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墨書 Inktalez
Let's not mention what Ziya and her friend Sun Meng were secretly planning, and instead focus on what happened to Liu tonight...
A sleepless night left Liu in a state of endless confusion, her body aching from the inhumane torment she endured at home. She had hoped to find some balance at work, using her phone to keep up with things. However, she now faced a major restructuring, and the key seemed to lie with Yuan Ye. If she could manage to win over her office director, she might secure her position. Listening to the beast beside her snoring loudly filled her with disgust.
For a woman, being centered around family is the most basic principle of existence. She didn’t want others to gossip about her or for her in-laws to think of her as incompetent, less capable than a hen that lays eggs. After several years of marriage, Xu Ziming remained unchanged, and despite knowing he was not normal, she felt helpless as he ignored everyone’s advice. Liu went to the hospital for a check-up; everything about her was normal, and she was perfectly capable of getting pregnant.
She tried several times to urge her husband to get checked at the hospital, but he would just slap his taut muscles and say, “I’m in great shape; if I weren’t, I’d take care of you right now.” Terrified, she dared not say more. Each failure left her in silent tears while Xu Ziming snored loudly beside her.
Liu thought about divorce but was met with resistance from her oblivious parents and family. With a sigh, she decided to just get through it. At Daily News Building, she progressed from an ordinary reporter to a team leader... Zhang, the Chief Editor treated her well... Occasionally seeing other families filled with laughter made her heart ache with unexpressed resentment. The first time Zhang invited her out for dinner at a bustling eatery, she had a little red wine...
“Little Liu, you must be a woman with stories,” Zhang said before taking a bite of steak, chewing thoughtfully while looking at this quiet woman who wasn’t exceptionally beautiful but possessed a unique charm typical of Eastern women.
“Boss, what stories could I possibly have?” A sense of restraint washed over her as this was the first time she was alone with another man besides her husband; her cheeks flushed enticingly.
“Haha! Since you won’t share, I won’t pry,” Zhang laughed heartily. He continued, “Women need someone to cherish and love them; they are not meant to be bullied. If you were my woman, I would protect and cherish you doubly so; I wouldn’t let you suffer even the slightest grievance.”
If only Xu Ziming could say such words! Liu quickly glanced at Zhang’s face and saw genuine love in his eyes. Her heart fluttered slightly as her hand holding the knife and fork trembled instinctively.
“What are you afraid of?” How could Liu's subtle movements escape the gaze of this seasoned man? In a low voice meant only for her ears, he gently took hold of her delicate fingers. That warm sensation didn’t repulse Liu; instead, she didn’t immediately pull away. Perhaps she craved such warmth too much and longed to hear compliments from a man she admired.
“Come on! Eat more; you look too thin...” Zhang continued to provide emotional support. His earlier gesture was a test of whether she harbored any reservations about him. When she didn’t reject him but silently accepted his touch, he felt a surge of joy; it seemed his earlier efforts hadn’t been in vain.
Liu found it increasingly difficult to meet Zhang’s slightly intoxicated gaze—his eyes were filled with possession, admiration, and wild allure. The eatery was bustling with business, far beyond ordinary levels. Among the noisy diners were some cultured individuals; one young man who appeared to be a college student casually strummed his guitar while singing along.
One beautiful song after another, performed live, drew applause and cheers from the diners present. Zhang, the Chief Editor, snapped his fingers at a waiter. "This is my tip for you; go invite that singer over here."
"Sure, just a moment," the waiter replied with a professional smile.
"Zhang, I... I think we should leave," Liu said, not wanting to linger any longer. She was anxious about running into someone she knew and was well aware of her husband Xu Ziming's temperament. He was like a two-faced person; at home, he wore one expression, while outside, he was a respected teacher admired by all his students.
"Hahaha! No worries, it's rare to have time for some romance today. Just relax and enjoy!" Zhang said, gently patting Liu, who looked somewhat flustered.
"Excuse me; would you like to hear some songs?" A young man with a refined demeanor and a slightly slender build approached them with a confident smile.
"Uh... what songs can you play?" Zhang asked, picking up a toothpick from the table and putting it in his mouth as he tilted his head.
"As long as you like it, I can play it for you," the young man replied, exuding confidence not only in his appearance but also in his tone.
"Good, very good," Zhang chuckled, then turned to Liu. "Xiao Liu, what song do you like? Just name it. If we’re satisfied with your singing, we’ll give you double; if not, we won’t shortchange you either."
Liu had a modest appreciation for music but had never sung herself. She lacked the confidence to perform well and didn’t have the leisure to enjoy music either. When her boss focused on her and asked for her input, she felt a surge of emotion that made her eyes misty. She smiled shyly and said softly, "I like Teresa Teng's 'When Will You Return?' Can you play that?"
"No problem, Auntie! My mom loves this song too," the young man replied as he adjusted the notes and skillfully plucked the delicate strings of the guitar. The enchanting melody of 'When Will You Return?' filled the bustling restaurant. Many satisfied diners paused at their tables, reluctant to leave as they were captivated by the young man's earnest gaze and the heavenly sound that alternated between strength and gentleness.
"Clap clap clap! Wonderful... wonderful..." As the song ended, everyone applauded enthusiastically.
Zhang laughed heartily and pulled out a wad of cash from his wallet without counting it before tossing it to the young man. "Not bad! Since I'm in a good mood today, I'll give you a little extra. If there's another chance in the future, play another song for me."
"Uncle, you've given too much; a song doesn't require this much," the young man said, unexpectedly pushing the money back to Zhang, the Chief Editor. He only took out a single bill, politely nodded, and seemed ready to leave.
Zhang, the Chief Editor, frowned, feeling that the young man was disrespecting him. He had never been in a situation where he gave something and then took it back. With a bit of alcohol emboldening him, he declared, "Kid, if I give it, you have to take it."
"No, Uncle, one must have integrity; you can't just take money recklessly," the boy exclaimed in shock at this insistence on accepting money.
"How much is integrity worth per pound?" Zhang, the Chief Editor, shouted back.
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