Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Email again?

As it happened, I chose to adopt the child I met. He was very thankful to me and of course, he also started to trust me by telling his life story. I was amazed at how strong he was. For a ten year old like him, I can't imagine how much he has gone through. I also reported to the police station about what happened so that such incidents where goons take money from such weak children will not happen again. This child is not the only one who will suffer if such an incident continues. They don't have anything to eat and then those goons will take money from them which is also coming from alms?

He also named himself but he told me that I was even supposed to give him a name again because I adopted him. We were watching television that time because I just came home from work while he was left at home. I bought him clothes right away and I’m glad that he’s way comfortable.

"What's your name first?" I asked him.

"I named myself Lip. Because some of my playmates said that my smile makes them smile too."

I smiled at what he said. Indeed, it is really contagious when he smiles. "Then I'll call you Lip. It's cool to hear your name so that's all I'll call you. No need to change it. Anyway, do you also want to study?"

When I asked that, his eyes seemed to twinkle but he also immediately bowed. "Isn't it too much? The amount you've done for me and you're going to send me to school?"

I just thought it would be a waste of the opportunity if he couldn’t study. He's smart and a bright kid. When I took him to my house, I asked him what toys he wanted or maybe he wanted a ball to play with while I was at work. I also don't want him to be bored and just watch TV all the time. But none of what I said was what he asked for. He wanted so many books, it wasn't comics or anything that I expected for a kid like him. He wanted me to buy him some educational books.

"Don't think about something like that. I'm doing all this to help you. If only all the children, your playmates, could be adopted so that they wouldn't be in trouble. I want the best for children like you. Life is short so if we have a hard time with life's challenges, we should also enjoy it somehow. " I said and he smiled at me which meant approval.

I took care of everything he needed so that he could start studying right away. We immediately approached the director of Arkinstein University and were told to take a test first to assess his knowledge about certain subjects. And thankfully, he was immediately accelerated to the right grade level appropriate for his age. I was correct, he's so smart so it's better if his skills and brightness won’t go into waste. Though, he will still take additional classes to cope up with the units taken by past grade level students.

I saw how happy he was. It's his dream and I'm happy to be with him on his journey. I will cry more for him when the time comes for him to graduate. I can't stop myself from imagining that day that I will hang a medal on him.

"Ma'am!"

I went back to the present when I saw Aileen’s face was already close to mine. I was taken back and drank from a water bottle near my table. "Why? Are you saying something?" I asked and I saw her laugh.

"You were dozing off. I've been calling you since earlier and have been here in your office for quite a minute." she said so I fixed myself.

"Why? Is there a problem?" I asked.

She nodded. "I have received another email from the sender of the business conference invitation. They are hoping for your cooperation according to the message because you did not attend last Sunday.."

My eyebrows met. "Specifically me? It stated?" I asked and she nodded again. "Is it really required to go there? I'm busy lately because I have something new at home. It was just a business conference. Who is that sender? Is it still from the hotel staff?" I asked her in disgust and I saw that she faked a smile.

"Actually, Ma'am, the sender's name has changed ...."

"Who is it? Maybe it's just spamming or maybe it's just fake," I said complacently.

She lowered her head. "It's Rye Fujisaki. I've also verified if it's his personal email address and I saw that it's on his official Cheekbook."

Rye Fujisaki? The man I saw at the bar? He seems to really know me. He didn't even tell me how he knew my name but I think it was because I was one of the business owners and professionals on the list of that business conference. But specifically me? Is he mad at me for what I did? Why would he waste time for someone like me who is just a normal woman here? He's unbelievable!

But I felt a cold whisper of wind telling me to be scared. I knew that he’s dangerous based on his aura. It’s possible that he can just buy our business because he’s super rich. Fate, what is this again?

Aileen left while I was having a headache at the thought of what I had done wrong that night. I rejected his offered drink because I was shocked when he said my name. He knew me all along, shouldn't I just be annoyed about that? I don’t need many people to know me, especially people like him. I just want a peaceful life and I don’t want to be stressed anymore. I have an adopted kid, I have charities to help, I have a business, and nothing bad is happening to my family. I don’t want to be involved with such men or anyone rich!

Kira and Patry managed to settle for private life after their turbulent world in the gaming industry. I'm impressed with those two but please, I'm single. But I'm strong so maybe I can do it? Or maybe I'm just saying these flowery words to calm myself?

I opened my drawer and picked up my phone. It's a coincidence that suddenly someone called.

"What?" I asked quickly when I saw it was Ivo.

"No greetings, witch? You're really harsh to me."

I just rolled my eyes because of what he said. "What? I'm so stressed because an email came. I'm being forced to attend a business conference."

"Ah, so the invitation has already reached you?"

I was shocked when he said that. "You're invited too?"

"Uh-huh, I'm going." When he said that, I seemed to breathe easy.

"All right, I'll go too." I am compelled to say. It’s just like highschoolers that when one goes, everyone goes along. I have no choice.

"Great! Let's go together. I'll pick you up." he said and I just agreed.

The call ended and I just looked at my paperworks. I no longer feel like working anymore.