| Fan Fiction |
by DTLCT
“I guess I should be going now since I have a meeting with my employees,” A confidence said.
Yan Yan could hear chairs sliding back. She guesses that the guy and her boss are getting up from their seat. They’re probably going to discover her soon if she doesn’t move away. She forces herself to edge away from the door no matter how curious she is with the other person’s identity. She keeps herself away from both of their view as she could hear the door opening. She’s actually hiding behind the wall to the boss’ room. She could hear the other guy speaking up again.
“Thanks again for taking care of Yan,” The familiar voice said with a sincere tone.
“No probs,” The boss returned. “I’m glad you’ve brought it to my attention since she’s a very hard-working girl.”
Because there is no longer a door separating them so Yan Yan could hear them better. She finally realizes who the voice belongs to. She sneaks a look at the two and confirms her guess. Then another thing dawns upon her. So that means…
“So this is your doing?!” She exclaimed, outraged.
Yan Yan has forgotten that she’s supposed to be hiding and should know the consequences of eavesdropping. However, it is because of the turns of events that she doesn’t seem to care anymore. Tony and her boss are as surprised to see her there.
“Yan!” Tony called out, shocked that she’s there – although it would make sense since she works there after all.
Yan Yan ignores her boss completely since her anger is taking over. “So this is the reason for my promotion?”
“Yan…”
“Don’t ‘Yan’ me! Answer me!”
“I was just telling Brent that…”
“Yan, don’t misunderstand Xie Zhi,” Brent – her boss – attempted to explain for Tony.
“Is this true?” Yan Yan repeated, directing her attention at Tony and ignoring Brent completely.
Tony and Brent could see that Yan Yan is determined to know the answer. By her look, they know that they have to tell her the whole truth in order to say anything further.
“Yes, I talked to Brent about you,” Tony said in a steady voice. “But it was just a suggestion. If you weren’t up for the part, would he risk his business?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Yan Yan said angrily. “You especially brought it to his attention. You robbed the others a chance to prove themselves. Just because you’re friends with him doesn’t mean that you can just influence him like that. You…”
“Yan,” Brent interfered. “I considered every single employee and you are the best candidate for the position. Don’t you trust my judgment?”
Yan Yan turns on Brent finally. “Would you take me seriously if it wasn’t for his influence?”
“I admit that you’re very young and…” Brent said in a hesitative tone.
“That was all I needed to know,” Yan Yan said, taking off her badge pinned on her shirt. “I quit. I will type up my resignation letter later.”
Without another word, Yan Yan storms off out of there. Brent could only take a quick glimpse at Tony before Tony dashes off after Yan Yan.
“Yan!” Tony called out desperately. He catches up to her at the entrance of the building and manages to grab a hold of her hand. “Stop acting rash!”
Yan Yan finally turns around to face him again. “Do you think I want to be like this? Just because I look like some fragile girl, you feel the need to take care of me? I don’t need that!”
“I didn’t mean to make you feel that way. I just want equal opportunities for you with the others.”
Yan Yan scoffs. “Equal opportunities? How is it fair for the others?”
“Brent said that he would’ve picked you anyway.”
“He admitted that he wouldn’t have picked me if you didn’t bring it to his attention.”
“Like I said before, would he risk his business just because I said so?”
“Have you ever thought that I don’t want that kind of help? If you respect me or our friendship, you wouldn’t do that.”
She finally yanks her hand away from him and stomps off. He tries to chase after her but she has merged into the crowd. He tries to brush past several people but for some reason, there seems to be an unusual amount of people at that time of the day that he couldn’t get past all of them. When he finally made his way through the last group of people in the street, he has lost sight of Yan Yan.
*****
Chen Yi and Qiao Qiao are one block to their work place when Qiao Qiao’s phone rings. Chen Yi looks over to Qiao Qiao as they stop at the red light to see her troubled face as she answers.
“What’s wrong?” Chen Yi asked. “Is that Ming Dao?”
Qiao Qiao shakes her head and continues in a soothing voice to reassure someone until she hangs up.
“Well?” Chen Yi tried again.
Qiao Qiao sighs out. “It was Tony. He’s looking for Yan.”
Chen Yi glances at his watch quickly. “He should be at work now, right?”
“Yan found out that he was helping her with getting her promotion so she stormed off.”
“He did that?”
“Yea. Well, not really like that. He was just suggesting to Yan’s boss – his friend – but the final decision was still Brent’s. Yan overheard them talking about it earlier so she’s mad at him. “
“If he would’ve known her better, he wouldn’t do that.”
“Too late to dwell on that now. We have to find her.”
“I guess we’re not heading to work then?”
“We still have half an hour.”
Chen Yi just parked into a spot and is about to back out when Qiao Qiao’s phone rings again. He shifts to parking mode while waiting for Qiao Qiao, hoping that it’s Yan Yan.
“Yan?” Qiao Qiao said, confirming Chen Yi’s guess. “You all right?”
“He called you?” Yan Yan questioned.
“Yea. He told me what happened and…”
“If you’re my friend, don’t defend him.”
“I’m not. I just want to know if you’re all right. Where are you?”
“I’m all right. I just want some time alone. I don’t want you to worry since I know he would turn the whole town over looking for me. I don’t want him to make you guys worry too so I called.”
“You want us to come?”
“You’re with Ming Dao?”
“No. Chen Yi’s here. We’re heading to work together.”
“No. It’s all right. Work is more important. I’ll meet you guys after work.”
“All right. Whatever it is, tell us, okay?”
“I know.”
They hang up after that.
Qiao Qiao turns to tell Chen Yi what Yan Yan said before putting her phone away.
“What do we do now?” Chen Yi asked.
Qiao Qiao glances at her watch. “Do you have to ask?”
“Did she say where she’s at?”
“No. But where do you think she is?”
Chen Yi looks to the side of his windshield, deep in thoughts. Then he snaps his attention back on Qiao Qiao. She smiles back at him. Qiao Qiao calls Tony back to reassure him that Yan Yan’s fine as Chen Yi pulls out of their parking spot.
Half an hour later, they arrive at East Shore Café to see Yan Yan sitting at the brink of the pier. They join her there, sitting on either side of her, waiting for her to speak up – whenever that might be. Nothing like silent support. Yan Yan smiles at last after five more minutes of reflection.
Yan Yan smiles. “I’m glad to have you both as friends.”
Chen Yi and Qiao Qiao put a hand on either of her shoulders, giving her a supportive pat.
*****
Producer Lin clears his throat before saying, “Because our summer special program already ended, we should think of another program to take its slot to keep listeners. Do you guys have any suggestions?” His eyes pass Sonia at that time. “Sonia?”
Angela has to poke Sonia slightly behind her back to get her attention. She snaps to attention awkwardly and shakes her head at Producer Lin.
“Any ideas?” Producer Lin asked, turning to Jacky. “Don’t tell me our best DJs don’t have any say in this.”
“Boss, I think that you should ask the rest of us as well, not just our…” Ray jumped in.
Producer Lin turns to him. “I’m asking everyone. Whoever has a say, go ahead.”
Ray begins to present his grand plan while the others are listening, except for Jacky and Sonia.
“It wouldn’t work,” Angela said bluntly. “It causes too much complication in our schedule.”
“If we keep doing the same thing, our listeners would get bored,” Ray argued.
“We have our own slots anyway. Why would separately going on that program make a difference? It would just increase our exposure but it would also make listeners bored of us. I think we should just stick with our current program schedules. If we want to splice our own program up, then do it individually. Besides, doesn’t the summer special program usually take over someone else’s slot each week? If it’s gone, we’re just back to our regular schedule.”
“I agree with you, Angela, that it would be easier on our schedule,” Producer said, attempting to dissolve their heated debate – thought it seems passive on the surface. “But listeners are looking forward to another special program for the other seasons also so I think we should continue the trend this year and not wait until summer to come again to do a special program again.”
Ray smiles at his victory.
Producer Lin catches Ray’s smile so he speaks up again. “But your idea isn’t up to it, Ray.”
“How about giving Jacky and Sonia some more time to think up of a program for the upcoming quarter?” Sam said, taking over the dissolving heat task since Producer Lin already lost his cool with Ray. “I mean wouldn’t it make sense that listeners are actually looking forward to hear them together than just some special program we put out?”
Producer Lin points at Sam. “You’re learning the ropes, Sam. And I think it’s only fair to let Jacky and Sonia think it over and get back to me on it. Unless the rest of you want to contribute your share of it too.”
The others – except for Ray – shake their head since the majority agrees with Sam’s suggestion. Just as Jacky’s nodding absent-mindedly, he suddenly snaps to attention again, realizing what he just got himself into.
Jacky clears his throat. “I think we should switch for the season. How about letting Sam and Angela take over for the next quarter? Listeners are probably just interest in the idea of pairs. It would be more refreshing to let a new team take over.”
Producer Lin turns to Sam and Angela. “You two up for the challenge?”
“I think that’s a neat idea, switching couples,” Valerie agreed with Jacky’s declaration. “But how about we post the question for listeners to choose? After all, we want them to like it. While most of us are thinking up of an idea for next quarter’s theme, we might as well let our listeners decide during that time. It would be a great excuse to leave next week empty without losing listeners.”
“Good one, Valerie,” Producer Lin complimented her with a smile.
Ray smiles. “How about pairing off with me and thinking up of an idea then, girl?”
Valerie gives him an evil look. “No, thank you.” She turns back to Producer Lin. “How about switching pairs for the next quarter also? I want to do the show with Jacky if it does happen that we get picked. At least get the ideas of possible pairs for listeners to choose.”
“Now you guys are talking,” Producer Lin said, his mood improving. He looks at his watch. “You guys can go back to brainstorm. I need to go meet…”
The others nod before he could finish, knowing too well how he operates.
Everyone gets up at the same time and leaves the conference room. Valerie walks towards Jacky and Sam, smiling at Jacky.
“How are you going to repay me for taking Ray off your back?” Valerie asked.
Jacky smiles back. “Coffee? And possibly discussing our ideas?”
Valerie nods, hugging her folder to her. They walk out of the conference together as Sam stares at them in amazement. Sam turns towards the other side of the room where Angela and Sonia are. Sonia seems to not notice while Angela wrinkles her face. Sonia mumbles randomly that she’s going back to her office as Angela turns to her. At around the same time, Sam walks towards Angela. They end up walking out of the conference room together and down the hall.
“Great or what?” Angela muttered half-heartedly. “I set up a trap for them but who knows?”
“Valerie likes Jacky?” Sam asked suddenly.
“It’s obvious considering how much she defends him at different meetings.”
“At least she’s not attacking Sonia, right?”
“Maybe that’s because she knows he likes Sonia so attacking her would just make Jacky disgust with her more?”
“Are we going to think up of ideas for next quarter’s special program then?”
Angela’s eyes brighten. “Two can play this game!”
Sam has on a confused look. “What?” He turns to see her bright smile. “What have you got?”
“Valerie said something that I totally agree with.”
“What?”
“The same pairing might bore listeners. We usually do programs together, right?”
Sam nods.
“So if we separate and collaborate with other fellow colleagues, the results could be unexpectedly successful, right?”
Sam nods again.
“I’ll take Jacky and you can go after Valerie.”
“Huh? How is that going to help them?”
“As long as we get Valerie occupied, I can talk to Jacky.”
“And he’s going to agree in doing a program with you because?”
“He has been sitting next to you at recent meetings, hasn’t he? Why wouldn’t he agree to do a program with me?”
“Because it lasts the whole quarter and…”
Angela wrinkles her face. “Hey!”
Sam smiles. “All right. I’m just kidding.”
Then she realizes something. “Hey, you’re beginning to loosen up. What happened?”
Sam looks down at the ground, not answering but his smile is still apparent on his face.
Angela hits his shoulder. “Come on! We’re friends, right?”
Sam looks up at Angela again. “Nothing. It’s just that I’ve been chatting with Xiao Qiao recently and…”
“Are you guys dating?”
“No…”
“Come on…”
“For real. But she shows me a lot of interesting thing that I haven’t notice before. I’m just thinking that I should try everything out from now on. Take it easy, you know?”
“It’s good to know that some of us are enjoying life.” Angela says that without any ounce of mockery so Sam knows that she’s really glad for him. They walk towards the cafeteria in silence, enjoying the little good news. Upon seeing Jacky with Valerie across the room, Angela turns to Sam again. “Well, are you up for this?”
“All right.”
“That’s the spirit. Come on.”
Sam follows closely behind Angela as she makes her way towards Jacky and Valerie’s table. Jacky nods his head at them as he spots them approaching.
“Do you guys mind if we join you?” Angela asked.
Valerie smiles. “Of course not. Sit down.”
Angela and Sam take the seat across from them.
“Great suggestion at the meeting,” Angela complimented Valerie.
“Thanks,” Valerie returned, smiling. “So are you guys going to work together for the next quarter’s program then?”
“We were but then I was thinking that we always work together, right?”
Valerie nods.
“Since you said it yourself that it would be more refreshing if we pair off with other colleagues for the program, I thought that…”Angela pauses on purpose as if hesitant of her suggestion.
Sam tenses up a bit, wondering why Angela’s stopping for while Jacky smiles, knowing of Angela’s intention too well.
“Go on,” Valerie urged.
“I want to steal the limelight too,” Angela finished.
“Huh?”
“Would you mind if I plan something with Jacky as well? After all, it would be a test run for the listeners.”
They turn to Jacky at that time.
“Not a bad idea at all,” Jacky admitted. “I’m in.”
“That reminds me, Valerie,” Sam said, taking advantage of the situation.
Valerie turns to Sam at that time.
“Would you mind planning something with me as well after you talk to Jacky?”
Valerie nods. “This seems fun. Let’s do it. This would increase our chance of getting votes, right?” She flashes on a bright, cheerful smile.
“That’s exactly what I’m thinking,” Angela said. “It creates a variety for listeners to choose but at the same time could mean success for us, right?”
Valerie couldn’t help but slap Angela a high five. Angela’s fast reaction causes Sam to suddenly gain some admiration for her. She’s a clever girl, he thought. Jacky smiles also. He’s very well aware of Angela’s intelligence but he must admit she has great reflexes.
“Now that we’re done stating our motives, how about some food?” Jacky said.
“Good idea,” Angela agreed before looking at Valerie. “You guys don’t mind though? ‘Cause Sam and I just want to ask you guys what you think of this idea. We wouldn’t want to eavesdrop on your ideas.”
Jacky shakes his head. “I don’t do business at lunch.”
Angela looks at her watch. “What are you talking about? It’s probably breakfast for us.”
“Does it matter?”
Angela shrugs.
Sam turns to Angela. “What do you guys want to drink? I’ll get it.”
“I’ll go order food then.”
Although they said that, but it ends up with the guys going to get drinks while the girls are heading to get food. They meet at the same table to eat and talk until noon – both of random topics as well as their upcoming program.
At first, Angela just wants to separate Jacky and Valerie so she could proceed with her plan, but she comes to like Valerie more and more since they seem to have the same frame of mind.
*****
Sonia finally snaps the folder in front of her close and takes a deep breath. She sits back in her chair, trying to relax. However, she couldn’t seem to get the images out of her mind. Jacky’s cold words replay over and over again in her mind. She forces herself to focus on the situation at hand, but the thoughts keep coming at her. She doesn’t realize that tears of frustration are rolling down her cheeks as she rummages through her drawers to find some documents. She finally stops her motion altogether and attempts to wipe her tears away once and for all. But his words come back to haunt her mind once again. She feels extremely frustrated that she can’t seem to control herself these days. She’s especially more frustrated that she couldn’t control herself enough to see past Jacky’s troubles. She shouldn’t have stormed away like she did. She should’ve been stronger. The more she thinks about it, the more she is unable to control more tears from flowing down her cheeks.
“Sonia?” Angela’s voice cut through her thoughts.
Sonia’s somewhat taken aback upon hearing Angela’s voice. She turns to see Angela stepping forward to open her door wider. She then remembers that she’d left it ajar for some air. She’d forgotten to close it again. She quickly wipes away her tears, not wanting to worry Angela anymore than she already did. “I’m all right.” Her voice fails her because it came out all hoarse.
Angela takes the seat in front of Sonia’s desk before speaking up. She’d left the door ajar the way she’d found it – maybe just a few inches more. “What’s going on? We’re friends. You can’t hide it from me.”
Sonia takes the tissue from Angela and wipes the rest of her tears away and clears her throat briefly before answering. “I’m just frustrated with myself for losing it. I can’t believe I wasn’t paying attention today at the meeting.”
Angela knows it’s only part of the reason, but she doesn’t want to expose Sonia. It would be too cruel. “Don’t worry. You have me, right?”
Sonia smiles. “Thanks.”
Angela gives Sonia a supportive pat on the hand.
While they continue to talk, they do not realize that someone has been listening in on their conversation. It is none other than Jacky. He has part ways with Valerie minutes ago after Angela and Sam left. As he’s walking by Sonia’s office, he could see Angela entering it. Out of curiosity, he takes a peek to see what the girls are doing. He didn’t expect to witness such a scene. Upon seeing Sonia’s tears, he beats himself up even more for being so harsh. However, he knows that he has to do it sooner or later. It’s better that it would be sooner. He lets out another long sigh before continuing on his way out of the building. Because he’s so focused on Sonia so he doesn’t know that Sam has been observing his behavior and is now following him from behind. Sam finally calls out to him as they reach the entrance. He stops and turns around to wait for Sam to catch up to him.
Jacky smiles. “Got other bright ideas? Like doing a program with me as well? As buddies – that is.”
“No,” Sam said. “Actually, I want to talk to you about something else.”
As they step aside so they wouldn’t block the entrance, Jacky could detect some of what Sam’s about to say so he tenses up.
“Shouldn’t you and Sonia…”
“Are you into match-making nowadays as well?”
“I just thought that since you two seem to have some sort of misunderstandings, it would be better to talk it out than let it continue like this.”
Jacky knows that he shouldn’t assume matters or take it out on Sam so he holds back his words, scanning the parking lot once before turning back to Sam. “I know that you and Angela are trying to help me since we’re all friends and you would want to see us get along at work. But there are some things that can’t be undone.”
“I don’t know exactly what happened, but maybe you two should try first before…”
“I’m serious this time, Sam.”
Sam could see that Jacky’s determined so he doesn’t want to force him any further.
Jacky puts a hand on Sam’s shoulder. “Thanks though.”
“If there’s anything…”
Jacky nods, knowing that Sam really cares for him as a friend – not just a casual colleague.
The guys separate after that with Jacky going to his car and Sam going back inside to find Angela.
*****
As Ming Dao, Qiao Qiao, Chen Yi, and Bianca are sipping away at their drink, they are lost in their own thoughts as well. It seems that things are happening one after another to keep them busy. Qiao Qiao lets out another sigh as Chen Yi looks at his watch again. They turn to look when they hear someone walking up to them to be disappointed once again. Johnny sits down next Bianca while eyeing them suspiciously.
“It looks like you guys aren’t welcoming me at all,” Johnny teased.
“It’s not that,” Qiao Qiao spoke up for them all. “We’re just waiting for words from you know who.”
“If he’s not here by 6, I’m out ‘cause I have a date with Xiao Yu,” Chen Yi said.
“You guys watching some movies again?”
“No. We already watch all the ones showing right now. We’re probably heading towards the mall to check out the latest…”
“Games?”
“Partially.”
“Talking about movies, were you at the theater near my house that night? I meant the same day we spent shopping for the BBQ.”
“Yea. Why?”
“I thought that was you.”
Chen Yi turns to Qiao Qiao. “Oh…so that was why you guys weren’t half interested in watching the movie the second time around.”
“Hard to. That was our third time.”
Chen Yi points at Qiao Qiao. “You guys are sneaky.”
“So were you.”
“Fair enough.”
“Is he going to show up or not?” Qiao Qiao pondered again in her impatient tone.
“Should we call him?” Bianca asked the others.
“Maybe not,” Ming Dao said. “He could still be talking to Mrs. Chu.”
As if to relieve them of the nerve-wrecking wait, Ehlo and Wallace appear in front of them at that time. They’re walking side-by-side. The others are somewhat surprised that they’ve come together but they have more important matters to worry about than this. After all, it might not be so strange since Wallace did comment about going with Ehlo on the dismissal of their meeting that morning. Bianca and Qiao Qiao try to make room for both guys but Ehlo signals for them to stop. He and Wallace remain standing.
“Change of plans, guys,” Ehlo announced.
They are beyond anxious to find out but they hold their tongue so Ehlo could continue.
“Auntie has to go somewhere so she told us not to come. I’ll try again later.” He gestures his hand casually. “How’s it going on your side?” He notices Angela and Sam aren’t around. “My fiancée’s not here yet?”
“Huang Yu Rong!” Angela’s voice shouted from behind them.
Ehlo turns around in time to see Angela’s annoyed expression. He pretends not to see it, looking past her to Sam. “So…how did you guys do today?”
“Great plan that just got shot down,” Angela said, both disappointed and annoyed at the same time.
“Care to elaborate?”
Angela stops in front of them with Sam next to her before explaining to them all of their progress of the day. After she’s finished, Ehlo lets out a sigh before commenting.
“Oh great,” Ehlo said passively. “Now we have another competition before we can get rid of the first one.”
“Actually…” Angela said.
Ehlo turns to his attention to her again.
“I like Valerie. She’s…”
“Whose side are you on?”
“If you want me to choose, I rather Jacky ends up with Valerie than Jo if he can’t be with Sonia.”
“Thanks for the vote then,” A voice said from behind them.
They turn around to find Valerie walking up to them.
“You followed us?” Angela asked, shocked.
“No,” Valerie said. “It was just a coincidence that I came here. But I saw you guys gathered here so I thought I come over and say hi. I just overheard the last bit.”
“So you’re the love rival?” Ehlo asked.
Angela turns around to give Ehlo a slap on the shoulder.
“What? I can’t investigate?”
“Not in those words.”
“You must excuse my roommate for his choice of words,” Wallace apologized to Valerie on Ehlo’s behalf.
Valerie smiles. “To be compared to Sonia Sui is actually not bad.”
“I told you she can take it,” Ehlo said to Angela.
“Your boyfriend?” Valerie asked Angela.
Angela turns back to Valerie with her face wrinkled up. “No way.”
Ehlo smiles and slips a hand around Angela’s shoulder. “She meant we’re engaged, not just dating.”
Valerie’s eyes brightened. “Really?!”
Angela slaps Ehlo’s hand off her shoulders and edges further away from him. “He’s just messing with you.”
“So…what are you guys up to now? Some kind of conspiracy?”
Ehlo studies Valarie suspiciously. “Trying to sabotage us?”
“On the contrary, I thought it’s getting interesting.”
Ehlo and Angela turn back to the others to confide with them.
“We’re actually trying to help Jacky and Sonia so if you want to help, stay,” Chen Yi said. “If you want don’t to, you can just breeze by here and pretend you haven’t heard anything at all.”
“Match-making?” Valerie asked.
“That’s the short version.”
“Sounds great. I’m in. But then we have to get past Producer Lin and the others first.”
“Correction, we have to get past someone first.”
“Who?”
Ehlo turns back to Valerie. “Some annoying pest.”
“Sounds great. I’m in.”
Valerie pulls a chair up to the table and sits down between Chen Yi and Johnny.
“Are you trying to help us for real or are you just curious?” Ehlo asked again. “Like wanting to study up on the game plan before…”
“Hey, I admit that I like Jacky but it’s hard to ignore their strange behaviors these past weeks. I meant his and Sonia’s.”
“You’re blunt all right,” Chen Yi complimented her. “Admitting to us that you like Jacky, considering most of us here do not know you at all.”
Valerie turns to Chen Yi. “What’s there to be ashamed about?”
“I like your style, girl.”
Qiao Qiao clears her throat loudly at hat time.
Chen Yi turns to her. “What?”
“May I remind you that you have a girlfriend already?”
“Please, I was just giving her a compliment. Besides, she’s more like a brave big sis than a possible love interest.”
Valerie smiles. “You two are together?”
Chen Yi turns back to Valerie. “No. We just like to annoy each other. My girl’s cuter than this.”
Qiao Qiao pokes Chen Yi in the rib at that time as Ming Dao tries to pry her hand from Chen Yi’s jacket at that time.
“Interesting,” Valerie continued. “I didn’t expect to see such a show this afternoon.”
Ehlo looks at his watch. “Well, stay for the show. I have to head home.”
“I thought we’re planning some sort of…”
“We?”
“Come on now, don’t you guys want my help? Better three than just two at the station, right?”
“She got a point,” Angela said to Ehlo. “And trust me, you don’t want her as our enemy.”
“I wouldn’t go to the extreme of snatching Jacky from Sonia. And wanting to do a program with him doesn’t count. Can’t I just spend some time with him? We’re colleagues after all.”
“Fair enough,” Ehlo said finally. “I’ll let you in.”
“Great. What to do now?”
Ehlo quickly recaps their plan and what happened so far.
“No wonder the suggestion with having Jacky and Sonia continuing to work together. Slow phase but clever because you don’t want Jacky to catch on that fast.”
“He’s already catching on,” Sam muttered.
“What do you mean?”
“I had a talk with him after seeing you…” He looks at Angela. “…and Sonia in Sonia’s office this afternoon. Jacky told us not to play match-making anymore. He sounds so negative I don’t believe it’s him.”
“We can’t give up now, right? You guys should be more subtle while I move in on him. I mean he wouldn’t suspect as much since he knows I like him.”
“You told him you like him?” Chen Yi asked in disbelief, even though he knows she’s blunt.
Valerie turns to Chen Yi. “Of course not. But he’s smart. He would catch on after all these times I’ve spent defending him at meetings and all. I wouldn’t like him if he wasn’t so intelligent.”
“You’re too freaky, you know that?”
“Thank you.”
“Anyway, I’ll try to talk to Auntie and find out the whole marriage thing,” Ehlo continued. “Then we’ll go from there.”
“Arranged marriage? I don’t believe this. It discourages me from…”
“Wanting to marry into the Chu family?” Chen Yi finished.
Valerie nods.
“That’s just freaky,” Ehlo said, pointing at Valerie. “Now I don’t know if you’re friends or foe.”
Angela walks over to where Valerie is and puts a hand on her shoulder.
“I think we can trust her.”
Valerie slaps Angela a high five before getting up from her seat.
“I’m heading home now,” Valerie said. “See you guys later then.”
The others wave goodbye to her before turning back to talk among themselves. They end up going home around 8 unlike how they claimed to be having other plans, especially Chen Yi.
© Tuesday, February 24th, 2009
Posted: Friday, March 6th, 2009