Chapter 93 - Strip

"Sometimes, I can't help but wonder if you really see me as your friend or your mascot." Panting, Cora Ma glared at the triumphant Zoey. 

She already begged and struggled to stop her, but Zoey only said she would think about it. Cora Ma's efforts were pointless because she's shorter than Zoey. 

"Aya, aya! I said I will think about it, okay?" Chuckling at her best friend's sentiments, Zoey shook her head sideways as she hopped beside Cora Ma. 

"Say, you like my brother, right? Why don't you seduce him? I'd be the best sister-in-law!" Casting her a knowing look, Zoey raised her brows in an up and down motion as she winked. 

"What?!" Flustered, Cora Ma gasped. "Why would I like your brother?" Laughing awkwardly, Cora Ma indirectly denied. 

"Tsk tsk tsk!" Zoey clicked her tongue, peering at her in disdain because Cora Ma wasn't even trying to conceal her lie. 

It was obvious, very obvious. Hence, Zoey often played cupid for Cora Ma and Zion Kwan. Alas, it never succeeded because both of them were rather timid. 

Yes, Cora Ma, Zoey's ever supportive wingman changed into an entirely different person when Zion Kwan was around. Therefore, Zoey couldn't really take her advice to the heart. After all, Cora Ma couldn't apply it for herself. 

"You know what? You always think about my love problems that you don't have time to face yours." Zoey crossed her arms, perking her chin up as she stared at the blushing Cora Ma. 

"I don't mind, anyway..." Cora Ma murmured, justifying her action for diverting her attention to Zoey's colorful love life than her hopeless unrequited love. 

"Strip." Without further ado, Zoey instructed flatly. 

"Strip..." Still out of it, Cora Ma repeated by a murmur. The second she realized what Zoey said, her eyes widened as she gasped. "WHAT?!" 

"We'll send my dear big brother your nude pic. I'm sure this will be the bridge towards your bright future!" Sounding proud, Zoey stretched her lips from ear to ear as she rubbed her chin, as if an old wise sage. 

"No, Z!" Cora Ma was lost of words. She's utterly shocked at how Zoey thought it was the best idea she ever cooked up. 

She didn't need to jot everything down because the idea itself was bound to fail. No, actually, it would cease to exist! Neither Zoey nor she would do such a silly thing. 

They were in their late 20s, for Pete's sake! Zoey should know better than anyone that if someone leaked those photos, it would be a huge scandal. 

"Eh? Why not?" Seemingly clueless why Cora Ma was nearly losing it, Zoey tilted her head to the side. "I know my brother well. I wouldn't suggest it to you if it wouldn't work." She added, rolling her eyes as she clicked her tongue. 

Indeed, Zoey wouldn't suggest something ridiculous if it wouldn't work. After all, Zoey was certain Zion Kwan had some interest towards Cora Ma. 

Although Cora Ma and Zion Kwan had been friends for years, Zoey could see that there was something the two desired just the way they looked at each other. Zoey had been their unofficial third wheel all this time. Thus, this particular little detail wouldn't escape her eyes. 

"Z," Biting her lower lip, Cora Ma looked up at Zoey. Her eyes emanated helplessness, as if silently begging Zoey to stop with the silly suggestion. 

"Here I am, going all out to my Browny while a certain someone here is on the verge of crying because she couldn't admit that she likes someone." Zoey sighed, raising both her hands as she conceded. She couldn't say no to Cora Ma, especially if she already drew out that pitiful act. 

"Z, you know your brother..." Cora Ma muttered, hanging her head low as she looked at her hand that was on her lap. "We've been friends for a long time and I don't want to make things awkward between the three of us." She added, stating the reason she had always avoided this type of discussion. 

Cora Ma was already satisfied with her relationship with Zoey and Zion Kwan. Asking for more, Cora Ma didn't want to be greedy. After all, unlike Zoey and Zion Kwan's unmistakable charms, Cora Ma looked average. 

She didn't excel in anything. Hence, how could she think of confessing to Zion Kwan? That would be too ambitious. 

For a moment, Zoey remained silent as she scanned Cora Ma from her to toe. Currently, Cora Ma's clothing was a little more revealing than she usually wore. Well, Zoey lent her best friend clothes to wear since she would stay over for the night.

Zoey nodded her head, satisfied with something. The next second, Zoey picked up her phone and took a photo of Cora Ma. She took as many as she could before Cora Ma raised her head with bits of tears forming on the side of her eyes. 

"Just let things go, okay?" Cora Ma said, staring at Zoey with expectant eyes. 

"Ahh... okay," Zoey didn't understand whatever sentiment Cora Ma said after that "didn't want to make things awkward" part. After all, she was busy taking pictures of her. Hence, Zoey just answered half-heartedly with a nod. 

*****

Later that night...

Zoey glanced at the sleeping Cora Ma beside her. Without her glasses, Zoey must admit that her best friend was really cute. 

Thinking of what transpired hours ago, Zoey slowly sat on the bed before she headed out — to her office. As she sat languidly on the swivel chair, Zoey sent Zion Kwan a message. 

"Have you seen Cora wearing a sexy outfit?" Zoey typed and immediately sent it to Zion Kwan. Zoey didn't expect to hear a reply from her brother because he was probably doing his rounds or whatever he does. 

Therefore, as she waited, Zoey checked on Matthew Xi if he was still awake.. "You want nudes?" She asked, giggling as she sent the message and waited for the two to respond.