Shi Lian

In a blink of an eye, classes already ended. Shu Xian went home for a while to put down her things. She also took care of Wan Wan before going to the mall to buy her a beautiful dress.

After walking Wan Wan, she let her eat in the front yard before she went out again, already heading her way to the mall.

Heaving a little sigh, Shu Xian fished her phone from her pocket and texted her boss that she would not be coming to work tonight due to an emergency.

Because of that, Shu Xian started to feel nervous that she might lose her job soon. Because of unfortunate events since yesterday, she had not been going to her work. Today, it would already be the second time that she won't come.

'I would have to look for a new job if I would lose this just because of these shenanigans!'

Shu Xian continued walking towards the hotel. Suddenly, her phone rang, making her see who was calling her.

A smile suddenly appeared on her face when she saw who was calling her.

It was Shi Lian, her best friend.

Excited, Shu Xian answered the call. She did not even wait for the second or the third ring to answer the call of her dearest best friend.

The moment she answered the call, her smile reached ear to ear as she put her phone against her ear to listen to her.

"Shi Lian!"

It was evident in Shu Xian's voice that she was very excited when Shi Lian called her.

A light giggle sounded from the other end of the call as Shi Lian greeted Shu Xian, both of them happy to have talked with each other after such a long time.

"Shu Xian, babe, how are you?" Shi Lian asked then Shu Xian answered her question.

"Ah, don't ask about me for now," Shu Xian replied, rolling her eyes at the same time as she remembered what happened yesterday until today. "Why don't you talk about yourself first?"

Shi Lian enthusiastically told Shu Xian about her vacation in another country--specifically in Japan.

Shi Lian told her that she visited Tokyo and Kyoto back and forth. She also said that she kept tasting the cuisine of Japan.

Shi Lian also told Shu Xian that she had brought souvenirs for her and that by the time that she would come home to City S, she would have her late enrollment for Teacher Education.

Listening to her stories, Shu Xian could sense the excitement in her voice. Also, she was somewhat jealous that Shi Lian could travel to places that she wanted.

Shi Lian is affluent. Since she is the daughter of a well-known company, she could get anything that she wanted.

Shi Lian could travel to any place. She could also get access to things and places where usual people couldn't even have any access to.

Sometimes, she would also wonder why both of them became friends when they have different financial status.

But despite that, she was happy that she met Shi Lian because Shu Xian was always aloof--she rarely had friends.

"Anyway, enough about me," Shi Lian spoke, snapping Shu Xian out of her thoughts. "Okay, now let's talk about you? How is everything?"

Shu Xian could not help but heave a heavy sigh. She rolled her eyes frustratingly as she remembered what happened to her yesterday until today.

"You know, Shi Lian, I want to tell you, but I can't through call," she answered, Shi Lian, feeling a bit worried.

"Why can't you tell me through our call?" she asked, uneasiness evident in her voice. "I'm far away from you. Are you sure you're alright?"

A light laugh came from Shu Xian before she answered her best friend.

"You don't have to worry so much about me. I will tell you once you get home. Alright? When are you going home, by the way?" she asked, Shi Lian quiet for a while before giving her answer.

"In two to three days or so," she answered, a sigh coming from the other end of the call. "Hey, I'm curious. Can you please tell me what happened?"

Knowing how Shi Lian would bother her if she got her curiosity, Shu Xian knew that it will be a drag and that she would have to tell her best friend even though the information is a bit vague.

"Fine... the gist: I am living under my professor's roof."

"You what!?"

Shu Xian put her phone a bit farther away from her ear when she heard Shi Lian's shout. The moment she put her phone back against her ear, Shi Lian blurted out a series of questions.

"How did that even happen? Why are you living under your professor's roof? Are you homeless now? What happened to your apartment? Don't you have a job? What's going to happen now?"

"Shi Lian..." There was a hint of frustration in Shu Xian's voice. "I want to answer all of your questions, but that would have to wait. I have to do something now."

"Like what?" Shi Lian asked--urgency etched in her voice. "Since when did this happen?"

"Yesterday."

"And you didn't even bother telling me! Shu Xian, am I even your friend?!"

Shu Xian scoffed, finding her reaction irritating. But at the same time, she would understand the shock in her voice.

Since both of them are indeed best friends, if she was in the position, Shu Xian would worry about Shi Lian as well.

"You're on a vacation," Shu Xian reiterated, "And I want you to enjoy your vacation. So, don't worry. By the time you get home here in City S, I will gladly tell you everything."

Shu Xian heard a sigh from the other end of the call.

"Fine..." Shi Lian gave up, "But later, I would call you late in the evening. You will at least tell me a few details about it, no?"

"Alright," Shu Xian agreed, about to end the call. "I'll tell you when I'm done for the day. Okay?"

Shu Xian's lips curled into a small smile. She's grateful that even though she only had a few friends, she has one best friend that she could count on.

And that is Shi Lian.