The Rise of the White Lotus

Inside Dennis Lu's car, a heavy exhale slipped from his nose. He could only shake his head as he recalled how arrogant and stubborn his son was. "Such a foolish child," he muttered.

He could only hope that whatever situation his son might end up with, he could salvage it. After all, Ethan Lu had been too lenient with them and if it proved his son guilty about his involvement in Rowan Go's scheme, then he could only beg Edward Lu and his nephew to let him off the hook just once.

Although Dennis Lu had been vying for the position of the headmaster, he never considered dragging other people — for example, Lexi — to this war he was fighting. He knew that it would be an unwise move to push someone to the edge.

Who knows what a person would do if his loved ones got involved.

Moreover, he was a man with a little dignity left in him. Stooping so low, he wouldn't do it again. It reminded him of how he sent his mistress years ago to become his nephew's whore.

Just thinking of the outcome back then, it had been his constant reminder of his mistake. Hence, Dennis Lu had avoided such cheap tricks again because it might only work in his disadvantage.

Just then, Dennis Lu felt his phone vibrate from inside his suit pocket. Checking who it might be, he knitted his brows seeing an unknown phone number. Not many knew his personal contact number and all people in his contacts were the only people that knew it. Hence, who was calling him?

Dennis Lu pondered whether he should answer. After contemplating for several seconds, he decided and pressed the green button before placing his phone in front of his ear.

He didn't talk and waited for the person from the other end of the line to speak. Yet, silence was the only sound he could hear from both ends.

Therefore, Dennis Lu without a word was about to end the call as the ambiance on the line had grown suspicious. However, just then, the person from the other end spoke.

"It's me." Upon hearing the familiar voice of Avah Tong, Dennis Lu's eyes stretched twice its size. How long has it been since she vanished after her crazy stunt back then? 

"Still remember me?" Avah Tong asked after her momentary pause.

Dennis Lu's heart raced, not that kind of fluttering beat but the dreading kind of pace. Avah Tong, the woman he had feared to resurface in his life, came back!

What does she want? Why did she return? Why didn't she remain quiet to wherever she had gone?

His mind was filled with a series of question, and his complexion paled. His grip on his phone trembled as he swallowed a mouthful of saliva. Words were stuck in his throat as it overwhelmed his mind with questions.

In the end, Dennis Lu cut the line short without a word. His chest heaved in a heavy pace as his shoulder moved along with it. "Why is she back?" he whispered through his shaking wrinkled lips.

*****

The beeping sound from the call was the only thing Avah Tong heard. It has been a while since she had a deal with Lexi. She then received Dennis Lu's contact number and schedule the next day. However, Avah Tong didn't act on it immediately as she was afraid.

Was she afraid of Dennis Lu? Never. Was it the unforeseen things that he might do to her? Definitely, not that. 

The source of Avah Tong's fear was because her move would reconnect her to the past; be entangled with the people she despised all these years. However, Lexi's words about being a mother often struck her opinion.

Of course, she wanted her child back; that's the reason she returned in this damn place. Still, it took her a load of time to muster her courage and put on a brave front. "For my son," she would always remind herself.

Hence, after telling that to herself countless of times, Avah Tong finally mustered enough courage to contact the father of her son. Yet, she heard nothing from him, and he just cut the line short.

Regardless, Avah Tong was unfazed. She had been his mistress and knew a thing or two about him. Hence, with her knowledge about him, she composed a message bearing a poker face. She already made her existence known to him thus, there was no going back.

"Meet me. Tonight at 7 pm, river lounge restaurant." After composing her message, Avah Tong unhesitatingly sent her message. After seeing that it was successfully delivered, she searched for Lexi's contact number and called it.

Alas, Lexi didn't immediately answer. Thus, she called once again and yet; it was left unanswered. "What is this b*tch's doing?" Annoyed, Avah Tong cursed Lexi as she didn't appreciate this kind of treatment.

Just as she was about to call again, she received a message from Lexi stating: "Meet me at Beauty DR now." 

"Huh?" Puzzled at the sudden invite, Avah Tong arched her brows. She just wanted to tell her that she already contacted Dennis Lu via call. What's the need for a meeting? After all, they were not friends to meet more than once.

"I can't. Will meet DL tonight." Avah Tong responded, nearly rolling her eyes at Lexi's overbearing attitude.

"Now." After a second, Avah Tong's brows twitched seeing Lexi's reply. Why would she even need to listen to her? Alas, being reminded that all her resources and protection came from Lexi, Avah Tong gritted her teeth as she cursed.

"This B*tch — God, I hate her!" Avah Tong nearly threw her phone out of frustration. Fortunately, she controlled her temper as she only fumed before preparing herself to go to the said location.

Little did she know, she would see someone whom she avoided for years. Actually, never in her life she would realize how the world was vast and yet small at the same time.