Aanya was sitting at her desk, her eyes drifting again and again to her wristwatch. Every tick-tock felt heavier, pressing on her mind. In front of her, Huan Jing's empty desk seemed to mock her.
For the third time, Aanya glanced at her watch.
Xiaa: "Aanya, what happened to Huan Jing? Why didn't she come today?"
Aanya: "I don't know... but there's one person who might."
With that thought, she suddenly stood up. Determination replaced the tension on her face as she walked straight toward Tiang's cabin.
The cabin door was open. Tiang was seated at his desk, shuffling through papers. On the side, Zain sat lazily in a designer chair, sipping coffee in a relaxed manner.
Zain noticed Aanya and a faint sarcastic smile appeared on his lips.
Zain: "Oh, welcome Miss Cat. Do you need something from me?"
Aanya (ignoring him and leaning toward Tiang): "Hello Mr. Cheng. I'm not here to see you. I want to talk to Mister Cheng. I need to ask about Huan Jing."
Zain took a long sip of his coffee, gripping the cup a little tighter. His eyes glimmered as he thought, "What's so important that she had to come straight here?"
Tiang (smiling): "Please come in, Bhabhi, please sit."
Aanya froze instantly, her eyes widening in shock. The file in her hand slipped and fell loudly to the floor.
Aanya (stammering in disbelief): "W-What?! Bhabhi? How am I your sister-in-law?"
Tiang and Zain exchanged glances and burst out laughing.
Tiang (controlling his laughter): "You're my brother's wife, so of course you're my Bhabhi."
Zain (still laughing, looking at Aanya): "Surprised, right? We're cousins. His mother is my mom's younger sister."
Aanya (bending down to pick up her file, then speaking carefully): "Oh... I see. But why did you keep this a secret?"
Zain: "Just like that. Some things are better left as secrets."
Tiang: "So, Bhabhi, what did you want to ask me?"
Aanya: "Yes… it's about Huan Jing. She didn't come to the office today, and she hasn't answered my calls either. You're her neighbor and her friend—maybe you know?"
Zain (with a mischievous smile at Tiang): "Maybe more than just a friend, hmm Tiang?"
Tiang (angrily): "Zain! Stop talking nonsense! What are you saying?"
Aanya looked at both of them in confusion for a moment, then shook her head, brushing it off.
The atmosphere suddenly grew serious. Even Zain's light teasing came to a halt.
Tiang (leaning toward Aanya with concern): "Bhabhi, last night she and Kiya broke up. She's really upset. I was the one who asked her not to come to the office today. She wouldn't be able to focus anyway."
Aanya's face turned pale. "Breakup?" A faint sting pricked her heart, as if Huan Jing's pain had become her own.
Aanya: "Why didn't she tell me?"
Tiang: "Maybe she didn't want to trouble you."
Aanya (clenching her fist): "I understand."
She turned to Zain, walked closer, and folded her hands like a little child.
Aanya: "B-Boss... can I..."
Zain (placing his cup down, speaking softly): "I told you, when we're alone, call me Zain."
Tiang's eyes widened in shock at hearing this.
Aanya (smiling): "Zain, will you allow me to take leave today? So I can be with Huan and comfort her?"
Zain (after softening a little): "Alright. But make sure you come home by night."
Aanya: "Okay!"
She grinned happily, shaping her hands into a heart. "Thank you, my dear friend!"
A genuine, small smile appeared on Zain's face.
Aanya rushed out of the cabin.
The moment the door shut behind her, Tiang burst into laughter, slumping back in his chair.
Tiang (laughing): "Ohoho! The wolf is falling in love again, Boss! You actually gave her leave just because of that 'dear friend' line!"
Zain quickly walked over and gave him a light smack on the head.
Zain (in a low, warning tone): "Shut up. You're reading it wrong."
Tiang: "No, I saw it clearly! Your face turned red when she called you 'dear friend'!"
Zain (narrowing his eyes): "Say one more word, and I'll tell everyone your little secret."
Tiang (suddenly nervous, stepping back): "W-What secret?"
Zain (leaning close and whispering in his ear): "That you like your neighbor."
With that, Zain walked out swiftly.
Tiang grabbed his head in frustration.
Tiang (muttering to himself): "I knew it! You're such a devil..."
Aanya stepped out of the taxi and slowly walked toward Huan Jing's apartment. The afternoon sun had spread its golden light everywhere, and a soft glow streamed through the building's windows. In her hand, she carried a small bag—with Huan Jing's favorite drink inside.
She pressed the doorbell. For a long while, there was no response. Aanya's heart began to race. She pressed it again, but still no sound. Then she remembered—the password. She tried it: Huan Jing's and her own birthdates combined. The door clicked open, and she quietly stepped inside.
The TV in the living room was playing a drama. Huan Jing was standing near the door, her hair messy, dressed in her night pajamas. Both of them froze for a moment, staring at each other. Then Aanya walked forward and suddenly hugged her tightly. Her voice trembled, angry yet filled with concern:
"You're crazy! Why didn't you tell me? After what that jerk did to you, how could you hide it from me?"
Huan Jing, holding back her tears, whispered, "I… I didn't want to trouble you. You already have enough worries of your own."
Aanya pulled back just enough to look at her and said firmly, "So you don't consider me your best friend anymore? We were always more than that—we're soul sisters! Do you know how much it hurt me that you didn't share this with me?"
This time, Huan Jing broke down and hugged Aanya even tighter. Tears slipped from her eyes as her voice cracked. "I'm sorry, Aanya. I'm just… so tired. Kiyan… he went back to Shu Lan. His ex. Do you know what he said? That I was never enough. I truly loved him… and yet he left me."
Aanya stroked her hair gently, her tone soft but strong. "I understand your pain. I've seen my first love in someone else's arms too. First love always leaves a scar, always hurts… but we can't let it break us. We have to keep living."
Wiping her tears, Aanya sat her down on the sofa, then walked into the bedroom to fetch fresh clothes. She placed them in Huan Jing's hands.
"Go take a shower. Put these on. I'm taking you somewhere," she said firmly.
Huan Jing gave a faint smile through her swollen eyes. "You really think you can ease my pain just like that?"
"Of course," Aanya replied, nudging her playfully. "Now hurry up!"
After a while, Huan Jing came out, her hair neatly brushed, wearing the clothes Aanya had chosen. Aanya picked up the cold drinks from the bag, held her hand, and led her outside. She flagged down a taxi.
"Take us to the old riverside," Aanya instructed the driver.
"The riverside?" Huan Jing looked puzzled. "I don't know that place…"
"You'll know soon enough," Aanya said with a mysterious smile.