Heartfelt Gratitude

"Little girl," Lu Rayansh said, in a questioning tone, "what are you planning to do next?" He had seen everything unfold on the stage, but he respected Su Anya's wishes not to get involved. He noticed her standing there in a daze, with a depressed atmosphere surrounding her.

Lu Rayansh gave her shoulder a gentle tap. She snapped out of her daze and looked at the young man who smiled at her. "I'm sorry, were you talking to me?" She looked up at him, seeing concern etched on his face. She was taken aback; why did he seem so attentive to her?

"I am sorry I wasn't paying attention. What are you talking about."

Lu Rayanash gave her deep loop and smile, "You seem to be tired, I will drive you back to your home. The results will be announced tomorrow. You have to prepared for the final show down."

Su Anya took a long sigh. She was already exhausted, she had no interest in taking revenge of her past life. But the strong resentment in her heart didn't let her give any peace of mind. Sometimes she thought of forgetting everything about the past and live a normal life but no matter what she can;t avoid the same tragedies that meant to happend.

'I want to change the destiny of my life.'

"Anya." As she was lost in her thoughts, Shen Yue approached her. "I am leaving with Zhihui and Sun Li." She looked at the Lu Rayansh who was standing behind Su Anya and said, "Mr. Lu if you don't mind can you please drop Anya to her home safely."

Su Anya who was about to refute as there was no need, Lu Rayansh took the lead and said, "Sure."

Shen Yue looked that Su Anya entered in the car and felt relieved. She didn't what was wrong with her friend. But she was sure that Lu Rayansh can calm her.

"What were you trying to do?"

Shen Yue was almost scared by Sun Li. She gave him an awkward smile and said, "I.. What are you talking about?"

Sun Li sighed looking at her ignorant act. "I hope you don't put your all trust in him. He might have some ulterior motive for being too good to Su Anya."

Shen Yue frowned and gave him a dissatisfied look. "Just because of your past experience, you don't need to hold prejudice against everyone."

Su Li eyes turned cold, seeing this Shen Yue felt regretful for reminding his hurtful memories. She didn't want him to hold his prejudice just because of a bad experience.

"I believed Anya is not a weak person, she can handle things very well." She added.

****

Su Anya rested her head on the car seat, her eyes closed and her mind reeling from the events of the day. She could feel an ache in her head, like a throbbing pulse that made her whole body feel heavy.

"You should be happy," said Lu Rayansh, his eyes fixed ahead as he drove. "Everything went according to plan."

Su Anya opened her eyes and considered his question. Her lips formed a faint smile, but she couldn't shake the unease she felt. Despite all her hard work and preparation, something still seemed off. There was an uncertainty that lingered in the back of her mind.

The car hummed along, the sound lulling her back into her thoughts. She had done all she could, and now she just had to wait.

The coming days would tell if things had worked out the way she wanted them to. Until then, all she could do was hope.

The car glided to a stop in front of the restaurant. Su Anya took a deep breath and gathered herself before she opened the door. The sun was just beginning to set, casting a golden hue over everything it touched.

Before she could step out, Lu Rayansh had already opened the door on the other side and was helping her out. She glanced up at him, and he gave her a gentle and reassuring smile.

She thanked him, and he led her toward the entrance of the restaurant. Su Anya sighed as she realized that he was joining her. She was grateful for his company and yet felt uncomfortable with the thought that he was very attentive toward her.

Yet there was no denying the pleasure it brought her to know that there was someone present during her meal. She reminded herself that this was what she had been missing during her lonelier days - human connection.

Together they stepped into the restaurant and were welcomed in by a warm smile from the hostess. Lu Rayansh requested a table for two and she eagerly followed the hostess to their table.

Once they were seated, Su Anya looked up at Lu Rayansh and said, "You don't need to pay too much attention. I am only your business partner. But I realize that I am kind of rude for not thanking you for helping me out of the stress that I felt after my aunt's death. Thank you!"

She stood up and deeply bowed to him to express her gratitude. Lu Rayansh felt a little awkward at her gratitude speech. He gave her a nod and they began to look over the menu.