Once But Not Again

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Mei Xing made a mental note to not drink too much in the future. The failure to remember what had transpired was pure torture to her.

"Hello. Mei, are you still there?" Longwen's voice echoing through the phone pulled Mei Xing out of her mind.

"Yes, I'm still here. Sorry, something just slipped through my mind, that's all," she quickly answered.

"Oh, no worries. I was asking about your well-being. Are you good?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I–"

"You know what, let's grab a bite together. I need to see you. Face-to-face this time," Longwen proposed. "You're still around, right?"

"Yes, I am," Mei Xing said.

"Great. Uhm, are you free right now? Or do you want to check in with your husband? I don't want to cause any trouble for you," Longwen sounded so cautious that it pained Mei Xing.

Feng Houyi and her mother had taken reign over her life that she wasn't free to contact most of her friends from the university. She was embarrassed.

"It's alright, senior. I can do whatever I want now," Mei Xing said.

"Really?"

"Really," she assured him. "So, yes we can meet now, if it's okay."

"It definitely is. I'll text you the location. See you soon, Mei."

"Hmm. You too."

Mei Xing sighed in relief after they ended the call. She was not sure if he would still remember her when she called. So she was more than relieved that she could meet him.

Mei Xing went ahead to prepare to leave. She informed Yi Chunhua of her outing before she left.

~Juxie Restaurant~

On getting to the address Longwen sent to her, Mei Xing paid the cab fare and alighted. Her eyes took in the wonderful sight of the restaurant.

"These owners have such good taste," she couldn't help but comment.

Without further ado, Mei Xing went in. It didn't take too long for her to locate her senior sitting by a corner. She went to him.

"Long time no see, senior," she said with a smile.

The man looked up from his phone and a smile of his own bloomed.

"Mei." He stood and pulled her into a warm hug. "It's good to see you again."

"You too," she patted his back.

"Let's it down and order first," Longwen suggested as he held out the chair opposite his and pushed it in as she sat. Mei Xing smiled and thanked him.

They both placed their orders and after the waiter left, Longwen spoke.

"I'm glad you could make it. I actually thought otherwise," he admitted fatherly awkwardly.

Mei Xing winced internally. "I'm sorry I made you feel doubtful." She could only apologize for her shortcomings.

She had missed out on a lot of things with her school friends that soon, their invitation never came. All because of Feng Houyi.

Longwen waved it off. "It's not like to do it intentionally. I understand. I'm just glad you're husband let you out this time."

Mei Xing winced yet again. "About my... husband," she hesitated as she thought of a way she would break the news to him.

"What about him? It's he mad at you for coming here? I can explain to him that–"

"It's not like that, senior," Mei Xing quickly put a stop to his rambling. "It's just, I mean this has nothing to do with him. In fact, he does not have a say in where I go because I filed for a divorce." Mei Xing sharply exhaled as soon as she finished talking.

Just then their orders came in. Longwen waited till they were alone before he said, "Mei, that's... this is good news. I'm happy and relieved."

"Yeah, me too. He's a jerk," Mei Xing blurted making them both laugh.

"We've missed you, Mei Xing. All of us," Longwen told. His eyes held hers for a little while to convey the sincerity in his words.

Mei Xing looked away and picked up a fork. "I've missed you guys too."

They chatted a bit to catch up on old times and their present lives. It was at that moment that Mei Xing revealed her newest deal with Lu Aotian.

Longwen was very impressed by her and he made sure to let her know. Mei Xing appreciated that and went further to ask for his input.

"Honestly Mei, your idea and planning are both good. Plus, your client has agreed with what you have presented which is also fantastic," Longwen said.

"Thank you, senior."

"Hmm. But there is one thing I want to ask you. You've already got your plans prepared and the client's approval. But what about the implementation? The process? Have you got anyone to bring this project to life?" Longwen asked.

Mei Xing's shoulders sagged and her face grew moody. "That's my actual problem, senior. I haven't had the chance to reach out to anyone. I don't even know if I will be supported." She aired her worries. "And that's why I called."

Longwen reached over the table to pat her hand. "Then you've done well, Mei. You reached out and I will help you in the best way I can."

Mei Xing's eyes radiated. "Really? You'll help me?"

"Of course I will. That's why I'm your senior. Don't tell me you have forgotten what I told you when you graduated?"

Mei Xing shook her head. She remembered as if it was only yesterday. When she graduated, Longwen promised to help her forge a good career path.

Not only in words, but he had the resources, brain and connection to back it up. However, Mei Xing's parents shut down her dreams. They sent it crashing before it even took flight.

She was to marry Feng Houyi as soon as she graduated. That was the agreement her parents made on her behalf with the Feng family.

Not only was she crushed, but she felt betrayed.

But there has been a change. She didn't expect Longwen to still keep to his promise. And since he still supports her, Mei Xing was willing to grab this opportunity and never let go.

She failed once but she wasn't willing to do so again.