Notting Hill AU
Lingling Kwong reads before that some people are just inexplicably bonded. Drawn by forces beyond their own comprehension, they have no choice but to gravitate towards one another. Destined by fate to keep crossing paths until they finally get it right. But for someone who was once engaged but was left in the lurch, she never believed it.
All these talks about fate are preposterous. A day dream of those hopeless romantics but who is she to judge them? She’s better off living her own life, keeping her circle small and closer while managing her small bookshop located at the corner alley of Si Lom Road.
Si Lom Road is a major street in the Thailand Capital Bangkok, best known for its commercial neighbourhood and as the heart of the city’s financial district. Moreover, aside from being a party destination at night, the street is famously known for hosting thriving LGBTQ+ scenes and events, thus, here, Lingling Kwong feels comfortable and at home.
Like any regular day, she wakes up at five in the morning. Breathing the morning air, checking the weather and reading the news to keep herself updated while sipping a cup of coffee. She shares a two bedroom apartment with Namtan, a crass, come what may, funny as hell woman who works as a grocery bagger at the street next door but always acts like a bum. Lingling is okay with it though. Aside from saving money for rent, Namtan is a cool companion who she occasionally shares some drinks with.
Her flatmate usually wakes late in the morning in contrast to her so she enjoys her peaceful morning before hauling her ass onto her Book shop. It’s just a ten minute walk away from their flat and she usually enjoys taking the mundane activity of people around, from morning vendors selling their goods, to employees rushing into their works or from students going to school while muttering what they reviewed the night before, hoping they won't forget anything during their examination later on. She takes it all in.
At exactly seven in the morning, like clockwork, she flipped the sign on the door indicating that the shop is already open for customers. The first task in order is to clean the shelves, making sure that no molds would destroy the precious book she’s selling while arranging them based on topics ranging from Action, Thriller, Travel, Religion, Teen romance and Fictions.
Some would say that she has a boring life but Lingling never cares about the opinions of others. She’s happy with the way she’s living her life, taking care of what matters the most.
Thus, her daily life continues as she watches customers come and go. She’s been in the business for so long now that she usually knows if the customers are interested in buying or if they’re just lurking around. Their body language basically disclosed their interest in what they are reading and if they look excited or enthusiastic, there’s always a high chance of them buying.
Her bookshop was kind of a popular destination as well along the area as its the only one that offers travel guide around the vicinity so she’s usually welcoming all sorts of people but she doesn't know what draws her in to look at the tall blonde woman who entered the bookshop wearing a hat and huge glasses, covering almost half of her face.
Lingling doesn’t want to intrude though. She learned that the more you question customers, the more they are unlikely to buy. It’s better to let them do their thing and answer questions only if she’s asked but she can't help herself.
“Oh, Interested in Travelling to the Philippines? I don't recommend that book, the author seems so oblivious.” She tried to offer her opinion on the book that the woman was interested in and she smiled sheepishly as it made the latter raise her head and look at her, a little bit confused but Ling pulled a book from her counter and showed the woman.
