Chapter 11: Kidnap

The gold faucet was turned, and thousands of of tepid drops streamed down Wu's back. His eyes fell to a close over and over each time, replaying what happened back at his girlfriend's home. The heat doused his skin, and the steam occupied the room as he stayed there for a while, thinking. 

The cascade from the shower head didn't stop until he made it to. He got out of the bathroom, with water dripping down his hair, and it slowly made its way to his body and then the floor. 

"Fuck" He cussed. Since he confessed his adoration, he didn't have a clue whether it was be best to stop or continue. He strangely wanted both, but one option was already fixed for him. He had to continue, and figure out a way to make sure his plan does work, and nothing gets in the way. 

He dried himself and got dressed. Wu had to talk to Xin face to face about it because he needed his advice. 

No one would be at the bar because he never opens that day, but he'd be there doing the usuals. It was the last day of the month. He used that opportunity to sort out stuff and check how sales turned out.

"Xin" Wu walked into the bar, the corner of his lips drawn back, and his brows knitted. 

"Hey? What's wrong?" Xin asked, watching his friend take a seat. Wu rested his head in his hand and sighed. 

"I liked her, but now I think I'm in love with her. The fact that I told her unconsciously or something makes me feel...unsteady."

Xin turned around "I'm not really a love expert, but I don't think what you did was wrong. What did she say?" 

"She didn't say a word."

Xin turned around to stock up some bottles "Well that sucks."

"No, it's not about her not saying anything. It's about the entire wager!"

Jessica walked to the bar, and she was surprised to see Wu cobversing to the bartender. Two men she hated were in the same place. To further her investigation, she had to eavesdrop, maybe she would learn something, maybe she would not. 

Fortunately for the lady, Wu accidentally left the front door open, and she could squeeze herself through the opening without getting caught or alerting them. 

The two men had their backs turned, so they didn't notice a third party in the building. She tiptoed to hide behind a decor large enough to cover her body.

"I'm worried," Wu said. "I love her a lot." 

Hearing him say that made Jessica's blood boil.

Wu looked at his phone once he heard the notification bell, and he got a new message from Lijuan. She spent hours trying to type a message conveying her emotions, but she decided it was best for them to meet up some place.

Miss Qin: Afternoon Wu, it might seem sudden, but can we start from where we left off yesterday? I mean, can we see each other later today for another date?

Chang Wu typed in with a sigh, "Just give where you want us to meet as usual" 

Lijuan was happy to see his reply, but she frowned after reading it. She wondered how upset he could've been all night. It made her feel bad.

Miss Qin: I'm sorry for how things ended yesterday.

"It's fine. I said something you didn't expect at the moment. It explains your reaction. So, I guess we'll see later today." 

Miss Qin: Yes, sure

"She was the one you were chatting with, right?" Xin asked as Wu turned off his phone then rolled his head back and relaxed on his seat "I feel so fucking embarrassed after what I did yesterday."

Jessica wkndered what occurred between that dubious man and her best friend. She wheezed after her thoughts were finalized and she concluded it was sex gone wrong.

"Stop overreacting, Wu. She didn't say anything doesn't mean she wouldn't, eventually. Stop being a drama queen in my bar." 

Wu sighed "And I feel guilty. You know why don't you?" 

"Bitch, what is the reason? Why are you feeling guilty?" Jessica asked silently, not audible for the men to hear.

"Yeah. I understand." 

Jessica was upset. It seemed like there was nothing secret she could learn from them.

She crawled towards the door but stopped once they started talking again, and from what it appeared, they were diving deep into the conversation.

She returned to her hiding spot, heart racing, with her eyes on them in case they made a move.

"I don't want to carry on with this bet."

"but you've planned everything out, haven't you? Stop worrying."

"I feel so guilty. I feel like my sadness isn't necessary, but I just have mixed feelings about it. Likewise, the way that I'm deceiving her, carrying on with a bogus life with no single ounce of truth told."

Jessica's eyes widened "It can't be..."

"I want to spend the rest of my life with her. Words can't explain how I want to hold her forever and have her by my side. She's something I want to protect, but...I believe I'm part of the stone throw that will break her once damaged heart."

"you want to come clean?" Xin asked and his friend nodded, but shook his head afterwards "All I can do now is hope my plan works out. If it does, then there's no need to tell her who I really am."

Jessica couldn't tell exactly what Wu's truth was. But one thing she knew was that he was a liar, and he place a bet that had to do with Lijuan.

She had it all recorded, and she didn't waste time to make up her mind to expose Wu for who he truly was before her friend finds out the hard way.

Xin turned back and noticed something out of place. Behind the medium-sized figurine, he was sure someone or something was there, and Jessica knew well that they had spotted her.

Well, it didn't matter. There was nothing they could do to stop her. It was just one click she needed to expose them for who they were.

"Disgusting liars. I heard every word you said. Don't come close. I will send the voice recording to Lijuan," She popped out of her hiding place.

Whether or not they made a move, it wouldn't change anything. Nothing could stop her.

Xin and Wu glanced at each other, then raised their hands in surrender. "Calm down" Wu said, but the two men were sure she wasn't the type of person who'd listen to them. They knew a few things about her that justified that.

Jessica looked at her new phone, then her hands shook the moment she realised there was no recording. There was nothing at all.