A warm feeling swept through her, and Chu’e’s nose tingled. The grievances, frustration, and anxiety of the past days, along with the humiliation and fear she just experienced, all welled up. She took a deep breath and smiled at Luo Xuan, “Can I borrow your ID? And could you lend me some money?”
Luo Xuan was taken aback, carefully asking, “Chu Chu, what exactly happened?”
Chu’e forced a weak smile, “Nothing. I lost my bag. My money and keys were in it, so I can’t go home. I just want to find a hotel to stay in for the night…”
Luo Xuan let out a sigh of relief, “Oh, I thought something had happened! Okay, I’ll help you find a hotel to stay in first, and tomorrow I’ll accompany you to find a locksmith to open the door. It’s too late today, and you look very tired and need a good rest!”
“Luo Xuan, thank you!” Chu E said sincerely.
Luo Xuan looked at her deeply, “Chu Chu, I’ve said before, no matter when, as long as you say one word…”
“Luo Xuan!” She interrupted him, “Let’s go!” She then dove into the car and said nothing more. Luo Xuan sighed silently and started the car.
Half an hour later, Luo Xuan found a clean hotel near Chu E’s home and checked her in. After opening the room door with the key card, Chu E stood in the doorway and gave him a slight smile: “Luo Xuan, thank you, good night!”
It was an obvious dismissal, and he could only stop.
“Get a good night’s sleep, I’ll come pick you up tomorrow morning!”
Chu E smiled and closed the door. She turned around and threw herself onto the comfortable bed, exhausted from the previous day, quickly falling into a deep sleep.
When she woke, it was already seven in the morning. The thick curtains blocked the brightening sky outside. Chu E quickly got up, washed up, tidied herself, and checked out before Luo Xuan could come pick her up. She took a taxi directly to the local police station.
