After a long, hectic day filled with meetings and deadlines, Chen Ke found herself at ViiP Club, a popular spot for professionals to unwind. She had decided to go out with one of her most trusted team members, Sam, to discuss their latest project and the growing interest in the IT field. The atmosphere was vibrant, the music pulsing through the air as they shared drinks and laughter.
As the night wore on, the drinks flowed freely, and soon both Chen Ke and Sam were feeling the effects. With every shot, Chen Ke's inhibitions began to slip away, and her thoughts inevitably turned to Danni. The memory of their last conversation played on repeat in her mind, and she felt the familiar ache of longing.
"She always knew how to make me smile," Chen Ke slurred, her words spilling out as she leaned on Sam for support. "I miss her so much."
Sam nodded, equally tipsy, but still managing to offer a supportive ear. "You should tell her that," he encouraged, although it was clear he was struggling to focus.
As the night deepened, the fun turned to a haze of drunkenness, and Chen Ke suddenly realized that Mochi was likely alone at home. Panic surged through her. "We need to go," she said urgently, pushing herself off the bar. "Mochi is waiting for me. I can't leave him alone."
Sam groaned as he tried to stand but stumbled instead. "I can't feel my legs," he mumbled, his head bobbing.
"Come on, we can do this!" Chen Ke said, grabbing Sam's arm. They both waggled as they made their way toward the exit, laughing at their own clumsiness, but inside, Chen Ke felt a growing sense of responsibility.
Outside the club, the cool night air hit them, momentarily clearing Chen Ke's head. She glanced around and realized that neither of them was in any shape to drive. Danni would be furious if she found out that Chen Ke had driven home drunk.
"Okay, I'll call a cab," she said, her voice steadier now. She fumbled with her phone, her fingers slipping over the screen as she tried to summon a ride. "What's your address?" she asked Sam, but he just stared blankly at her.
"I... I don't know," he admitted sheepishly, his face flushing in embarrassment.
Frustration bubbled up inside her. "Great. Just great!" Chen Ke huffed, trying to catch her breath. "I'll call my assistant."
She quickly dialed Jane, her ever-reliable assistant, hoping she could provide the needed information. "Hey, Jane, I need your help," she said, her tone serious despite her drunkenness. "Can you text me Sam's address? We're... um, out, and we can't get home on our own."
Jane's voice came through clearly, laced with concern. "Chen Ke, are you okay? Where are you?"
"I'm fine! Just... a bit tipsy," she replied, slumping against the side of the cab. "Just send the address, please."
After a few moments, Jane responded, "I'll send it right away. Just stay put. I'll be there in a bit to help you get home safely."
"Thanks, Jane. You're the best," Chen Ke replied, relief washing over her. She hung up and turned to Sam, who had now seated himself on the curb, leaning back against the wall. "Jane's coming to get us. We'll be okay."
"Good. I was worried," Sam slurred, his eyelids growing heavy.
As they waited for Jane, Chen Ke glanced around, her mind drifting back to Danni. In her drunken haze, she found herself wishing she could just text Danni, share a laugh, or tell her how much she missed her. But deep down, she knew that it wasn't enough just to say those words; she needed to show Danni that she could be the person she wanted to be.
