>>5313139=== Back at Old Deng’s… ===
The cacophony of keyboard clacks and mouse clicks have gone down significantly since you came back. Most of the people with responsibilities have all gone home, the only people left in the cafe being those with nothing else going on in their lives. At the counter, you spot two people.
“Old Deng.” You call out, hands in your pockets to ward off the night-time cold.
By the side, Jiang Yurong is packing up her things. It’s near the end of her shift, after all. She waves you goodbye before leaving.
“Where have you been all day?” You ask.
“Checking out new shipments for keyboards. Took a lot longer than I expected.” Old Deng leans on the counter top. “What about you? How’s work? I heard they were handing out raises today.”
You grit your teeth. “Got fired.”
“The fuck did that happen?”
You explain how you got fucked over by one asshole of a colleague. How he downplayed your efforts and badmouthed you in front of your boss. How you were fired for sticking up for yourself… Just talking about it makes you furious.
“That sucks.” Old Deng takes out a stick from his pack of cigs. “Let’s go outside?”
Nodding, you follow him out. The rain from earlier has long ceased, leaving the roads glistening, reflecting the cold light of the surrounding street lamps. At this time, the roads are mostly empty, save the occasional car.
“I’ve known you since you were thirteen.” He pulls out his lighter. “You’re a hard worker, Rudan. Whatever you do, you do your best. If your home situation was better, you’d certainly be a top student.”
Perhaps. Who knows how your life would have turned if your parents didn’t abandon you three years ago.
You click your tongue. “What’s the point? Even if I work hard, no one recognises my efforts.”
“Take it from a forty-five year old that’s been through a lot. That’s no reason to quit.”
“So what should I do?”
He pauses for a moment, taking another puff of his cig. “Take a break. Then return to the search.”
“A break eh…”
“Yep. I can’t guarantee you’ll find some place or someone that’ll see your true worth, but giving up won’t get you anywhere.” Old Deng says as a cloud of smoke scatters to the nocturnal winds.
He’s been this direct for as long as you can remember. No sugarcoating, no deception, no giving false hope. It’s something you’ve always appreciated.
“Thanks, Old Deng…” For some reason, hearing his words makes you think of Skyfrost.
“Don’t mention it.”
The next day, you wake up earlier than your usual time. Without the stress of going to work, you feel exceptionally well rested after a good night’s sleep.
What do you do?
>Head out for breakfast, there’s a cheap stall you frequent that you’ve been craving for a while.>Log on to JSQ, you’ll sort out last night’s spoils before grabbing some food.>Head out for a walk to clear your head and do some thinking.>Write in 