Chapter 102: Chapter 102
“Good job, everyone. The show was a success and many of the pieces you guys were willing to sell, have sold.” Rong Cai stood in the middle of his group of students, raising a glass to them now the venue was cleared of all visitors and the doors were locked. Puffed up with pride that their annual event was another roaring success and had pulled in applicants for next term too. Sponsors were knocking down the doors at the school to get involved.
TangShi quietly clapped her hands and looked around at her family of students, patting the nearest on the shoulders and giving them words of congratulations. Excited to see how happy they all were and sharing joy in their success. She had not put any of her work up for sale as most pieces had been personal favorites from her own collection, or from YuZhi’s study and she preferred to supply the print shop with the art instead. She didn’t need the money and was pleased to have just heard the praise for her work as she wandered around the show incognito.
“As a reward for the outstanding job you guys did, I’ve hired a crew to take down and pack up the art and clean this place up while we go to dinner and to celebrate. All on the school. So go get your things.” He nodded towards them, smiling widely and was met with applause and ‘whoops’ of joy. Excitable students who were more than happy to bypass work and go get fed. The mood was infectious, and all were in high spirits. TangShi was proud and glad she joined in and yet also relieved it was over too.
“What kind of food?” One of the small shy girls perked up, waving her hand over her head as she was nestled behind. Stretching up on tiptoes to catch Rong’s attention.
“I’ve booked us a private room in Jin Xuan restaurant in Pudong, a Chinese buffet. So, who’s ready to eat and have a few drinks? School is on a holiday tomorrow for the start of Autumn festival so don’t worry about being hungover.” Rong glanced TangShi’s way hoping she was going to let her hair down and forget about that schmuck for one night. He had flown back to Hong Kong, and she had shown up this morning looking tired and rosy cheeked as though she hadn’t slept enough. It had snapped his last nerve seeing how little care her boyfriend took of her and hadn’t even driven her to the show for it’s last day. She showed up in an Uber carrying a bagged breakfast and take out coffee making it obvious she had been left to fend for herself while he jetsetted god knows where for whatever reason. He really despised him.
“In the Ritz Carlton hotel? That’s so expensive!” Another student squeaked, shocked that the school would splash out on them like this. The gasps as they all realized what that meant.
“You’re our featured artists who have brought in some media interest and commissions, so why not. We only get a few astounding talents a year so it’s good to reward you at least once.” Rong smiled, waving his hands to quiet them down. “For transport we have a luxury blacked out seven-seater so we can all go together in style, and you can feel like celebs for one night.” He grinned, knowing that tonight he didn’t want to drive his car back so had opted for a chauffer service instead. His plan was to get drunk and be merry while he had this chance of spending time with TangShi.
TangShi chewed on her lower lip, uneasy about the arrangements and her mind set on other things. She slid out her cell while they were all still gushing over the details, typing a text to YuZhi.
School has arranged a dinner and drink to celebrate this evening. What time is your flight home so I can make sure I don’t stay out late? I can miss it if you’re coming back soon.
She didn’t know why but somehow this arrangement hyped up her anxiety levels and she worried that YuZhi might not like it, even though she wasn’t alone with Rong Cai. Her gut gurgling and making her uptight and hoping it didn’t make YuZhi mad.
My flight isn’t getting into Pudong airport until six am, so don’t worry about that. Don’t drink much and don’t stay up too late. Make sure you get a ride home with someone you trust and stay alert. Xx
YuZhi was sitting in an office in Hong Kong in the middle of a meeting, but he always stopped to check his cell when it vibrated. His stomach tightening at her message and a weird feeling making him apprehensive. He didn’t want her hanging out with Rong Cai but if she was with her group of classmates he at least felt assured she would be fine.
TangShi looked up realizing Rong was staring at her openly and blinked around wondering what she missed while engrossed in her message. Her palms getting clammy with the expectant raised brows aimed her way.
“Huh?” She queried. Her face flaming at being caught out.
“I said do you need a ride home first to get changed or collect anything?” Rong smiled her way, sweetly and unusually calm and patient. Edging closer to her and talking in a soft low way.
“No. I can go like this; I have everything I need.” TangShi blushed under his scrutiny aware others were giving her odd side glances and she felt a little awkward at his attention, sure he hadn’t offered anyone else a special trip home. She was dressed in a formal dress and heels for the show anyway, her hair loose and natural make up so it wasn’t like she required a change of clothes. She didn’t like this special attention he seemed to give her form time to time.
“You’re right, you look pretty enough.” He smiled, eyeing her up openly and TangShi caught the sneering look between two male students beside her as they glanced at one another and pulled a mocking face at TangShi’s expense. She glanced down at the floor pretending to have not noticed but her insides fluttered, and her heart sank, and it made her feel unusually emotional. She wasn’t extremely close to other students, but she was civil enough to think they were all on friendly terms, so this hurt. Aware they were making assumptions that weren’t even true.
“Let’s go. The booking is for thirty minutes time, so by the time we get through traffic and settled in it should be time.” He clapped his hands to set them all in motion.
They didn’t waste time hanging around, and TangShi put it out of her head, walking out to the waiting car and sending YuZhi one last text.
I will. I miss you and can’t wait to see you at home. I’ll go home early and not drink much. I love you xx
“Texting the boyfriend?” Rong cut in beside her as they got to the waiting minivan, peering over her shoulder, so she flattened her phone against her chest and nodded, irritated at his invasive behavior. Frowning his way and giving him a distant and cool nod and wishing he would move away and stop crowding her.
“Yeah. Letting him know I’m going to celebrate and asking what time he’ll be home, so I don’t miss him.” She nodded, ducking past him into the cab to escape and sliding across the seats to the window to get some privacy. Rong only followed her and pushed up right against her, so his thigh was nestled against hers and she again felt hemmed in and dissatisfied with his closeness.
“Oh right. He went back to Hong Kong, didn’t he? So is he gone long and leaving you lonesome? Neglecting his new fiancée for work?” He enquired, seemingly nonchalant, smiley as though joking with her, and TangShi scolded herself for being too irritable and suspicious. She knew her problem around Rong was because of YuZhi not liking him and scolded herself for being unfriendly when he hadn’t done anything today except be helpful. Now he was buying them an expensive dinner somewhere nice and the least she could be was grateful.