10 Chapter 10: Something Sinister
Lu Minzhe who had privately bid farewell to Old Madam Wei and Wei Song after the toast and left in a black Rolls Royce. At 9:30pm in the evening he was headed back to the office, he still has several items on his agenda before he is able to retire for the night. He took a few minutes to rest his tired eyes before being briefed by Secretary Jin regarding the upcoming meeting. "By the way CEO Lu, President Qin called again while you were at Wei Manor. He insists on submitting another proposal for the Whistler Project."
Lu Minzhe's brows knitted at the mention of President Qin's constant appeals for consideration. Raising his fingers in a gesture to end the discussion and that item was immediately tabled.
Just then Lu Minzhe received a notification that a person by the name of Irene Lee has requested to add him on Vechat. Looking at the newly added contact, Lu Minzhe's lips subconsciously raised. He did not forget to send a simple message to his new friend.
**text message**
[Minzhe]: Goodnight.
Secretary Jin did not fail to perceive the sudden change in the boss's mood. The remainder of the car ride was passed in pleasant silence.
.........…
Miyeon took the chauffeur ride provided by the Wei Family directly back to her apartment complex. The building was fairly old but adequately lit at night with a retrofitted elevator. Returning home around 10pm, she felt immensely thankful that she didn't have to trudge up 7 flights of stairs in her 12cm heels. Though some of her neighbors have installed digital keypads on their doors, Miyeon still kept the traditional locks on her own apartment.
The inside of her apartment is brightly lit. She dislikes going home to a darkened place so leaving the lights on has been a habit. All the soft white incandescent bulbs were replaced with daylight ones as well, even in the bedroom. The simple white curtains on the glass balcony doors were left open. Outside, the stars were barely visible due to the bad air quality in the city and several streetlamps can be seen around the complex. The sound of traffic can still be heard late into the night as the district where the neighborhood is located is a popular dwelling place for many blue collar workers. However, nights were spent quietly as Miyeon was fortunate enough to have elderly neighbors on her floor.
As she glanced at her reflection on the floor length mirror, dressed-up Shu Li's exquisite artistic piece amidst the clutter of moving boxes in the sparsely furnished living room. The disparity of her actual living conditions to her clothed in luxury, mirrors that of her true self to her public persona. People are attracted to her beautiful facade not knowing that inside is brimming with feelings of depression, anxiety, helplessness and inferiority.
In actuality, Miyeon began to feel uncomfortable a few hours into the party; she was increasingly discomfited as the introductions went on. Her hands were clammy and her vision blurry by the time she escaped to the balcony where took the pretext of playing games to keep her lucid and her mind off the rising negative emotions. As her condition worsens, Miyeon is aware that her avoidance approach of coping will eventually be detrimental. Her panic attacks used to only happen at work though she kept the condition carefully hidden by working remotely on bad days. Yet these days are already increasing in number. Miyeon didn't think that she would be that affected by attending Shu Li's social affair; it appears she grossly overestimated herself. She already left the familiar UK to escape to C Country.
Suddenly feeling a burgeoning bout of intrusive thoughts, she laid herself down and immersed herself in taking deep calming breaths. The clock kept ticking. And after 30 minutes she finally mustered enough focus and energy to undress, remove her makeup, and shower.
It was almost midnight when she came out of the bathroom. Overcome with drowsiness, she retreated to the comforts of her bed and completely failed to respond to the messages she received earlier.
**text message**
[Minzhe]: Are you sleeping?
.........
Meanwhile in Wei's private yacht, a lady in red stood on the balcony overlooking the pool. She made a short phone call to an unnamed man.
"That person is back. Yeah. I'll continue to keep a close eye on the other one."
Knock, knock, knock~ Hearing the continuous knocking, she promptly hung up the phone and opened the door to a slightly tipsy Shu Li.
"TianTian~ how long are you planning to stay in your room for? Everyone's waiting for you at the deck."
Su Tian, pasted a smile on her face before linking arms with Shu Li. "Sorry I made you wait. Let's go celebrate."
The pair made their way up the stairs together with Shu Li completely unaware of the odd glint in Su Tian's eyes.
