Hungry
Hungry
He was fully dressed in a suit, different from what he was wearing last night as he headed towards his car. It seemed odd that wearing anything different made it somehow exclusive. No one else would see him in his joggers, unless you knew him personally.
Shi Yen kept walking, pretending not to notice him.
What was she supposed to do if their eyes met?
Would she have to wave hello or goodbye? This was really awkward for her. In the old house, there was a distance between her and the other neighbours. It was easy to avoid them, but Yuan Shun was right next door, putting them both in these odd encounters.
Shi Yen quickly hopped into her car, speeding off.
When she stopped at a traffic light, she realized Yuan Shun was right next to her. This was really awkward, she thought. Why was it so awkward? She tried not to look at her side and thankfully, by the next traffic light, she took a different turn.
Relieved, she drove away and arrived at the studio.
Two children, aged twelve, approached her suddenly, squeezing her tight. Shi Yen was taken aback, not knowing what to do with these random embraces. A young boy looked up at her and said, "Miss Yen, will you be instructing us today?"
"Eh?"
Master Wong approached them with a smile that met his eyes. "They missed you when you took over for me."
"Really?" Shi Yen replied. "But I was a terrible substitute. I even called the children names."
Master Wong shook his head. "You were…something when dealing with the children. But you taught them each discipline and strength, Yenni."
The children that held her wore beaming expressions. Shi Yen wasn't any good dealing with children; in fact, she thought of them as little vermins. But they were rather cute, determined, and obedient when she filled in for Master Wong. And she supposed they weren't so bad.
"You can work morning or night shifts," Master Wong suggested. "This would be something different, and you'd be helping a great deal for this old man."
Shi Yen thought about it for a moment. She supposed that she had already mastered all of her training. She only kept practicing to maintain her strength, and yet the routine was always the same. But she could teach others to hone their skills.
"All right," Shi Yen replied, accepting the new job.
"Great!" Master Wong said. "We can start today!"
Shi Yen changed into a black instructor uniform and braided her hair loosely. She joined Master Wong to teach a group of pre-teens on their stances and fluidity.
It was early in the morning, but this group had to train before they went to school. Master Wong then would teach adults throughout the day, and he taught another group of youngsters after school.
Shi Yen only had time to instruct the morning class before she washed up and went straight to work.
Her sister had entered her office when she arrived and said, "I think we should have a perfume and cologne collection."
Shi Yen arched a brow. "I like where this is going…but isn't everyone doing that?"
"Yes, but I think if we market it differently, then it'd be a success," Shi Ailin replied.
Shi Yen thought about it. "All right then. We'll brainstorm for now, but we have to create a unique scent, not like those watered-down versions you'd buy from the street."
"I'll get right on it," Shi Ailin said before exiting the office.
Shi Yen was left alone to do some work until the sun began to set. The work was tiresome but not difficult. When she finished, she had gathered her things, locking her door when she headed back to her car. When she fastened her seatbelt, she'd almost forgotten that she had to go a different direction.
At the estate, Shi Yen realized Yuan Shun wasn't home yet. Relieved, she went to wash up and change into slightly more-modest clothing. She then went to the living room to get some work done since it was the room with the best lighting in the house.
She started to draw up some designs for perfume bottles when a delicious smell wafted through the living room. Her nostrils flared, and her senses perked up, followed by her growling stomach.
It wasn't coming from her kitchen, so she suspected that Yuan Shun was finally home.
Shi Yen decided to ignore the taunting smell, continuing to complete some of her work.
Shortly after, Yuan Shun had entered, sitting on the couch, facing the television. He put a bag of food on the coffee table, completely disregarding her presence.
Shi Yen furrowed her brows. She stood up and marched towards him, waving at him for attention, but he didn't bother to acknowledge her.
Shi Yen then stood right in front of him.
Yuan Shun grinned, looking up at her. "Oh, hello, Yen. I didn't see you. Did you just come in?"
Shi Yen narrowed her eyes. "I was already here!"
"Oh, really?" he replied smugly.
"Yes, and you shouldn't be eating here."
"Hm. But I live alone, and I think this freedom grants me to do whatever I want," Yuan Shun countered.
"You don't live alone! You live with—" Shi Yen bit down her lower lip, not finishing that sentence.
Yuan Shun looked at her with his typical male smile. Shi Yen never hated anyone more than him, even now.
She was about to storm away when he said, "Do you want some? I have enough for two."
"I'm not hungry!" she whirled and replied. But then she was betrayed by the sound of her growling stomach. She pursed her lips, cursing herself.
"Come, Yen. I don't think you've eaten," he replied silvery.
Shi Yen scowled. Reluctantly, she went to join him.