59 The Persuasion 1 (1/2)

Table for Two Lonelytree 21920K 2022-07-22

Xiu Ling had already drafted a plan in her mind before Xu Jing even finished telling the story. When he was done, she said, ”Okay, I understand. I will try to talk to Joann tomorrow.”

After a brief silence, Xu Jing asked on the phone, ”Thank you but how can you be sure Joann will still attend the meeting? She does not seem like she is in the mood to go anywhere.”

Xu Jing's worry was not unfounded. Joann in the living room had her mood alternating between exasperation and concern. In any case, her mind was fully occupied by Sylvia. It did seem like she did not have the luxury of time to deal with anything else.

Xiu Ling replied with confidence, ”Because Joann is nothing but a woman of her words,” however, considering how unique the circumstances were this time, after a moment of hesitation, Xiu Ling added, ”But if she does not feeling like coming, please try to convince her. The distraction will be good for her. Tell her, I am here if she needs to talk.”

”Alright, thank you, Xiu Ling. I do not know what I would have done without you.”

”You're welcome. Hopefully, I will be able to help,” Xiu Ling said before hanging up. The issue of the infidelity was thus pushed back once more.

Xiu Ling did know her friend well because as she predicted, Joann did depart for their Three Months Club's meeting without any push or coercion from Xu Jing.

When she arrived at Spring Leaf Café, Xiu Ling was already there. It was 2 pm and the lunch crowd had already left so the place was rather deserted. Xiu Ling occupied the table that was near the kitchen and away from the open windows that lined the front wall of the café.

When Joann got near, she saw there were a copy of newspaper and a cup of half-empty tea on the table. Xiu Ling greeted her with a smile as she sat down and she replied her with a forceful twitch of her lips. Joann knew the 'smile' on her face seemed insincere but that was everything she could manage at the moment.

However, Xiu Ling did not seem to mind it. As Joann sat down, Xiu Ling asked kindly, ”Joann, would you like to have anything to eat or drink?”

”I will just have what you are having.” Joann said lamely. It felt like the woman was just going through the motion, there was a lack of soul behind her eyes.

Xiu Ling flagged the waiter down and when he arrived, made the order, ”Another cup of green tea please. Thank you.”

After the waiter left, Xiu Ling got into the gist of why they were there. ”Xu Jing called me yesterday night and had told me everything. Joann, how are you holding up?”