The sound of her phone woke her up the next morning. It was buzzing nonstop. Her hand searched around the bed until she found it.
Reading the notifications her eyebrow cocked. Friend request. She didn't have a big social media presence so she was confused. Looking at the profile her eyes lit up. It was An Bao!
She threw the covers off of her and sat up, Li Hua saw that An Biao had messaged her.
"Hey Li Hua. It's me An Bao from school, we met at the hospital. I was wondering if you'd like to go out for lunch later today?"
"Hey. Of course just let me know when."
This would be her first time talking to one of her old friends. She may not have had a lot but a friend is a friend.
An Bao messaged her back and told her the time and place.
Li Hua took a shower and got ready. The weather was nice today so she picked a floral summer dress and some flats. She kept the makeup light and brushed her hair into a ponytail. Looking in the mirror she smiled and went out the room.
On her way down the hallway she saw that Su LingTians car wasn't there. She was about to smile when she realized. She had no way to get there! She had no car herself and the house was at least an hour drive away.
Seeing one of the maids she politely asked her if there was a way she could contact Assistant Jiang. She knew that he could probably arrange her a driver.
"Hello?"
"Ah hello Assistant Jiang, it's Li Hua! I was wondering if it wasn't two much of a request could you send a driver to me. I have some business to attend to."
"Ah! Yes I can have that arranged. A driver will be there shortly."
Hanging up the phone he quickly called the driving company and arranged transportation for her.
"Who was that?"
Looking up he noticed that Su LingTian was staring at him.
Running his fingers through his hair he laughed, "Oh it was just Ms. Li. It seems that she was a little stuck at the residence."
'She had left? Why didn't she call him instead of Assistant Jiang?'
~~~
After a quick phone call, the car arrived and she was off.
The restaurant was in a nice part of the city. The scenery was nice and the atmosphere was welcoming. She'd been there before on separate occasions with her "family" but it was never pleasant.
Walking in the restaurant she looked around and noticed An Bao waiting on the side.
She quickly walked over and grabbed her hand.
"Oh! You surprised me! I'm so happy you're here." She grabbed her hand back.
The two got a table and quickly got to talking. Apparently, An Bao had went on to study fashion after school and got a good job as a designer of a good company.
"Really! You work at Le Monté?"
Le Monté was a very high end brand, most of their items were at minimum 5 figures.
"Yes! It's a very long story so I don't want to bore you to death. What about you?! Where have you been." She elbowed her.
"Well I've been in America, it was all very sudden. I'm sorry if I caused you any trouble. I really wanted to tell everyone but I had no way to contact you."
"Any trouble! Half the school was talking about it. Some said that you dropped out or even worse became a prostitute! Of course I didn't believe them."
A prostitute! What an absurd thing to say. Really? How does her leaving equal her being a prostitute?!
"I'm sure everyone would love to see you again. Especially Hui Fen." Seeing Li Hua's face, An Bao tried to switch the topic.
Li Hua smiled "Yes of course."
It would be nice to see her old friends, she felt really lonely ever since she came back.
"So tell me what have you been up to? Why're you back?"
Scratching her neck Li Hua explained,
"Well, I went to America out of nowhere. Trust me it was a big surprise for me as well. I studied business and economics."
"Ah I see you studied abroad!"
"Yes. In the beginning I wanted to come home but after 7 years I became so used to life there. I only came back because of my family. Which turned out to be a complete waste of time." She rolled her eyes. She was building a life there and now she was stuck here.
An Bao reached over and grabbed her hand. "It's not all that bad. We got to see each other again."
Li Hua frowned, "Yes I'm glad, however I don't plan on staying here for too long. I've built a life in America that I don't really want to leave behind."
"Oh..."
"However, that's a discussion for later! Let's stop talking about such sad things and eat!" Li Hua smiled.
The night was great. Their table was full of laughter and fun. They ate and drunk until the were about to fall over. It was almost like all her problems disappeared. However, like all things, it had to end.
The two paid the bill and clumsily walked out to the street.
Li Hua wasn't a lightweight but she must have drunk too much. She could barely walk!
Seeing they were in no way able to drive, Li Hua tried to call a taxi.
"There's no need."
Hearing the voice they turned to see Su LingTian step out of his car.
An Biao's eyes opened and her mouth gawked.
"No way! Su LingTian?"
"Hello An Biao it's nice to see you again. I see you two got a little carried away tonight."
The words went in one ear and out the other.
"What're you doing here? What a coincidence." She continued.
Su LingTian rolled his eyes and sighed.
"I have one of my drivers here to take you back. They'll also drive your car home for you."
"What about Li Hua?"
Li Hua had been silent the whole time.
"Don't worry about her. She'll be fine."
An Biao squinted. She was never a dumb person, she could notice something off even when intoxicated.
"Wait a sec-"
Su LingTian looked over and waved his hand. A car pulled up and a man got out.
"Come with me Ms. Biao. It's getting pretty late." He said while ushering her to the car.
She struggled a bit but eventually gave in. Before she got in the car she called out to Li Hua.
"I'm going to call you later." She squinted while doing the 'I see you' hand gesture.
Now alone, Su LingTian turned to Li Hua.
"Come on let's go home." He walked towards the passenger door and opened it but Li Hua hadn't moved.
"I could've got a taxi. I'm not a child."
Su LingTian sighed.
"I know you're not a child and that's the issue. It's not safe for you to be taking a taxi late at night. Especially drunk."
She knew he was right, especially after what happened the other day.
She tried to walk but it proved too difficult so he had to help her to the car.
Inside the car, Li Hua rested her head on the door.
"Idiot." She huffed.
"I know."
"Stupid"
"Got me there." He chuckled.
Hearing his replies she grew more annoyed. What an awful guy. She looked out the window. The sky was a dark shade of blue and was full of stars.
Her head was spinning and her eyes felt heavy.
Hearing her go quiet, Su LingTian turned to look at Li Hua. Her head was turned away from him and her breathing was steady.
"Li Hua." He called, waving his hand over her face.
She was definitely asleep.
Realizing he was basically alone, he focused on the road.
He was the idiot? She was the one who drunk herself to oblivion.
"Tian." She faintly whispered.
It was quiet but it was loud enough for him to hear.
He waited for more but that was all she said. He turned up the heat and turned his attention back to driving.
When they arrived home he gently shook her however there was no response.
"Li Hua wake up."
Nothing.
He sighed and got out the car. He went to her side and carefully picked her up. She was surprisingly light.
"For someone who eats so much you sure don't look like it." He rolled his eyes.
He carried her inside the house and to her room. He laid her down on the bed and walked to the door. Before he closed the door, he turned to look at her.
What was he waiting for? Her to call out to him again? He shook his head and closed the door.
Looking at a nearby maid he called out, "Help her change into something comfortable."
"Of course sir."