Chapter 239 - Power Is Power

Chihua sensed the weight of the situation so he stiffened up. It was rare for his Boss to be in a bad mood and this time, it was his fault. No matter how he calms himself, he couldn't enjoy the luxurious meal in front of him.

Meanwhile, Trisha was just staying quiet while having a deep frown. Chihua felt like he was about to be punched in a matter of seconds. However, there's something inside of him that tells him to speak up.

Therefore, he did.

"But Boss... why would you want to go back to Teren? Isn't it better that he pays for what he has done?"

Thud*

Chihua flinched when Trisha harshly put her hand down on the table.

"I don't need anyone to make him pay for what he did. I'm already making him do so."

She didn't look at Chihua as she said so in a low voice. But even in front of this intimidating situation, Chihua just really wanted to ask as he was being bugged by this from the very beginning.

"Boss, what exactly did Teren do to you?"

"You don't want to know."

Trisha just shrugged it off and continued to eat. However, this response just made Chihua's worries deepen.

"Boss, please tell me. I won't be able to sleep if I will not hear the answer."

Chihua pleaded but Trisha rejected him and said.

"Then don't sleep."

This didn't stop Chihua though. He hesitated for a while before using that technique. A technique that he learned that will make Trisha listen to him.

Guilt-trip.

One of Trisha's weaknesses that Chihua learned after being her follower for some time. Underneath her intimidating look, she has a soft heart. If she hurt an innocent person, she would immediately finish the fight and help that person.

Since Trisha had been numerous fights, these situations were not uncommon for Chihua to see. However, if he were to be found out by his Boss that he's using it as a weapon, getting beat up is the least thing he can do. But he has no choice, he thought.

"Even though I had been so worried for days..."

"Hm?"

Trisha's brows further deepened as she stopped.

"I went all my way to face Teren and tried to help but I didn't get anything. Now, I'm being kept in the dark. After this, I'll just have sleepless nights."

"..."

Trisha just listened still.

"I almost got into trouble while risking my life in front of Teren-"

"Chihua"

Trisha suddenly called out with a cold voice which made Chihua shiver. 

"I know that you have been worried about me and tried to help me. That's why I'm not telling you. However, since you're acting that way, trying to push my buttons, fine, I'll tell you. But the consequences will be on you after this."

Chihua gulped as he realized that Trisha had already noticed his scheme. However, the end result was that it worked. Trisha then told her what she experienced from day one.

Of course, she excluded the time when the situation between her and Teren got 'heated' in his house. That's something that she wouldn't tell anyone. Even she couldn't believe how she acted that way herself.

Sometime later, Trisha finished her story and Chihua's face sunk. He didn't think that reality have been this harsh.

At first, he was in denial. The girl he loves just had a torturous experience under a man's hands? Unforgivable!

Unforgivable! Unforgivable!

'Teren... I fucking swear to God you will pay for this! I will fucking kill you myself!!'s

A great fire of hatred was born within Chihua. Trisha looked at this and thought if she got too impulsive in saying her story.

"Hey!"

She then called out, not caring about raising her voice in that formal setting.

Chihua snapped out of it and looked at Trisha. Different thoughts then popped out of his head. Why does she seem to be close to him? Is she lying? If Chihua experienced all of that, he would've turned insane already, so why does she look fine?

"I'm not lying when I said I didn't have a hard time. However, I'm also not lying when I said I'm fine now. Honestly, I think it's worth it. From a realistic view, Teren actually helped me. You know what they say, surviving death makes you stronger."

"I... I think it's what doesn't kill you makes you stronger but-!"

"I don't care, I like my own saying. And yes, 'but' that doesn't mean I will thank him and let him go for what he did."

Trisha then smiled.

"Why do think I'm sticking up to him? Teren, that guy's strength is literally otherworldly. He's compensating for what he had done. Isn't it a win-win?"

"But, Boss... you're not a person who would follow someone, you're the person who is being followed."

"..."

Trisha looked away. Now that Chihua reminded her of that, it is true. She even holds the title 'Boss' for herself but why is she following someone now?

But at the next moment, she smiled.

"I'm still that person, Chihua."

"Then, why...?"

"I don't know..."

"What?"

Chihua was dumbfounded. What kind of logic is that? Is there even any logic behind it?

"I didn't change, Chihua. It's just that you're misunderstanding something."

Trisha tried to think about it rationally and came up with an answer as she continued to explain.

"Let me give you an example. What if we have an Evil God? An omnipotent being who created hell for everyone. What's your opinion on that?"

"What?... I don't understand."

"At the end of the day, that Evil God is still a God. We have to worship a God. Even if we suffer, we thank that God for the misfortune he brings."

"What? No, that's not how it will happen."

"Then what? What will you do to an omnipotent being? Complain? Boycott? Give a God a low rating? Nothing. No matter how much we suffer, we have to worship the Evil God. That's what having power means. Power is literally the ability to control and change. Why would we still worship the Evil God? It's for the chance that he brings us mercy or at least, not make hell worse than it currently is."

Trisha confidently spoke, however, Chihua shook his head.

"Even if that's true... Teren is no Evil God. As you said, you almost killed him, we can fight back!"

He raised his voice a little.

Trisha flicked her finger towards Chihua's lips, making him cover his lips in pain. Fortunately, she could control her strength well or Chihua's lips would've been stripped off of his face.

"That only happened because, I learned, he let it. If I tried again, I don't think I will be able to kill him."

"..."

Chihua didn't think that there would be a moment in his life where his Boss would say that she's not confident in something.

"Also, even if I can, killing him would be a great waste. He's compensating for his deeds, what's the need for violence? If there's only revenge and revenge, there will be an unending cycle of violence throughout time... although I wouldn't hate that."

At that point, Chihua was convinced that his Boss, Trisha had changed. Seeing the realization on his face, Trisha continued.

"As I said earlier, I didn't change. The weak just follow the strong. I've just met someone stronger this time... if you're stronger than Teren, it wouldn't be weird if I follow you, right? Tell me it's not illogical for the strong to follow the weak."

Trisha gave a valid point that tilted Chihua's thoughts. However, he still believed that she had changed... it's just for the better, he thought.

Somehow, he got a little sad. The Trisha in front of him now seemed different from the Trisha before. She's stronger and that made Chihua want her more... but unfortunately, someone caught her eye. 

That was the biggest downside. Chihua wished that Trisha didn't mature this much and that she would still not lower her head to those stronger than her. Before, Trisha would ignore who's strong and who's not, she would just compete.

Afterwhich, Trisha became satisfied with her persuasion and continued to eat. At the same time, Teren came back.

"Trisha, can me order me some food while I go to the restroom. That guy kept me busy and I wasn't able to eat."

He said before going to the bathroom.

Trisha nodded before glancing at Chihua.

"Don't look at me like that." she frowned as she raised her hand and ordered for Teren.

Chihua didn't know how to feel. However, there was one desire that was blazing within him - the desire to get stronger. If he got stronger than Teren, he wondered... would he finally have a chance with his Boss?

Is that possible?

'I wouldn't know unless I try!'

Chihua was fired up!

At that moment, Teren came back from the restroom and saw the weird atmosphere.

"What did you order for me?"

"I don't know, I just picked the most expensive. You did flaunt your money."

"I don't remember flaunting. I think I just said that I will pay for the food."

"That's the same as flaunting when you enter a fancy restaurant... so what did you talk about with that guy?"

After that question from Trisha, Teren glanced at Chihua and replied with a question too.

"Is your talk with him finished?"

"Yeah... right?" Trisha looked at Chihua, signaling him to leave now. Since it was his Boss, he drank water and got up to leave. He looked back one last time and swore to himself that he will replace Teren's position.

"What's up with that guy? I hope he wouldn't bother me again."

Teren muttered.