How was she going to solve this?

Chunlan stayed awake all night handling company business. She had just stopped when she heard her alarm ring. She peeked out the window, the sky still a little dark and the sun just awakening.

She felt her body shutting down and her eyes drooping so she went to fetch herself a cup of coffee downstairs in the kitchen. As she picked up the coffee beans and coffee maker, she stiffened at the sounds coming from the living room.

She tiptoed lightly, afraid to alert the unknown person. She frowned when she recognized the person.

"Mother." As she walked to her mother, she saw her wipe the tears and snot hastily trying to put on a smile.

"Chunlan dear, why are you still awake at this hour?" She glanced at the clock. "Its just 4am in the morning."

Chunlan didn't answer, well aware of her poor attempt to change the subject that was silently hanging in the air. "What's wrong?"