บท 44: Humbly Asking For Assistance

"First... I'm sorry for how I acted earlier."

After successfully chasing the two obnoxious men away, Lucas sat down opposite Liliana with a sheepish smile. He was ashamed of himself when he remembered how he retorted the men.

It was not surprising if Liliana was appalled by his conduct.

But, a contrast to what Lucas was expecting, Liliana was smiling at him as she heard his apology.

"I should thank you, Mr. Liu. Actually... I didn't know how to tell the men off. I was afraid of causing such a scene," admitted Liliana, her smile fading a little.

All this time, even though Liliana was scorned by the people around her, she still enjoyed the luxury of being sheltered and protected. Especially with her title as Young Madam Shen, she often had at least two bodyguards following her around.

Lucas noticed the change in Liliana's smile. He immediately replied, "Miss Xin, please don't worry. I've seen many women unable to do that. Most of the time, they are scared of retaliation. Well, since men are physically more powerful, it's understandable."

Being a part of the service industry let Lucas see even the worst of a human's attitude. A highly self-entitled customer was a pain in the ass.

Fortunately, most people no longer regarded the customers as kings or without flaws.

And...

Lucas silently praised Liliana's alluring beauty. Even when she was quiet and doing nothing, her beauty and gentle temperament shone. Young ladies like her had bad lucks if they crossed paths with scummy men.

Liliana nodded once, still having a small smile on her lips.

"Mr. Liu, you've helped me thrice now. What can I do to make it up for it?" Liliana still remembered Lucas' text saying he needed help, "Please tell me. I'll do make I can for you."

A streak of red colored Lucas' cheeks. Lowering his head, he grinned embarrassedly, "Actually... I didn't want you to think I helped you to get a reward but... it seems like I require some help now."

"I understood what you mean but, I really am serious with my offer," Liliana emphasized in her words. Realizing something, she turned to her side and reach out for a button installed on the table, "But, before that, you should order something for yourself."

Lucas just nodded. When a waiter came because of the call, he only ordered a cup of black coffee. Liliana added a sandwich set with chicken bites. She already had her cup of tea.

While waiting for their orders, Liliana and Lucas were back to business.

"How may I help you, Mr. Liu?" asked the curious Liliana.

Lucas straightened his back. He kept his posture rigid as if he was facing a superior. Without beating around the bush, he voiced out what he wanted to request.

"Due to some personal issue, I plan to quit my job soon. I've been looking for new ones too but, I wonder if you'd have any recommendations for me. I work as a delivery rider and a waiter at a cafe. I also study part-time in night school."

After discussing with Michael, Lucas was open to looking for a job that required less of his stamina. It was not because he wanted to be lazy but, if he could have more free time and energy to study, wouldn't it be better?

But, if the options were none, Lucas would just continue working in the service industry again.

"Oh, you're looking for a new job?"

Liliana was kind of surprised to hear that. She actually expected that Lucas would straight out asking for money. She was already prepared to help with the sum he might request.

"Of course, I'm just asking," Lucas quickly added, afraid Liliana might think differently of him now, "Well... I'm sorry for assuming things but, you look like an important figure, Miss Xin. Like... super rich? So, I wonder if you have some connections."

Liliana was amused by how frank Lucas was with her. All this time, she only thought that he might be asking for monetary assistance, certainly something that she could help him with.

But... asking for a job?

Liliana's perception of Lucas grew better. She didn't immediately reply as her mind began racking the possibilities.

Even though Liliana was just a shell that occupied Young Madam Shen's seat, her words still held some weight. With just some inquiry, she might be able to find any vacancy that could be fulfilled by Lucas.

To Liliana, Lucas seemed to be a righteous young man. Not only he helped her thrice, but the hesitancy and well-mannerism displayed through his actions also spoke volumes about his virtuous character.

If his situation was not dire, perhaps Lucas wouldn't ever be asking for her assistance.

Could he perhaps... help her with what she was looking for? This was something that should be done in secret so, maybe Lucas was the perfect candidate.

"Actually... I have something for you to do, Mr. Liu. Of course, with pay. After this job is done, I'll help you look for a permanent one."

"Oh?" Lucas' face lit up with hope, "Please tell me. I'm skilled in many things."

Biting her lips, Liliana thought about it again. Suddenly, she got second thoughts.

Could she trust the matter with him? After all, this might make Lucas think she was a vile person.

Lucas fidgeted in his seat at the sight of Liliana frowning. Seemingly she was doubting herself over the decision. The possibility kind of scared him.

"...Miss Xin, is everything alright? Can I ask what would you like me to do?"

"Oh, actually..."

Liliana snapped out of her stupor. Seeing the faint anxiousness flickering in Lucas' eyes stopped her from second-guessing.

With her elbows on the table, Liliana moved her upper body forward. After one glance around her, she whispered in a soft voice.

"I need someone to help me in getting back to a cheater. I don't want to alert anyone so... I'm still looking for someone to assist me."

Nancy's revenge plan had just begun but, she still needed the crucial part. Liliana could easily outsource it using the staff working whether for the Xin or Shen families but, doing so might alarm them.

Once those words were registered in his mind, Lucas' pupils dilated. Staring at Liliana in surprise, he asked a shocking question.

"Miss Xin... is your husband the cheater?"

At once, Asher's cold expression that Lucas had seen before flashed in his mind together with the insulting words uttered by the former.

This time, it was Liliana's turn to be caught off guard.

"...what?"