“We’re just waiting for one more.” The young manager announced to the already impatient men.

  “Let’s start without him.” One spoke monotonously. “If he can’t be here on time, he shouldn’t be here at all.”

  The manager was a little taken aback by his attitude, but she flicked through her clipboard and calmly asked.

  “Lio, was it? We can’t start without him. He’s just as important as the rest of you.” She rubbed her neck. With money worries on her mind, she’d been tossing and turning all night. Her life pretty much depended on this job.

  Seeing her actions, another one of the males approached her and held out his hand.

  “Mark. Need a hand?” Without waiting for an answer, he moved behind her and began rubbing her neck. “This’ll help pass the time, too.”

  Not caring about the others at present, Lio took out a cigarette. Before he could light it, the manager rushed over, escaping Mark’s grip.

  “No, don’t light it in here!”

  “This can’t be the right place…”

  A new voice was heard from the entrance, which caused everyone to turn towards them.

  “Ah! Sasha?!” She rushed up to the new arrival. “Finally!”

  “Chris.” He nodded at her, then looked to the other men and spoke as his gaze fell on each of them. “Lio. Mark. Thought we were meant to be working, not playing.”

  “We were waiting for you.” Mark raised his voice.

  “Should’ve started without me.”

  Ignoring Chris’ words, Lio lit the cigarette. “Tsk.”

  From outside the room, footsteps were heard, shortly after followed by the appearance of another young man. This man’s black hair was a striking contrast to Sasha’s.

  The blond man wasted no time greeting him, too. “Yue.”