Katherine and her coworkers finished eating and stepped out of the restaurant. The warm yellow glow from the streetlights poured down, casting a relaxed glow over everyone.
They were chatting and laughing when one particularly enthusiastic colleague suddenly lit up and excitedly suggested they all go sing karaoke together.
Everyone responded loudly with agreement. Katherine instinctively wanted to decline, but seeing the hopeful and excited look on her coworker's face, the words of refusal stuck in her throat like a fishbone. She couldn't get them out.
A wave of melancholy rose in her heart. It wouldn't be long before she had to leave this familiar yet strange city behind. Mountains and rivers would lie between her and her coworkers—there might not be another chance to gather like this again.
Chances were, this would be their last time together.
Conveniently, there was a nice karaoke place not far from the restaurant.
They all headed over together. Inside the private room, the lights flashed while singing, laughter, and conversation mixed together, creating a loud and chaotic atmosphere.
Katherine quietly found a seat in a corner, her presence distant and out of sync with the lively energy around her.
She never liked these kinds of loud places. The deafening music and the dim, shifting lights always made her feel overwhelmed and out of place.
Nurse Sana bounced back from picking songs and, seeing Katherine sitting there looking a bit lonely, plopped down beside her. Tilting her head and blinking, she asked, "Katherine, aren't you going to pick a song? Tell me what you want to sing, and I'll pick it for you."
Katherine leaned over slightly and whispered in her ear, "Sana, I can't carry a tune at all. If I start singing, it might shake the heavens and make the ghosts cry. I'd better just sit here and listen to you all."
Nurse Sana giggled behind her hand but didn't push her any further.
Halfway through the night, Katherine went to the restroom.
Standing by the sink, the cool water flowed over her fingers, and finally, her tense nerves began to relax a little.
As she focused on drying her hands, she suddenly felt a sharp gaze prickling at her back, making her whole body uncomfortable.
Without rushing, she pulled a couple of paper towels, dried her hands, then slowly turned around. Sure enough, what a small world—it was Vivi.
No one else was around. Vivi didn't even bother pretending.
She stood with her arms crossed and her chin lifted slightly, walking over with an arrogant strut, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Katherine, what a surprise to see you here."
"Who are you here with?"
Katherine's eyes instantly turned cold, sharp as shards of ice on a frozen lake. "Vivi, is this all you learned at school? Being petty and nosy about other people's business?"
Vivi acted like she didn't hear a word and smiled with full-blown malice. Stepping closer, she continued her taunt. "Don't think you can just forget about the arranged marriage because you got lucky last time."
"Stop dreaming. Dad already finalized the deal with the other family. It won't be long before you'll have to obediently marry that cripple."
Katherine felt nothing but disgust. She knew arguing with Vivi was just a waste of time and energy. Without saying another word, she gave her a cold glance and walked straight past her.
Vivi couldn't stand being ignored like that. She stomped her foot angrily and shouted behind her, "Katherine, you can't run away!"
On the way back, Katherine was lost in thought, distracted and absent-minded. She didn't even notice the man walking toward her.
At the same time, the man was focused on a phone call and didn't see her either. Without warning, the two of them collided, full on.
Katherine stumbled, her body losing balance and leaning backward. Just in time, Ethan's quick hands firmly grabbed her slender arm.
He quickly said into the phone, "Stop here, I have something to deal with," then ended the call and put his phone away. His eyes were full of concern as he asked, "Miss, are you alright?"
Katherine's cheeks flushed slightly. She nodded and apologized, "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention just now and accidentally bumped into you. Are you okay?"
The moment Ethan's gaze met Katherine's face, it was as if a magnet pulled him in, his eyes suddenly brightened. This woman, with her delicate and gentle features, looked exactly like the dream girl he had been thinking about.
He furrowed his brow, a strange feeling of familiarity rising inside him. It felt like he had seen her somewhere before, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't recall where.
Last time, at dusk, Katherine had worn heavy makeup. Now, almost bare-faced, she looked like a completely different person. No wonder Ethan didn't recognize her right away.
Seeing him stunned, Katherine nodded lightly and said, "If you're okay, sir, I'll go now."
After speaking, she stepped past him and headed toward the private room.
At that moment, Ethan's phone rang urgently. He took it out and saw Andrew calling.
Distracted, Ethan answered. Andrew's slightly annoyed voice came from the phone, "What happened just now? Why did the call suddenly end?"
Ethan's eyes stayed fixed on Katherine's fading figure. He said without thinking, "I just saw my dream girl. She's stunning. I've made up my mind. I'm going to chase her."
Andrew was still at the Zhou family old mansion, always alert for any sudden problems with Old Master Zhou.
Hearing this, he rolled his eyes and muttered, "Fine, go chase your goddess. I'm going to sleep."
Vivi came out from the restroom and saw Ethan. She knew Ethan was Andrew's close friend.
Everyone in the city knew that besides Andrew, Ethan was one of the two men who controlled the city's economy.
Getting on good terms with him meant endless resources in the future.
Vivi smiled sweetly and tried to get close to Ethan. "Hello, President Ethan."
Ethan frowned slightly as he looked at her and asked, "Who are you?"
"I'm a newly signed artist with Wind Media. My name is Vivi."
Wind Media? The one Andrew just set up?
Seeing her outstretched hand, Ethan gave an awkward smile and shook it. "Hello."
Before Vivi could say anything else, Ethan cut in, "Sorry, I have something to do. I'll leave first."
Vivi was caught off guard but quickly recovered. "Okay, you go ahead."
Katherine returned to the private room, no longer in the mood to stay. She said goodbye to them and took her bag to leave.
Her mood was sour, unaware that Vivi had quietly followed behind her.