CHAPTER 2
A Chance Worth Risking
The chatter inside the bar slowly returned after the news broadcast ended.
For a brief moment, every customer had stopped drinking. Eyes had been glued to the television as the reporters spoke about the unbelievable job offer. Ten thousand dollars every month. No qualifications. No degree. No experience.It sounded like a dream, or a trap
The customers quickly laughed it off.
The customers got back to their drinks, treating the announcement as nothing more than another ridiculous news story.
Only one person remained silent , Xia.
Her dark eyes were fixed on the now-black television screen. Her heart pounded so loudly she could barely hear the conversations around her.
" Ten thousand dollars...
That amount could pay every outstanding hospital bill.
It could pay partly for father's surgery .
It could save his life."
Without wasting another second, Xia took the small notebook from the pocket of her brown apron. It was old and worn, its corners bent from months of use. She always carried it with her to jot down customer's orders and reminders for daily stuffs .
With trembling fingers, she glanced at the email address and phone number shown on the television moments ago .
She stared at the words for a long moment before carefully tearing out the page and slipping it into her pocket.
"Xia!"
Jake's voice snapped her back to reality . After noticing that Xia was still standing at the same position for a while .
Xia hurried behind the counter and pulled out her phone, carefully typing the contact information into it.
"What are you doing?" Jake asked, giving one of the other bartenders dirty glasses to clean.
"You know we're not allowed to use our phones during work."
Xia ignored him, making sure every number was correct.Jake frowned before walking closer.His eyes landed on the small piece
of paper in her hand.
Then they widened.
"Wait..."
He snatched the paper before she could react.
"This is from the news." Jake said
Xia reached for it.
"Give it back." She said almost yelling at Jake
Instead of answering, Jake snatched her phone as well.
"Jake!! What is wrong with you ?" She said angrily
He held it behind his back with a concerned expression on his face
"No Xia" jake said
"Give me my phone." Xia said
" No ,Not until you tell me why you're saving this contact information " Jake replied
Xia crossed her arms.
"You already know why Jake "
Jake sighed.
"You can't seriously believe that bull crap news you just saw ."
"It has to be fake."
"No company just hands out ten thousand dollars every month without demanding for a certificate or other qualifications,There has to be a catch , Xia "
He lowered his voice.
"And even if it's real... do you honestly think rich corporations like Dems and Stacks would pay people that much for an easy job?, think Xia "
Xia remained silent wearing a sobber expression on her face .
Jake stepped closer and continued
"The reporters themselves admitted they don't even know what the work is.
Doesn't that sound suspicious to you?"
"It does," Xia admitted quietly.
"Then why?, why risk your life because of money ?Why are you still thinking about applying? Even when you know this opportunity doesn't seem safe "
Jake asked.
For several seconds, Xia said nothing.
Her shoulders slowly slumped.
When she finally spoke, her voice trembled.
"Because I don't have another choice."
If Jake was concerned before then he's even More concerned now.
"My Baba..."
"His condition is getting worse."
"The doctors said he needs a spike decompression surgery s soon."
She lowered her head.
"The expense of the medicines are becoming more bothersome every week
I've been working every extra shift I can.
I've borrowed money."
tears begin to rolldown her cheek.
"But it still isn't enough."
Jake stared at her in silence and said to her
"You... never told me. If you had I would have figured something out .....we would "
"I didn't want to"
Xia wiped her eyes.
"You've already helped me more than anyone."
"I couldn't keep asking."
Jake looked away and said " I wasn't complaining you know "
Over the past months , jake has been helping Xia when ever she complained about expense and even when loaners called .
"I don't regret helping you Xia" he said softly.
"And I'd do it again, I know you're desperate" Jake said in an calm voice " but that doesn't mean you should make reckless decisions, let think this through ". Jake tried to convince Xia from going through with it
Xia smiled sadly.
"No Jake, thank you for everything but I've already made up my mind "
Jake tried to argue ...but she continued before he could.
"If this job is real...Jake just think of all the things i could do , I'll be able save my dad I'll be able to save my self from all this debts and repay your kindness. Plesee Jake font stop me " Xia pleaded with teary eyes
Jake sighed heavily.
"Xia... I have a really bad feeling about this."
Their eyes met.
The silence between them spoke louder than words.
Their manager's voice suddenly echoed from the kitchen.
"Jake!"
"This dishes aren't going to wash themselves!
Jake groaned dramatically and shouted
"Coming!"
He looked back at Xia one last time.
"Promise me something."
She raised an eyebrow." What?"
"If you decide to contact them..."
"At least let me know first."
"So I know where you're going."
Xia nodded.
"I promise."
Jake reluctantly handed her phone back with the piece of paper.
She smiled gratefully.
"Thank you."
The rest of the evening passed slowly.
Customers came and went.
Bottles emptied.
Tables were cleaned.
The loud laughter inside the bar slowly faded as the night grew older.
By the time closing hour arrived, Xia was exhausted.
She removed her apron, folded it neatly, and slipped on her brown coat.
Jake was cleaning the glasses when she stated walking towards the exit.
Jake said to her still cleaning the glasses
"Going home?"
Xia stared at the contact information on her phone.
" Yeah " she replied with a smile
Jake stopped what he was doing for a minute and looked at her with concern
"Be careful."
"I will." Xia replied as she started walking towards the door " good night Jake "
Jake watched until she opened the door and the familiar ringing sound was heard." Good night" he said quietly.
Now Xia was alone.The cool night air brushed against her face.
Streetlights stretched across the empty road, casting long shadows over the quiet sidewalks.
Cars occasionally passed by, their headlights briefly illuminating the lonely street.
She looked up at the night sky.
"Baba..."
She whispered.
"I'll save you."
"No matter what it costs."
Taking a deep breath, she unlocked her phone.
Her thumb hovered over the number.
For several long seconds...She couldn't press it.What if Jake was right?What if this was a scam?What if something terrible happened?
But another image entered her mind.
Her father lying weakly in a hospital bed.
Smiling despite the pain he was going through, telling her not to worry about him.
She clenched her jaw.
"No..."
"I won't lose you father"
With trembling fingers, Xia pressed the call button.
The phone started ringing after a couple of seconds.
A deep masculine voice answered.
"Hello."
Xia swallowed nervously.
"My... my name is Xia Zhao."
"I'd like to apply for the job offered by Dems Corporation and Stacks Bio-Scientific Company."
There was complete silence.
For a moment, she wondered if the call had disconnected.
Then the man finally spoke.
"Excellent."
His calm voice carried an unsettling confidence.
"We've been waiting for applicants."
Without realizing it...
She had just taken the first step toward a future that would change her life forever.