“What about pancakes, American style? I know a place and I have such a craving for crispy bacon and maple syrup!” Linlin was bright and energetic this morning. Finally getting some quality alone time with TangShi now that YuZhi was back at work and life was calming down enough to resume a normal routine. TangShi was getting to grips with her morning sickness thanks to some herbal medications from Doctor Huang and she seemed to be doing better emotionally too.
“Hmmm. Nothing too strong tasting. I can only eat bland right now. And nothing smelly.” TangShi slid into Linlin’s car, checking her phone and smiling at yet another text message from YuZhi asking her if she was okay. He had been checking in hourly for the last few days whenever he had to go to work, remorseful for not being able to keep accompanying her at home. Acting like the world’s most overprotective boyfriend who would have her wrapped in cotton wool and kept in a glass cabinet
“I don’t know what to do. I love him and I never thought I would find myself in this place with any guy. I didn’t think I would ever fall for someone and want exclusivity. It just kills me that I fell for someone just like me and maybe he isn’t there with me and ready to commit. That maybe he’s already looking elsewhere.” This recent lack of confidence and spike in insecurity was a hundred percent worse since they broke up for that few weeks that YuZhi and TangShi had, and it had her doubting everything.“You have to communicate with him and talk it out properly. ZhengLi isn’t the type to lie. He’s very blunt and if he was dating someone else he would just tell you. Maybe she is family? Maybe it really is something he had to sort out with her.” TangShi stroked Linlin’s shoulder and gave it a little squeeze. Wanting to believe in their love and not take it at face value. Linlin pushed her sat nav screen and prod
“I’m stuffed. What’s the plan now? Do you want to go home or go walk this food off and get some fresh air?” Linlin yawned, dabbing her mouth with her napkin and leaned back in her chair to stretch out. TangShi rubbed her now full belly and turned to look at the weather outside the huge glass window of the café. The rain had dried up, and although it was still overcast, it wasn’t as grey or cold and the sun was pushing through with hopes of a nicer day.It had been a pleasant quiet late breakfast, with small talk and happy vibes. Feeling a little more normal and how they used to be before this whole mess.“I don’t feel like dealing with people, so anywhere that people are not.” TangShi sighed, relaxing now she was fed and a little tired. Between morning sickness and fatigue it had limited her ability to do much.“How about driving to Jinshan city beach? It’s a little over an hour to get there. We
“She’s right back there, Tang.” TangShi had stepped only three feet away from him, facing away towards the rear but her body stopped short, stilling, and she swallowed hard. His voice echoed around her head and the familiar name kicked recognition into touch. She didn’t have time to react, to run, scream, or do anything, before a hand covered her face and her body was gripped cruelly. TangShi gasped, lifting her face away from the palm trying to muffle her. She twisted and managed to dodge her mouth being covered at all as he caught her under the chin instead. Putting up a fight and lashing out, throwing her feet back at him so he struggled to control her. TangShi had always been a girl who appeared weaker and gentler than she actually was and had a fire inside of her and a strength that only came out when she needed it. Survival instincts kicking in. Even though he was bigger, stronger, TangShi was functioning on pure adrenaline and found superhuman strength from somewhere
“Mr. Leng, Mr. Kim, the board members are all getting seated. This way.” The young secretary showed the men to the door of the long hallway of the room that was assigned for today’s meeting and yet ZhengLi held back. They had arrived at MinXo Corp to discuss a plan that had been in the works for a year and taken a half hour to get here.“Yo, hold up a second. I have a really weird feeling that I should drop Linny a message. Something feels off.” ZhengLi pulled out his cell phone, not caring that they were seconds from their appointment because it felt urgent suddenly and he couldn’t logically explain why. Wandering off to the side while YuZhi waited for him, checking his watch and feeling for his own phone to scan his messages. TangShi had left him a good luck text for his meeting and he smiled, happy at seeing her name, as he slid it back in his inside pocket. In no rush to get inside that room just yet.ZhengLi walked back to him s
“Nope. I have a lunch with them next weekend but right now I am in London again. Busy working, what’s up?” Rhea was in the process of having her hair styled for a fashion shoot, sat with her feet propped up in a studio while being tended to by various assistants.“Shit. It’s nothing. I just can’t get hold of them and need to. Don’t worry about it.” He looked up at the ceiling and pinched his nose, trying to curb his growing angst. A headache forming right at his temples.“You sound stressed, what is it? Why do you need them? What’s going on?” Rhea’s own concern peaked, aware that ZhengLi sounded emotional which was weird for him and knowing of the two girls, TangShi would always answer. She had never been one to monitor or ignore calls. Rhea had always found her to be a fast answer or text responder in their days of hanging out.“It’s nothing. I’m in a meeting and they went
TangShi stilled in the now motionless car. Listening intently for noise and trying to make out what Rong Cai was doing. Closing her eyes to improve her senses while still gripping the tire iron with both hands and poised to attack. Her heartrate raising and body clammy with fear but she tried to stay focused and calm although it felt like they had driven for an age and she had no idea where they were now.He had stopped them somewhere finally, pulled Linlin out already, of that TangShi was sure as she had heard the dragging and muffled groans of her on the other side of the seat. Straining to listen and see if she was conscious while he lifted her and pulled her away from the car.His footsteps came back towards her on a hard gritty surface, seeming like he hadn’t walked far to deposit Linlin and TangShi knew she was next. She gripped harder, her breathing getting shallow as her nerves elevated, her face damp with sweat as anticipation clawed at her, churning her
TangShi didn’t respond, her heartbeat racing and her palms clammy which was making the bar hard to grip, but instead kept on with her steady backwards sliding. Until she came level with Linlin and pushed Linlin’s outstretched leg gently with her foot to rouse her.“Linlin, are you awake, can you hear me? Please say something.” TangShi so desperately needed to hear her, even if it was just a groan to signal she was still alive. She looked completely lifeless and it was scaring her that he had done something awful.“Mmmmm.” A soft mumbling moan came from behind Linlin’s duct taped mouth covering and TangShi exhaled in sagging relief. Her head swimming with dizziness at hearing her respond and thanking god that she was conscious and breathing still. It made her less alone in this predicament and gave her hope that Linlin could still recover.“Did you think I killed her?” Rong started laughing, a cackling and man
“He’s coming. You only have one chance. GO. Just go!” Linlin could see him over TangShi’s shoulder, pulling out of the car with water bottles and knew it was their only chance. TangShi’s blood ran cold, the way Linlin was glaring over her shoulder catapulted her into instinctive action. Fight or flight response initiating and not giving her a moment to think it through. Stroking a final hand across Linlin’s head and sobbing as she jumped up.“I’m sorry. I’ll come back for you. I’ll get help.” She hushed her saddened words at her through jumbled tears and broke off into an instant run in the opposite direction of Rong Cai.TangShi put her all into it, head down, legs and arms swinging fast as they could. She made a break for freedom and adrenaline gave her a speed she had never achieved before. The sheer fear of running for her life without looking back.“TangShi, No!” Rong yelled after