Chapter 86 - Ezekiel Tang

"My apologies again, Mr. He." Over the phone, Zoey apologized to her client, the recipient of the flawed products. 

Knowing what to do, Zoey immediately informed him about the unprecedented situation. Of course, she was ashamed to deliver the terrible news. However, informing them was better than not to. 

Fortunately, Mr. He was understanding enough. Rather, it was fortunate that Zoey befriended him before. Therefore, he was lenient and understood the delay. 

"Haha, you don't have to apologize — it's not like you wanted it to happen. It's not your fault and problems are inevitable." said the wise and kind businessman over the phone. How words brought a meek smile on Zoey's lips, proving that she made a good choice doing business with him. 

"Thank you, Mr. He. I'll surely pay you and Madam He a visit sometime." 

"Aya, aya! My wife will surely be happy!" Mr. He chuckled, satisfied for her promise. This showed how he and his wife were fond at Zoey. 

Zoey and Mr. He exchanged pleasantries for quite some time before the call ended. As soon as Zoey put down her phone, a sigh of relief escaped her lips. 

"Good people do exist." She murmured, recalling a certain man who was the kindest and the most lenient man she ever met. "I wonder what he's doing..." she added before glancing at her phone on the desk. 

Checking out her phone, Zoey checked her message to him. However, he still didn't read it. "I guess he's really busy." She muttered, heaving another deep sigh. 

She needed her bundle of sunshine named Matthew Xi, but he seemed unavailable at the moment. Still, she'd get to see him tomorrow, so she's holding back until then. 

Just then, Cora Ma's contact name appeared on the phone's screen. Zoey's eyes softened seeing her best friend call at the perfect time. 

"How did you know I need to vent?" As soon as Zoey answered the call, she asked with a meek smile. 

"Gut feeling." Humoring her back, Cora Ma responded. Obviously, it was just a coincidence that she called at a time like this. Zoey knew that. "So, what happened? Browny problem again?" Cora Ma asked, showing interest about it. 

"No. Why do you think all my problems are about men?" Zoey rolled her eyes, chuckling at the obvious interest her best friend has with her current love affair. "It's the people here — they were being stupid, again." Without further ado, Zoey ranted. 

"Oh no, did you kill them?" Sincerely concerned, Cora Ma imagined Zoey's employee being hanged upside down by their feet. 

"They said they will work to death — that's all." Shaking her head, Zoey heavily sighed. "Honestly, I'm tired." Slowly, Zoey sat down on her swiveled chair. 

"I've been working for as long as I can remember..." Zoey, for a moment, had the memories of the past flashed before her eyes. Compared in the past, Zoey could safely see the difference. 

Unlike before, she was now inside a cozy office which she could call her own. In the past, if Zoey didn't work smart, she'd probably working in an office as well, but as an employee. 

Yet, there were days that she'd feel physically and mentally exhausted. Just like today, after the huge problem, it drained her. 

"Z..." Concerned that Zoey bore an evidently exhausted tone, Cora Ma felt that the problem was bigger than expected. "I'll drop by later, okay? Let's have a drink!" Cora Ma offered, thinking that Zoey needed some company to chill with. What an exceptional friend, indeed!

"I think I need another leave — wait," Not listening to the kind offer of her friend, Zoey continued mumbling. However, she stopped midway upon absorbing Cora Ma's last remarks. "You're back? You should have told me so I can pick you up!" 

"Tsk tsk, I sent you a chat, didn't I?" Cora Ma clicked her tongue, not surprised that Zoey didn't check her messages. After all, that chat of hers was meant not to be read. 

If Cora Ma truly wanted Zoey to pick her up, she should have sent her a formal email or called. After all, Zoey often checked all her emails since it's her other way of communicating to her employees and clients. 

"What a sly fox." Knowing her best friend, Zoey clicked her tongue as she teased. Cora Ma didn't want to bother her, but also thought that she would get disappointed if Cora Ma didn't let her know. Hence, she used a method that could be Zoey's fault for not seeing. 

"Hahaha!" Zoey heard her best friend chuckle, affecting Zoey's mood to lighten even a little. 

"So, why did you call?" Zoey asked. She figured Cora Ma wouldn't just call without a purpose. Be it she wanted to visit Zoey and hang out or anything, Cora Ma has always a purpose. 

"Ahh... that, Uhm..." Being reminded of the purpose of the call, Cora Ma pursed her lips together and bit her lower lip. 

Fortunately, Zoey couldn't see her or else she would figure that Cora Ma has some concerns. 

Suddenly, Zoey heard a knock on the door. "Come in," she said, revealing Melanie Xue's small yet chubby figure. "What? Don't tell me it's another problem?" Arching her brows, Zoey assumed because Melanie Xue seemed to deliver another terrible news. 

"Of course not, Boss Zhou! Everyone is very diligent and crying while working!" Without batting an eye, Melanie Xue denied. Albeit selling out her colleagues' pitiful situation. 

"Good. So, why are you here?" Zoey locked gaze with Melanie Xue's conflicted gaze. Every second that Zoey stared at her employee, the more suspicious she gets. 

"Ah, Zoey, I want to that I bumped into someone... he's back." Over the line, Cora Ma finally mustered her courage to deliver the news. 

"Who?" Still hearing her best friend from the other end of the line, Zoey knitted her brows. 

"Ezekiel. Tang Ezekiel." Cora Ma clenched her teeth as she mentioned a certain man's name. 

At the same time, Melanie Xue spoke. "Someone is looking for you. He said his name is Zeke." 

"Oh...." For a second, Zoey let out a natural response, yet she appeared as if she hasn't absorbed the news entirely.