that my boss would disappear. Alas, as I risk to open an eye, he was standing there. Mr. Lin is sporting a bloated stomach, balding head and pouted lips, an indication of his irritation towards me. "This is your last warning! Haven't I told you before? No more late hours! Can't you get it through your head?"

"I am sorry. I missed my bus and it is raining-" I gasped as Mr. Lin draws near, tugging at my clothes and pulling at my hair, making me wince in pain. His hand tighten upon my arm and I glared at him,

"I do not care if it is flooded or if it is snowing outside. You begged to keep this job, therefore, you have to be responsible yet you do the opposite. I cannot tolerate you anymore. You always come to work late, you never take into account my warnings about your uniform, your lax behavior is disturbing the workplace."

"Mr. Lin, you have to understand. I've got no time. I have to work three jobs so I can support my family."

"Oh yeah, excuses. But don't you know that you have more ways to earn more money than working three jobs? You know what I mean." Mr. Lin sneered and I averted my gaze as I felt his hand encircling my waist as he whispered, "I can let you keep your job if you will agree upon spending the night with me."

This is what I am weary about – workplace scandal.

I took a step back, desperate of putting some distance between us. "Pretending to be a high class lady, are you? You are poor, the way you are dressed, says so, even though you act sophisticated. Stupid, dumb and petty!"

"Boss!"

"What is it?" Mr. Lin snapped, his chink eyes growing smaller. Yan scratched his head and waved at me from the counter, earning a smack on the head as Mr. Lin repeated himself. "What is it? Tell me, boy!"

"There's a group of athletes that is waiting outside, shall we welcome them?"

"Are you being dumb? Of course we should!"

Mr. Lin narrowed his eyes at the both of us, lingering at me for a moment before he signaled at Yan. "Welcome them inside, Yan, and assist Lian with what she needs to do."

I smiled, reaching out to take my boss' hand but he shakes it away, his eyes still narrowed, "I am watching you, Ms. Xiu. One more and you are out!" The slam brought by the door made me jump. I smiled at Yan as he held out a thumbs up, leaving me alone.

The silence that settled after the door was closed gripped my chest tight and I proceed with my task of filling up the sandwiches with the spread that Mu have prepared yesterday. I took a whiff and a taste, nodding as it is still good. I garnished the sandwiches with some cheese and fresh lettuce, and ringing the bell.

"Order's up!"

*

The sudden ruckus from the dining hall alerted me as I went out, frowning. I tried to listen to their conversation and my hands trembled in anger at her accusation.

"This sandwich caused my son to vomit! It is spoiled." Mr. Lin was about to answer the woman who was complaining but I got to them first before he did.

"But it is not spoiled. We do not serve spoiled here, ma'am."

"Then can you explain why my son is sick?" The little boy stared at me then her mother, his posture frail. She grasped my arm and I hissed in pain, "You served it. You made the sandwiches didn't you? Maybe you really want to make my son, sick!"

"Yes. I made the sandwiches but I tasted the spread and it is alright- I don't understand-" Mr. Lin pulled me to his back as he bowed at the mother, "I am so sorry for the lack of GUILT my employee has. She has committed a mistake, rest assured that I will punish her according to her sanction." Mr. Lin bowed again and I could see the wicked glint upon his eyes as he caught my gaze.

Oh no.