Chapitre 11: Insulted
A few minutes later, my uncle came into the room, looking furious. He stared at me with an intense expression and yelled at me, "What is so special about you that has everyone wanting to touch you?" I was taken aback by his sudden anger and struggled to come up with a response. I couldn't understand why he was so upset or what he meant by people wanting to touch me.
He growled angrily, "First it was my son, then his friends, and now my friend. I have known him for 30 years, and he has never behaved in such a way toward anyone. I was speechless and unable to answer my uncle's question. I could only stare at him in disbelief and confusion.
"It's the same as your mother. She was always looking for trouble, attracting all sorts of filthy men to her until your father succeeded. I should have known better than to let you stay in this house."
"You want to continue from where your stupid mother stopped, right? He yelled. "Not in my house! I will beat you to death before you lure my son further into your curse!"
"You stupid son of a bitch," he muttered under his breath. "I should have left you to rot in the hospital. Instead, I've been dragged into your mess, and now you're trying to drag my son into it too."
He kicked me hard in the stomach, causing me to curl further into pain. His face contorted in rage. "I warned you," he spat. "You're not taking my son down this path." He kept kicking me, each kick harder and more painful than the last, until I eventually lost consciousness. I lay there, motionless, as his angry rants faded into the background.
The last thing I remember was feeling dizzy and disoriented. I don't know how long I lost consciousness, but when I woke up, I found myself lying on my worn-out duvet with my clothes on. My head throbbed, and confusion clouded my mind. As I opened my eyes slowly, I saw Mao sitting beside me. His face showed concern, and he gently rubbed my arm.
I tried to sit up, but my head spun, and I had to lie back down again. Mao offered me a glass of water, and I gratefully accepted it. As I sipped the water, memories slowly returned to me.
"I was scared; I thought you wouldn't wake up," Mao said calmly. "But you did, and everything is going to be alright." He reassured me, gently squeezing my arm.
His act of kindness surprised me, and I wasn't sure how to respond. I stared at him and said, "Why do you care?" I thought you hated me. He sighed and said, "I don't hate you. I'm just worried about you."
I glanced over at Mao. "What's the time?" I inquired.
"It's past 6 p.m.," Mao replied.
Realizing that I had to get ready for work, I slowly stood up. "I have to get ready for work," I said.
"Do you have to go today?" Mao inquired.
"Yes, I'll be fine," I said. "Thanks, you can leave now." He nodded and walked out of my room.
The images of the man's hands on my skin kept replaying in my mind. I couldn't shake off the feeling of disgust and violation. As much as I wanted to forget it all and move on with my day, I knew I couldn't.
I took a shower and began scrubbing my body harder than usual, almost as if I was trying to erase the memory of his touch. The water cascading down my skin felt comforting, but it couldn't wash away the trauma.
After I was done, I dressed in a hurry and walked to work, hoping the fresh air would clear my head. I needed to focus on something else, anything else, to distract myself from the disturbing thoughts that were consuming me.
As I walked, I tried to convince myself that it was just a bad dream and that it never happened. But deep down, I knew it was real, and I couldn't escape the reality of what had happened.
I arrived at work still feeling shaken but determined to push through the day. I knew I had to be strong, but it wasn't going to be easy.
I walked inside and immediately approached one of the lounge chairs. The room was dimly lit, with curtains drawn to block out sunlight. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful, and as I lay down on the soft cushion, I felt my body relax.
As I closed my eyes, I let out a deep breath and allowed my mind to wander. Thoughts began to drift in and out of my consciousness, until I was no longer aware of my surroundings. My body felt light and weightless as if I were floating on a cloud.
It was only when I woke up from my sleep that I realized how much time had passed. The room was now bathed in a warm glow.
You have been sleeping for two hours. Are you okay? Cheng asked me.
I was startled by Cheng's voice and opened my eyes slowly. "Yes, I'm okay," I said groggily. I couldn't believe I had slept for two hours! "I'm sorry for dozing off like that," I said apologetically. Cheng smiled and reassured me that it was alright.
Cheng grabbed my hand and said, "Come on, let's eat before work starts."
Out of reflex, I yanked my hand away from him, my heart pounding. I felt embarrassed at my reaction, but I couldn't help it; I was still shaken by the surprise of almost being molested.
I'm sorry, Cheng apologizes, taking a step back. You can take the day off if you don't feel well. He added.
I nodded, not wanting to go back to that house. Tears welled up in my eyes as I struggled to hold them back. "It's okay," I said, my voice trembling. "I'll be alright."
He looks at me with worry etched on his face—a look of fear.
I let all my emotions out and cried, my face buried in his neck. He wrapped his arms around me, holding me tight as I cried. I felt like I could let go of all my worries and fears in his embrace. The tears kept flowing.
I told him about the events of the day and why I was so upset. I explained how I felt overwhelmed and powerless and how I was scared to go back to the house. He listened patiently, his arms still around me, holding me close. He didn't speak, but his embrace communicated understanding and compassion. I felt relieved and comforted knowing he was there for me.
He pulled back and held me at arm's length. His eyes were filled with compassion, but his voice was firm. "You're leaving with or without your lover," he said finally. "I'm not going to let you stay in this situation anymore. You deserve a safe and secure home."
You can rest in my room until you see him. When the time comes, I'll let you know, and if you're interested, you'll speak with him. If you choose not to, you will leave that godforsaken house on Monday when no one is around.
I nodded and followed Cheng to his room in the staff quarters. It wasn't very big, but it was still better than my basement with two bunks. I climbed up to rest on the upper bunk and settled in. The sheets were clean, and the air was fresh—a welcome change from the damp and musty basement. I closed my eyes and drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
When I woke up, it was past 11 p.m., and I was famished. I got up and stretched. My stomach rumbled, and I knew I had to find something to eat. I quickly left Cheng's room to see what I could find.
When I entered the lounge, it bustled with music, laughter, and chatter. The air was thick with alcohol and cigarette smoke. The room was dimly lit with warm, amber lights, and the walls were adorned with various pieces of art. The lounge was packed with people, each engaged in their own conversations or lost in their own world.
What are you doing here, Zhan? Cheng asked.
"I'm famished. Do you need help?" I asked Cheng.
"No, I'm okay. There's a stall five minutes' walk from here. They have tasty food," he said. "I'm sure you'll like it."
I nodded and said, "Okay, I'll be back soon." I turned around and left the lounge, eager to find the stall and get something to eat.
As I step outside, the cool night breeze hits me in the face, causing me to shiver slightly. However, I quickly embraced the refreshing feeling and let the wind blow my worries away. I take a leisurely walk towards the food vendors' stall, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the night.
Once I reach the stall, I peruse the menu and decide on ordering pasta and chicken. The vendor quickly prepares my food, and I eagerly dig into the delicious meal. The pasta is perfectly cooked and coated in a flavorful sauce, while the chicken is tender and juicy.
After finishing my meal, I return to work, feeling rejuvenated and ready to face the rest of the night.
I was standing in front of the door, about to open it, when a guy suddenly came out, holding his head as he pushed me out of the way. "Sorry," he turned to say, and I immediately recognized his voice. It was my mysterious guy.
I couldn't help but wonder what was wrong with him. Was he drunk or sick? I decided to follow him to find out. As I trailed behind him, I noticed that he was walking unsteadily, as if he was about to collapse at any moment.
I felt a surge of concern for him. I knew I couldn't leave him alone like that. As we walked down the parking lot, I kept a safe distance from him, not wanting to startle him or make him feel uncomfortable.
Finally, he stopped in front of a car.
Without thinking, I rushed after him. "Are you okay?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm. "Do you need me to call an ambulance?"
He looked at me for a moment, as if trying to make a decision, and then nodded weakly.
No, but can you call my brother for me? He handed me his phone. His name is Liu. He said weakly.
I collected the phone, not wanting to make him wait longer. I quickly searched for his brother's name on his contact list, finally finding it. I dialed the number, and after a few rings, a voice answered. "Hello, Wang, where are you?" he asked.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone