At six o'clock, Angela left the hospital and went to the supermarket.
She was going to cook Arvin a birthday bowl of "long-life" noodles, noodles that were supposed to ensure a robust and fulfilling life.
She was an experienced cook, and she had cooked this birthday dish for Chuck and Daisy too.
Although Shengfeng Mansion was located downtown, the insulating soundproofing made it a shelter from the hustle and bustle of the busy street.
She opened the creaky door of Arvin's room to discover it was still immaculately clean inside.
Angela looked at her watch; it was almost 7pm. She put her bag on the sofa and went straight to the kitchen.
Arvin's black Porsche drove out of Yao Hospital, carefully coming to a stop at an intersection. Suddenly, a ringing phone jolted him. Arvin clicked his bluetooth headset to answer. "Mum?"
"Arvin, when are out of work?"
"Just now. I'm literally pulling out of the car park." On his way to Shengfeng Mansion, or so he thought.
"Arvin, come back home right now! It's urgent!" Arvin had never heard Teresa's voice sound so strangulated. He frowned and looked at his watch. Twenty minutes to go till seven o'clock.
"Can't it wait? I've got plans tonight. I can call in some time…"
"No! It's an emergency! Come back right now!"
"…"
In the House of Family Gu
Several different high-spec cars packed the parking spaces in front of the Gu family's house. Arvin groaned as he turned the car around. He had to parallel park on the roadside.
Within a few bounding strides, Arvin was at the large door. It was open. He found it was dark inside. Curious, he thought, and crept inside. Just as he was about to turn on the light, a song suddenly played to his ears.
"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!"
In the middle of the song, Arvin cast his eyes about and discerned a large cake with lighted candles, surrounded by a group of acquaintances…
In the center, Nita wore a white dress, holding a serving knife and paper plate. Her singing was among the loudest.
Along with her were Teresa, Lulu, Stanley, Bob and Hogan.
Instead of laughing, Arvin coughed to clear his throat when the song had ended. 'So, is this the emergency you called me about, mum?'
His mother noticed he was anxious to leave, but insisted he at least blow out the birthday candles. Arvin groaned, trudge
“Let's go and register our marriage on your birthday!”
Marrying Daniel should have been her best birthday gift, but everything was ruined the moment when she caught him sleeping with another woman on the day before her birthday.
“He’s going to marry that woman! She… was my best friend!"
answer, nor did she quite understand the one she'd received. When she realized that the 'someone' might be Angela, she felt difficult in breathing, "Is it… Angela?"
'Angela? Angela!' Now, she hated the name so much; it burned rings in her mind!
The last time she asked Susan to do something, but it didn't bring Angela any troubles!
And… she once answered Arvin answer a phone call from someone in his phone saved as 'Little Girl'. Could it also be Angela?
Arvin didn't nod his head nor did he deny it. "I gotta go."
Just then, three men emerged out from the house. "Arvin, are you leaving?" Gage looked at him with dissatisfaction.
"Yes. See you next time!" Arvin glanced at Stanley and Bill.
Bill put his two hands into pockets, looked at Nita who seemed very sad and told Arvin, "Nita went around the whole J City to select the perfect birthday present for you!"
No rich young lady would ever be caught shopping on her own! And she went around a whole city just to buy him a birthday present. Everyone knew how much the lady loved the man!
Arvin looked at the box in his hand and nodded to Nita. "Thank you very much. You needn't do that next time!"
His heartless and emotionless words made Nita, the strong woman of steel, almost cry.
Bill's hands clenched in his pockets. "Arvin, why are you in such a hurry?"
"I have an emergency!" After that, Arvin got on the Porsche without looking back.
"Ah… I will kick his ass if we haven't known each other for a long time! He is too overweening!" Gage shook his head in a regrettable fashion.
