Are You Addicted? (Volume 3). The Post-Honeymoon Phase.(18+)

Episode 38

"Twenty-five mil down the toilet."

Tong Zhe pinched the bridge of his nose, outraged. He made a steeple of his fingers and knocked with it on the table. "Boss, you can't just give up. we have to do something about it."

"I am not giving up, but I know better than to upset the high officials of Pyongyang. We have to take the hit."

"I am sorry boss. I should have dug deeper into his background."

"Stop apologizing. it's not your fault. Let's just learn from our mistakes, no more doing business with North Korea."

Tong Zhe and Yan Ya Jing said nothing, and left the office with a scowl on. They didn't need to add more for him to understand they didn't agree with his decision. They were fired up to get revenge, to retrieve their boss's honor, but couldn't.

Years of experience footslogging through the filthy mud called business men taught him one thing. Every business man, even the best of them has to know when to start a war and when to cut his losses and let go. This war, he was well aware, he had no chance of winning. Thus, he didn't give up, he simply moved on.

His gaze fell on the empty chair on the other edge of the table. If he could only change the unreasonable rules of law in this country. Twenty-five mil down the toilet in a matter of seconds. Pure loss. Just like that. This is not my day. he dug his nails in his scalp, putting a stop to his thoughts. As long as I have you. Yin Zi.

He got up, heading back to his office. Looking for solace at the place where he will meet this angel of his. The angel who lights up the world with a single mesmerizing smile. His eyes swept the office only to find it utterly empty. His brain suddenly felt cloudy and murky. Don't disappear on me baby. Not again.

His legs raced down the stairs, blanking about the elevator option. His fingers dialed Bai Luo Yin's number but the robotic voice of the answering machine was the only response he got in return.

"Boss, boss." Yan Ya Jing stopped him near the exit. "Are you looking for Bai Luo Yin? The receptionist just informed me, he left a note for you just before he walked out and flagged a taxi. I was on my way upstairs to pass it to you."

"Thanks." He blurted. his eyes scanning the area outside the company building, as if Bai Luo Yin will magically appear there if he will just make a wish. "Where is the note?"

He whipped out the note from the little burgundy envelop and unfolded it. His stare sprinted through the lines.

Da Hai.

I didn't call or text you because I didn't want to disturb you during your meeting. I went to take care of something urgent, don't worry. I will call you in an hour or two.

Bai Luo Yin.💖

If Bai Luo Yin was by his side, he would have shaken the rascal and order him to stay there. to rest. to not dare to move. But the rascal ran without permission, leaving a note without many details behind him.

An hour Yin Zi. I am giving you an hour.

He eased up and dove back into work. No more contracts for the day. One, early in the morning was more than enough. He opened his work mail and began replying employees' questions and complaints. Doing his best at analyzing the problem and figuring out solutions for it, appeasing everyone all around.

Bai Luo Yin kept his word. An hour into responding employees' emails, his phone vibrated. Dissolving the little focus he had left.

"Baby where are you?"

"I just left the base." He lied. "There was an emergency and they needed my help. How did your meeting go?" he asked the right question. But his voice distant, not really there.

"It was fine." Gu Hai answered with a lie of his own. No need to tell the truth if there is no one listening to him on the other side. One word from Bai Luo Yin highlighted the situation. he was miles from actually hearing him out.

"When will you be back?" he asked, anxious. The fact that Bai Luo Yin was completely distracted didn't discouraged him from continuing the conversation.

"I won't, not today anyway. I have to run some errands. I will be home around seven o'clock."

"Why? Where are you going?"

"Nowhere. I just need to be alone for a few hours. don't worry about me, I am okay."

"Yin Zi, what's going on?"

Bai Luo Yin huffed, grinding his teeth. What am I? a suspect at the police station? What is up with this interrogation?

"Nothing is going on!" he lost his temper. "Can't you just give me a few hours to myself? I said I will be back, didn't I?"

Nice Yin Zi. Gu Hai's heart sank, disappointed. Taking a vicious arrow right into his chest. his second hit for the day. But unlike the twenty-five mil, this one hurt much more.

Since the meeting with Major General Kim ended, his only wish was to dawdle in Bai Luo Yin's arms. To feel the heat of his lips, to suck on them for comfort. To confide in him and tell him what really happened at that meeting. But not now.

Now, he simply glared at his phone, ready to put an end to the unpleasant conversation. I got it Yin Zi. loud and clear. Two months around me, twenty-four seven, got old real fast and became a burden. Thanks. I really needed that after a shit of a meeting. "Fine, come back whenever you want." he said.

It took a number of very long moments for Bai Luo Yin to realize how harsh he lashed back. His tone changed immediately. Dropping by an octave. A bit apologetic, uncomfortable by his own actions. "I will be available on my phone. if you need something, just call me. okay?"

"Fine."

He wanted to say something more, to explain his reaction, his behavior, to make sure Gu Hai is okay. But the offended man already disconnected the call.

-January 13th 2022-