Chapter 5 CHAPTER 4 FAMILIAR STRANGER

LIAN

"YOU ARE FIRED! No more chances this time, I won't accept you."

"No! It wasn't my fault that kid was sick. They have planned it." I narrowed my eyes at Mr. Lin as he smirked, "You planned it?"

The betrayal from my voice made him smile wider and Mr. Lin throw my bag outside the door. I scurried after it, my hands shaking of anger, "I will make sure that no restaurants or hotel will ever accept you. You will be blacklisted for what you've done!"

"It is not my fault, Please boss, my family-"

"Your family will die with their empty stomach and eyes open because you are stupid! You are not thinking. You don't go around asking for some help because you are arrogant." I bowed my head, guilty of the accusations. The door was slammed against my face and I couldn't help but cry in my arms.

I am fired. I am not even sure if I will be able to find another job after what happened.

The heavens loved my misfortune that thunder rumbled in the distance and soon, I was soaking under the rain. I shivered, hugging my backpack. I used my jacket as a cover but it is a fruitless attempt, for the rain is falling hard on me.

The ringing phone startled me that I snatched it inside my bag, "Ma?"

"Lian! I've been trying to get ahold of you but your phone is out of service." I frown, at her frantic voice.

Being raised from a middle class family, my mother isn't the one who is bothered by lack of food or money. She believes that with trust and perseverance, anything is possible from achieving. Hearing her like this made my breath hitch as I asked, "What happened ma?"

"It's nothing serious, Lian. It's just that, we were kicked out of our apartment."

"What do you mean kicked out? I paid a deposit of two months as said in our contract. Why did they do that?"

"The deposits mean nothing! Mr. Ma told us that we cannot live here because the owner of the building demanded that he will take back our unit. But you don't have to worry, I will find us some shelter soon, it's just that your brothers are tired." I can hear Qiu as he complains about his coat while Chen and Chow fights over their toys.

"Are you sure ma? The boys might be cold..."

"This is nothing. We have seen the worst in the past. You don't need to worry."

"Alright. I shall send you money for the hotel, okay? I will go and ask the bank, then send the money to you as soon as possible."

"That's better, you see, I only got a handful of money, enough for a meal for us. Your brothers hungry and we will need a shelter tonight. I hope, you can send the money before then." I nodded at my mother although she could not see.

The call ended and I closed my eyes as the lightning strikes the sky, trying to get rid of the bitter memory that flashed in my mind every time lightning strikes. I lean my head back, my stomach rumbling. I have not told her of my termination at work, I do not want her to be disappointed at me.

I have to lie for their own good.

Biting my lip, I got inside the bus. My hands keeps on shaking and I rested my forehead on the window, wishing to take back my life.

We used to be noble, my family surviving without worry as we tended our own farm. That was when my father was still alive and everything was perfect. Eventually, my family was struck by misfortune and we were driven out by our own relatives, saying that we have no claim upon my Father's fortunes. After all, we were only the second family.

Unoriginal and invalid, we were treated like scums. They have stated that we are cursed because father have committed a grave sin of marrying my mother and having children with her.

Had it been a different instance...

The ride back to my unit seems like a blink of an eye as I take the stairs two at a time. I fished for my keys and did not bother to close the door as I rummaged through my clothes for the money I have earned.

The falling paper bills reminded me of that night, two weeks ago, where I have acted as a replacement to the Korean bride who refuse to spend the night at the palanquin with his groom.

I wanted to reject the offer but it was such a good deal I couldn't turn away from. I accept that it was my first time, and I will be plunging in that situation as a virgin but I was desperate for the money. I have prepared for the consequence yet no one have stated that such experience is something I have not anticipated.

I want to regret what happened that night but I have never felt alive. That man has given me the best treatment. Well, I am not sure for I have never been in a relationship, much more than being with someone.

My hands fell down to my breast as my eyes glazed over, remembering the night that is full of bliss and affection. He touched me where I didn't know I was vulnerable. The sounds I make seems to melt my confidence away but every time he demanded for my body, I feel proud. I could feel concern and passion in his every move. I can tell that he is arrogant and a bit indifferent but it is a mask that he chose to wear. I have never seen the truth in such darkness before and it blows my mind every time I think of that night.

I would probably not experience that in my life again.

I can still remember how it feels when he entered me. I cannot forget the way he inquired about my well being, as though I am his precious wife, one he cannot afford to hurt unintentionally.

Yet all of it was just a show and I am the puppet chosen to pretend.

It hurt me when he left the palanquin without a backward glance. I know that I am just a girl that is paid to spend a night with him but I thought he was good and pure. It seems that it was all a fake affection. I wasn't given the chance to steal a look at his face but I will always remember his gentle voice and the way he grunted, as his hands steadied me against the floor. The Korean bride paid me a large sum, along with a pill to assure that I don't get pregnant.

I wasn't sure of what becomes of that Korean couple but I am thankful for the deal. It proves just how important it is to save money even without a need to do so.

Gathering the money from the floor, I snatched an envelope and the contract to my apartment.

I need to talk to Mr. Gao.

*

I glared at my watch, shivering. I've been standing outside his office, knocking continuously but Mr. Gao does not respond.

I really need to talk to him, even if I have to wait for hours more.

Mr. Gao Zen was known to be merciful to his tenants only of they are reasonable. My family needed the money, and it was my advance. I will agree upon vacating my unit just to earn the deposit back. I know that he will listen.

I was startled when the door opens just as I rise from the floor. A girl emerged from Mr. Gao's office, her face pale and her clothes rumpled, surprising me as she pushed me back on the staircase.

"Ahh!"

A strong hand caught me just as I fall. With my eyes tightly closed, I felt the hand shifting me so that I am leaning on the staircase. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." I whispered, bowing my head. I moved from the staircase, my lips trembling so did my arms and legs. I breathe in and out, quite nervous of the presence of the stranger in front of me.

Who is he?

It was like a bulb lit up inside my head and I remembered. He was the man from the staircase this morning; the same irate man who ruined a family by throwing them out on the streets.

Who knows that he can be merciful and kind to a stranger?

I rubbed my arms, averting my gaze for I cannot handle his cryptic look. I feel like I am going under an interrogation every time our gaze meet.

"Kai! You're here," Mr. Gao scratched his neck and stretched. He fixed the button on his shirt before slapping the back of this so called 'Kai', pulling him inside.

"Mr. Gao!"

Mr. Gao turns at me and so did the man. They both look at me at the same time, driving me shy as I held out the folder. It appears that I am burning under their unrelenting gaze.

"Here is the contract of my unit. I would like to move out so I can use the money I have deposited."

"Oh, but that can't be done." Mr. Gao explained, kicking the man on the knees as he waves him off inside. The other man glared at Mr. Gao, his eyes still lingering on my face.

Why is he staring at me like that? Do I have something on my face?

Once he was out of sight, I kneeled in front of Mr. Gao, holding out my contract to him and pleading, "Mr. Gao, please!"

"What are you doing?" Mr. Gao pulled at my arms and tried to make me stand but I remain kneeling. "Get up from there. You know how I hate dealing with such matters. Can't you just look for another way to earn that money? I am not a bank that could give you money when you demanded to."

"Mr. Gao, I beg you. My family needs the money and I have to send it to them this afternoon. Please, allow me this arrangement." Mr. Gao scanned the halls, his brows drawn in the middle. He held out his hand and I handed him the contract.

Mr. Gao gave me a smirk as he scanned my face and pulled at my arm, "What are you doing?"

Mr. Gao did not reply as he leaned closer, his nose touching my cheek. I tried to pull away from the close proximity but he held me in place. I can feel his smirk against my cheek as he whispered, "You can get the money after I am done with you, how is that?"

"Zen." The prompt call from inside the room startled Mr. Gao that he bumped his head as he pulls away. I bowed my head, my breathing fast as I watch him enter the room.

With the contract still in my hands, I slowly backed away from the door only to be stopped. I turned to see Mr. Gao, holding me at an arms length, his face pale like he had seen a ghost. He handed me a small envelope and whispered, "Look, I can only give half of it now since it is untimely and-" He glanced inside the room where the other man was waving his hand and Mr. Gao huffed, "I apologize of my actions earlier. I totally lost control. Must have been brought by the whiskey.

I gave him a deep bow, " Thank you, Mr. Gao."

I took a step back, my eyes catching sight of the other man peering from Mr. Gao's shoulder, his eyes scrutinizing me from afar.

What's the matter with him? Did he just forced Mr. Gao to apologize to me and give me the money?

Who is he really?