Chapter 06 - Overcome a self-doubt
It was almost nighttime. Cong Rong was continuously revising those words of Director Xia. As if it clenched her heart. Those moist eyes filled with tears.
She wasn't ready for this. However, she had to move on.Sitting on her couch with her hands and feet cupped like a tiny ball, she glanced at the door when Ming entered.She didn't want to bother Ming with her troubles at all. Thus, she immediately wiped her tears and hid her pain with a fake smile."Ming, you're back. What would you like to eat? Let me cook for you."
As Rong approached her, she instantly pulled her into a hug and shed tears. She broke down in front of her as her heart couldn't endure this agony.
Shocked, Rong didn't know what to do. Thus, she put her arms around Ming's back and rubbed it. "Calm down, sweetheart. Tell me, what is wrong?"
Despite her best efforts, she couldn't calm her down and let her cry as much as she wanted.
.............................................
After a while, when her heart slowly started to lighten, she let go of Rong's arms and wiped her tears.
"I'm sorry, Rong. I just felt lonely and needed someone for a hug."
Noticing her gloomy face, Rong felt distressed. It hurt her whenever she saw Ming suffering.
She knew the cruelty of this world. However, Ming was her only friend, who she claimed as her best friend.She gently caressed her hand and asked once again. "What happened, Ming? Can't you share with me even?""Cong Rong, am I not capable of being a comic writer? Are my skills lacking somewhere?"
"Why are you thinking that way, Ming? What exactly happened today?"
Her lips turned down as she lowered her head, gasping in distress.
*Flashback*
When the meeting ended this morning, the ranking list of comics was also out. As usual, Li Wei got the first rank while Zhao Ming was last this time.
After the first time, Xiaomi seemed furious at her and already got another reason to yell at her.He wasted no time and quickly asked her to come to his cabin.Unknown of his motive, Ming quietly went to his cabin, where he again shouted at her."Do you know your rank for this month? YOU CAME LAST THIS TIME. DO YOU EVEN CARE ABOUT YOUR CAREER ANYMORE? OR DO YOU JUST CAME HERE FOR FUN?"
With his raised voice, Ming instantly flinched. She couldn't even utter a word against him. He left no moment to shout at her ever since she joined the company.
Looking at her with fury, he took out some files from the drawer and threw them on the table.
He opened each of them and showed it to her. "See this. It's a record of poor reviews about your comic. Some of them even said the writer should leave this field. Do you know why? Because you're not passionate about your work."Clicking on his mouse, he turned the computer screen towards her. He put his finger on the screen and commented. "See, how poor the quality of your comic is? The unattractive plot, poor writing style, and even poor illustration skills. Do you think, with this work, you can be a successful comic writer?"
He bit his lower lip while mumbling. "It would be better for others if you just quit this field."
*Flashback ends*
After hearing this, Cong Rong's anger was on the seventh sky.
Expressing her rage, she almost cursed when Ming stopped her."Aye! Girl, it's all okay. He said right, though."
"Couldn't he speak it gently as well? I'm mad at your seniors. Let me catch him one day. I'll give him extra lessons like our Teacher Liu."
A tiny laugh curled her lips as she hit her arm. "Teacher Liu was great. Don't say something about her."
Rubbing her arms, she replied. "Only for you, Miss Liu's favorite student. For us, she was a nightmare."
"Hahaha! You guys were famous prankers at school. Almost every teacher was ready to leave their job because of you guys..."
"But teacher Liu was tough. She stayed till farewell. LMAO!"
................................................
Sitting in a calm atmosphere, Wen Shaoqing was staring at some childhood pictures with his elbows resting on the study table.
There was an unexceptional smile on his face that no one could ever see.With his hands, he caressed a picture of him with a girl from a high school.A tiny sigh escaped his lips as he pressed his lips firmly together. "Where did you disappear, Cong Rong? Your dumpling is missing you."
He seemed lost in his childhood memories that suddenly his phone started ringing.
With his distinctive face, he glanced at the phone. "Mom?"Doubtfully, he picked the call and kept it near his ear.
Shaoqing: Mom?
??: So, Mr. Wen finally got time to talk to his parents.
Frowned on his spot, he again checked the name.
Shaoqing: DAD?
Dad: Yes, it's me. I know you won't pick if I call you at my number. Thus, I called from your mom's phone number.
Shaoqing: Dad, you only talk about marriage.
Dad: WEN SHAOQING!! You're an adult already. If you don't take responsibility for the family, then when will you? It's time for you to get married.
Shaoqing: Dad! I don't want to.
Dad: Wen Shaoqing, you--
Without letting him speak further, his mom snatched the phone.
"You always shout at him. That's why our son doesn't want to get married."
Putting the phone near to her ear, she gently greeted.
Mom: Son, how are you?
Shaoqing: Mom, thanks for saving me. Old Wen ate my mind already.
Mom: Aye! Shaoqing, your dad wants good for you. We desire to see a grandkid too.
Shaoqing: But, Mom...
Cutting his words off, her mom stated.
Mom: No but anymore, Shaoqing. We have waited for more than two years already. Tomorrow you'll go to meet my friend's daughter. We set a blind date for you too.
Upon listening to her, his eyes almost popped out as he choked in the air.
Shaoqing: B-blind date? WHAT?
Chapter 07 - The blind dateOn a beautiful morning, Ming & Rong's face was blooming like a flower. No doubt, they were in a good mood.They held some handbags in their hands and enjoyed a pleasant day while chatting. Their shining smiles spread all over their faces, revealing their happiness."Ahh! Nothing is better than shopping," Ming commented while spreading her hands in the air."Indeed. It makes me feel free from all worries," Rong replied.After yesterday's mess, both of them came to their favorite mall to refresh themselves.Stopping for a while, Ming put her hand inside the bag and took out a black packet."Surprise!!" She showed it to Rong as her smile curved into a tiny grin."Where did you get this one? I thought it's a limited edition of a new face mask."With her eyes gleaming, she flipped her hair. "Hmph! I'm a master of sales. I got this pack at a discount. Also, with a get on
Tearing up the wind and taking long breaths, she ran towards the turn.As calm as Zhao Ming looked, she looked full of anger. That anger only came out after seeing people close to her in trouble. Even when the boys tried to tease Rong while shopping, Ming stood up for her like a true friend.Reaching further into the turn, she called out her name and informed her, "Cong Rong, they're coming. Be ready!"Saying this, she turned left.*Bamp!!*A voice started echoing amidst the calm weather. Holding a baseball bat, Rong opened her eyes as Ming began to panic."Boss!""Boss?" She looked down at Ming with puzzled eyes. Her hand covered her wide-open mouth as she realised it was none other than Wen Shaoqing. She gulped, stepping back to hide.He put a hand over his head and rubbed it in a circular motion."What were you even doing?" He asked, throwing a pissed-off look at Ming.She quickly bowed and asked for an apology. "I'm so sorry, boss. Some goons were after us. We were only trying to
While having a phone call with Zhao Ming, she carefully pressed the top to close the steel lunchbox.Rong: Ming, can you send me your boss's address?Ming: Xiaomi Ge?Rong: Not him. I'm asking about Mr. Wen.Ming: Wait, why did you need his address? What's going on?Rong: I'll tell you later, for sure. Can you do me a favour, please?Ming: Just don't let him know that I gave you the address.Rong: Deal!Hanging up on her call, she headed towards the given address.After a quick ride, she arrived in one of the most expensive areas. She could feel wealth in the air, as most of the houses were worth millions.She gasped before entering his house. She easily got access, as the guards weren't there at the moment."Woa!" Her mouth remained open as she watched the living room. It appeared simple yet sophisticated and luxurious.She kept walking until someone called her out."Miss?"She turned to face a middle-aged woman wearing a black and white shirt and skirt."May I know who you are lookin
Leaning back, she rested her back and got lost in thought.*Flashback*He brought her to a nearby room and made her sit on the bed. Opening drawers, he searched for the medkit.After a while, he sat near her, gently cleaning her bruise with cotton.Unaware, Rong felt strange seeing him take such care of her.It was the first time she had no words to express her feelings. She was clueless about the bluster of those heartbeats.The whole time, her eyes were only asking to see him. There was something at that moment that she could not express. Perhaps she didn't know what had happened to her.A text notification snapped her out of her thoughts, making her smack her cheeks."Cong Rong, what are you even thinking? Stop it."She extended her hand to reach the phone and opened Ming's chat.Ming: Rong, can you help me pick up a parcel from nearby? I guess I'll be late today.Rong: Alright, no problem.Ming: I love you. Tomorrow's breakfast is on me.Giggling over her text, she sent a heart em
"Rong, do you have a date today?"Choking on her breath, she instantly refused. "Are you kidding me? I'm going out for some work."As they were talking, her phone buzzed, gathering their attention. She glanced at the screen. It was from Wen Shaoqing."Zhao Ming, I'll come late today. You can have dinner alone."...............................................Hiding behind a car far away, she was squinting at Rong. She swam several times to see the face of the man standing beside her. Wrapping her arms around, she narrowed her brows. "Who the heck is this guy?"Just then, she heard a whisper coming from behind, making her flinch at her place. Soon as she turned with a little scream, a familiar hand covered her mouth, stopping her from screaming further.Glaring at him, she threw his hand away. "Xiaomi Ge, what are you doing here?""The same thing you're doing. I'm observing my best friend.""Your best friend?" She narrowed an eye while turning to glance at them. Her eyes widened when t
The day finally came. She dressed up in her mullet-fitted dress; she sported minimal makeup with her hair tied in a waterfall braid. She took a pair of silver cluster earrings and wore them while fixing her pumps.Glancing at her reflection in the mirror, she let out a sigh of relief."Best of luck, Rong. You can do it." Putting a smile on her lips, she walked out of the house................................................As they reached the venue, he grabbed her hand and stopped her in front of the entrance gate."Anything?"He opened the box in his other hand and took out a heart-shaped diamond pendant. He reached out his hands around her neck and tried to put the necklace on. His warm breath hit her cheeks, sending chills down her spine. She clenched her fist firmly, trying not to overreact.Just then, he moved back; she glanced at the pendant and giggled. "Thank you. I'll return it after the party."Her soft smiles somehow melted his heart. Even he seemed unaware of this feelin
Chapter 01 - Her fantasy world The devil bound the jungle from all sides. It seemed impossible to escape from there without coming into their sight. On a misty night, there was nothing but chippers of birds. Once behind a dense tree, a girl was struggling in pain. Her hands seemed to crack vigorously. The blood was flowing deep down to her knees, covering them. She couldn't even utter a word as if someone sliced her dried throat and took out her voice. Tears were flowing from her eyes like raindrops. There was no chance for her to survive further. Her breaths slowly started reducing, and her heart rate was also getting low. As if she was taking her last pants.  
Chapter 02 - The birthday party What could be the best way to beat the tiredness of working all night, more than a shower? He just went to his favorite place, which could be the best place to release exhaust, the hot shower. He just stood up in his favorite hot shower and turned on the button. The cozy warm water escaped the shower's head and fell on his masculine, pearly skin. Breathing out, he closed his eyes while running his hand through his wet hair. After enjoying the shower time, he wrapped his bathrobe around and came out of the bathroom. The drops of water were dropping out of his wet hair as he walked towards the wardrobe. Grabbing his favorite blue
The day finally came. She dressed up in her mullet-fitted dress; she sported minimal makeup with her hair tied in a waterfall braid. She took a pair of silver cluster earrings and wore them while fixing her pumps.Glancing at her reflection in the mirror, she let out a sigh of relief."Best of luck, Rong. You can do it." Putting a smile on her lips, she walked out of the house................................................As they reached the venue, he grabbed her hand and stopped her in front of the entrance gate."Anything?"He opened the box in his other hand and took out a heart-shaped diamond pendant. He reached out his hands around her neck and tried to put the necklace on. His warm breath hit her cheeks, sending chills down her spine. She clenched her fist firmly, trying not to overreact.Just then, he moved back; she glanced at the pendant and giggled. "Thank you. I'll return it after the party."Her soft smiles somehow melted his heart. Even he seemed unaware of this feelin
"Rong, do you have a date today?"Choking on her breath, she instantly refused. "Are you kidding me? I'm going out for some work."As they were talking, her phone buzzed, gathering their attention. She glanced at the screen. It was from Wen Shaoqing."Zhao Ming, I'll come late today. You can have dinner alone."...............................................Hiding behind a car far away, she was squinting at Rong. She swam several times to see the face of the man standing beside her. Wrapping her arms around, she narrowed her brows. "Who the heck is this guy?"Just then, she heard a whisper coming from behind, making her flinch at her place. Soon as she turned with a little scream, a familiar hand covered her mouth, stopping her from screaming further.Glaring at him, she threw his hand away. "Xiaomi Ge, what are you doing here?""The same thing you're doing. I'm observing my best friend.""Your best friend?" She narrowed an eye while turning to glance at them. Her eyes widened when t
Leaning back, she rested her back and got lost in thought.*Flashback*He brought her to a nearby room and made her sit on the bed. Opening drawers, he searched for the medkit.After a while, he sat near her, gently cleaning her bruise with cotton.Unaware, Rong felt strange seeing him take such care of her.It was the first time she had no words to express her feelings. She was clueless about the bluster of those heartbeats.The whole time, her eyes were only asking to see him. There was something at that moment that she could not express. Perhaps she didn't know what had happened to her.A text notification snapped her out of her thoughts, making her smack her cheeks."Cong Rong, what are you even thinking? Stop it."She extended her hand to reach the phone and opened Ming's chat.Ming: Rong, can you help me pick up a parcel from nearby? I guess I'll be late today.Rong: Alright, no problem.Ming: I love you. Tomorrow's breakfast is on me.Giggling over her text, she sent a heart em
While having a phone call with Zhao Ming, she carefully pressed the top to close the steel lunchbox.Rong: Ming, can you send me your boss's address?Ming: Xiaomi Ge?Rong: Not him. I'm asking about Mr. Wen.Ming: Wait, why did you need his address? What's going on?Rong: I'll tell you later, for sure. Can you do me a favour, please?Ming: Just don't let him know that I gave you the address.Rong: Deal!Hanging up on her call, she headed towards the given address.After a quick ride, she arrived in one of the most expensive areas. She could feel wealth in the air, as most of the houses were worth millions.She gasped before entering his house. She easily got access, as the guards weren't there at the moment."Woa!" Her mouth remained open as she watched the living room. It appeared simple yet sophisticated and luxurious.She kept walking until someone called her out."Miss?"She turned to face a middle-aged woman wearing a black and white shirt and skirt."May I know who you are lookin
Tearing up the wind and taking long breaths, she ran towards the turn.As calm as Zhao Ming looked, she looked full of anger. That anger only came out after seeing people close to her in trouble. Even when the boys tried to tease Rong while shopping, Ming stood up for her like a true friend.Reaching further into the turn, she called out her name and informed her, "Cong Rong, they're coming. Be ready!"Saying this, she turned left.*Bamp!!*A voice started echoing amidst the calm weather. Holding a baseball bat, Rong opened her eyes as Ming began to panic."Boss!""Boss?" She looked down at Ming with puzzled eyes. Her hand covered her wide-open mouth as she realised it was none other than Wen Shaoqing. She gulped, stepping back to hide.He put a hand over his head and rubbed it in a circular motion."What were you even doing?" He asked, throwing a pissed-off look at Ming.She quickly bowed and asked for an apology. "I'm so sorry, boss. Some goons were after us. We were only trying to
Chapter 07 - The blind dateOn a beautiful morning, Ming & Rong's face was blooming like a flower. No doubt, they were in a good mood.They held some handbags in their hands and enjoyed a pleasant day while chatting. Their shining smiles spread all over their faces, revealing their happiness."Ahh! Nothing is better than shopping," Ming commented while spreading her hands in the air."Indeed. It makes me feel free from all worries," Rong replied.After yesterday's mess, both of them came to their favorite mall to refresh themselves.Stopping for a while, Ming put her hand inside the bag and took out a black packet."Surprise!!" She showed it to Rong as her smile curved into a tiny grin."Where did you get this one? I thought it's a limited edition of a new face mask."With her eyes gleaming, she flipped her hair. "Hmph! I'm a master of sales. I got this pack at a discount. Also, with a get on
Chapter 06 - Overcome a self-doubt It was almost nighttime. Cong Rong was continuously revising those words of Director Xia. As if it clenched her heart. Those moist eyes filled with tears. She wasn't ready for this. However, she had to move on. Sitting on her couch with her hands and feet cupped like a tiny ball, she glanced at the door when Ming entered.She didn't want to bother Ming with her troubles at all. Thus, she immediately wiped her tears and hid her pain with a fake smile. "Ming, you're back. What would you like to eat? Let me cook for you." As Rong approached her, she instantly pulled her into a hug and shed tears. She broke down in front of her as her heart couldn't endure this agony. Shocked, Rong didn't know what to do. Thus, she put her arms around Ming's back and rubbed it. "Calm down, sweetheart. Tell me, what is wrong?" Despite her best efforts, she couldn't calm her down and let her cry as much
Chapter 05 - They met again Pausing for a while, she held her breath before shouting aloud. Ming: PLEASE HELP ME OUT! Keeping a hand on her ear, she covered it. Rong: Yah! You first calm down and stop shouting. Ming: I have an urgent meeting. The file that I need is at our home. Please, bring it to my office, Rong. Otherwise, today will be my last day here. Rong: Huh? Ah, sure. When do you need it? Ming: Just now. The meeting is starting in 15 minutes. Choking in
Chapter 04 - A new beginning "They want you... to change your genre." These few words were enough for any writer to feel frightened in the world. She felt as if someone threw a stone and broke her glass-type career in a few moments. Upon hearing it, tears started forming in her eyes. Her cheeks turned all red out of shame. "So I failed again? How many times am I going to disappoint them? How many failures do I have to see in my life?" she thought. She lowered my head, not letting anyone notice those painful tears. "Cong Rong, you'