CHAPTER 97: [INNER VOICES] BLESSING OR CURSE?

Jake fled from Sister Mina’s house as if escaping, aimlessly walking down the street, suddenly feeling like a complete bastard. During sex, he had been all in, but afterward, he pretended to be a gentleman. When had he become the kind of person he used to despise?

Since he had driven Sister Mina back in her car, he now had to either take a taxi or walk home. For a brief moment, Jake didn’t feel like going home, so he decisively chose to walk.

He hadn’t realized how much time had passed until he checked. Jake had spent nearly six or seven hours at Sister Mina’s place. Excluding the time spent drinking and chatting, their lovemaking had lasted over two hours.

For Jake, this was unbelievable. Even including foreplay, he usually finished within an hour at most. Though he was exceptionally gifted, both long and thick, his stamina wasn’t that great. Half an hour of continuous thrusting was already an overperformance for him.

But today, his endurance had been strangely prolonged. At first, he had almost come too soon because Sister Mina’s virgin pussy was so tight, yet after fucking for so long, he hadn’t shot a single load.

Moreover, his sexual desire toward Sister Mina had been terrifyingly strong, which was bizarre. Initially, Jake had only intended to go along with her. After all, she was his direct superior, and she had already hinted at his promotion.

Whether out of courtesy, reason, or professional considerations, everything told Jake not to offend her.

Besides, Sister Mina was easy to get along with. He just hadn’t realized her feelings earlier. Otherwise, he could have told her in advance that he already had a fiancée, and if things went well, they could hold their wedding after the New Year.

Unfortunately, it was all hindsight now, and there was no medicine for regret in this world.

The streets during the National Day holiday were livelier than usual. Cars streamed endlessly on the roads, and the commercial district was bustling with crowds. By five in the afternoon, the sun goddess had already clocked out early, leaving behind a faint glow as the world’s last light. Some shops had already turned on their neon lights, adding a touch of color to the monotonous streets.

Jake walked against the wind, taking small steps as he headed in the direction of his rented apartment.

The cold wind slapped his face, sending a shiver down his spine, but it also briefly soothed his restless heart. Only in this moment could he think of nothing, free from the pressure of marrying Mia, the tests from his mother in law, or the fear of a romantic catastrophe erupting.

For a fleeting second, Jake wanted to return to his childhood. Back then, there were no smartphones, no tablets, no advanced technology, and he certainly wasn’t as well off as he was now. But he had been happy, carefree, and at ease.

Jake often came across short videos saying that when men were stressed and had no one to confide in, they didn’t need anyone’s help. Just give them a pack of cigarettes and a quiet place, like the inside of their car in an underground parking lot, and they could sort themselves out.

Because only in those brief moments of solitude could men find temporary relaxation and comfort for their souls, free from their wives’ nagging or their bosses’ harassment... It was a symbol of freedom.

Young Jake hadn’t understood it. Even after learning to smoke, he still hadn’t grasped it. But now, walking home, he finally did.

Due to the circumstances of his birth, Jake had been abandoned by his parents and had no one to rely on or lean on. Father Li had to take care of a whole orphanage full of people, and it wasn’t easy for him either.

All his life, Jake had been able to turn the difficulties and obstacles he faced into motivation to push forward, taking things one step at a time and walking steadily. This was also why Jake had such a good reputation among his teachers.

But was this version of Jake the real him?

Did he have no dreams, no pursuits, no people or things he liked? No, it wasn’t that. He just couldn’t afford to hope for them. That was his fate!

If Jake hadn’t met the street vendor, hadn’t bought the electric razor out of kindness, and hadn’t gained the power of "inner voices," could he have achieved his current success and opportunities?

Could he have earned his mother in law’s approval and fulfilled their agreement?

Could he have gotten close to his aunt, his childhood teacher Yana, and won her heart?

Could he have made a proud woman like Mia take the initiative to show him affection, remaining indifferent even after being slept with and rejected?

No one could say for sure, but in reality, it had all happened.

For Jake, whether "inner voices" was a blessing or a curse remained to be seen.

At least up to now, Jake hadn’t found any flaws in the ability of "inner voices."

The only thing worth doubting was the inner monologue that had occurred at Sister Mina’s place. On the way back, it seemed as if he had forgotten it entirely, as if it had never existed.

The closer he got to his rented apartment, the lighter Jake’s steps became. "Cross the bridge when you come to it." That was Jake’s life motto.

...

By the time Jake returned to his rented apartment, the sky was completely dark.

It was the last day of the holiday, and it hadn’t been too bad. If not for the unexpected little incident at Sister Mina’s place.

Jake had left decisively, not because he thought Sister Mina was a good woman who could be easily taken advantage of, but because he believed that given her status, if she truly couldn’t forgive him, she would have a hundred ways to make his life miserable. Since she had let him go, she must not have held it against him.

But could Sister Mina really let go so easily? Thinking of her dejected expression when he left, Jake felt an inexplicable pang in his heart. "Jake, you’re really a piece of shit."

With that, he dialed her number. "Beep, beep, beep..."

"Sorry, the number you dialed is temporarily unavailable."

He tried again. "Sorry, the number you dialed..."

Jake refused to give up and called once more. "Sorry..."

It seemed Sister Mina was determined not to talk to him. Jake opened WhatsApp but then closed it again.

"Forget it, I’ll see her at the company tomorrow." Putting down his phone, Jake gathered some clean clothes and went to take a shower.

After a comfortable hot shower, Jake tossed all his clothes into the washing machine and started the cycle. Once his routine chores were done, he grabbed a can of Snow beer from the fridge, tore open a pack of spicy peanuts, and began drinking alone.

The alcohol from the red wine he’d had at Sister Mina’s place at noon had mostly worn off. Alcohol was something best avoided, as it was easy to get addicted once you started.