"Feels like you skipped kindergarten?" Shi Yao suddenly interrupted, "And don't think saving me means I'll marry you. I'll pay every medical bill–won't owe you squat."
This man truly had issues. No reasoning possible.
Alarieka reached her conclusion, secured his repayment promise, ditched the chaotic topic, and strode out coolly.
Behind her, Shi Yao buried his face deeper into the blanket at the sound of her footsteps.
He recalled how the doctor kept calling him "your boyfriend" to Alarieka when he first woke up, and Alarieka didn’t correct or explain–she’d tacitly accepted him as her boyfriend.
Victor snorted inwardly.
He’d never agree to that!
It was too late for the subway. Alarieka waited ages before catching a ride home.
Early next morning, Alarieka was already awake.
Tamika had ample free time lately, diving deep into cooking. Just as Alarieka stepped out of her room after washing up, she saw Tamika emerging from the kitchen with two glasses of milk.
“Come eat breakfast now that you’re up.”
Alarieka walked over, sat across from Tamika, took a bite of bread, and glanced at the insulated lunchbox nearby.
“What’s inside?”
Tamika replied, “You mentioned taking your friend to the hospital last night. Figured you’d head back this morning, so I made vegetable porridge. Take it to him.”
Bring Victor breakfast?
Alarieka’s face darkened at the thought. She was going to the hospital, but not to visit him–to demand repayment for the medical bills.
“No need, Mom. He doesn’t deserve breakfast. Let him starve.”
Tamika frowned disapprovingly. “How can you say that? We just moved to the capital. Remember to make friends–it’ll help you navigate things later. You need people to discuss matters with. Always maintain good relationships, understand?”
Alarieka took another tasteless bite of bread. “That ‘friend‘ is our neighbor across the hall. Utterly rude and-”
And brainless.
Tamika clapped her hands, cutting her off. “Even better! A neighbor right across! He can help if anything happens.”
Alarieka sighed. “Fine, have it your way. But don’t expect much–he’s not the sharpest tool.”
Tamika clicked her tongue. “Don’t speak of him like that. Finish up and go. He’s all alone here, poor thing. Show him some kindness.”
Chewing her bread, Alarieka nodded reluctantly.
At the hospital, Alarieka stood before an empty hospital bed, insulated lunchbox in hand.
She froze momentarily, assuming Victor had stepped out briefly.
Another patient in the ward looked at her sympathetically. “Give it up, Cutie Pie. That handsome guy discharged himself an hour ago. Go home.”
The words hung in the air. Everyone’s gaze grew more pitying, as if certain she was a lovelorn pursuer brutally rejected by Victor.
Alarieka shut her eyes, laughing in exasperation.
Fine then. Won’t pay up, huh?
No matter. He can run, but his apartment can’t. Victor must go back eventually.
Fuming, Alarieka returned to the rental apartment.
Tamika raised an eyebrow at the untouched lunchbox. After a brief explanation, Alarieka locked herself in her room to work on practice sheets.
That evening, as Alarieka returned from bidding Jaylene and Nie Guanyu farewell, she spotted Victor again.
The entrance door downstairs was a rusty iron gate letting out an unmistakable screech when pushed open, its sound unnervingly piercing through the darkness.
Alarieka stood at the doorway and looked up to see Victor standing on the second-floor landing.
Victor had changed into a black hoodie. Tall and broad-shouldered, he stood with his back to her, one hand partially raised–probably unlocking his door.
Hearing the noise, Victor glanced over his shoulder. His expression was cold, radiating a natural air of cocky aloofness that seemed to say “You’re beneath my notice,” like a grown-up cringy teenager.