I Deserve A Second Chance

When the two clock hands hit noon time, everyone was already too excited to take a break and have a feast.

Shao Yan just got up from her desk, and lifted both of her arms. She stretched her shoulders muscle, and then suddenly she felt a tap on her left shoulder. Swiftly, she turned her head around, thinking that it was one of her teammates. To her surprise, it was not them, and instead, Risa was standing there behind Shao Yan with a smile while staring at her.

"Are you ready for lunch?" she asked Shao Yan while slowly put both hands in front of her in a relaxed stance. One palm on top another palm, just like a well-mannered Japanese lady. Risa looked as elegant as usual today. She had a baby blue and white floral ankle pants with gold belt; and she paired them with soft white blouse with chiffon accent on the chest area. To perfect the look, she covered herself in a navy blue suit jacket. Her long, black hair was tied in ponytail as usual.

Shao Yan blinked and blinked and felt slight pressure to answer, "Uh. Yes. I- " she was taken in surprise by the sudden appearance of Risa at her floor. "Let me get my stuff," she then swiftly turned around and grabbed her purse and mobile phone.

Shao Yan gave her a polite yet reserved smile, "Let's go. I'm ready."

Risa tilted her head slightly to the side while smiling. Her right arm swiftly stretched out across from her, pointing to the exit door with her palm side up; she was signaling to Shao Yan to walk ahead after her, "After you."

Shao Yan nodded and felt slightly awkward with all the politeness. She gingerly lifted her hand and tucked some strands of hair behind her ear and started to walk ahead of Risa towards the elevator.

.....

When they were in the elevator just now, there were so many people surrounded them, so Risa did not get the chance to ask a lot of questions. But once they arrived at the ground floor, and all of them walked together to the restaurant, Risa started to make small talks with Shao Yan.

"What is the recommendation for lunch in this area?"

"What are your hobbies?"

"Do you like to travel?"

"How long have you been working here?"

It was supposed to be awkward to talk with a new acquaintance. But Risa was able to keep her engaged in many topics. "So, how do you like working here so far? I heard this is your third year?"

They were walking side by side. Shao Yan turned her head to the side to look into her eyes. "I like it here. And I definitely like what I'm doing, too," She watched Risa slowly nodded her head while pursing her lips.

"That's good," she replied Shao Yan, "I have read all of your past projects, and I think you can do an even better job. But, that's okay. We'll work on that in the future." Risa then patted Shao Yan on her shoulder lightly, "I am honored to be your mentor. Let's work together to improve yourself. "

Both of them turned silent at a moment, and just watched the people around them conversing loudly. The walk to the restaurant would be around fifteen minutes. Shao Yan was hungry, she was hoping they would reach soon.

"So, how long have you been in a relationship with Daniel? Is it serious or is it just a fling?"

She was surprised with the sudden turn of questions. Shao Yan did a quick calculation in her mind and then she said, "It is a serious relationship. It's been going on for few months," and she saw Risa slowly nodded her head again. Risa stayed silent for a while, before she said, "A man like Daniel sure is charming. I hope you can trust him being busy and all that."

Shao Yan was surprised at her remarks. She was about to say something back to Risa, before an arm suddenly circled around her shoulder, and pulled her close.

"Why didn't you wait for me, Xiao Yan," Fan jie loud voice boomed in her ear, and her face suddenly appeared by her side, "I was looking for you upstairs, but I didn't you see at your desk. Luckily I quickly came down and caught up with the group." She playfully nudged Shao Yan.

Fan jie just kept on talking and rambling, and just being so noisy all the way to the restaurant. She quickly took over all of Shao Yan's attention. Risa saw that Shao Yan was occupied, so she slowed down her steps and decided to walk alone; no longer talking to her.

.....

Both project teams decided to go to a Sichuan restaurant about three blocks from their office building. There were around thirty people and Mr. Wang had booked a private room in advanced. When the whole group arrived at the restaurant, they were quickly escorted to their room.

Mr. Wang had also ordered all the food upfront, so when they arrived, almost all the food had come out and were placed neatly on their table.

Both teams decided to sit in a mix so they got the chance to know one another better. Risa and Shao Yan happened to sit on the same table. Fan jie, who had been sticking close to Shao Yan, also sat with them.

They started to eat right away. Shao Yan was about to scoop some boiled fish cooked in pickled mustard greens into her bowl, when the person who sat next to her, about to place spicy stir fried deep fried chicken to her plate.

Shao Yan saw it coming, but she did not get the chance to react. Fan jie was about to say something, but all of a sudden, Risa spoke up.

"Motoki, Shao Yan can not handle spicy food. Don't give her that."

And the whole table turned their faces to stare at Risa dumfounded.