Bab 35: Reaching The Brink Of His Sanity
"Lucas? What are you doing here?"
Michael had just walked out of the dimly lit cafe when he noticed a figure sitting on a chair outside. On a closer look, it was Lucas. He was alone while the others had gone home.
The time was showing close to midnight. The business district was so quiet. It would turn livelier again tomorrow.
"...ah, Mr. Lou."
Lucas's voice was hoarse. He had been there ever since he clocked out nearly an hour ago. His whole body was numb from the freezing cold, making his movement a bit stiff.
"You haven't gone home?" Michael was stunned. He immediately thought something was wrong with this young man.
Lucas didn't respond to the question. His gaze was hollow.
After returning from the apartment, Lucas pushed himself to only think about working. He almost made a few mistakes but everything was retracted before that.
The humiliating words he heard from Daphne's new boyfriend dampened his spirit.
Never did he expect that man was the nephew of his boss. He had never seen him before, or he just didn't pay attention to it.
When Lucas stepped out of the cafe as other people were heading home, he suddenly didn't know where should he go. The night sky with dim twinkling stars looked as bleak as his life.
His family house didn't feel like a home to Lucas. Being there only suffocated him. He still remembered the constant disappointing looks that were given to him by his parents until now.
The fight from last night added more to his pressure.
Right now, Lucas was at a loss for what to do. He was inclined to contact his best friends but, he also didn't want to make them worried about him.
Michael quickly locked the cafe's door before doing the same to the shutter. The staff would return at seven in the morning.
For a pastry chef like Michael and his subordinates, he had to be at the cafe at three. Fortunately, the other chef would take over his place tomorrow.
"Hey, wanna go for a drink?" Michael patted Lucas' right shoulder. An easy smile curled up on his lips, "I didn't have time to eat today. Aren't you the same?"
Lucas had a feeling that Michael had seen through him. He was really in need of a companion now. Perhaps he could get more wise advice from this man who he respected.
"Alright, sounds good. I'm famished."
Lucas followed Michael to a bar that was opened in the back alley. Many patrons were still there, enjoying their late-night meals and drinks.
The two men chose to sit at the bar. After ordering two bowls of beef noodles, a plate of chicken and chives dumplings and drinks, Michael slowly probed into Lucas' problem.
"You're not yourself this past week. More trouble on your plate?"
Lucas swallowed a bitter smile. This man had really seen through him. But, he wasn't offended or felt like his privacy was being invaded.
"I got dumped," Lucas sneered, "And... more things happened."
Michael's pupils dilated.
No wonder Lucas appeared more dispirited. Even though he still worked as diligently as usual, Michael could see distress in between the young man's brows.
"Mind sharing? Young man, venting out is better than you just keep bottling it up inside."
Lucas pursed his lips. The light in his eyes was so dim. He clenched and unclenched his hands a few times, still feeling the residual cold from before.
"Actually..."
Michael was a good listener. He didn't interrupt when Lucas was pouring his heart out. No judgmental remarks also came out of his mouth. He really attentively listened to Lucas.
Michael felt more sorry for this young man whose future was supposed to be so bright.
Lucas only paused when the cook served the food at the bar. The delicious scent of the food was so appetizing but, neither of them focused on eating.
Once Lucas finished, Michael finally spoke.
"If you feel that suffocated, how about staying at my place for the time being?"
Lucas abruptly looked at Michael. Utter disbelief was reflected on his whole face.
"Mr. Lou, you don't have to..."
"Once, I was in your shoes," Michael cut Lucas off. He reached out for a bottle of drink before pouring it into their cups, "I see my younger self in you. Someone who was scorned because, to people around me, I didn't have a future."
It was the first time Lucas hearing this kind of thing. He was too stunned to give a reply. He always regarded Michael as someone lucky and skillful.
Both of them got friendlier because of their shared interest in baking.
Despite possessing much better skills and even studying abroad, Michael didn't put on airs. That was one reason why Lucas felt so comfortable with him.
"Actually... when I was humiliated like that, I thought of quitting my job," admitted Lucas.
"It's understandable. Since that guy is related to our boss," Michael nodded in agreement.
Lucas wasn't sure if that man surnamed Gao would pull out such a stunt again or not but, it was better if he kept away from such trouble. He needed to keep his sanity that almost reached its limit.
Michael saw the conflicted look in Lucas' eyes. He added gently, "When I was younger, I didn't have anyone to depend on. So, I hope you won't feel what I went through."
Lucas lowered his head. Somehow, those words deeply touched him.
"I'll think about it. Mr. Lou, if I end up quitting, can I stay with you for some time?" asked Lucas hesitantly, "...I'll try to get a new job as soon as possible."
Michael's offer was heaven-sent to Lucas who couldn't bear to stay longer in his family home. It was still embarrassing for him but, better than letting his long-time friends know about his situation.
At the very least, Michael was already well-versed in what had been affecting his life right now. That was what Lucas thought.
"My door is always open," Michael smiled, "Time to drop the honorifics. To be honest, I see you as a younger brother. You can rely on me, Lucas."
Lucas' heart and nose were stung but, he was happy inside.
"Thank you... I really appreciate it."
At that time, Lucas' mind was inadvertently reminded of the last text sent by Liliana.
What if... he also asked her for help?
Would it be better if he asked a stranger for help?
Would it be crazy for him if he did that?
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