Skills future

[ilikeoldchangke]

Calm is a nice word for slow according to my Dad.

He thinks I’m too slow with everything in life. I take ages to finish my plate of noodles or even a drink.

I’m not exactly slow, on the contrary, I’m actually quite athletic when it comes to sports but I like to take my time with everything. Just relax, and do it at my own pace, a pace that I’m comfortable with.

I just don’t display strong emotions, regardless if it’s happiness, sadness or anger as a child. My parents were pretty worried initially, sending me to doctors and therapists.

They suspected I’m autistic or something.


I know there’s nothing wrong with me though. I just like to take my time to think things through. Just like I can spend an hour in the arcade without spending a single token. I will just hold the tokens in my hand while watching other kids go through the game over and over again.

After I’m sure I have figured out the traps, the hidden secrets and where to get bonuses, then I will start playing. You can probably imagine my dad sitting by the side looking bored as fuck, wondering how long does it take for a kid to spend his $2 worth of arcade tokens.

When it comes to exams in school, when it’s a 2 hour paper, I will take the full 2 hours. It didn’t matter how easy or hard it is, I will take my time, pace myself, go through the paper once before I start attempting the questions.

Some of my classmates think I’m super chill. I’m that cool tall guy sitting at the back of the class that sees and knows everything but say nothing. I prefer to take in all the information quietly.


I know who is cheating in exams, who is passing who notes and of course, I know who has a crush on who.

Quite a few girls have crushes on me, when they don’t know me well that is.

The secret love notes, the hints and antics they do to get my attention. They did get my attention alright but attention does not equate to reaction for me.
A sweet girl passed me chocolate on valentines’ day once. She was standing there in her school uniform, cute ponytail and braces.
I would not mid dating her definitely. I accepted the chocolates and thanked her before calmly opening it in front of her. Since it’s a large box of chocolate, she gave it to me at the start of school when it’s mid day with temperature at 31 degrees, I offered to share with the rest of my classmates.

I mean can you imagine me keeping that box of chocolate under the desk till I get back home. It’s going to look like fudge. Since it’s a gift, in order to show her that I appreciate it, the best course of action would be to eat it right away isn’t it ?

It did not sit well with the girl at all and when a friend told me she is crying in the toilet, I decided to do something. I need to explain to her the reason why I share her gift.

I walked right into the girl’s toilet, stumbling into the crying girl who was changing midway, clad only in her bra and school skirt. She’s not alone, beside her are 4 other friends who were staring at me in shock in only their blouse and underwear. We just finished our physical education lesson and everyone is changing out of their sweaty clothes.

There was a 3 second delay before screams echoed throughout the bathroom.

I thought that was it but out from a cubicle came rushing out a relief teacher midway through her pad change. Swaddling like a duck with her pants around her knees, she screamed and threw her pouch at me.

Minutes later, I find myself in the principals’ office.

“Would you like to explain your actions Jerry ? “ The discipline master said.

“I was trying to explain myself to Peiling why I opened her box of chocolate to share with the other classmates.”

“Do you need to do that in the toilet?”

“I heard she was crying and I wanted her to stop. It didn’t occur to me that she was changing.” I said in a flat voice as more teachers filed into the office including the one with the unfortunate pad accident.


Needless to say, my actions did not sit well with the adults. However, despite the shouting and raised voices, I remained calm and just told them the truth. I just wanted Peiling to stop crying and I want to clear things up with her.

I was made to apologise to all my friends and the teacher involved. My parents were activated and you can just imagine the horror on their faces when it was made known to them what I did.

If that was not bad enough, my dad sat me down and tried to talk to me about growing up, hormones and the urges of men.


I sort of got famous in school after that but I’m still not the most notorious one. I overheard a teacher saying that at least I’m not as psycho as the kid that only completes half of his exam papers so he can sleep.

Despite the teasing from friends, both male and female alike, I remained nonchalant.
After a while, they just call me an emotionless man.

It’s ok with me though.


School days are a breeze for me all the way till Junior college. I don’t top the class but I’m always not far from the spot. There’s a couple of girls that I like in Junior college that I would love to date but they find me too boring. Too straight.
A friend once came to me and commented that I’m destined for a life of up and downs.
Ups when I keep my mouth shut, downs when I decided to say something inappropriate at the wrong time.

The most glorious moment in my life was the day I received a scholarship from the government. My friends say I’m literally set for life. This is the golden path to success in Singapore at least.


All I need to do, is to finish school, settle into a cushy job in the government sector and I can cruise my way to retirement. No worries about economic downturn, no worries about retrenchment. The only thing I need to keep in mind is to be obedient.

It’s as simple as that.

Be obedient.

Shut up and be obedient.

Listen to my superiors who like me, are scholars themselves. I’m going to be promoting at twice the speed compare to my peers and in no time, I will be looking at a condo, a car and probably a stash of spare cash.

Just be meek, act dumb and always praise the ideas of my bosses even if they are being an absolute dumbass.

“keep your damm mouth shut Jerry.” They said.

This is the scenarios my friends painted excitedly as I sipped my coffee quietly around the table.
Somehow, they are all more excited than me about my own future.

Seated around the table are friends I made during my army days, I could not help but applaud them at their imagination. They can probably write a book with the among of ideas they have as to how my career will be like twenty years down the road.


“Yes, yes, you guys can tell the future.” I said in jest at my buddy who I shared a bunk with for the past few years.

“You know I’m right Jerry, you just know I’m right.” He replied with a finger salute.

“ what about you ? You should be the one that is going to be cosy and all. Free uniform, free food, free lodging, free parking and… “

“Hey hey, you make it sound like I’m going to jail, I’m signed on with the army for fuck sake.” He gave me the finger and everyone around the table laughed.

Looking at my friends around the table, I feel a little sad that we only get to meet once a year now. Everyone is so busy with their own lives. Gone were the days we spent everyday with each other in the bunks and in the field. National service helped me opened up a little I guess.

I’m still boring according to my friends but they admitted they have seen much improvements over the years.

“And I still could not believe how calm you were when we were robbed at gun point in Thailand” my buddy commented, relating the story everyone heard a dozen times.


It was our day off after our training overseas and just as luck would have it, we were ambushed on our way back to the bus station. A group of thugs jumped out and demanded we follow them at gun point back to their place for a chat.

The leader of the group looked high as fuck too sniffing and wiping snot from his nose while holding the gun.

“And this fucker I tell you, he literally looked down the barrel of that gun and told the guy to take everything he wanted, but we’re not following them !”

My buddy shared among old laughter that he was about to piss in his pants as I shove the weapon aside gently and pulled out my wallet.

“He took out all the money and gave it to them but, but !” my buddy paused before saying that I kept 100 Baht in front of the guy robbing us because I told them we need to get on a bus back to camp.”

The group roared with laughter before my buddy added that the leader jabbed the gun in my stomach and said in accented English.

“what did you just say ? I asked you to follow us !!! ”

“And this dumb fuck here, haha, he just pushed the gun aside again before going in his dead tone voice.’ We can’t follow you, if we are not back in time, they will throw us into military prison.’ “

The entire table roared with laughter as I smiled at the story that came out without fail when we meet. My buddy went on to finish the story, adding that in the moment of confusion, the 2 of us just walked right past the group of thugs who started talking among themselves, arguing if they should care about the 2 of us going to prison.

“the best part of all ?” My buddy clutched his belly , trying to control his laugher. “ They forgot to rob me !”

Tears flowed around the table as everyone chuckled while other patrons of the café stared at us.

“ How the fuck do you do that Jerry ? “ My buddy asked.

I shrugged my shoulders and said I don’t know. I just told the truth in a way.


The lot of us said our goodbye and parted ways after a brotherly hug. There’s no telling when we would be able to meet again with everyone present. It’s going to get a lot harder to have everyone out at the same time as we grow older.

I guess this is part of growing up and moving on. The memories of all the crazy stuff we did will always be on my mind.

I would say National Service did me some good.

I made more friends during that 2 years compared to my schooling days.
Some of these friends are going overseas for their studies, some are relocating, some are starting work while a few others like me, have to contend with going back to school.

Fast forward a few years, I have to say my buddies are quite the fortune teller. I graduated 1st class and started work at a Nparks. The body that governs all the trees.

No kidding. Nparks.



NParks is responsible for enhancing and managing the urban ecosystems of which the government calls a "City in Nature". It is the lead agency for greenery, biodiversity conservation, and wildlife and animal health, welfare and management. They are also working closely with the community to enhance the quality of their living environment.

We manage more than over 350 parks and 3,347 hectares of nature reserves, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Jurong Lake Gardens, Pulau Ubin and the Sisters' Islands Marine Park.

Ok, I know that sounds boring as fuck so I will just summarise.
I look at trees and plants the whole day and I get paid for it.

It’s as simple as that.

My office comes with one of the most beautiful view that money cannot buy on this island. I’m right smack in the middle of Botanic garden. Everyday, when I look out my window, I am greeted not by tall buildings and skyscrapers, but by the soothing green of trees older than the country itself.


Some of the trees are so beautiful that I can spend time just staring at them.
I love plants and nature, it’s the reason why I do what I do. I find spending time with plants to be less complicated than spending time with people.

There is this calming effect I cannot describe when I’m surrounded by plants.

I feel right at home.

And no, I don’t talk to the plants in case you are wondering.


Within 2 years of joining the company, I was promoted, and the increment and promotion kept coming. At 30 years old, I made manager. It’s mainly an office role and sometimes I give tours to foreign dignitaries. Most of the time I’m reviewing drawings and appeals by contractors and owners who wants to cut down trees near their site.

[Kancheongspid3r]

Yesssss ilikeoldchangke is back!

[ilikeoldchangke]

And I take extra pleasure to exert pain on the assholes who would go so far as to poison the trees just because they want to cut it down.

Oh don’t laugh. People like these do exists, alongside those who just went ahead and fall a 50 year old tree and pretended it’s not there in the first place.


Lodging wise, my parents and I stayed in an old cosy flat along Farrer road. I take a bus to work in the morning, and sometimes if the weather is good, I could jog back home.

All’s good on the financial front but when it comes to dating, I have no luck at all.
Absolutely no luck.


I tried dating apps, I joined match making programs and my mum even tried to matchmake me with her friends’ daughters. Nothing worked.

I’m not ugly or anything. I’m just boring.

Ok, boring may be an understatement, a better way to describe will be boring as fuck.

I can’t think of any interesting topic to keep a conversation going. I’m just not a good talker.

I remembered a first date with this girl Susanne at a nice café in town. She’s really pretty and she was wearing this low cut dress that showed off plenty of her ample assets. She was drawing the attention of all the men in the café but my eyes, my eyes were looking at the poor stalk of orchid the café cut and dumped into a small vase.


Looking at that orchid, I reckon it will not last the day. Needless to say, the date did not turn out well. Susanne thanked me for the cake and coffee before walking off. She never looked back.

She will probably remember this day as the day she spent with someone who found a dying orchid more interesting that she is.
Another date with a matchmaking company did not end up well too.

It was some speed dating thing that we do over lunch. When I entered the café, I could tell I was at the top of the list for the girls. Many of them made eye contact with me in a friendly manner. At 1.8m, I’m the tallest among the group of men present that day.


In terms of figure, I work out and run 3 times week at least and I swim every Sunday.
I’m tan, I’m sporty and an auntie once mistook me for a Korean actor.

I can Lee Min Ho my way into his fan club pretending I’m him probably if I wore a mask, do up my hair or something.


The dating and matchmaking attempt always start and end the same way. A strong start and a weak finish.

I mean girls see me and immediately get their hopes up. Once we start interacting, they get their hopes dashed.
There was a particularly memorable matchmaking session I attended in the afternoon.

After a general intro by the host who revealed that I work in a government agency, I could almost see the eyes of the girls in the room light up. Tall, good looking, stable job working in the civil service, how is this not husband material you tell me ?

However, all advantages I once had were gone the moment we started interacting.


It is at times like this I believe that god is fair.

You cannot have your cake and eat it too.

The man beside me is shorter and looks a little overweight but he is very humorous and witty. He made every girl laughed. Even I could not resist eavesdropping on what he’s saying.

He’s really good.

He’s a small business owner and I could see how well he will do in the future given his gift of the gab. He can sell and he’s selling himself really well to all the girls.

The guy on my left is thin and scrawny. He looks like the geek that nobody talks to in class but when he speaks, he oozes confidence and charisma. He’s a dentist too, free dental care for life if you choose him. He was confident enough to admit he is still staying with his parents at his age because there is plenty of space in the family home, which happens to be a stone throw down where the 1st Prime Minister of Singapore use to stay.


It’s not nice to judge people by the cover but one particular attendee looked like he don’t belonged the moment I laid eyes on him. He was the one that first caught my eye when I walked in, it’s impossible to miss him. With an arm full of tattoo and his hair recently dyed black, he looked like a loan shark or a debt collector. I could still see the signs of subtle gold streaks in his hair.

He’s about 1.7m, well-built and spots a 3cm scar below his chin.


I mean seriously, looking at this picture, you would expect that gangster to be at the bottom of the list for the room full of women holding executive jobs.

However, that tattooed man turned out to be a police inspector.
He revealed that the tattoos and blond hair was part of his job requirement in the recent past. However, he could not share more due to the sensitivity nature of his work.

He reassured the girls in the room that those are in the past. He has since started work in an office managing home team operations and he don’t think he can ever go back to his former adoptive organisation.

He said it in such a casual yet mysterious manner that I think a couple of girls who liked guys with a bad boy streak immediately put him to the top of the list.

That’s fucking James bond right there in the room. I could see one of the girls literally ogling at him, probably imagining the fun they can have with his handcuffs in the bedroom.


At the end of the 2 hour lunch, all the girls made their choices and I was the only guy that is left out.

I did not get any matches. I gave one word answer and offered nothing more than awkward silence.

I sort of expected this because beneath the good-looking shell my parents gave me, is a plain and boring individual.

And I have a secret.


I’m a virgin at 30 years old in this time and age. Can you believe that ?

I gave up trying to date and put my effort into work. The annual appraisals I receive is testament to my commitment to my work.

I’m a civil servant alright, but I’m one that works hard for very cent.
Not wanting to leech off my parents indefinitely, I also put down a deposit for a SOHO apartment just a stone throw away from my work place. Single, no commitments, I earn a relatively high income with decent bonus and, I invest in the stock market. This is what freedom smells like.


In 2018, at 32 with a career that can only go in one direction up, an apartment of my own, all I now lack is a car and what my friends predicted will come true.

Comfortably set to cruise my way to retirement. My bosses and colleagues love me, even those that don’t like me, don’t exactly hate me, you get what I’m saying?


To be honest, I was prepared to live my life quietly. Staying single gave me the flexibility to leave as and when I want when it comes to travelling. I quite like the idea of doing what I want, when I want.
I bring my parents overseas twice a year too, one short trip and one long trip.


I gave up hope that I would one day meet the girl of my dreams, fall deeply in love and have a fairy tale ending.

Why ?

Because it would be unfair that’s why. Life is always fair.


I’m already blessed as it is, I’m contented enough to leave the fairy tale ending to others.

Then something happened.

Something unbelievable.


……………………………………………………………………………….





2nd November 2018
Friday

It was a Friday evening and I have already knocked off work.


I changed into my jogging gear and went for my run around Botanic garden.
Taking the usual route, I go past symphony lake, making my way towards the Tembusu heritage tree. The tree you see in your 5 dollar bill.

I went all the way to the entrance at Cluny road before looping back.
Going to the left of swan lake, I heard the crack of distant thunder. Looking at my watch, I realised it’s 7pm and the lights along the park is not on yet.


The overcast skies turned the path I was on dark like someone pulled a curtain over it.
I continued running, not the least bothered by the dark or the impending thunderstorm.
I can literally cross the road back home form my office.


My mind was already thinking of dinner and a coffee by my balcony while watching the rain when I saw something absurd in front of me. I slowed down and blinked twice to just be sure I was not dreaming.


No I did not see a ghost or anything, I saw instead, a newspaper stand.

“what the hell ? “ I mumbled under my breath.

It’s a old school newspaper stand and the owner was trying to prop up his umbrella.


I walked over to his makeshift table and I saw an array of magazines and newspaper. He even carried some comics. Newspaper stand like these are almost extinct in the country, many of those that remained can only be found in older estates. You used to be able to drive up to a newspaper stand, wind down your window and get a copy from the gentlemen manning the table. Now they are all gone.


The man at the stand looked like a retiree in his sixties. After adjusting his umbrella, he took a sit on his plastic chair and tapped a cigarette out of the box.

What the hell is going on ?

There isn’t supposed to be a newspaper stand like this in the garden. And you are not supposed to smoke in the park too.


I went over to the man who blew a cloud of smoke into my face with complete disregard to the law.

“Hello Uncle, who gave you permission to set up a newspaper stand here ? And you are not supposed to smoke in the park, please put it out now.” I said while he gave me the nonchalant look.

I looked up and down the path I was on. We’re the only two around and I picked up a magazine. It’s solid, I can touch it, this is definitely not some illusion or anything.


“ Uncle, I’m talking to you, I am a staff here, I work here. You cannot set up a newspaper stand here. “ I repeated what I said in Chinese and Hokkien dialect but the old man just looked at me with a smile and continued smoking his cigarette.

Reaching for my phone, I was about to call security to get rid of this strange man when he called my name.

“Jerry, I’m just here to sell newspaper. I don’t mean no harm” He said.
I was speechless for a second and I looked at my running top.

I do have a name tag that I wear when I’m working but I was in my running attire.

How did he know my name ?


“ who are you ? and how do you know my name.?” I asked.

“ I’m just an old man selling newspaper Jerry.” He took a long drag of his cigarette and crossed his legs. Tapping the paper in front of him twice, he brought the fag back to his mouth without taking his eyes off me.

“I asked you, how do you know my name ? “

This is not funny.

A stranger appearing in the middle of the park selling newspaper. If my boss sees this, he will probably flip.

Tapping to the copy of his paper in front of him again, he old man repeated his earlier statement.


“I’m just a newspaper seller Jerry. Move along if you are not buying.”

I looked at the copy of newspaper. There is only 1 left.


I did not read the papers that day, but i just celebrated a colleagues’ birthday over lunch.

[ilikeoldchangke]

Her birthday is 2nd of November.

Looking at the date, I realised the newspaper is dated for the 5th.

I took a closer look and I laughed out loud.


“Uncle, the newspaper printed the wrong date. Your papers no standard.” I said in a sarcastic manner.


He did not seem at all bothered by that and took another long drag of his cigarette. Retro inhaling the smoke into his nose.

“I know your new CEO is not exactly known to have things going his way but come on, take a bit of pride in what you are publishing.” I said


The man smiled and continued to smoke, puffing away as his cigarette.

“I’m just a newspaper seller, I don’t write nor publish the news.” He replied.

I told him again in a stern voice that he cannot he here.


“You need to go, I’m serious. You cannot be here. You’re going to get in trouble, you’re going to get fined and it’s going to take you a month to make back the fine. So please, come on, just pack and go.”

I never expect him to say the same thing to me again.


“I’m just a newspaper seller Jerry. Move along if you are not buying.”

I sighed and looked at him snuff out the cigarette and reach for a thermos flask. He opened it and I could smell coffee.

Looking up at the overcast skies, I guess I sort of pitied him. He’s already so old and trying to make a living.


“Will you leave if I buy everything?” I said.

“Maybe.”

I reached into my fanny pack and pulled out a crumpled $10 bill.


“It’s all I have.” I said. “ I can transfer the money to you or something if you promise not to come back here again.”

“That’s more than enough.” He said.


The man took my $10 bill and thrust the copy of newspaper into my hand.

“what about the rest ? “ I asked.

“ The rest are of no use to you Jerry. “


“ How do you know my name ? “ I asked as the man started packing up the stall. “ hey I’m talking to you.”

He ignored me and I shook my head in disbelief. Ok, old people have their weirdness and all but this is just plain rude.

I glanced through the news on the newspaper and gave it a few flip. It looked like your typical publication. News of an accident, an unintended fight that resulted in a man being stabbed.

The victim is still fighting for his live. There’s news about the Christmas lighting along Orchard road and of course, the usual financial news and all.


There’s even a section with lottery results on Saturday and Sunday.
“Do you believe the news you read on the papers?” The man asked while packing.

“Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Why ? “

“then what are you going to do for those that you believe in?”

“huh?” I don’t know what he’s trying to say.


Just then, it started to drizzle, and the man hasten his pace to pack, stuffing his belongings into his canvas bag.


Seeing that he’s leaving, I shook my head and took off back to office.

By the time I packed up and got ready to leave, the drizzle has developed into a full-blown storm.

I braved the storm with a small umbrella from my bag as i walked out of the Botanic garden. I grabbed a sandwich on my way back and arrived home totally drenched.

I took a hot shower, forgetting all about the weird man and his newspaper.
When I’m dry and freshly showered, I opened my sandwich and made myself a cup of tea.

Looking over to my bag where I stuff the newspaper, I could not contain my curiosity.

I pulled it out and I looked at the news.

Corporate stuff. Food promotion for new cafes. High rise littering.
Politicians bickering and the latest news on sex for credit scams.


I flipped the page and I saw the picture of a young woman in her twenties.
She just passed away in a car accident on the 3rd of Nov. The news took up an entire page.


It was a freak accident and it happened just along the street I was staying at. Sulyani was a police officer and she had just finished attending to a shoplifting incident with her colleague.

They were standing by the sidewalk when a truck driver coming down the street suffered a stroke and mounted the kerb.

The impact pinned Sulyani against a wall, killing her instantly. She managed to push her colleague, another officer, Chan, out of the way. The driver died on the spot as well.

The article spoke of Sulyani’s career and the family she left behind. Sulyani is only 29 years old. The only child of a mix marriage, Sulyani was described as extremely filial.

Her dad is a cab driver while her mum is a home baker. The article also said that Sulyani was due for her promotion and the family was looking forward to their holiday next week.

The holiday is going to be the 1st time Sulyani is bringing her folks overseas.
Everything is booked and paid for.

During her free time, Sulyani volunteered at old folks home and helped rehomed about a dozen cats.

All of her colleagues spoke fondly of her.

“poor thing, so young somemore.” I mumbled as I turned the page to read some other news.

I went to the news about the stabbing.
It was between a debt collector and the debtor.
It was the 1st day of work for the debt collector too, an Irish man who moved to Singapore not too long ago.

I could not believe what I was seeing. An Irish man working as a debt collector in Singapore ? That’s something new.

The story goes like this.

The debtor is a businessman with a bad temper. He owed about 150 thousand to an import export company and they have since engaged a debt collection company to chase after this bad debt. The company that Conor is working for is J Debt Collection, aka JDC.

The businessman Bobby and the debt collectors were supposed to meet at a hawker centre to discuss the debt and it’s repayment. You see, Bobby, recently had a windfall from the lottery, striking the 1st prize.

The prize money of close to a million solved all his money woes and he has more than enough to pay Conor’s company. In fact, Bobby had prepared the money for full repayment and he was the one who initiated the meeting to close the account, but something went wrong.

No one was sure what happened during the meeting but Conor apparently triggered Bobby’s foul temper and instead of a happy ending for both parties, Bobby ended up stabbing Conor.

Interviews of bystanders revealed Conor had difficult communicating with Bobby who prefers to speak in Hokkien dialect and Chinese. Conor then made a call to a colleague for help and for some reason that the office is still investigating, the colleague decided to teach Conor some Hokkien curses.

The moment those stared flying from Conor’s mouth, things went to shit.


A spokesman from the debt collection company told reporters that they are investigating the incident because they did not send Conor to the meeting alone. Another staff was supposed to turn up and guide Conor through the process of collection.

They added that all staff were trained to be professional and not use vulgarities and curses during collection and declined further comments.

Looking at the pictures of the parties involved, I shook my head at the news and stopped reading. This is absurd.

Poor chap.

This is just plain bad luck man, I mean the guy is prepared to pay and close the case. Imagine if things had turn out the other way, on his first day of work, he manages to collect 150 thousand for the company and it’s client, things would have been so much different.

I flipped the page and saw some news about a man that has been missing for a week. He’s visually impaired and his family is looking for him. This is the 2nd visually impaired man that has been missing for the past 6 months. People are calling for greater social support to this group of people.


I flipped the papers again, finally coming to an article where it doesn’t involve someone dying, getting stabbed or missing.

The article about the Christmas light up looked more interesting. It’s Disney theme for 2018. I looked at the picture of the lit up decoration along the main Orchard road junction and nodded my head in approval.
It sure looks good and magical.


Coming to the lottery section, I took a quick glance because I’m not interested in stuff like this. I don’t usually gamble.
The 1st prize for Saturday however was the extension number for my work phone.

3025.

I gave a raised eyebrow and nodded before flipping to look at promotions at the local supermarket.

After I was done reading, I folded the paper and chuck it below the coffee table.


3rd November 2018
Saturday.

10am

It’s a non-working day but there’s some stuff I want to finish before the new week start.

Waving to the security guard, I walked out of my estate’s compound.
I spent the whole day in office doing my work, choosing to order food in for lunch.

Coming close to dinner time, my parents called, asking if I’m joining them for dinner.

I thought about the Christmas light up and suggested we head to town for dinner to have a look.

My parents agreed and we were to meet at Orchard Ion at 7pm.


6.45pm

I was a few bus stop away when my mum called me.

“Eh Jerry, you silly boy. Where got light up ? They are still putting it up. It’s not ready.” She said. “ I asked the people on site they say they are putting up the final touches tonight!”

“Huh, impossible, i…” Right about then, the bus made the turn into Orchard road and I froze in my seat.

It’s not done yet.


I can see groups of contractors working along the street trying to get things up in time. Ladders, cables and large crates of decorations lined the street, the foreman was organising his men for what looked like a final night of touch-ups.
Looks like it’s going to take another night of work or so before it’s ready.

This don’t make sense. If the decorations are not ready, how did they take such a nice picture of a lit up Orchard road for the papers?

Maybe it’s a 3D rendering or something. I heard they can do pretty realistic 3D renderings these days.


I met up with my parents and my mum scolded me for bringing them out here for nothing.

We ate at a restaurant and while waiting for the desserts, my parents pulled out their lottery tickets to check their results.

“Oh please la, you all got to stop buying these, it’s a waste of money.” I said.

“what do you know? You don’t know one la. This is investment.” My mum said without looking at me.


My mum is an administrative staff in an investment firm for the past 20 years, if she calls lottery investments, I’m glad she is not managing any portfolio.

Dad too, pulled out his own tickets from his pocket. Having recently retired, he now works part time wrapping gift hampers. He’s just not the type to stay at home idling away with nothing to do.

My dad put on his glasses and squinted his eyes at the screen of his phone. I can never understand why people buy lottery. The odds are clearly stacked against them.

My mum has several tickets and I took a couple to help look at it.

“This is, haiyah, all these numbers, won’t come out one la.” I said.

The numbers she bet on never changed throughout the years. It’s always my birthday, her birthday, our flat unit number.

She made a show of trying to smack me on my head for cursing her.

“don’t curse me ! these tickets are valid for both days of the draw.”

I watched my parents go through their tickets and while sipping my tea, just out of curiosity, I asked for my dad’s phone to look at the results of the lottery for that Saturday.

The moment I saw it, I felt something weird. It made my chest tightened because I saw something that made me feel uncomfortable.


The first prize for the 4D lottery draw that day is a number that I find all too familiar.


3025.

[ilikeoldchangke]

I looked again at that number, unable to believe my eyes.

I returned my phone to my dad and I kept thinking about it.

Impossible. This doesn’t make sense. I looked around the restaurant, trying to determine is I’m on some hidden camera trick show. Aside from a hot babe who was looking over my way a couple of times, no one seemed interested at our table.


I sent my parents back in a taxi after dinner and went up with them to grab some of my old clothes. My mum kept telling me not to clear everything out of my old room.

“It’s not as if we are going to rent out your room, just leave them here if you want to. “ She said in a nonchalant voice even though I knew what she was trying to tell me.

I gave her a hug, knowing that she still harbour hopes that I will move back and stay with them.

“Ma, I’m too old to be leeching off you all.”

“Nonsense, you will always be my little boy.” She said while trying to sound irritated when I know it was just an act.

I said goodbye to my parents and took a bus back to my place. The first thing I did; I went to the papers


I opened it up to the lottery section and it’s right there. The results.

I rubbed my eye and pinched myself to make sure I was not dreaming. I used my phone to check the latest result on the lottery website and compared it to the newspaper print.


“Bloody hell.” I mumbled to myself.

It’s exactly the same.
All 23 sets of 4 digits are the same.

How the fuck is this possible ?

My eyes immediately went to the results for the lottery draw the next day.

1st prize is 6051.


4th November 2018.
7am

I went for a morning jog in Botanic garden to see if I would bump into the newspaper vendor again. This is mind boggling.

I’m beginning to wonder if this is a prank.

I did not see the vendor.

I went home for a shower and took a bus to the supermarket for my weekly stock up. There is a lottery booth at the supermarket too and I hesitated for a second before entering it.

It was then I realised I have no idea how to do it.


Thankfully, the instructions are plastered on the notice board.

I think I attracted the looks of a few punters when they saw me trying to read the instructions how to place a bet.

I shaded the number 6051 on the betting slip.


Then for the bet amount. I hesitated again before turning to the uncle beside me.

“Uncle, if bet $1, how much will I win ? “

The uncle with a gold watch on his wrist was expertly shading a stack of betting slips. He gave me a look before replying.


“ Young man, if want to gamble, go big or go home. $1 if first prize only $2000. Where got enough? Like that might as well don’t gamble. “ He said before turning away.


Ok, if $1 equates to $2000 in winning, then if I put $100, that’s 200 thousand.
1000 is 2 million.


Ok. Sounds good. 1000 sounds a bit overboard, so I placed a 100 bet.

I shaded the box and placed my bet. After I got my betting slip, I felt silly all of a sudden.

“I can’t believe you are doing this Jerry.” I said to myself. “ How low have you become?”


I have never placed a bet before in my life and now because of a stupid newspaper, I wasted $100 on a piece of paper.

God, I have never felt more dumb.

After the grocery run, I went home for a bit of housekeeping.


Dinner is a simple meal of salad and chicken breast. I had forgotten all about the lottery ticket until my mum called.
She told me she will treat me for dinner the following week because she won the lottery. $150. Some consolation prize because she bought the number from the receipt of our meal the night before in Orchard.

It made her so happy and I decided not to remind her that she probably spent 10 times the amount on the bets before she won something.

I hung up the phone and went to the lottery website. I almost fell off my chair when I saw the updated results on the betting portal.


I refreshed the screen 5 times and I stood up in shock, causing my chair to fall over.

“FUCK!” I shouted in my house as I stood 3 metres away from my screen.

The usually calm and composed me just totally disappeared.


“FUCK this shit. FUCK!” I don’t know what came into me as I cursed audibly and started doing the Cha Cha dance in front of my laptop.


Why Cha Cha ? Because I was walking forward, cursing twice before backing away again. Then I rinsed and repeat.

I looked at the date stamp on the site. The date is correct.
1st prize 6051.

I could not breathe as I covered my mouth with both hands.

“what the fuck. What the fuck ? “ I kept repeating to myself.


Impossible.

I took a few deep breaths to calm myself down as I looked at my winning ticket. I literally put the ticket right beside the screen and the numbers were just fucking staring at me.

My mind started to go into overdrive. That’s $200000 right there, on a piece of paper measuring 40mm x 50mm.


I took out the newspaper again and flipped the pages so roughly that I started spilling the other pages all over the floor. No I’m not going to look at the lottery results.

I don’t care about the results or the 200 thousand at that moment.

Fuck the money. My heart was beating so fast I think I’m going to get a heart attack.

I went to the news about the stabbing and my eyes went to the date again.


It happened that night at Bukit Timah Food centre. The time is not revealed but it happened at night.

I looked at the clock in my living room.

It’s 7.30pm.


I grabbed my phone and wallet as I charged out of the house.

Running to the main road, I flagged a passing taxi and told the driver where I wanted to go.

“Hi, Bukit Timah Food Centre. As fast as you can please.”


My heart started beating really fast as the taxi turned onto Bukit Timah road, speeding towards the food centre barely 10 minutes away. I don’t remember feeling this anxious before in my life. Something triggered in me and my usually calm demeanor was shattered.

I was breathing with my mouth and sitting in the middle of the back seat with both my hands holding onto the seats in front.

“Going for dinner? “ The taxi driver asked as he overtook a slower driver.
He did not look too old himself, probably only a few years older than me.

“ No. I’m not” I replied.


“Meeting your girlfriend ah? Haha.” He teased, commenting on how anxious I look.

“No, I’m single.” I said while hoping all the lights turn green in our favour.


“If you are headed to the hospital, I would think your wife is giving birth or something, you look so anxious. Chill man, we’re almost there.”


The taxi overtook 2 other vehicles, and he did it while weaving in between the 3 lanes. He even flashed his high beam at a vehicle turning into the road before overtaking it aggressively. I reckon he must be having a slow day and I’m the first interesting passenger he picked up or something.


I saw him look at me through the rear mirror a couple of times and in an attempt to calm me down, he tried talking to me.

“ Yo bro, what do you do for a living man ? Just curious. “ The driver asked.


Right about then, the cab slowed down as vehicles from the lane we were on all started changing lanes. An accident has occurred up front. The cab made the change in lane just when I was about to tell him where I worked.

The words were about to leave my lips when I turned and saw the vehicles involved in the chained collision on my right. It’s not serious, just a few bruised bumper and when I saw the 2nd vehicle in the chained collision, goosebumps exploded all over my body.


It’s a vehicle with it’s company name proudly embossed over it’s side.

JDC. J Debt collection.


I felt the cab picked up speed and I honestly don’t know what the hell is going through my head when I answered the cab driver.


All I remember was seeing a series of images in my head before my brain made up the decision and my lips delivered the answer.

I saw the picture of Conor, Bobby, the money that needs to be collected and the stabbing that could be avoided.


That was all that flashed through my head as the cab sped past the junction just before the food centre.

“I’m a debt collector bro.” I said to the cab driver whose expression through the rear view mirror told me exactly what he wanted to say before he said it.

“You got to be shitting me.”


……………………………….

[ilikeoldchangke]

Coming in April :D
Hope you all will enjoy this piece

[hereford]

Cheers my favourtie write is back
Camping with popcorns and beers
:D:D:D

[singbet]

The legend, the great, the megastar story writer is back!!!

[dadbod40]

Camping!! Finally!!

[Souichiro]

Loving this! Camping!

[Maquire]

Camping too! :D

[water_boi]

Thank you for starting another piece again bro ilock.... :D

[hawkeye007]

Coming in April :D
Hope you all will enjoy this piece

Alamak, gotta wait one month for the next instalment..? :eek::eek::p

But welcome back, OCK....!! SBF has missed you...!

[diputs1269]

Cheers my favourtie write is back
Camping with popcorns and beers
:D:D:D

Me too, cheers!

[YELLOW]

Reali invest alot of time and effort !

[dadbod40]

Hmm, after (re)reading the introduction chapter, I realised bro ilock changed quite a few parts to the story. :o

[Resolutions]

Cannot wait for next update :)

[miraclebelow]

Bro ilock is back! Woohoo! Cant wait for further installations!

[broce]

Great share, camping for next episode!

[iluvbreast]

Bro ilikeoldchangke, welcome back, very much looking forward to your work :D

[ToyOrgasmic]

wah, i have to comment.. this is so exciting!

[HRHorniness]

camping spot found! who's bringing the marshmallows?

[gotnotime]

I rarely log in nowadays but good to see that there's a new story

[bigthree]

Always look forward to your story

[koebshaq0_0]

My favourite writer here is back!!!!!

The wait is over hahahahhahahaha

[keano]

A omg long wait. Welcome bCk!!!

[zeajay]

Whoa better than Netflix drama.

[aprilta]

Please continue bro!

[qwerty66]

bump for the next updates ;)

[locam]

Should be in April

[Jason357]

+1 for this forum's master writer, much thanks for your efforts

[Flyer1]

Support support!

[chenzong]

He's back! Bro oldchangkee is back!!! Oh, tears of joy!!!

[FlatTop]

Very happy to see another story from my favourite writer on SBF.
I may be late to read this, but enjoyed every bit of it. Looking forward for next updates.

[kirkbly]

Looking forward to next update too! :D

[Souledge]

Awaiting your new story

[georgie1994]

i also learn dating girl skills in sugrbok.com which i manage to meet many girls in a month. Various girls have various type of character which you need to treat differently

[georgie1994]

this type of story...interesting

[Kovovo]

NB march got 31 days

[Polly92]

Waiting too ... :)

[godsfury]

Grand master ilock is back!!! We hv been waiting!!!

[ilikeoldchangke]

Thank you all for the warm welcome :D

Here we go.

[ilikeoldchangke]

The taxi arrived at the food centre and turned into the open-air carpark.
I paid the driver and quickly got out.
Turning my head around, I tried to get a feel of the area. It’s been a while since I last came here.


The aroma of cook food filled the air and I could hear the metallic clang of frying pans from the food centre above. On one side of the food centre is a busy road while the other is flanked by a school and housing estate.

The open air carpark I’m in now feels like an oasis, separating the calmness of a sleepy estate from the hustle and bustle of the main road.

The wet market on the ground floor of the two level building is empty as it only operates in the morning. The only signs of life are from the tanks of ornamental fishes lining the side of a stall.
An old man pushed a trolley of old cardboards and I saw him pouring water over the top of it to make them heavier.
They sell those by weight. He saw me looking and without batting an eyelid, poured more water onto the cardboard before piling some dry ones on top.

It’s post dinner peak and there are many empty lots. I walked briskly along the line of parked cars, trying to see if I could spot either Conor or Bobby.
The stabbing happened at the carpark and since it hasn’t happened yet, I have a good chance of stopping it.


A picture is slowly forming in my head as I thought about the car accident earlier. The blanks are getting filled like puzzle pieces coming together.

The colleague that is supposed to be with Conor is stuck at the accident a couple of streets away. This must be why Conor ended up alone with Bobby.
Cars entered and left the carpark in a steady stream.
The papers made no mention of Bobby’s car plate number and the only information I have to go by are their faces.

I circled the car park twice, trying to see if I could spot either of them. Suddenly I caught a glimpse of man with blonde hair coming from the direction of the wet market. I did a double take and it’s Conor.

He just washed his hands and was drying them on his jeans before taking out a cigarette.

My throat felt dry and I wasted a second looking at my left forearm.
I brought my forearm really close to my eyes as I saw goosebumps raised all the hair on my arm like I’m spider man and something tripped my senses.

It’s really happening.


“fuck.” I mumbled as I watch Conor walked out into the carpark trying to find his colleague while reaching into his sling bag and pulling out a walkie talkie that comes with an earpiece.

My mind raced for a solution. The most simple one I can think of is to remove Conor from the location. If he is not here, the stabbing will not happen.
There was not enough time to think it through properly, I walked directly towards Conor and I saw him did a double take at an old Mercedes that just entered the carpark going pass me.

The car passed right in front of me and I recognised the driver.

Bobby.


My heart raced as if I’m on a treadmill at speed 12 with a 20 degree incline.

Conor saw Bobby too and he looked eager to start the meeting. He lit his cigarette and I could see him getting his game face on. Probably eager to impress on his 1st collection. He puffed nervously on his cigarette, blowing out smoke without inhaling them.

The moment the tail of Bobby’s vehicle passed me, I approached Conor.

“Hey Conor.” I called out.


He looked a little shock, obviously he does not know me. It’s up to me to either convince or confuse him now.

“Who are you ? “ He asked in accented Engligh while looking at me from head to toe.

“I’m Jerry, I’m here to help you with Bobby to close the 150 thousand account.” I said, giving him details that no one should know about unless I’m part of the team.

Conor looked confused and he looked around. I don’t want to give him enough time to think it through.

“You….. You’re from JDC ? “ Conor asked me while looking over my shoulder at Bobby who was parking his ride. “Where is Andrew ? He’s supposed to …”

I did not let him finish and I told him Andrew got into an accident. He won’t be here. I was prepared to do the collection on Conor’s behalf, in fact I wanted to tell him to let me do the talking.
Conor however, pulled out a slip of paper with scribbles and translations on them.

“Alright Jerry, I’m ready. Let’s do this man.” He said in accented English

“woah woah woah… wait wait wait..” I stopped him to take a look at the piece of paper he is holding. “what is this ? “


Conor told me he did a rehearsal with Andrew earlier in office. He wanted to use some common terms that will help him connect with Bobby, it will make things easier.

I looked at the greetings, the phrases with translations scribbled beside them. It’s not going to work.

“Ho seh bo ?” = How are you doing ?

“An Zhuar Settle ? “ How to settle this debt ?

“Eh Sai Settle bo ? “ Can we conclude a settlement ?


I saw vulgarities too in dialect but those were marked and underlined in bold not to say those, but rather, to help Conor identify if he was being cursed at.

Looking at the list, I told Conor to just stick to English.
“I will do the dialect if needed.”

“ No, that way I will never learn. You have to let me do this hands on.” Conor insisted. He says he is confident to pick up the local lingo.


“I can do the Singapore ‘la’ leh’ ‘loh’ and so on man. Come on. This is nothing.” He said while taking a deeper drag on his cigarette. “Hokkien is a piece of cake.”

“What ? “ I could hardly believe my ears.

Turning to look at Bobby, I saw him smoking in his car after winding down his window.

“Look Conor, this is your first time, just watch how I do it.”


“No no no Jerry, trust me. I know what I’m doing. Let me show you.” Conor started walking towards Bobby and I quickly put myself in front of him.

“Dude, look. It’s not as simple as you think. There are many variables in play here. Things might go sideways if you don’t communicate properly, it might evolve into a shouting match or worse, so let me do it.” I said.

Conor is starting to get suspicious of me. I could see it on his face.

“I know. I know what this is.” Conor said. “you are here to do this because you wanted my share of the commission. Come on dude. Don’t pick on the new guy man. I’ve got rent to pay too and parents back home…” He shoves me aside and I held onto him in a desperate attempt.

“ Dude !, you keep the credit, you keep the commission. I don’t want any of it !”
I think the way I said it looked so desperate, I don’t blame Conor for not being convinced.


He was determined to approach Bobby and do this his way.

“I hope this is not about me being a foreigner coming to take your job and stuff man, come on. I need this commission Jerry. It took me so long to land a job after losing my previous one.. “ Conor looked at me in an intense manner.

“alright, alright… tell me how are you going to do it ? “ I asked.

“sure, I will start with ‘Xiao Lian eh.’(young punk), ‘Ho seh bo’… “ Conor said while referring to his piece of paper.


“Dude, there’s no way you can collect the debt that way…” I told him honestly. “It’s just not coming out right.”
Conor wanted to know why is it not coming out right ?
It’s just language.

I could see he was getting a little agitated, plus he is nervous as hell and I need him to clam down, so he doesn’t spark anything.

“Alright, alright, you do it, but before you go, let me teach you a couple more phrases.” I said.

Conor turned and told me he is aware that company policies state that there are to be no vulgarities.

“I’m not teaching you vulgarities. Besides, you think Bobby will let you throw vulgarities at him ? “ I replied.

“Then what is it ? what am I not saying right ? “ He asked.

”Hokkien dialect is a language that you need to speak with enough emotions. Be passionate while staying just below the line that cross into aggressiveness. You get what im saying ? Just like when you are cheering for your favourite football team, you love them but you want them to be better and all and you start cursing at the way they play ? “

I told Conor Hokkien businessmen are particular about ‘face’. They like to win, but we are not here to lose either. We need to remind Bobby that there can be a win win situation for all and we want to remind him in a stern and professional way.


Conor looked at me utterly confused. I don’t know what I was thinking either, I’m also a little confused about my own smoke as well.

“ A conversation’s dynamic changes all the time, and no amount of translated stuff and lingos is going to get you anywhere if you don’t react accordingly.”

[ilikeoldchangke]

“Errmmm.. alright.. so … what do I say ? “Conor asked.

Right about then, Bobby got out of his vehicle. There’s no time. Gesturing to his talkie, I asked if he has another one of those.

Conor pulled another out of his sling bag and gave it to me.


We did a quick test and I told him I will guide him from a distance.
“Don’t worry, the commission is yours and yours alone. “ I said.

Conor put on his earpiece and stuffed the talkie into his pocket.

I positioned myself at the spot behind Bobby’s car, pretending I’m the owner of the Toyota in that opposite lot.
From there I can hear everything they say and I’m also near enough to stop things from getting worse.

Conor, dressed in the JDC uniform immediately caught Bobby’s eye as he approached him.

“ Wah. KNN(curse) , Ang moh also come and take debt collector job ah. You all want to fucking steal all our rice bowl si bo?” Bobby said in jest.

“Hi Mr Bobby, my name is Conor from JDC.”

“You.. you power ah. Foreign talent ah. Got degree in collecting money ? Real one or fake one. haha “ Bobby teased while tapping another cigarette out of his box.


“Mr Bobby, I believed we are here to discuss the debt of 150k owed to.. “

Before Conor could finish, Bobby cut him off in a condescending manner. He looked like he’s out to have a bit of fun at Conor’s expense. Probably thinking since he’s here to clear the debt, why not squeeze a bit of fun out of the guy collecting it .

“You come… what country.. what country ? “ Bobby asked in broken English.

“ I’m Irish.” Conor said.

“Wah lan eh ( WTF ) KNN ( curse ) , Singapore not enough Ah Beng ( gangster ) to collect money meh ? Need to employ you haha.”

“Mr Bobby, I would like to reassure you that I am more than capable of handling this collection in a professional…”

Conor gets cut off again before he could finish.

“ Professional ? Puay Kee Puay lor hai, Ang moh jiak gao sai. ( Go eat shit, don’t talk to me about your professionalism.) Hear before or not. hahah.” Bobby said while lighting up his cigarette.

“I don’t know what that means but I can tell it’s not a compliment.”


Bobby chuckled and told Conor to find someone else who understands to collect the money from him then.

I could not believe what an ass Bobby is. If he fucking has the money ready, just pay it and close the account. What is he after this kind of cheap thrill ?
He fucking gets off on putting people down and it gets on my nerves.

“You ang moh always think you si bei ( very ) big fuck. huh. Cycle on the road like you got pay road tax. KNN ( curse ) Fucking don’t know traffic rules want to yaya papaya. ( act proud ) Har. Point finger here and there. Lan jiao ( curse ) ah I tell you. “

I could tell Bobby is starting to get carried away and Conor is not taking it well.

“You think limpei ( self promoted title of father) like our Jenghu ( government ) ah. See you like god ah. Lan jiao ( dick ) understand or not. hahah.” Bobby said while thrusting his middle finger at Conor before grabbing his own testicles to reinforce his point.


His brutish behaviour is definitely going to be the trigger point here.

I could see Conor clenching his fist as he tried to remain professional but keeps getting cut off by Bobby.
It’s going to happen soon if I don’t do something.

Now, telling Conor to calm to will not be of any use. He is boiling inside and he needs to let it out. He needs to vent.

Just like a coiled up spring, the tension needs to be released.

I spoke into the earpiece without thinking.

“Conor, you need him to shut up. Say this to him in Hokkien. It’s not vulgarities. Say this to him. ‘ LI SI YAN DAO’ , say it forcefully and in his face.! “ I spoke harshly into the speaker.

Bobby was about to let loose another string of insults at Conor when the entire open air carpark erupted with the voice of an Irish man shouting in accented Hokkien.

“LI SI YAN DAO!! ( YOU ARE HANDSOME ) “

His shout was so loud that I jumped.
Bobby too froze on the spot at his sudden outburst.


“what ? what did you say? “ Bobby asked, absolutely flabbergasted at what he just heard.

Conor, apparently seeing the effect of what he just said, decided to say it again since it was successful in shutting him up.

“ I said. LI SI YAN DAO ! ( you are handsome !) “ Conor said it while pointing his right index finger in an aggressive manner at Bobby.

Bobby’s eyes widened and pointed his own finger at himself.

“ Wa SI YAN DAO ? ( I am Handsome ?) “ Bobby asked.

“YES. LI SI YAN DAO! ”

“ Wa SI YAN DAO ??? “ Bobby asked with his eyes opened wide.

“YES. LI SI YAN DAO !!!”


Bobby started raising his voice at Conor, taking it to almost a shout.

“WA SI YAN DAO ??? ” Bobby shouted again in a questioning manner, drawing the attention of everyone in the carpark.

“ YES that is what I said. LI SI YAN DAO AHHHHH! “ Conor returned his shout, losing his composure, jabbing his index finger within mere inches of Bobby’s face.

Bobby’s jaw dropped and he was just stunt like vegetable all of a sudden. He could not believe what was happening. It just hit him like a ton of bricks.


Conor, still unhappy with the verbal and racial abuse earlier, continue raining what I taught him earlier at Bobby with increasing aggression and passion.

“LI SI YAN DAO !!! you hear me ? do you.? LI SI YAN DAO….LI SI YAN DAO…. LI SI YAN DAO…..LI SI YAN DAO AH!!”

Bobby was shaking and on the verge of breaking out in laughter as he looked around the gathering crowd. He was trying to gesture to the others in the carpark to see if they heard what was happening.

“wa wa….wa.wa..… wa si yan dao ? “ Bobby asked Conor again, pointing his own finger with an incredulous look on his face.


Seeing that his earlier aggression and condescending attitude is gone, Conor kept up his rant.

“yes ! YES ah. You… BOBBY, LI SI YAN DAO!! You.. you BOBBY. LI SI YAN DAO!! “ Conor spoke in a raised voice like a gangster asking someone from a rival gang to a fight.

Bobby tapped his chest and opened his car door while panting away, trying not to laugh. He pulled out a bottle of water to take a sip and I guess Conor see this as his victory.

I spoke into the talkie again.


“ Conor, go for the kill now and collect the money. Tell him ‘ LI SI WA LAO PEI ‘. Do it with the same aggressiveness .” I said as I slowly backed away.

Obviously elated with the results achieved earlier, Conor followed my advice without question.

“ LI SI WA LAO PEI ! ( you are my father ) “ Conor said in a raised voice and Bobby expelled all the water he was drinking. “ Now pay me the money! “

Bobby, choking and retching out water by then was totally defeated, unable to believe his own ears.

Now it was Conor’s turn to lose it. He has tasted victory and it’s a potent drug.

“LI SI YAN DAO BOBBY !. LI SI WA LAO PEI ! “ Conor jabbed his finger hard in the air, venting his pent up frustration from earlier.

Bobby by then was squatting down and leaning against his car door. He lowered his body slowly, hunching into a small ball as he struggled to breathe.


“wa… wa si li lao pei ? ( I’m your father ? )” Bobby said and he looked like he was going to get an heart attack.

“LI SI WA LAO PEI !!! LI SI YAN DAO AH!! “ Conor said again in a louder voice and Bobby by then threw in the towel.

He was totally defeated. He just laughed and laughed. Bobby was shaking and drooling onto the floor of the carpark lot. His half finished cigarette now lying by the side of his foot.

Pointing to himself one last time, Bobby had a pained expression on his face and he could hardly speak. He looked like he was constipated.

His expression was so scrunched up that he might just collapsed. Conor kept his aggressive stance as Bobby raised a palm at him, tapping the air between them, signalling for Conor to wait.
He wanted Conor to stop talking.


Reaching into his vehicle, he brought out an envelope with the cheque prepared together with a transmittal form for Conor to sign.

Conor, upon seeing the money, softened his stance immediately.

Bobby pointed his finger at Conor, jabbing his index finger at him twice before switching it to a thumbs up.

“KNN ( curse ) you this Ang Moh….Si bei the good ah . You win…. I give you win. “ Bobby said while wiping tears from his eyes.


Bobby’s eyes were red and bloodshot from the exchange. He looked like he just cried.

“Awww gee man. Thanks ..dude. “ Conor said, unable to hide his happiness as he signed and took picture of the collected cheque.

Conor extended a hand and pulled Bobby off the floor but Bobby’s legs are not listening. I guess the shock has yet to settle.

I started breathing easier and did not realised I had soaked through my top with perspiration.


Conor looked for me in the crowd and he waved the cheque at me in a grateful manner.

[ilikeoldchangke]

Bobby on the other hand, finally felt the full impact of what just happened on him. He started laughing again as he knelt down beside his car. He was literally crying and laughing, unable to believe how ridiculous this evening has been for him.

Conor, concerned that the client is unwell, started asking if he is ok, if he needed him to get him water.

Bobby’s trembling fingers could not even light a cigarette and I watched Conor do it for him.


I set the talkie down on the boot of a car and slowly backed away.
Ok, doesn’t look like anyone is going to get stab tonight.

Walking hurriedly towards the bus stop, I saw the vehicle from JDC turning into the carpark. I broke into a run towards the petrol station and I did not stop until I’m far enough away from the food centre.

Stopping when I’m at the bottom of an old railway bridge near King Albert station, I turned and looked towards where I just came from.

It started with a chuckle initially, then it evolved into an all-out laugh. I laughed and laughed so hard that I was clutching my tummy and attracting stares from passerbys. That was fucking ridiculous.


When I recovered, I started walking along Bukit Timah road towards my place.
The walk back gave me time to organise my thoughts.

I could not believe what happened.

It’s mind blowing.

I literally saved someone’s life, can you believe this ?

The feeling that was coursing through my veins cannot be described. It’s pure, undiluted elation. The concentrated hit of dopamine being released in my head felt so good.

I started to think about the paper. I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t know how this shit works but the newspaper has proven what it’s written time and again.


The lottery, the debt collection, the light up at Orchard road.
Right about then, I find myself staring at a neighbourhood police centre near Botanic garden.

Suddenly, a face came to mind.

A face from an article I read.


Officer Sulyani.

I got back to my place and the security guard waved to me as I walked in totally drenched in perspiration.

“Yoz Mr Jerry. Super fit man..” He said, thinking I just came back from a workout.

“Hi Uncle Ang, had your dinner already? “


He nodded and gestured to his cup of coffee. Something that he needs after his meal for him to last through the night.
“Any plans for the weekend ? “ he asked as I strolled past the guardhouse.

I turned and started walking backwards on the narrow path leading into the development.

Looking at Uncle Ang, I smiled and replied.

“Yeah… i’m going to be a superhero tomorrow I think.. “

“ Really ? hahah” He chuckled in the same way a benevolent grandfather does while joking with his grandchildren. “fighting crimes ?? “


I shook my head with a smug smile.

“ No… Saving lives”

………………..

[iluvbreast]

right on time bro ilikeoldchangke

[oldschool79]

I sort of got famous in school after that but I’m still not the most notorious one. I overheard a teacher saying that at least I’m not as psycho as the kid that only completes half of his exam papers so he can sleep.


This paragraph brings back memories.... welcome back bro iLock

[36six]

Very nice share TS. Hope there are more to come!

[FlatTop]

Thank you for the updates. It was totally worth the wait.

[intelatom]

camping for more!

[tradechat]

Nice updates TS, hoping to read more.

[ilikeoldchangke]

My throat was so dry and the first thing I did upon entering my place was to go to the kitchen. I started drinking from the tap directly, gulping down water beyond the point of thirst.

Panting and wiping my lips with the back of my arm. I went straight to the papers. Picking pieces of it up, I went to the section about the stabbing.

“Bloody hell.” I cursed out loud when I realised the article is gone.
It’s gone.
Just like that.

The article in it’s place is now about the chain collision along Bukit Timah road I passed by earlier. No one was hurt but it caused a bit of a jam. Flipping the paper front and back, I tried to figure out what kind of dark magic is going on.

I picked up the paper and held it against the light. Maybe it’s not normal materials the papers are printed on. Maybe it’s some high tech LCD screen or something that feels and look like paper.

You can then refresh it or something like a webpage of a connection.

I checked the front and back of the piece of paper before bringing it to my stove.

“ let’s see what the fuck are you made off.” I mumbled as I lit up my stove.

Blue flames danced in a nice circle around my underutilised stove and I held the paper to the flame. It ignited immediately, the fire consuming the paper, devouring and turning it into ashes within seconds.

I dropped the paper and watched the ashes crumple and fly about my kitchen.

It’s just paper.
I mean if it’s something high tech, surely it has some batteries involved. Even if there are no batteries, there should be an antenna where the device can be powered by a signal or something.

I grabbed another piece of the paper, careful to leave the part about Sulyani and her colleagues intact.
I tore up a section of the paper and looked at the fibres. I crunched up a portion and used it to wipe my sliding glass door.

So far, it looks like newspaper, it smells like newspaper, it burns like newspaper and it cleans like newspaper.
I dunk a ball of it into water and watched the some of the ink dissolve into the liquid.

It’s fucking newspaper.

Unsure of what other experiment to conduct, I took the full page news of the accident that is going to happen the next day and pin it up against a glass wall with blue tack.
I read the report twice. The accident happened right along the same street where I was staying. Practically right in front of Cluny court.
The time is not stated but it happened in the day.

I stuck pieces of blank paper along side the news report and brought out a box of coloured markers and bits of string like I’m about to solve the crime of the century.

There are several pictures of the accident and the damaged it caused scattered throughout the report. I went through each one until I found what I’m looking for.
A light post in the middle of a traffic island.
I’m interested in the shadow it’s casting on the grass beside it.
A shadow is the longest in the morning when the rises from the east, it’s the shortest around noon and long again when the sun sets in the west, casting the shadow on the other side.

Opening up google map, I used the street view function to drop the yellow man pin on the same street where the accident happened. I orientated the screen until I found an image taken on a sunny day with enough shadows for me to make my comparison.


Using the red true north arrow that allows me to turn the camera about, I repositioned the pin and thereby the screen, to display what I would see on the ground in the day, if I was standing due North.
Establishing my direction, I checked the shadow of the light post and confirmed my deduction that the accident happened in the early part of the morning. I adjusted the google street view to match the picture of the accident site so I can make an apple to apple comparison.

Glimpsing clues and cues from the reporting, I deduced that the accident happened quite early. At least earlier than the time when google last sent it’s engineering team to capture the street view footage for that stretch.
Pictures of the accident scenes showed a gathering of park goers in the background too.

Discounting the time for the emergency services to arrive, start their rescue operations, and for the police to set up their signature blue tent for fatalities, I estimate the time of the accident to be between 8am to 9am.

Why ? Why is it so important to know the time of the accident?

Since I stay along the same stretch, why can’t I fucking park myself on a stool and wait for it to happen?

Here’s the thing, I don’t want it to happen. I want to stop it from happening. And to do that, I need to know the time it happens.

There’s no telling how many trucks is going to pass by in the morning. If I wait until the point when I see Sulyani and Chan standing by the side of the road with a truck barrelling down towards them.
It’s going to be too late.

Enlarging the map on my laptop, I looked at the aerial view of the neighbourhood.

Cluny park road starts after the junction of Tyersall road and Cluny hill. It’s a total of 797m long. Assuming there are no cars in front of the truck, it would have almost 800m of uninterrupted drive to pick up speed and momentum.
However, there is a small roundabout at the turn towards Jalan Kembang Melati , this break in otherwise long stretch of road effectively reduced the distance the truck have to pick up speed to about 157m until the estimated point of impact.

No matter what car you drive, you simply can’t speed pass a roundabout. You still have to navigate the turn, lose a bit of speed before you pick it up again.

I scribbled over my sketches and notes beside the newspaper article.

Taking a few steps back, looked at the wall that is now filled with blue tacks and untidy scribbles that only I understand.

The truck that caused the accident is a Nissan cabstar. I fired up google again and looked at the specifications of the vehicle. With a fully laden weight of 3500Kg. It’s been modified and fitted with a cover at the back and during the time of accident, it was carrying old units of air con compressors together with some scrap metal.

I’ve never driven or been on one of these trucks before and I paced about the wall of information before grabbing my phone. I’m going to call a contractor I work with in the parks.

It’s late in the evening and I don’t know if he is going to pick up my call but I’m thankful he did.

“ Hello Jerry, don’t worry. House keeping all done swee swee ( perfectly ) , I never leave any of the dead trunks behind and I confirm plus chop my worker never litter their lunch box all over.” Uncle Sam immediately went on the defensive because everytime I called him, it’s to reflect how badly he maintained his area of work.

Sam is the owner of a small landscape company that we work with regularly.
His team of 6 workers helped maintain a section of the Botanic garden among other small jobs. He is also a pre-qualified term contractor of sort, sometimes he gets activated to clear trees that toppled over during a storm.

He makes it a point to send me pussy willow every Chinese new year every since I started managing him and his team. He doesn’t hate me but he tells people I’m difficult to work with simply because I do everything by the book.

There is no, ‘brother, brother, close one eye’ kind of stuff.
It’s by the book, as simple as that. He can ‘brother brother’ all he wants. It’s always by the books for me.

One thing I like about Sam is that he is very hands on. He knows everything and is capable of operating every single piece of equipment. I have seen him with a harness on, 15m up in a crane car and trimming the crown of a tree with a chain saw complete with a cigarette in his mouth.

I tried shouting at him not to smoke in the park and he had the cheek to tell me the smoke came from his saw, not the cigarette in his mouth.

“Uncle Sam, I need to ask you something.” I said.

“what is it ? “

“Your truck, the one you use everyday for work and to ferry workers.” I said while squinting my eyes at the article to look at the pictures.

“yeah, what about it ? “

“Can I check how fast you can accelerate to if you are fully loaded and have a track length of about 157m ? “

My question was met with an immediate silence on the phone.

5 seconds later, Sam asked if I’m drinking.

“ You drunk ar Jerry…? You siao ar ? ( crazy ) “

“No I’m not, how fast to go from 0 to 100 ? is there some standard to follow or something ? “


“Hello brother…. Lim pei drive Nissan Cabstar…. Not Nissan GTR.”

“Sam I just want to know how long it takes for the truck to be fast enough to knock someone down and be fatal.”

The silence on the line now stretched longer than 5 seconds.

“ Jerry, Jerry, Brother I tell you… I tell you… you write this down… write this down…. one second. “ Sam said
I grabbed a pen and paper.

“Ok go ahead” I said

“1800-221 4444” Sam recited over the phone.

“what is this ? “

“This one ahh.. is the national suicide hotline…You give me a second, I find the Tinkle friend one for you….”

“Uncle Sam, I’m not thinking of doing anything stupid. It’s for work and I just want to get a feel of the ideal travelling speed we are currently imposing on all maintenance vehicle in the parks around the island.” I lied so blatantly and smoothly without a change in my expression.

Sometimes I scare myself.

“Oh… cheyy… err… for me ah… i.. clutch down, push 1st gear, zhuarrr( accelerate) and drag, 30km/h for 1st gear is no sweat but I quickly change to 2nd gear. At 2nd, faster pickup and if I drag a bit, can hit 60km/h. From there I go 3rd, by then can hear the beep beep sound already if I drag also.” Sam said as he tried his best to describe his driving.

“No no no… I don’t mean this… errmm… say if you have 157m of straight road.”

“err ok..” Sam answered cautiously.

“At which point do you think you will get fast enough to ram up a kerb and pin someone against the wall ? “

“I am feeling a bit uncomfortable talking about this Jerry…. You ok bo ?

[ilikeoldchangke]

Crap, that didn’t come out well.

“Ok I rephrase it. Ermm.. “ I looked around the house before asking Sam what would it take to stop a fully laden truck of his if it’s travelling at say 60km/h and the driver is unable to steer or hit the brakes.

I just made a wild estimate. If not, this will not get anywhere.

“You need those crash barrier, those pop out from the ground type, One of your 80 year old raintree in the park….or maybe another truck parked in front of it ? but it’s going to be ugly man.”

“Is there something more, ermm, day to day type of stuff that can stop the truck. ? You know… “ I looked at my furniture and said somethings stupid. “ Like tables and chairs … better still if there’s some technique to stop it and can be done by just 1 man…“


I could hear Sam asking his kids to lower the TV volume in the background before he replied me.

“errr… 1 man ah ? … 1 man stop the truck ah…. got 2 way la…” Sam said, getting my hopes up. “ The simplest is the driver step the brakes.”

“what if the driver cannot step on the brakes ? or the brakes are spoilt ? What is the other method that can be employed by a man ?” I asked.

“Like that ah… you try asking Iron man or the Hulk la, ga yi long kuay ki ( just ram it ) , that one I think no problem la.”

I sighed and massaged my forehead before thanking Sam for his time.
I looked at the site of the accident on google map. Maybe I should I fuck up the traffic by throwing my dining table into the middle of the road or something.
Hell, maybe I can put a chair in the middle of the road and just sit there.


4th November 2018
Sunday
6am


I barely got any sleep. The whole night I was tossing and turning about in my bed.
While waiting for my coffee to brew, I could feel a sense of frustration slowly building inside me. I’m frustrated because I don’t know what to do.

Currently at the top of my list would be stop the truck when it slows down at the roundabout, but here’s the thing. Base on the report, the driver suffered a stroke.
It did not mention when he suffered it. He could be keeping his foot down on the pedal all the way down the street until the point of impact, you never know.
In this scenario, my best chance would be to stop Sulyani and Chan instead.

Leaving my place at 6.20am, I looked up and down the quiet road on front of my place. Hell is going to break loose in a couple of hours’ time.


8am

Sitting by the side of the road with a cup of coffee and butter croissant, my eyes never left the road. My ears pricked the moment I heard the rumble of a heavy vehicle and several passed by without incident.

So far everything the papers reported came true. I don’t know if it will be the same for this.


8.15am

There was some commotion coming from the supermarket from what I can see. Two Caucasian kids were shouting at the supermarket staff before they suddenly took off. They dashed out and ran away, towards the direction of the roundabout.

Everyone at the café turned and tried to see what is happening except me.
My heart started beating faster and I was perspiring heavily. My palms were wet and I feel cold despite the hot and humid weather. I guess that’s what cold sweat feels like.
That must be the shoplifting that triggered the appearance of the police officers.

A few minutes later, my lips turned pale and I spilled my coffee when i saw the familiar figure in front of me.

Coming towards the café on 2 bicycles, are Sulyani and Chan.

They must be from the police centre right up the road near Coronation plaza.

I looked at Sulyani who parked the bike by the side and when she removed her helmet, I realised she looks so much better in real life. That is a true beauty right there.


It’s not hard to notice her ample assets in front of her chest given her rather small frame. Her mixed parentage gave her beautiful features. Her large eyes and pronounced nose are those that people would go to surgery for.
The uniform she was wearing is drawing as much attention as her sculpted legs and C cup breasts.

She smiled at a child by the café and when I saw those dimples appear, my heart melted. She can do things to me with her handcuffs and I will never complain.

Her lanyard nest comfortable in between her chest, displaying her identification and I swallowed a gulp of my saliva as I realised that poor lanyard is trapped. No matter how she moved, how the heavier card case at the bottom swayed and shake, the lanyard will never be able to break free from the deep valley cleavage it was placed in.

Sulyani saw me looking at her and she cast me a look for a second before looking away.

She’s here, if she’s here, it means it’s going to happened.
It also means the truck is going to appear anytime now.

I could feel goosebumps appear all over my skin when she walked past me and entered the supermarket to speak with the staff.

I got up immediately and started walking towards the direction where the truck will be coming from. I looked odd staring at an otherwise non-busy road.

People Jaywalk regularly there, there’s not much traffic and they just want to cross over.

I stood by the side of the road and kept staring towards the vanishing point of the road.
I have no fucking idea what to do as I kept alternating my attention between the road and behind me to see if Sulyani and Chan is out.

“Fuck this.” I said and I started jogging towards the roundabout junction.

I didn’t want to do this because it’s dangerous as hell and there’s no guarantee it will work but stopping the truck as far away from the accident spot is my best chance.

I decided to intercept it when it slows down at the roundabout. It’s my best shot.


8.45am

“Jesus…” I mumbled as I saw the truck appearing a distance away.

Turning behind me, I saw Sulyani, Chan and a supermarket staff coming out to the sidewalk. The staff was pointing towards the direction where the teenagers ran. They are pretty far away and from where I’m standing, they looked like small candlesticks but still visible clearly.

The truck has started to veer to it’s right before being pulled back sharply. You can see it’s losing control.

There are no other cars in front of the truck as it approached the roundabout.

“oh fuck, fuck ,fuck.” I said as I literally started jogging on the spot like I was going to shit in my pants or something.

The truck is picking up speed and it’s veering left and right now, crossing into the lane meant for traffic coming from the other direction. The entire road is deserted except for the truck.
I ran towards it and immediately kept pace with the vehicle. Being up close, I realised how fast it is going.
It mounted the shallow circular island of the roundabout as I jogged alongside it.


Sulyani & Chan have now moved out right by the side of the road where the fence ends between walkway and the road.

Running alongside the truck, I tried to jump onto the side step to open the door. It’s locked.

It’s worth a try at least.

Holding onto the passenger side door of the truck, I tried to punch the window and the pain in my knuckles reminded me how stupid that was.

I jumped off the side of the truck and nearly fell flat on my face. Swinging my arms wildly to regain my balance, I started to sprint flat out as my ears caught the rumble of the engine putting more power into the truck.

“HEYYYY!!!, HEYYYYYYY!!!! “ I shouted at the top of my voice as my lungs burned like someone poured acid down my throat.

Sulyani and Chan turned to look at me and the out-of-control truck.
They saw it and I could see it on their faces.

They were frozen to the ground at that split second at the sight of a truck going right at them. I sprinted as fast as I could towards them.
Tightening my core, I stretched out my arms like I’m going to tackle both of them to the ground.

I charged right into them with my arms spread apart. I lifted off the ground and rammed right into them. With my body soaring through the air for a mere second, I felt the truck graze my right calf at it takes down the road fence.

Like a train that is out of control, the truck mounted the kerb, rammed into the electrical box and smashed head first into the wall of the shopping centre. If Sulyani or Chan had been there, they would have been pinned against the wall.

The crash felt like an explosion of screeching mangled metal groaning in front of a loudspeaker.

The trio of us hit the ground hard and I could hear the audible thud of Sulyani and Chan’s head hitting the ground before whiplashing back up and back to the ground again.

The truck’s engine hissed as it’s mangled remains groaned at the impact that shattered the windscreen and caused the front part of the truck to be compacted onto itself.

The foot of the driver is still on the accelerator and the wheels are still spinning. Exhaust fumes started to fill the site as the shock of the accident left everyone around the area petrified. Screams started to fill the air as café goers vacated tables and started running in different directions.

It was a hard landing for me and I could feel the spots where it’s going hurt the moment bruises appear on my body.

Panting for air, I pushed myself up as I looked at the horrified faces of Chan and Sulyani. Chan was bleeding on the head and Sulyani immediately checked if he is ok.

[ilikeoldchangke]

Ok, I did it.

Sulyani and Chan is alive. I did it.

Turning to look at the truck, I immediately felt a sense of dread creeping back into me.

The truck carried the company name of Sam’s landscaping company.

“No… no. no. no….No way… not possible.” I mumbled as I scrambled towards the vehicle. “no.. no.. no.. please no..”

I looked at the load it was carrying. No, those are not landscaping equipment or freshly trimmed shrub and plants. The truck is carrying scrap metals and old air conditioners.

Why ? Why is it here.

I started shouting for Sam.
I tried to pull the door opened but it’s crushed. I used my elbow and removed the remains of the shattered window. Coming face to face with the man, I groaned in relieve when I realised it was not my contractor.

The driver is someone else.

I could see the driver but he’s unconscious.
Staff from the nearby French embassy came out to help while some bystanders called the emergency services.

Someone claimed to be a doctor and I made way for him.

I could literally hear my heart beating in my eardrums as goosebumps continued to come and go on my skin.

It’s like I’m getting the aftereffects of pins and needles, and it keeps coming and going.

With more people descending on the scene of the accident to help, I slowly backed away from the site.

Sulyani was up on her feet and I could see her looking around. Our eyes met and she shouted at me.

“hey…”

I panicked.

I backed away as someone asked if she’s ok.

I started to run back towards my place.


I dashed home and shut the door behind me. heading straight to the kitchen, I ran the tap and starting gulping water.

I don’t know what was causing the shock I was feeling.
Whether is it because I just saved Sulyani and Chan, or because everything that is printed on the newspaper is true.

I went over to my wall where I was doing my scribbles and writing the night before.

The article is different now.

The accident still happened. The truck driver still passed away because he had a stroke. He died at the wheel. The article is different now because Sulyani and Chan are no longer casualties in the accident.

No one died, except the driver.

I touched the paper just to be sure it’s real. I pinched myself on the cheek to make sure I’m not dreaming.

This is incredible.

I walked out to my balcony that has a view of Cluny Park road. It’s now jammed up with vehicles. I could hear sirens in the distance.

Looking across the road to Botanic gardens, my place of work, the place I first met that newspaper seller, I knew what I must do.

Heading out again, I passed by the security guard post to see Uncle Ang changing shifts with a younger chap.

“ Yoz Jerry, go buy things ah ? “ Uncle Ang asked

“Yah….. go buy newspaper…” I replied.

……………….

[QOWO]

Very well written story, support!

[chenzong]

Bro ILOCK still has not lost his touch there. His writings are well researched and very localised.

[skyline2000]

.
I sort of got famous in school after that but I’m still not the most notorious one. I overheard a teacher saying that at least I’m not as psycho as the kid that only completes half of his exam papers so he can sleep.



LOLed at this part!

[goldliner]

Nice update bro, please continue. :)

[driedlemon3]

wow, this is a whole new level of writing. I won't be surprise TS writes for a living n is so damn gd at it.

[big wood]

nice the legend writer is back:D

[Orange22]

nice the legend writer is back:D

Yes!! Waiting for quite some time :)

[ThisIsMelmetal]

Very well written, would love to read more !

[ilikeoldchangke]

I spent the next few hours circling the entire park that is filled with weekend crowd. I came across entire family of otters, I saw monitor lizards digging on the ground for earthworms.

Squirrels, monkeys, the black swans and even some wild parrots. Just no signs of the newspaper seller.

I walked up and down the same stretch a few times before going to other quiet spots in the garden. I saw some colleagues and contemplated whether to ask them if they happen to see a newspaper seller around but I stopped myself.

It’s going to make me look stupid.

I saw some used newspaper by the foot of a rubbish bin. It’s wet and probably came from one of the families having their picnic nearby. Passer bys gave me weird looks when the saw me trying to read the newspaper on the ground.

It was from one month ago. I picked it up and threw it into the bin.


1pm

I went for lunch at coronation plaza and brought my ticket to the same counter where I bought the ticket from.

“Hi, errm , I think I won something. I said to the lady at the counter.”

The lady fed my ticket into the machine and did a double take at the winnings.

“Hello , you need to go head office to claim prizes more than $5000.” She said.

“Oh, where is the head office ? “ I asked.

She gave me a slip of paper with the address and opening hours. Guess I’ll just head down over lunch the next day then.


My phone rang and it was Sam. I was expecting this call.
He told me his truck got into a bit of accident and his work will be delayed on one of my site.

“Very unlucky leh, your weird phone call about truck hit people, now my truck really hit wall man.” Sam lamented.

I tried to probe a little, asking if he is ok and what happened.

Sam told me he lent his truck to his neighbour where his industrial office is. He got a stroke and crashed the vehicle.

“oh dear, is he ok ? “

“Literally up lorry. Die liao”

“Oh my god..” I said, pretending to be unaware of what is happening.

Sam asked for an extension of his project which I readily agreed. I told him we will sort out the paper work back in office.



5th November 2018
12.30pm

I waited for my queue number to be called and presented my winning ticket. I was showed to a lounge while the staff prepares the cheque for me.
She asked if I would like to make a donation to charity, I declined.

Not because I’m stingy or heartless. It’s because I don’t dare to touch the money. It’s $200000. It’s a large sum. I don’t know if I can touch it.
I honestly don’t know what to do with it.
I’m not exactly a spender and I save almost 50% of my pay cheque every month.

I took the cheque and looked at the number and my name on it. It’s surreal. It’s going to take me 2 years of work plus good bonus and not spending a single cent to get this amount.
I deposited it into my bank account before taking a taxi back to work.

My office has a view of Botanic garden. At least a small section of it anyway. Every couple of hours, I would just look outside, hoping I would see the newspaper seller again.


The days stretched to weeks and I began to experiment with the different combination of circumstances that gave me the chance to meet the newspaper seller.

I met him during my jog on a Friday and the skies were overcast. Then it started to rain.

I started jogging everyday and I did extra laps on Fridays.

Nothing.

When I saw it was going to rain, I immediately changed and ran out if I’m not working. It didn’t matter that it’s 11pm at night, I ran in the rain along the same stretch hoping to see the man but he’s not there.

If I’m in the office and it starts to rain, I will grab an umbrella and walked to the same stretch.

Nothing.

A month went by and I never gave up. There must be a reason why I met that mysterious man.

I refuse to believe something like this is a one-off incident.


21st December 2018
Friday.
11am


I’m going to go on leave for the last 2 weeks of the year and 21st is my last working day for 2018. The whole office is in the festive mood and my boss, Alvin, asked me out for lunch.

“Eh Jerry, You got lunch plans ? “
“Nope. You want to grab something together ? “ I said while dropping everything I was doing just to look at Alvin and reply.

Alvin is going to retire in a few years time and he’s known to be very temperamental. He used to be in the military before joining the organisation.
He has mellowed down a lot lately. Age catches up with everyone. I guess no matter how bad ass you are, you will reach an age where you finally decide it’s time to take things a bit easy.

Alvin belonged to the generation that demands respect even before he earned it. Not that he doesn’t deserve any but you know, he has that I’m older, therefore you respect me kind of setup in his head. He has issues talking to some of the young hires and always gets me to be the go between.
Not that I’m very old but I guess he sees the different between an early Gen X and the subsequent ones.

The 1st time I was scolded by him was because I replied him while drafting an email without looking at him. He told me off in front of the whole office.
“You look the man in eye when he’s talking to you!”

He said it with a raised voice like I committed some insubordination sin that silenced the whole office. From the corner of my eye I could see a few seniors shaking their head, they probably already placed bets when it would happen to me.

I knew immediately if I said nothing, or rebutted him for the outburst, the issue will escalate.

Saying nothing will only spur him to scold me again. The worse thing I can do is to give him a ‘blur fuck’ expression, pretending that I am unaware of his anger.

To rebut him will be to get on his nerves, thereby exacerbating the situation.

I don’t believe in wasting my breath with people who are not in the right frame of mind to listen. I believe in solving the problem by tackling the root cause.


The warning came as a shock to me, I wasn’t expecting to be treated like this by another adult but whatever. All eyes were on me and I stopped what I was doing and stood up.

I see no merit whatsoever in being macho or talking down to my boss so I apologised immediately.

A simple sorry will not suffice for old timers like Alvin.
‘Sorry’ is what you say, Alvin strikes me as someone who is more interested in what you will do.
I have to hit him back fast without giving him enough time to continue brooding about dumb shit like this.

“I’m sorry. It will not happen again. What was it that you want to discuss again ? ” I said, throwing the ball back to his court.

This way, if he continued scolding me for something trivial, he would be disregarding the task and issue at hand. Things like this drive old birds like Alvin nuts.


There was a 3 second stand off before Alvin asked me to go into his office.
It was all work related from the moment I stepped in and over the years, I learned all his pet peeves and dislikes. It’s one of the reason why I successfully cement my position in the team. Not just because of my academic achievements.

It’s because I knew how to handle Alvin. I knew how far I could push him without him stabbing me with his golden bayonet in his office.
Sometimes I know Alvin wanted to strangle me but he can’t. End of the day, the decisions we make, it’s all for the team.

Alvin has gotten rid of many people over the years but I know I’m here to stay.
I knew I could stay because Alvin don’t hate me like he hates the other scholars. Though I must say, sometimes I wonder if he hated himself since he’s one himself.

Alvin is tan, so tan that he gets mistaken as non-chinese frequently. He goes fishing every weekend and is someone that will feel right at home in the wild or among the green. It’s like the old soldier in him never left.

His temper is his biggest flaw to be honest. He has a very low ignition point and gets triggered easily.

“Let’s go eat at Adam road food centre ?” He said.

“Sure. I thought you didn’t like going there because of the bad exhaust? “ I teased.

“I’m on half day today. I’m heading back after that. Ahha. “

At 1pm sharp, I saw Alvin walk out of his office and I don’t want him to come over to my table to remind me it’s time.

I left the half-written email to a colleague from the ministry and immediately grabbed my wallet and phone.

Alvin drove and he parked at one of the lots outside the food centre along the road where the private houses are. Upon arriving, Alvin remained seated, and he continued talking.

We chatted in the car and he asked about work, if I’m happy, basically life in general.
A casual end of the year and I’m about to do your appraisal chat.

I followed his que that he is ready to get out of his car and opened the door.

[ilikeoldchangke]

Just when I thought we can head to the food centre, he pulled out a cigarette and lit up while looking at the way a particular tree is leaning over the road. He started talking about a project that is almost completed.

My stomach was rumbling by then but I knew from experience when a uncle like him starts talking about work, it’s best to let him finish.

I ended up giving him a summary of what happened in the middle of the afternoon sun while waving 2nd hand smoke away from my face. Alvin knew I hated the smell and he did what he could by turning away when he exhale but come on.


I’m literally standing right in front of him, no matter how he turn, the smoke is still getting in my face.

The more we talked about work standing like two dumbasses beside the car under the sun, the longer the impromptu meeting dragged.

Alvin lit up his 3rd cigarette when I saw a police car turn into the narrow road we were on. I’m not sure why but I have a bad feeling. The car slowed down before parking behind us.

I felt my heart skip a beat when I saw Chan and Sulyani alight from the vehicle. I have not seen them since that faithful day and seeing them now felt so surreal.


I’m glad they are ok of course but I immediately looked away and pretended to be checking the tree a distance away while talking to my boss about a dead monitor lizard stinking up a storage shed in the garden.

I waited for a while before turning back and coming face to face with the two officers.

Holding my breath, I was afraid they would recognise me from that day of the incident, but they didn’t.

Sulyani gave me a quick once over but turned her attention to Alvin.

Sulyani and Chan asked what are we doing there.

“why ? what’s the problem officer ? “ Alvin asked


“Just want to know what are you guys doing here “ Sulyani said. “you have been loitering here for sometime and someone made a complaint.”

“Smoking lah ? Cannot smoke here ah ? “ I could see Alvin getting into his defensive and aggressive mode and I quickly butted in.

People at his age hate getting told off, or rather, being told what to do, it didn’t matter if they are right or wrong.


“I’m sorry, we’re leaving right now.” I said while trying to stop Alvin from flaring up. I’ve seen him snap for something as trivia as a biscuit wrapper in the middle of the lake.

The resident of the private estate we are standing beside made a complaint to the police according to Chan. He asked to check our identifications and I could see my boss about to explode.

To him, this is not about the police doing their job. To him, this is two young punks trying to accuse him of something.

Alvin started raising his voice, not at the police, but at me.

“JERRY ! FUCK LA. Rich people…. Afraid to DIE AH. A little bit of 2nd hand smoke also need to call police!. Outside here is public road ok. not their grandfather road AH !”

It may appear that Alvin was talking to me but anyone could see that was meant for the owners of the property who made the complaint.
I could see the expression on Sulyani and Chan’s faces changed and I quickly put up my palms to try and defuse the situation.

Pulling out my lanyard and my staff pass, I explained that we work for Nparks.

I literally had to wrestle my boss’s staff pass from him as he kept trying to make things difficult.

Chan insisted on our IDs and I almost had to rob Alvin for his wallet to hand it over to Chan.

“He’s my boss, bad day for him. We’re done here. We’re going off. Now. like right now… I’m sorry for the trouble.” I said with a smile while trying to drag Alvin away.


I gestured for his cigarette, but that stubborn old fool decided to puff away more vigorously, blowing smoke towards the boundary wall of the house. He’s not taking this well.

Alvin lit up another cigarette, puffing 2 together like a chimmy, determined to fumigate the spot we are standing on.

“Jerry, you scare what ? nothing wrong ? we did nothing wrong !! EH. Public road leh ! you scare what ? ” Alvin said as I continued dragging him away and I could see Sulyani looking at me a little intently.


I think she is trying to recollect where she has seen me before.

“I’m hungry Boss, I got fixed lunch time. If I go back late I will get scolded. My lunch time is 1 to 2 ! “

“What the FUCK la ? . I’m your boss. I’m on half day. you go back late, who the fuck is going to scold you ? “ Alvin said in an agitated manner as he tried to pull his arm away from my hold.

Chan handed our ID back and suggested we leave and not loiter outside the property.

I alternated between pulling him away from the two officers and turning to look at the same guys I saved a month ago.
Sulyani by then had her eyes fixed on me. She was not moving and I could see she was thinking of something. Trying to recall where did she last saw me.

I managed to yank Alvin across the road and head towards the food centre.

“Haiyah !... what’s your problem Jerry… ? No need to be afraid of them. We did nothing wrong !.. “

“Boss, I’m hungry. Now peak hour, very hard to get a seat la. “ I said, dragging him like a mother dragging a stubborn child away from the toy section of the mall.

Upon entering the food centre, Alvin snapped at me.


“arghhhh!. If not for you.. I would have fucked that two young punk up…what the hell. Maybe I should go tell that property owner off also ah…what the fuck..! I think the trees in his property is sick, cut them all down… hazard to public….” He cursed again as I pointed to an empty table, gesturing for him to sit down.

Shaking my head, I went to grab two large mugs of sugarcane juice.

“Suar la, Suar la ( forget it ) . You so old already, still get worked up over this kind of things….for what ? “ I said, pushing the mug of drink over to him.

The frown on his irritated face got a bit better after the down a large gulp of the cold drink.

Alvin wanted prawn noodles and I told him I’ll get the same thing.

After a short wait, I was about to tuck into my bowl of noodles when I saw Sulyani and Chan coming into the food centre.

I don’t think they are there for us, they’re probably there to grab lunch too but they saw us. Or rather, Alvin saw them.


Sulyani and Chan did not see us initially, they went to get their own lunch and I started praying when I saw them looking around for seats. It just so happened that the table beside us decide to get up.

“not here, not here, please not here.” I mumbled under my breath.

Fate has a way of playing with people and as luck would have it, Sulyani and Chan set their food down on the table beside us.


Alvin set his utensils down in a defiant manner and started a staring match. I had to bite down on my tongue in order not to roll my eyes.

“Boss, come on la ! You 61, not 16 ! stare for what ? “

“ Eh Jerry, you something wrong ah. Why you so scare of police ? Stare only what ? Which law in Singapore say you cannot stare at police ? I curious about them what…. They handsome and pretty….“

Sulyani and Chan looked at Alvin as they cautiously scooped rice into their mouth. They must be wondering what is this man’s problem.

“haiyah… just eat your..” I could not bring myself to finish talking when my eyes saw a familiar sight.


I literally froze mid-sentence as I too dropped my utensils.

Right across the circular food centre, walking table to table, is the same old man I saw selling newspaper in the park the other day. I blinked a couple of times just to be sure it’s him and not someone who looked like him.

“Oei Jerry, Jerry. “ Alvin called out to me but I slowly stood up and I looked at the man going from table to table to peddle his newspaper.


He was wearing a cap pulled down low but I know it’s him
The man looked up and our eyes met. He broke into a knowing smile, as if the two of us shared some secret nobody else knows.

My suddenly change in behaviour caught Sulyani’s attention as well and she too, followed the direction where I was looking.

“Jerry, eh, Jerry….Oei… what’s wrong with you… ?” My boss called out to me but I did not reply him.

“Boss sorry, i… I … I saw someone I know… give me a minute…” I said as I started walking towards the man.


The newspaper seller turned and started walking out of the food centre. He just walked out.
I chased after him, coming out into a busy car park with cars lining up and waiting for a lot.

Turning my head around, I saw the newspaper seller walking towards the direction where we parked our car.

“hey ! HEY!” I shouted as I ran towards him.

I caught up to him in time and I’m right.

[ilikeoldchangke]

It’s the man.

It’s the same man I saw in the park.

“Oh my god. Fuck.. oh my god… how ? “ I asked while panting to catch my breath. Panting not from the short run, but from the sheer excitement of meeting him again.

“what how? Jerry “ He said with a grin.

“How did you do that? How ? “ I asked as I shook his frail body, getting a little agitated.

“I’m just a newspaper seller Jerry…” He said while keeping up his smile.

I had enough of this smoke and mirrors and magic, or whatever you want to call it.

The one man that could answer all the questions that was keeping me up all night is now smiling and playing dumb with me. He knew what I was trying to ask him.

I think I snapped and lost it for a moment, turning aggressive. It was unlike of me to behave in that manner.

I’m always calm and not many people can flip that switch but this man. This man could.

I could see it in his smile, he’s taunting me. Taunting me with something that he knew I wanted.

I wanted to know.

I want to know what is this all about.

I walked so close to him, speaking to him in his face like I’m about to pick a fight. I don’t know why but I could feel myself boiling the longer he takes to answer my question.

It’s like I’m turning into another man altogether.
“how… the fuck did you do that ? the newspaper, how did you do that?

The old man shove me back with both hands, causing me to go backwards and stepping onto the road. There are no incoming cars along the road but that flipped a switch in me.


It was a deliberate attempt to make me angry but by the time I realised it, it was too late.

I recovered and grabbed him by his shirt with both hands.

“what is your problem !” I was literally growling at him only to see him putting on his meek and helpless mask while facing my aggressiveness.

By the time I recovered and calm down three seconds later, I turned and looked around me to see several horrified faces staring at me.


Several passer bys are passing judgemental looks on my behaviour. An adult manhandling an old man.

Sulyani, who for some reason, decided to run out of the food centre after me when I came out.
And of course, my boss Alvin too, who just saw me shake down and bully an old man.

“ bloody hell… and I thought I’m the uncivilised one” He commented. “ Jerry… what’s happening.”

Sulyani walked across the road and pointed a warning finger at me.

“let go of him.” She warned.

I quickly let go of the old man, suddenly conscious of my own actions.

Sulyani looked at my boss and me before asking what is our problem.

“First is your boss, now …you…. Is there something going on here ?” She asked with her hands on her hips.


Sulyani looked so pretty up close that I didn’t know how to react. Her complexion is so smooth and fair. Her eyes are electrifying to look at. I seriously doubt any men can look at her in the eye and not be seduced instantly.

“Uncle are you ok ? “ Sulyani said “Is he bothering you Uncle ? “ She asked while shooting a glare at me with that electrifying pair of eyes, her hands going awfully near her taser gun.

“I’m just here to sell papers.” The newspaper seller smiled and tried to offer Sulyani a copy. “ would you like a copy ? “

“ok sure…” she replied.

“NO!” I said, my voice louder than usual, i grabbed the newspaper from her hands. “ I’ll buy it. I’ll BUY IT ALL..”

I pulled out a fifty dollar bill from my wallet and gave it to the seller, taking all the newspaper from him. All 4 copies of it.

Sulyani stared at me as if I’m mad and I tucked the papers under my arms, determined to shield them from prying eyes.

“dude …Jerry, you ok bo ? “ My boss asked in shock at my behaviour.

He has never seen me behave like this before.
Lighting up a cigarette, the newspaper seller blew out a cloud of smoke towards me before adding with a grin.

“I hope you enjoy the read” Turning to Sulyani, the old man tipped his cap before saying something that didn’t make sense at all to her. “Thank you, Officer Sulyani, glad to see you well..”


It was something only the both of us knew.
The man knew.
He knew I read the newspaper and I did something about it.

The man tipped his cap again at Sulyani and started to walk away.
I told my boss I need to take half a day off urgently and I started running away towards the direction of my place.

“Are you ok Jerry ? what’s wrong ? “ Alvin shouted at me as I continued running and turning backwards to look at him and Sulyani with a puzzled expression on their faces.

“JERRY!, are you ok ?! Hey ? ” My boss shouted and Sulyani’s eyes never left me.

Turning around to answer Alvin, I saw the change in expression on Sulyani’s face. She finally recalled who I am and where she saw me. I can’t deal with this now, I quickly replied my boss and picked up my pace.

“I’m fine !, just need to read the papers! “ I shouted.

I ran all the way back home and immediately spread the 4 copies of papers on the dining table.

“oh fuck” I panted in disbelief as I looked at the 4 copies of paper.

The publication dates of the 4 papers are the same.
However, the headlines are different.

A suicide, a murder, an accident and a bad fall.

I glance through the headlines and a smile broke slowly on my face.

“Fuck, I love a challenge.”

………………………

[traveldownsouth]

Camping for more!!

[Spain1982]

Wow incredible story!!

[gareto]

Very very nice, please continue bro :)

[FinAce]

Another superb story by bro ilock

[qwerty66]

Challenge accepted 😎

[radiojune]

Support nice story and camping for more updates!

[chenzong]

wow, this is a whole new level of writing. I won't be surprise TS writes for a living n is so damn gd at it.

If you are in his fan club, you should be following the rest of his writing (do a search for them). They are fantastic pieces of work!

[moloch1666]

Nice one. Looking forward to more.

[germanstuff]

If you are in his fan club, you should be following the rest of his writing (do a search for them). They are fantastic pieces of work!

Agreed bro. ilock is a fantastic writing talent!

[paintcunting]

Awesome share, please continue bro!

[ilikeoldchangke]

This is new.
4 different headlines on the same date.

I’m not sure what this means but I reckon it meant whatever happens could go 4 ways depending on what I do, or maybe, just maybe, I can do something that will totally remove all 4 headlines from the newspaper.

There’s no way for me to know for sure.

I stuck the 4 different headlines on the wall like before and I read through the articles in detail.

Taking a step back, I folded my arms with my marker in hand as I tried to make sense of what is happening and if there is any connection between the 4 articles.


I could feel excitement coursing through my veins as I devoured the information presented to me.
Publication date for the newspaper is dated for Thursday, 27th Dec 2018. The incidents all happened one day before on the 26th.

It’s 21st now, which means I have 5 days before it occurs.
I can’t tell if there is a connection between the series of incident. If there is, I will need to find it.
I read through the articles and noted down the names of the people involved, the location where the incident happened and the time when it happened.

From there I can slowly analyse the data.



Headline 1

A student at NUS, Spencer, fell victim to a sex for credit scam, losing his savings of $8000 over a period of 3 days. He first contacted this pretty babe online who is offering sex for $150. He went to a 7-11 shop in Hougang in the morning of 24th and bought $150 worth of Alipay credits. After sending the redemption code to the scammer, they demanded more. Spencer spent a total of $500 on credits before he realised he was getting scammed.
He wanted to stop but the scammers have his phone number. They threatened to expose his attempt to engage a sex worker on the internet and publish his details online. Spencer bought credits worth a total of $8000 between 24-26th December, sending them all to the scammer.
Despite having his savings wiped out, Spencer was still getting threats from the scammer who wanted more. Faced with the threat of getting exposed and too embarrassed to ask for help or go to the police, Spencer committed suicide after leaving a note for his parents on the afternoon of 26/12. No foul play has been suspected.


Headline 2

32 year old financial consultant Francis, drove his vehicle up a kerb along a stretch of popular eatery along upper serangoon road. Heavily intoxicated, Francis drove his rented BMW up a kerb and killed 60 year old Tan Shau Kun who was having supper with his friends on the morning of 26/12.
3 of Tan’s friends are injured and sent to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. 2 of them has been discharge and the last one is warded for a broken leg.
Tan was pronounced dead on the scene by the paramedics. Francis has been arrested for negligence & drink driving. Investigations are ongoing.


Headline 3

A pimp for a brothel in Geylang was found dead on the evening of 26/12 at a shopping mall. Chua, an operator for a brothel located along Geylang Lorong 18 was found with a single stab wound to the stomach in the men’s bathroom located on level 3 of Heartland mall.
He was discovered by a cleaner doing his rounds at 9.00pm.
Chua was having dinner and drinks inside the mall with friends and they did not realise he went missing after heading to the bathroom. They assumed he left and they continued drinking.
The murder weapon has been found discarded in a bin by the carpark and investigations are ongoing.


Headline 4

An elderly man fell down the stairs while trying to give chase to a lingerie thief.
59 year old semi-retired Cab driver Alvin Choo fell down the stairs in the evening of 26/12 while trying to chase down a serial lingerie thief. The estate Alvin has been staying in for close to 2 decades has been hit with a spad of missing shoes and lingerie in recent months. Many neighbours have reported missing heels and ladies footwear apart from their underwear.
Alvin just completed his shift around 11.30pm and he discovered the lingerie thief trying to make off with some clothing from his laundry rack along the corridor.
Mr Choo gave chase and while struggling with the thief, he accidentally fell down a flight of stairs, hitting his head on a parked bicycle. He is survived by daughter and wife. Police have established the identity of the lingerie thief through swift investigations, however the suspect did not return home after the incident. The police spokesman has declined further comments on an ongoing investigation.



4 different headlines and they appeared to be isolated incidents.

There is a common denominator for all 4 incidents, and they all happened within the town of Hougang.
I printed a google map of the town and base on the description, roughly plotted the location of each incident.
The suicide, the accident, the murder and the fall, all of which resulted in death. 4 person died.

Taking a step back, it suddenly dawned on me that if I did nothing, at least one of these people will die. This is if I assume that actions of mine will start off chain reaction that affects others. 4 articles published on the same date could mean that if I save 1, the 2nd one will die, if I saved 2, the 3rd will die and so on.

There is a chance that if I save one of them , I might inevitably set off the events that killed the other 3.

However, if I don’t do anything, there is also a chance that all 4 will die. There’s no way for me to know.

I calmed myself down and tried to put things in perspective.
The victims are all within close vicinity of each other, the events happened within hours of each other.

I might just be able to stop them all. If I succeed, I would have saved 4 person.
The timing of each incident is different, I can see they are a few hours apart. That’s good news for me because it means they don’t all happen at the same time.

They are sequential.

4 different headlines, with different time of occurrence, I will take this as if I stop one from happening, it would trigger the other incident, thereby taking on the headline of the day, replacing the one I stopped.


However, if I can stop all 4 from happening, kill it in the cradle. None of these articles will appear on the newspaper.

That is the most plausible theory I can come up with.

I pasted a post it note on Article 1, Spencer.

This is the easy one.

Why ?

Well, I know his face, I know the location, I know the day when it all started.
I just need to stop Spencer from making the 1st purchase of the Alipay credit to stop the scam.

No scam, no threats by the scammer, no suicide.
This 1st case can be a warmup.


Base on the timing, the murder of the pimp, Chua, is the next to happen. I know how Chua looks like, which mall he goes to and which toilet he was found dead.
I might just be able to stop the murder if I’m there.

It’s dumb I know, putting myself in harm’s way for someone I don’t even know but I can’t help it.
Besides, if there are other people in the toilet, how are you going to stab the guy ? Surely you would think twice no ? I would think between Chua and me, 2 adults would surely be enough to stop the murderer.

Why would you commit a crime in full view of another person?

Or perhaps I can stop Chua from going into the bathroom. I mean, getting him to pee or shit all over himself is better than he end up dead right ? Maybe I can lock the bathroom or choke it.

Next would be the accident by the drunk driver. Francis. I can’t stop a moving car, I only know the direction which he is coming from. There was no mention of when Francis was drinking either. If not, I could have stopped him at his drinking hole.

However, I can clear the people having supper by the side of the road I guess.

I just need a way to convince the guest seated along the side of the road to move. Hell, I have 200000 from the lottery, I can book the whole fucking shop if I want to.

Maybe fill each table up with food and tell the operator I’m honouring the dead or something.
It’s doable.

Definitely doable.

Last would be the lingerie thief.

I know the block of flats where the incident happened but I don’t know which unit or which level it happened. However, there are several photos of the scene. All I need to do, is to take the pictures, head down to site and find it. The old locked bicycle that Alvin hit his head against is a dead giveaway.
If I can find that bicycle along the stair landing, I would be able to find the spot where he died.

I will then camp there and wait for either the thief to appear, or Alvin to start chasing. I’ll just need to be near the staircase when it happened to stop him from falling or hitting the parked bike.

I went through the articles again and going through my preliminary plan to see if I miss something out.
So far so good. It seems pretty straight forward. I’m on leave the entire week too, which gives me the time to prepare myself and walk the ground.

It can be done.

It’s exciting no matter how I look at it. If I pull it off, I’m going to save 4 lives and a few broken families.



22nd December 2018
Saturday

I took a cab to Hougang, starting with the block where Spencer stays.
Block 23 sits at the junction of Upper Serangoon road and Hougang Aveue 3.

Walking to the convenient stall, I went in and took my time browsing the drinks in the fridge. This is where Spencer bought the prepaid credits for the scammer.

I paid for a bottle of coffee and left the shop.

[ilikeoldchangke]

Under the block, there is a coffee shop, a clinic among other sundry shops.
A distant away, I could see a warning sign put up by the police, warning residents about sex for credit scams. Apparently, it’s not obvious enough for Spencer to see it.


I walked up and down the entire length of the block, looking at the multiple cameras as I thought of how to let Spencer know he is being scammed. Suddenly, I was hit with a great idea.


What better example to give others, than an example of myself being scammed?
Exactly.

I looked at my phone and around the vicinity.

All I needed to do, is pretend I was getting scammed, maybe get into a heated argument with the imaginary scammer on my end of the line. As long as I am within Spencer’s earshot, he will surely pay attention to me.

And if he still goes ahead and gets cheated when he sees me going through the same thing, I will probably just go ahead and slap some sense into him or something.

I took down some notes and it’s settled for Spencer’s situation.

Next, the pimp. I took a short bus ride to heartland mall and made my way up to level 3. This mall’s bathroom layout is a bit peculiar. There are men and ladies bathroom on the ground floor, but only ladies on level 2 and only men’s on level 3.

While the bathroom on level one is always crowded, the one on level 3 is practically empty. I mean, who wants to take the escalator up to level 3 to take a piss unless you happen to be near right?

Standing at the atrium, I could see it’s a sleepy neighbourhood mall. Some retirees are milling about, enjoying the free air conditioning. From bookshops to banks, the small mall has everything you could possibly need.

I entered the bathroom on level 3 and it’s not very big compared to what you see nowadays at the bigger newer malls.

The article says Chua died with a single stab wound in the 1st cubicle.

The toilet has a stale smell but otherwise still pretty clean. There is a small storage cabinet in the toilet. I opened it to see the usual cleaning products, some plastic aprons, some tongs for picking up rubbish and rubber gloves drying from the previous round of cleaning.

There is also a large bag of jumbo toilet rolls.

I walked out of the bathroom, trying put myself in the shoes of the assailant.
Where would I go ? Where would I run to ?

Heading into the fire exit staircase is the quickest route. It takes you down to level one right away and the camera along the corridor leading to the toilet will be the only one that I would pass through.


I took the route down and I could see the staircase is a frequent spot for the smokers who work in the mall. The steps are littered with cigarette butts and there is a stale smell of 2nd smoke in the air.

Retracing my steps up, i tried to make sense of the attack. There is a high chance that they know each other. The odds of someone stabbing a random guy in a toilet is just so darn low. Maybe it’s a personal feud or something.

I loitered around level 3, taking a couple of rounds around the atrium. There are eateries and restaurant on level 2. Trying to stop a potential murder on my own is just plain dumb, I need help.

My phone rang and I saw that it was Sam.

“hello?”

“Jerry ah Jerry… this time Jelly already la.” he said in an exasperated voice.

“why why why ? why you everytime talk like that Uncle Sam ? “ I asked.
“you went on leave never say earlier, who is going to sign off on my work completion ? end of the year boss, I need to pay bonus, I need to pay my workers. Brother…. Die la brother…”

“Oh shit…” I replied, suddenly remembering I left work in a hurry.

I was supposed to sign off the job completion and pass the document to my colleague who will then hand it over to Sam after he is done.

“How how? , die la brother. How like that ? When you coming back ? “

Looking at the restaurant, and the café, then back at the toilet, I was struck with an idea.

“Sam, I tell you what. You still left a bit not done right ? “

“housekeeping only, almost there. I can chope chope finish in 2, 3 days max.” He said.

“Sam, ok, calm down. You go ahead and finish the work. It’s ending on the 24th right.? “

“yes. Confirm I will wrap up on 24th.”

“Ok, good. you 26th, free or not, come meet me. I buy you dinner. I sign off and settle all your claims. I confirm you within 2 weeks get paid.”

“Zhun bo ? Chinese New year coming leh brother. Cash flow tight ah..”

“Yah la, yah la, you don’t loso (naggy) la , 26th Dinner. At. Errr… Kovan. Heartland mall. I buy you Korean BBQ.” I said while looking at the Korean restaurant on level 2.


The article mentioned Chua was eating and drinking. Among the restaurants I passed through, the Korean BBQ restaurant is the one that has the highest chance of hosting a dinner and drinks crowd.

There are no male toilets on level 2, with the restaurant entrance located closer to the upriding escalator to level 3 compared to the down riding one, chances are men who eat there will take the escalator up to level 3 to use the bathroom, instead of going down to level 1.


“Hougang ah ? steady la, I stay near there. What time ? “

“5.30pm”

“Ok. On ah, don’t fly me aeroplane ar (don’t play me out). Uncle old already…cannot take aeroplane… “

“I’ll see you on the 26th Sam.”


Sam is a bit taller than me but with the body of heavyweight boxer that let his body go out of control. He has a pudgy face that always seemed to be full of stubbles no matter how much he shaves.

His shirt is always those oversized tops with printed faces of wrestling legends from Hulk Hogan to Ultimate warrior.

On his left arm, there is an incomplete tattoo of a dragon. I asked him about the story once, and he told me he was doing it halfway when he was young but a fight broke out in the tattoo parlour. Everyone ran and by the time he came back, police are all over the scene. Being an underage smoker, with contraband cigarettes on himself, he quickly bolted. When he tried to get the tattoo finished, he realised the artist went to jail for some drug offences.


So the tattoo was left incomplete. Instead of a dragon, it looks like a snake with 5 claws.

With a couple of other tattoos, the usual gold chain and the Hokkien speak, Sam is the typical 50 year old boss uncle you see at coffee shops drinking beer after a long day of slogging under the sun.
Despite the menacing look on his face when he frown, he is actually a very nice person. He looks like a bear sometimes when he slouches his shoulder.
With a small business, a wife 20 years younger than him from Vietnam that looks like a super model, I actually envy Sam sometimes.

In particular the super model wife part. She’s not a mail order bride by the way, she was an employee in his company doing administrative stuff and someone along the way, she got promoted from admin to lady boss.

Anyway, with Sam beside me, I think if we were to appear in the bathroom alongside Chua. It’s unlikely that the assailant will go through with what he want to do.


I feel safer thinking about it already.

Next, I made my way to the eatery diagonally across the road from where the mall is. The coffee shop along the busy main road serves nasi lemak and chicken hotpot among other things. It’s a popular joint for dinner and supper.

I observed the big junction for a few minutes and the car that Francis will be driving could come from a few directions. There’s no way of knowing because the papers did not reveal the details.


I walked over to the coffee shop. I have been here for supper before many years ago with friends.

A walkway of less than 2 metres separates the busy road from the closest diner.
Recalling the picture from the article, I knew Francis hit the table right by the electrical junction boxes, pinning Tan against it while sending other diners flying in the vicinity.

Tan and friends are having chicken hotpot when the incident happened.
I walked up to the stall and asked if I could block book the shop for a party on the evening of 26th.

“Sorry, we already have a few tables books that night.” The staff said.

“Anyway we can work around ? I’m willing to pay.”

“Brother, here we do mostly regulars. I cannot cancel regular’s table for one off booking.” He checked his booklet and told me he can give me a table for 8 if I want to go ahead with the booking.


“Ok, but can I choose my seat ? “

The staff laughed.

“No, all taken, I can set up your table for you by there if you like.” He pointed to a pathway beside a cluster of trees.

I told him to let me think about it.


Crap.

I guess I just have to find a way to get everyone out of their seat. The 1st idea which came into my mind was to get a water truck and spray everyone, the same one we use to water the plants during dry season, but that will probably cost me my job and put me in jail for a few days.

Taking the foot path up and down a few times, I tried to think of ways to stop the car from ramming up the kerb. I saw a man sitting at the coffee shop drinking alone. His shirt is torn and dirty, he looked like he has not have a shower for a long time.

[ilikeoldchangke]

No one paid much attention to him until he vomited right onto the foot path.

A lady quickly gave him a wide berth and covered her nose, shaking her head in disgust.

As I got closer, the noxious smell hit me. The acidic smell of stomach bile and puke. It made me want to vomit as well.

Before I could deal with the retching reflex, I turned and looked at the puddle of vomit.

That could work.

I mean imagine having your supper and someone projectile vomit onto your table. Surely you would get up and start running won’t you ?

Yes. Vomit.

Vomit could work.

The hard part is timing the vomit.

I mean I could always do it early. Sure I’ll make a mess and maybe get on some nerves. There will be angry people about but I guess if I offered to pay for the diners including a all you can eat hotpot as an apology, I’m sure those rattled nerves will be soothed in no time.

It’s not fool proof but it’s what I could think of. It’s worth an attempt.

Finally I made my way to the block of flats where the lingerie theft took place.

Block 15, Hougang Avenue 3.

I took the staircase of all 4 cores and I found the locked bicycle that hit Alvin.
It’s old, rusty and appears to be discarded. The frames are broken on some parts. I checked the lock and the chain, those appear to be sturdy. You will need a mechanical saw to break them. Someone probably locked the bike here, lost the key and forgot all about it.


There are quite a few sharp parts and I have an idea to mitigate the damage should Alvin fall again or if I fail to stop him in time.

I’m going to go to the bookshop and load up on bubble warp, and tape.

Then I’m going to come back here and fucking tape up and bubble wrap the bicycle. If Alvin should fall again, the bubbled wrapped discarded bike should not hurt him as much.


As I walked to the bus stop, I was feeling quite happy with myself.
After paying for the stationaries, I decided to use the bathroom at the mall before I head over to bubble wrap the bicycle.

I used the urinal and turned around to look at the empty bathroom. It was then I realised there is a cleaning card located behind the door of the bathroom.

All public restrooms in malls have a cleaning schedule and the cleaner are supposed update and sign off after they clean the toilet. It’s a way of monitoring the cleanliness of the toilet.

I squeezed my bladder to quickly empty my pee, eager to take a look at the card.

Why ?


The card has the cleaner’s schedule broken down into hours depending on how frequent they need to clean the toilet.

Some are hourly, some are bi hourly depending on how crowded the malls are on different days.
The article states that the cleaner discovered Chua’s body at 9pm.

If I can find out what time is the previous clean, I can effectively narrow down the time of the attack to between that time, and 9pm.

I washed my hands and walked excitedly to the door.


I read the card behind it’s plastic holder and I could feel the expression on my face change.

The cleaning frequency on weekday evenings are done bi-hourly and the last cleanup is scheduled at 7.30pm.

Thereafter, the cleaner, working a 12 hour shift will need to be here again at 7.30am to clean up the toilet before the mall starts operating.

The article clearly says the cleaner discovered the body at 9pm.
Before I could ask myself why the cleaner would still be around at 9pm when he ends work after the 7.30pm final clean, I saw the name on the card.

The name of the cleaner is clearly stated on all the cards in the bathroom.

“Tan Shau Kun”

He was the one that would have been killed in the accident by Francis and his BMW.

“oh…” I mumbled under my breath.

Right about then, the door opened, bringing me face to face with Tan Shau Kun.

………………………………….

[coxx]

Excellent update TS, big thanks! :)

[driedlemon3]

Amazingly engaging story! Thanks TS, waiting for the next episode

[blueant]

Like this story, shall camp for more updates

[FlatTop]

Eagerly waiting for the next update.

[Immunities]

Like this story, shall camp for more updates

Same here too

[xishan]

Amazingly engaging story! Thanks TS, waiting for the next episode

Yes very nice share

[crappytoot]

TS can publish this as a book already. Amazing story!

[firstprize8989]

Very well written story. Please continue bro TS. :)

[lowhc]

Bro ilock, don't forget that at Sammy, we are all illos (I love lots of sex). :)

Thanks for the nice story.

[Gegenpressing]

Support a great thread. Look forward to next update!!

[ailestriker]

Didnt know there's another story!! Support support!!!

[georgie1994]

is hard to find such eating habit nowadays as life is busy

[ilikeoldchangke]

Tan walked with a slight limp into the toilet, passing me by without looking at me. Dressed in the cleaning company’s uniform, he hummed a melody as he entered the toilet.
I went to the sink and pretended to wash my hands as I watched him check and inspect each cubicle. No matter how I look at him, he does not strike me as a murderer or someone who would stab another man.

Tan looked friendly and approachable.

I left the toilet shortly after that and waited for Tan to come out. Standing across the atrium which gave me a direct view of the corridor leading to the toilet, I saw Tan limping out with a knife in his hand. It’s a small fruit knife, barely the length of a small ruler.

Tan saw a colleague and they exchanged greetings warmly while pulling out an apple from a plastic bag. They grabbed a chair each near the small pantry nook where the sink is before settling down.
Tan and his colleague started talking and I watch him slice the apple into smaller pieces while holding it in his hand while chatting. No matter how I look at it, he doesn’t look like someone who will stab a man in the toilet.

Pretending to walk closer so I can eavesdrop on their conversation, they were talking about some choke toilet bowl in the ladies. Someone threw their sanitary pad in it or something. Tan also complained about his boss asking him to clean up the staircase of the mall, it’s hard on him because of his limp to go up and down staircases.

It’s just the usual daily banter between fellow cleaners.

I took the escalator down to level 2. This is bigger than I imagined.
They’re connected somehow.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee brought me to a café on level one and I ordered myself a cup of black coffee. As I sipped my cup of joe, I closed my eyes and tried to make sense of what is happening.

First the papers.
Suicide comes first, then the stabbing, then the accident, followed by the lingerie theft.
All 4 incidents happen on the same day, and they grabbed the headlines. So assuming I stop the suicide, the stabbing will take the headline. If I stop the stabbing, the accident will take the headline, and so on. This assumption is based on the time the incident occurs.

Running along this line of theory, Tan will stab Chua, pretend to discover the body before heading to supper with his friends. While eating, he gets into an accident and dies.

There may or may not be some other lines of connection between the other parties involved. I just don’t know them yet.

If I stop the stabbing, does that mean Tan will not go for supper and will not end up as an accident victim ? I put down my cup of coffee and cursed under my breath, reminding myself not to be so brash the next time I see the newspaper seller.
I have so many questions for him. At the very least, I need to ask him how the fuck this thing works.

After my coffee, I went back to the block of flats and bubble wrapped the sharp edges of the old, discarded bicycle. It looks silly but if it’s going to save someone’s life, it’s worth the effort.

I literally covered all edges with the bubble wrap.

Staring at my handiwork, I decided to apply a layer of bubble wrap on all edges near the bottom of the railings as well. Maybe I should buy a couple of mattress and put them there or something.

I took a cab back to office and spent a couple of hours finishing up what I should have done before running off the day before.
After I’m done, I did a round around the botanic garden on foot, hoping to see the old newspaper seller but I had no luck. I thought it was worth a try.


24th December 2018
Christmas eve
Monday

6am

I was up even before my alarm went off.
Today is the day Spencer gets scammed for the 1st time.

I have an idea of how to stop him. I could walk right up to him and tell him ‘hey bro, this is a scam.’ However, I doubt he would believe me. He might think I’m trying to scam him instead.
This is the way the human mind works. If someone tells us something, our mind chooses to be sceptical about it, but if we see something happening in front of our eyes, we tend to believe it.
Anything and everything is more believable, as long as our mind arrives on that conclusion without someone telling us.

Base on this line of thought, I decided to set myself up as a scam victim. Not that I’m going to get scam or anything, but pretending to be on the phone with a top up card in my hand looking worried as fuck is not hard.
The article mentioned Spencer first visited the convenient shop in the morning. It didn’t say what time. I took a taxi out to Hougang and arrived at the convenient store before 7am.

Entering the shop, I asked for a $100 Alipay topup card.

The auntie behind the counter took a card and loaded it with the amount I asked for.
I paid up and walked to the coffee shop just beside the convenient stall.
I ordered coffee and breakfast, choosing a seat that gave me a good vantage point of anyone approaching the convenient stall.
It turned out to be more than 2 hour wait.

At around 9am, I saw Spencer approached the convenient store. He carried a sling bag and wore a cap. He looked nervous and keeps looking at his phone while texting.
I finished my 3rd cup of coffee and brought my phone to my ear. It’s time to put on a show.

I saw Spencer hold up his phone’s speaker to his ear, probably listening to a seductive sweet voice of the scammer reassuring him that once he sends her the details of the top up card, she will let him know the address of where she is located.
Maybe she will throw in a couple of details of the naughty things she can do to him later after payment.

It’s always the same trick but people still fall prey to it. A sweet whiny voice of a girl can be hard to resist when your sperm sacs are full and you are thinking with your dick.

Spencer stopped outside the convenient store and reached for his wallet.

Walking towards him, I frowned and started talking to my imaginary scammer on the other line.

“what is the meaning of this ? I already send you the picture of my top up card, and you want more ? I send a few hundred already you know. “

I paused and from the corner of my eye, I saw Spencer looking at me.

Using a voice in distressed, I continued talking.

“ I really have no more money already. You at first tell me $50, then $100. Now you want $300!. Just send me the address of the girl already!”

I paced up and down the entrance of the store and Spencer is staring right at me as I pretended to pull my hair. Raising my voice, I threatened the imaginary scammer on the other end of the line.

“Oh FUCK YOU.. you think I afraid of you ? Fuck you ah.. I’m not paying you anymore…… FUCK off… what? What ? Gangster ? Gangster ah ? you gangster ? you sure ? COME LA.. come down now.. you here. You sure you here. ? Come here… I’m wearing blue, standing in front of the convenient store… come… I dare you to come… don’t talk cock with me… come down !.. fuck… you… fuck you ah..!” I cursed loudly in an agitated manner that it drew the attention of a few retirees having breakfast in the coffee shop.

I was breathing hard and I made eye contact with Spencer who was staring at me dumbfounded.

“WHAT ?! Never see people get scam before is it ?!?? You never see people kena (fall victim) the sex for credit scam ? What is there to look at? “ I said while glaring at Spencer in an aggressive manner. “I stupid la… I’m stupid… I really think a pretty girl will sleep with me for $120…I’m stupid…happy ? happy or not?!”

He immediately looked at his phone and switched it off.

Spencer turned around and pulled his cap down low and started walking away.

I bit my lips and fought back a chuckle. My face was flushing red and it was so fucking embarrassing but it got the job done.

See, this one is easy.

I ignored the stares the retirees are giving me and ordered another drink at the coffee shop. I just want to hang around a while longer to make sure Spencer never came back.

He didn’t and I’m so thankful he did not.

Surely that exaggerated act of mine is enough of a warning even for the most muddleheaded chap who is thinking with his penis. I mean come on. Even a simple foot and shoulder massage by a auntie in her fifties in Singapore will set you back between $40 to $55.

A sleazy massage shop needs $50-$88 as ‘entrance fee’ even before they pop the golden question if you need a ‘happy ending’. Those are separate charges by the way.

You really expect a pretty and hot 21 year old babe to have sex with you for $120-150 through the night ? Does chicken rice still cost 30 cents at the food centre ?
Despite the widely advertised warnings about falling prey to sex for credit scams, it’s still happening. The message is not getting through to the men.
Perhaps the government should start advertising how much legal sex services cost in Singapore. I mean there are legal, and licensed sex workers in Singapore, it’s 2018 for god sake.
Why are we still adopting the ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ mentality at this?

If you can put notices at airports telling tourists how much a cab ride would cost to go to town, why can’t you be more kind to your own citizens?
Put up a damm sign to educate the people how much legal sex services cost, instead of having them trawl banned forums and sites to find out.
Surely having a price comparison would knock some sense into the potential victims.

No one is saying we should be proud and advertise to the world we have legal prostitution in Singapore, but it’s nothing to be ashamed of either. Just make it known to these clueless young punks.
I’m sure it’s not hard to slip in a lecture or two during national service about this shit when there are already so many ‘F’ words being thrown around.

I could still feel the eyes of the coffee shop patrons on me and decided it was time to go.

[ilikeoldchangke]

They probably think I’m an idiot but it’s ok. As long as Spencer don’t jump, I’m fine with people thinking I’m stupid.
They will probably forget about this in a few days.

I took a bus to the mall where the stabbing will be taking place in a couple of days and did another walkabout.

I saw Tan again. He was smiling and talking to a shop tenant while pushing his cleaning trolley. He walked passed the Korean restaurant and waved to someone inside. I cannot imagine how he is going from a friendly neighbourhood mall cleaner to killing a pimp.


26th December 2018
Wednesday
5.30pm

I waited for Sam at the mall entrance and I saw him walking towards me with a old fanny pack around his body. He waved from a distance away, unable to hide the glee on his face that I am buying him dinner.
I have only bought him coffee and water so far. Despite his repeated attempts to ask me out and buy me lunch, I have refused his offers. It’s not nice for a public servant to be dining out with contractors who are footing the bill.
I prefer to draw a line between work and personal life.
Today however, I’m afraid the line is going to get blurred.

Sam was wearing his company’s polo t-shirt, the services he provides clearly advertised on his back. His expression clearly indicated that he is glad to be able to get away from wife and kids.
I could see him holding a file in his hands, the documents I needed to sign off.

“Yo yo yo, Jerry, Jerry, Jerry…” Sam said in a spritely voice.
“ya ya ya, Sam Sam Sam…” I replied in a ‘meh’ voice.

“Wah, you first time ask me come out eat ley…. I going to win lottery…” Sam chuckled as we start walking towards the restaurant.

He lowered his voice a notched and asked if I needed help with something.
I turned and gave him a raised eyebrow look, wondering how he read my mind.

“Actually last month, your colleague Trisha ah, wah liew, she ask my people help her clear one entire patch ah, no money one ok…! “ Sam went on saying the other contractor played her out, left a section of their site untouched and Tricia did not know about it until it was too late.

“But I steady one, I settle for her” Sam said ‘settle’ in a forceful manner, slicing his palm faced down to the front of his chest like he solved a nuclear crisis or something.

“Tricia always doesn’t check her site properly.” I said while asking for a table for 2 at the restaurant. “I’m the opposite of her.”

“She always wear high heels mah, girls wear heels kok kok kok, walk shopping mall and office only.” Sam took a seat and opened the menu.

“Order what you want, my treat today.” I said.

“I kidding with you la Jerry, how can I let you treat ? I buy la, I buy la..” Sam said while gesturing to the staff to place his order.

I told him it’s either I buy the dinner or I’m not signing off the document.
“wah, like that ah. You don’t regret ah… Uncle is meat eater I tell you..” Sam chuckled and started placing orders of beef and chicken.

Sam and I talked about work as the meat was served and left to sizzle on the grill.


6pm.

I was putting a slice of beef in a vegetable wrap when what I saw at the entrance of the restaurant sent a shiver down my spine. I was expecting a familiar face, but I saw 2 instead.

The pimp, Chua is right up front and a couple of bodies behind him, is Francis.
The group file into the restaurant, talking loudly drawing the attention of the other restaurant patrons.

Chua is wearing a black long sleeve shirt that is left tuck out of his pants. The 1st button of his top is undone, revealing a partial tattoo of a demigod. A gold chain sits prominently around his neck and he walks with a swagger into the eatery.

The look on his face is one that is on the lookout for trouble. He has that gaze that readily engages people who are looking at him like he wanted to pick a fight.

He cast a look at our table, no doubt spotting the equally tattooed Sam stuffing a mouthful of cabbage wrapped beef into his mouth. Sam, upon seeing someone stare at him, put done his metal chopsticks and rest both hands on his thigh with his elbows angled outwards.

The old school stare down lasted barely 3 seconds and continued even after Chua joined his friends at the table.
The table of 6 includes Francis, a bespectacled man with the douchbag haircut. Decked out in branded goods from head to toe, he looks like the typical insurance agent that wears an expensive watch and drives a continental car.

Minutes after sitting down, the behaviour of the group clearly riled up other customers in the shop.
The talked loudly and cursed openly, throwing the ‘F’ word about even though there are kids in the restaurant. Chua is also particularly rude to the service staff, shouting at them to get their attention during the dinner peak.

In fact, Chua is the most rude one out of the group. He openly picked on service staff and even tell other tables off when they asked them to lower their voice.

“Not happy ? huh ? beat me la… you want to beat me ? “ He said in a defiant many while pointing to his cheek.

When their orders are finally placed, they quietened down a notch, but just when I thought we can enjoy a meal peacefully, the sound of soju glasses and beer mugs hitting the table noisily started to fill the restaurant, drawing the ire of the neighbouring tables.

One of the guys 2 tables away with his girlfriend went over to ask his friends to lower their volume but Chua commented loudly that this is the atmosphere in the restaurant when he eats in Korea.

I was tempted to tell him that his is Kovan, not Korea when I reminded myself that stakes are a lot bigger than correcting his behaviour and English that night.

“Public space wo !, why cannot talk loudly ? why ? you want to act hero in front of girl is it ? come la beat me, beat me, I won’t fight back, beat me ?” Chua pointed to his face again, giving that really stuck up asshole expression.

Chua’s friend apologised and asked Chua to sit back down.

The group ate noisily and they spat food directly onto the floor. Their used napkins and the small bones from their beef ribs all went straight to the floor.

One of the female staff tried to give them a container to put their waste but they just waved her away in a rude manner. Within a span of an hour, Chua demanded their grill plate be changed twice, scolded a staff for being too slow and shouted at another staff for not coming to help with their meat in a prompt manner.
While the rest of his friends are a little rowdy in their behaviour, Chua is always the loudest one and he speaks in an aggressive manner.

“How to eat like that you tell me ? How to eat this ?! “ He said while throwing a half slab of rib onto the table before throwing the tongs at the staff.

The rib looked a little charred, you can probably scrap off the black bits at the side and its still fine. There’s no need to throw the whole slab.

Gesturing his index finger at the staff, he pointed to the meat he threw on the table.
“I tell you, you eat this and show me. So black !, you want me to die is it ?”

While a friend of his asked Chua to calm down, the others just chuckled as the staff apologised and offered to replace the meat with a new one.

I could see the staff trying to call the restaurant owner, probably to inform him about the difficult table.

Half a dozen empty soju bottles sat on the floor near the group with another half a dozen of beer bottles scattered about the table and floor.
For absolutely no reason at all, Chua started tapping the grill with the metal Tongs, scraping and making a din while eyeballing the overworked staff who was trying to take another round of orders.

“Neh sweel eh… ( breast not bad ). Come my place work want or not ? hahaha.” Chua teased the female staff who quickly took the menu and walked away.

“what a table of assholes.” Sam said while eyeing them in an irritated manner.

“ignore them la, just eat our food.” I said.

Seeing the group drink, Sam asked if we should also order a few bottles of beer.

“You’re driving, don’t drink.”

“I live just 10 minutes away.”

“but you’re still driving right. What if you hit someone, who is going to take care of your kids and wife ? ”


“Wah lau eh Jerry. You very the wet blanket leh… ok, ok, ok. Drink coke, Drink coke.”

7.30pm

This is the time for the last round of cleaning in the toilet. After that, Tan is probably going to be at other sections of the mall.

The newspaper article says Tan raised the alarm of the body at 9pm. Chua is still sitting a few tables from me. It’s going to happen soon I think.
The expression on the faces of staff and other restaurant patrons speaks volumes about the noisy table.

Chua has been harassing the female staff by the name of Brenda for the past hour. He commented on her breast, her legs, how smooth her skin is.
When a male staff tried to serve that table, Chua shouted for him to go away.

“get her to serve us, she got breast, got legs, you got what? Hairy leg ah ? “ Chua said as his friends laughed.

[ilikeoldchangke]

Everyone was looking at Chua and his friends, but they could not give two fucks what others thought about their behaviour.


The final straw came when Brenda was asked over to the table to cut down a few pieces of grilled meat for the men. While cutting, Chua deliberately made Brenda put the pieces of meat into the places of his friends around the table.
Since she is standing at one side of the table, she needs to reach over and stretch to reach the plates on the other side.

As she stretched, Chua openly ogled at her legs, bringing his face close to her thighs and doing the eyebrow raising kind of look at his friends who were all laughing.

“here one hour how much they pay you little girl…come my place work, I guarantee you…. Whoooo… hahha.” Chua laughed as he heckled the girl.” Don’t angry leh little girl…don’t wait you ask your boyfriend come and beat me wor…”

I can’t believe an asshole like him exists.
Brenda set down the scissors and tongs after she’s done and excused herself from the shop. As she walked past us, I could see her eyes are red. She’s on the verge of crying.

Brenda stormed out of the shop and a older auntie from the kitchen came out to tell the group off. She scolded them, telling them if they are here to eat, they are welcome, but if they are here to create trouble, they should leave.

Chua had the cheek to talk back to her in a haughty manner.
“ Please ah, I only want her to work for me ah, not you, ha. Haha.. not you. You no market. Hahaha” Chua said as a few of his equally intoxicated friends roared with laughter.

The auntie stormed angrily back to the kitchen and I could hear Chua calling out to her.
“ehhhh, Take chopper chop me ah ? faster ah..haha.. make sure sharp enough… if not will be painful…chop here… chop here” Chua said while angling his head outwards, displaying the back of his neck towards the kitchen.

The adults at a table with kids shook their head and decided to leave without finishing their meals. I don’t blame them. The way they are behaving is affecting everyone’s appetite.
Sam, however, is still focused on his food. He kept cooking and grilling the meat, rejecting the staff’s help because he says he can do a better job.
“I am the BBQ king when I’m young ok !” He boasted. “beef if too cooked not nice.”

A few minutes later, I saw Brenda come back from the bathroom, she obviously locked herself in a cubicle to cry or something.
As she walked in briskly, avoiding the looks from Chua and friend, I saw Tan at the entrance of the restaurant.

He appeared to be walking or chasing after Brenda, stopping at the restaurant entrance.
Tan is looking at Brenda with a worried look on his face, and right about then, Chua made another pass at Brenda.

“Oei, girl, girl… don’t cry la. Uncle play with you only you cry, next time how to play with boyfriend ? hahah” Chua said while sucking to the end of his chopsticks and shaking his legs under the table.
“Cannot play ah, cannot play don’t come out work la… stay at home read book ah… young people… cannot take stress ah ? “

The expression on Tan’s face has changed as he stared at Chua from outside the shop.
This must be the trigger.
Tan is related to Brenda.

Sam put his utensils down and I could see he too was getting riled up by that asshole.
“oei oei oei, what you doing ? “ I asked.

I never expected Sam to shout across the restaurant.

“OEI, KNN ( fuck you ), can shut up or not. The rest of us trying to eat leh What the fuck, whole evening kao pei kao bu ( making a scene ).”

Chua immediately stood up, pushing his chair back angrily while pointing aggressively at Sam.

“What’s your problem !” Chua wanted to come towards us but was held back by his friends who finally realised their friend is going overboard.

Francis turned and apologised to the restaurant on Chua’s behalf and Sam stood up, rising to his full height, unafraid to rise up to the challenge.

“come la, we go out talk..ai mai ? ( shall we ) lai ah (come on).. you think I scare of you ? I put you one hand ah CCB (I’ll give you a one arm handicap if we fight) ” Chua said aggressively, taunting Sam to a fight.

He even picked up the scissors that was used to cut the BBQ meat and offered it to Sam.

“come take, come…waiting for what? “ Chua taunted.”come and kill me la….waiting for what ? no balls ah ? you no balls ? COME!”

The owner of the restaurant finally arrived and he tried to defuse the situation.

Brenda looked distressed, and you could tell she just wants to get out of the place.

The shop owner offered to give all the tables a discount and calmer minds at Chua’s table agreed that they should stop drinking. The mood in the restaurant mellowed down a notch and Chua while eyeballing Sam gestured a middle finger to Brenda.

“all your fault ah girl… see, wear so short. Attract all the wolves, people gangster want to stand up for you ah. !” Chua said, making an obvious dig at Sam. “wait gangster kill me ah… say I pervert ah…”

At the point, I was tempted to let Chua get stabbed, but I knew at the back of my head we can avoid this. We can still stop this. He’s an asshole alright, but he doesn’t deserve to die because of it.

Sam, to his credit, did not let a comment like that rile him up.

“siao one you know these people… you see.. Singapore so stressful.. everyday got crazy people.” Sam mumbled and continued to cook the beef on the grill.
“KNN, take one scissors want to play hero…he don’t know my lorry got chainsaw ah.hahahha” Sam chuckled and I urged him to concentrate on his food.

I kept a close eye on Chua. He’s riled up so many people already. The moment he goes to the bathroom, that’s probably when it will happen.
Gesturing to Brenda, Sam requested politely that she help us cook the rest of the meat on the table.

“Come come, you help us cook here. That table no more food, you don’t go there. “

Brenda nodded gratefully and Sam excused himself, saying that he needs to go to the bathroom.
“You cook first ah, I high tide… later come back just nice I can eat..” Sam said to Brenda.

After Sam walked off, I tried to calm Brenda down by striking up a conversation.

“They’re just drunk and being assholes, don’t mind them.” I said to Brenda. “ You still in school? “

I struck up a conversation with Brenda, who only looked too happy to be away from Chua and friends and talking to someone who is not drunk.
She has been looking at me since I walked in and I’m not shy to admit I’m the best looking guy within the eatery.

Suddenly I saw Chua walk out of the restaurant.
“I’ve been working here for 5 months when I’m not studying, mostly part time. “ Brenda said. “I’ve never see you here before.”
Without replying her, I took out my wallet and told Brenda to put the bill on my card and we will be back.

“ I need to use the toilet I’m sorry. ”

Running out of the restaurant, I saw Chua walking briskly up the escalator to level 3.

I don’t know if he saw Sam heading up and wants to confront him, or if he really needs to use the bathroom.

I walked quickly behind Chua and upon arriving at level 3, I saw Tan eyeing Chua. That look on his face is not good news.

Shit.

Tan, seeing Chua walking to the toilet, started to limp rapidly towards us, coming down from the other end of the mall.

I avoided Tan’s gaze and walked slightly behind Chua towards the toilet.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Tan abandoned his cleaning trolley and he started limping towards the bathroom behind me.

I exhaled and tried to calm myself down. This is it boy.

Entering the toilet, I saw Sam at the Urinal. He was peeing and whistling.

Chua entered and slowed his approach. He took the centre of the toilet, looking at Sam’s back view without saying anything. If he is here to pee, he wouldn’t have hesitated and just stared at Sam.

I stepped in and before the door shut behind me, Tan’s hand stopped the door from closing.

Tan set up the yellow cleaning in progress sign outside the men’s bathroom and stepped in behind me.

Sam turned around, coming face to face with Chua while I heard the thud of the toilet door closing, shutting the 4 of us within the confines of the men’s toilet.

………………………………………………………………………………….

[hawkeye007]

Great update...!!

Now machiam blue balls with the cliffhanger; can’t wait for the next update..!!

[Ahter69]

Excellent story bro, will look forward to next update!

[koebshaq0_0]

Thank you TS for the latest update! Have a great weekend! :)

[jlanjut]

Awesome 4some!

Ups for iLock.

[2Dots]

Very nice story, can't wait to read next update

[TheGG]

Welcome back ilock

[shengkaifu]

Cheers to TS, please write more! :)

[FlatTop]

Thank you James for recent updates.
Can't wait for the next. I've been checking 3 to 4 times a day to see if there is any.
Keep up the good work. You are the best writer on SBF. There is no doubt about it.

[HoJinx]

Thank you James for recent updates.
Can't wait for the next. I've been checking 3 to 4 times a day to see if there is any.
Keep up the good work. You are the best writer on SBF. There is no doubt about it.

Agreed with you bro. TS is a fantastic writer!

[chenzong]

Agreed with you bro. TS is a fantastic writer!

I second the secondment of Bro Ho!

[kamayo]

Wonder when is the next update :)

[DickyWang]

“Fuck, I love this story.” :D

perhaps it's not Chua's life that Jerry is saving ... it's Chua's murderer's life?

can't wait for the next episode! I came here horny but left intrigued!

[SplendidW380]

Excellent story TS, support!

[Happyinsg]

Great story. Kudos to the author.

[18002255582]

Camping for more updates to this wonderful story.:)

[ilikeoldchangke]

We are all animals at the end of the day. We are all controlled by our emotions.
You would need to be a block of wood if you cannot feel the hostile atmosphere in the men’s bathroom. A drunk, an angry cleaner, a giant of a man happily peeing at the urinal and someone who is biting off more than he could chew. Things are going to get ugly fast.

Sam is a nice guy when he is nice. Turning around after to pee to see someone eyeballing you to pick a fight is a signal for you to switch off the ‘nice’ mode. Guys are vulnerable when peeing and picking on someone in the bathroom when he is not ready is just plain dirty. If that doesn’t rile you up, I don’t know what will.

4 grown adults in a bathroom with a fight about to break out, you would think at least one of them have the brain to stop it.
You are right.
I’m that adult.

I want the 1st strike advantage.
It’s simple. Divert all attention to myself.
If I make myself the focus of everyone in the toilet, they will not be able to focus on each other.

Therefore, I need to present myself in a manner that demands immediate attention. Talking nicely and calmly, trying to separate the fight is not going to work after it starts.

This is something you need to nip at the bud.
I need something drastic, to hit at this with shock and awe.

“arGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” I shouted at the top of my voice, clutching my heart and my stomach as I knelt down in the middle of the toilet. “arGHHHHHH!”

I could feel my kneecaps protest as I went down too hard, sending a thud vibrating across the tiled floor.

My agonising scream echoed throughout the bathroom as I ignored how disgusting the floor is, choosing to fall flat on my face with my head hitting the ground.
The sudden outburst caught everyone off guard. Chua jumped, he did not even realised there is someone behind him.

Tan froze too by the door as he looked at me whining in pain.

“kerzzz,…kerzzz….ffffffzzzzz….” I gagged and rolled around like I’m a zombie about to turn.

I tightened my facial muscles and made gasping noises that sounded like I was about to choke to death or something. I grabbed my throat, then my stomach like I was possessed. I held my breath, if I hold my breath, it would show on my face how horrible I was feeling.

Sam immediately ran over to me.

“Jerry, Jerry !, hey, hey, don’t scare me..ah… hey… Jerry are you ok ? “ Sam said while trying to support my head as I collapsed onto the floor while feigning spasms throughout my whole body.

He did not even wash his hands after peeing.
“call the ambulance. Call the ambulance !” Sam shouted at Chua whose face suddenly looked drained of colour.

He fumbled for his phone only to realise it’s not with him. Sam alternated between keeping me awake and trying to fumble for his phone only to find it out of power.

“i… I left it downstairs at the restaurant!” Chua looked at Tan who is staring at everyone by the door. “do you have a phone ? do you have a phone ? “

It took Tan a second to react and he pulled out his phone to dial for help.

“what’s wrong with you Jerry?” Sam asked.

“he’s choking, he’s choking.!” Chua said, throwing wild guesses out as he too knelt down to try and support my weight.

I never expected Sam to believe him.

“Choking ? what should we do ? “

“Bent him over, bent him over, we squeeze it out.” Chua said.

I continued my act of spasm while holding my breath and was horrified when Sam and Chua grabbed me off the ground. Chua went behind me, clasping his fist around my stomach.
Before I could react, Sam held my cheek with the same hands he used while peeing and tried to get me to open my mouth.

“Open Jerry, Open, spit it out. ! Open your mouth!”

No. No way.
I just had a fucking filling dinner of BBQ meat and shitloads of kimchi. Not to forget the glass of coke I drained. I could feel my dinner swimming in my stomach as Chua shouted for Sam to stand back.

Sam grabbed onto my jaw like he was about to uproot a tree sapling and I could taste blood in my mouth. He can’t control his strength properly in that situation.
All I could think of was if he splashed any of his pee on his hands while peeing.

“OK, Ok, pushing!” Chua said by my ears.
Chua’s clenched fist thrust into my abdomen and I thought I saw white light flashed across my eyes.

The thrust was immediately followed by my retching reaction. A truly natural reflex considering how full I was. It was not an act as I almost vomited, tasting the acidity of my stomach bile in my throat.

I groaned and I could feel my saliva pooling by the insides of my mouth. That was fucking uncomfortable.
I waved my hands in the air, intending to get them to stop.

“again, again, he almost vomit out already !” Sam shouted at Chua who himself was gasping for air trying to hold my bodyweight up.

I shook my head at Sam only to hear him reassure me it’s ok.

“Jerry spit it out, spit it out quick ! it’s ok !”

I felt the forceful thrust of Chua’s fist against my tummy again. This time, the puke came right up to my mouth but I gagged and swallowed it, feeling the burn down my throat.
I gasped and my eyes starts to tear. Sam could probably see bits of vomit by the side of my lips.

“one more time, harder, harder, you need to do it harder !” Sam urged Chua who, half drunk was struggling to save my life.

Chua grunted and shout as he depressed my tummy again.
“arghhh!”

Then I felt it.
I can see the merlion standing at the mouth of Singapore River in my head as I regurgitated my dinner back into my mouth. I press my lips shut because I was still trying to fight it, but there is no fighting a force like this.

I felt the dribble of my dinner spilling out of my lips before the dam broke.

Everything came out.
Sam gave my back a good smack and that was it.
My dinner came right out. A delicious meal of BBQ meat and banchan is now a colourful waterfall of colours splattering all over the ground.

Chua asked for help supporting a bent over merlion and Sam immediately shouldered half the weight.

The kimchi, the beef, the chewed up vegetables right up to the amazing pickled side dishes I had for dinner.
It all came out. My vomit splattered onto the pants of the men holding onto me but they were more concerned about me breathing.

Chua kept tapping me on my back as Sam supported me.

“it’s ok liao, it’s ok liao, come out already, come out already.!” Chua said “ spit everything out !”

My gagging reflex continued for a while longer. I’m sure you know once you get into that retching state, it just keeps happening until you are empty and drooling like a stoned baby.

I was lowered to the ground and tears rolled down my cheeks. I’m not crying, it’s the gag reflex that made me tear. I have never felt so uncomfortable like this before.

“shhhh, shhhh, shhhh, it’s ok, it’s ok. Don’t cry.. it’s ok… shit happens… shit happens.” Sam said, not a bit worried about my puke on his clothes. “ don’t need to cry over something like that la!”

I was sitting in a pool of my vomit and my tummy is churning.
Tan took a large roll of paper from the storage in the toilet and handed it to me. He also pulled a mop to try and contain the vomit from flowing everywhere as I groaned, sitting dazed on the ground.
“there’s, there’s no reception in here. I can’t call.” He said.” I’ll go out and make the call.”

I immediately shook my head, telling Tan there was no need to call for an ambulance.

“I feel much better now thank you.” I wasn’t planning to puke all over the place but if this is what it takes to stop someone from dying, I think it’s a fair trade.

The smell is horrible within the confined space and Chua, having drank so much at the restaurant, pushed his way into a cubicle and started vomiting too, affected by the smell of my puke.

He hugged onto the toilet bowl and I could see Tan looking at his back view. He was contemplating something.

I immediately tried to distract Tan by asking him a question.
“is there a hose I can wash myself with ? “

Tan showed me to the last cubicle where the squatting pan is.
Sam called out to Chua who was literally hugging the toilet bowl.

“oei, you ok bo ? “ He asked outside the cubicle.

Chua gave an ‘ok sign’ with his fingers without turning back as he let loose another round of puke into the toilet.

[ilikeoldchangke]

Tan went over to Chua’s cubicle and when he spoke, I finally knew his relationship with the girl in the restaurant.

“hey you… that girl you are picking on in the restaurant just now… she is my granddaughter.”

Chua’s puking stopped as I finished rinsing my mouth and face quickly so I can get back out there.

Tan was waiting for Chua to answer him and I immediately went over to put myself in between the two of them.

“hey…. I think we…”

Before I could finish, Chua interrupted my sentence.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry..” Chua said. His tone a stark difference from before.

I turned and looked at Chua who is tearing up. He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, sniffing and breaking down. Ok he’s drunk, intoxicated. I’ve heard about people crying when they are drunk before but this is the first time I’m seeing it.

“I’m…. I’m sorry….i’ll apologise to her later if I’m still alive… ok?” Chua said in between hiccups, burps and tears.

“wait, wait… what did you just say ? “I asked.

Chua looked at me, then to Sam and back to Tan.

He looked at us before smiling, then he laughed, after that he started to cry.

“I’m going to die today..” He said before breaking down, crying and laughing beside the toilet bowl.

“He’s drunk la, just leave him be.” Sam said.

“I’m not drunk !. I’m high…. High but not drunk !” Chua insisted with snot coming out of his nose. “ I’m going to die today…..i’m going to die today…. that’s what the fortune teller says.”

“wah lan eh ( wtf ), this one gone case already…” Sam shook his head. “we better go down and tell his friends..”

Chua chuckled, laughing in a manner as if he knew something we don’t.

“the fortune teller is never wrong… my entire life has been predicted…. Everything came true…. the ups, the downs… right up to this day….today is the day…” Chua rattled on like a mad man.
Someone tried to enter the bathroom, a teenager and he was immediately put off by the stench.

“toilet closed, toilet closed…. Use the level 1 one.” Tan said before turning to look at Chua mumbling away.

“do you know what is it like…..knowing exactly the day you will die…?” Chua said in between tears.
All of us said nothing and allowed him to go on his rant as he started hammering himself on his head.

“it’s a death sentence… everyday I wake up, I knew it was one less day for me to live… do you have any idea what is that like ? “ Chua asked while looking at the three of us.

“how long have you knew ? “ I asked.

“Oh come on Jerry, you can’t be serious.” Sam said in an exasperated voice.

“How long ? “I repeated my question.

“5 years…5 whole years I’m waiting for this day.” Chua said. “I’ve come to accept it… there is no escape… I just want it to be over..”

Looking at Sam, Chua said that he was quite sure Sam will be the one to kill him when he saw him in the restaurant that evening. His bulk and size, and his menacing look brought him to the top of the list.

“I know it will be you… I want it to be over…don’t wait anymore…” Chua said with his eyes wide opened. “kill me now… please… I can’t take this anymore.”

“you’re crazy…you’re fucking drunk..” Sam said while looking at me and Tan.

Now it all made sense. No wonder Chua is trying to provoke everyone the whole evening. He’s being an ass on purpose. He came to the toilet when he saw Sam, thinking he will be the one to end him when it should have been Tan if not for me.

Turning to Tan, Chua offered him the chance.
“I bullied your granddaughter….i humiliated her…. I’ll give you a chance how about that ? huh ? kill me ? just end it for me..” Chua begged. “I won’t blame you…use your phone, take a video…. I’ll record it… I’ll put it on tape to say I want you to help me end my life…. Please..”

Seeing that crazed look on Chua’s face probably snapped Tan out of his own daze. Chua alternated between begging Sam and Tan, asking them to end his life.

“you’re mad… get out of the toilet… I need to clean up.!” Tan said.

“I’m not.. I’m not mad… I’m going to die today….i am….mark my words… I am going to die today !” Chua started shouting.

“Hey hey hey…the fortune teller… tell me about him ? “ I lowered my body and asked Chua.

“Her…. Not him….The fortune teller ? …. Hahah…she knows… she always sees the end.….”

“where is she… ? “

Chua started laughing as if I asked something crazy.

“Hospital…. She’s at a hospice….surrounded by mental patients… hahah.” Chua laughed himself to tears before crying again.

“which hospital ? which one ? “ I pressed on and Chua just mumbled to himself.

“See, he’s siao(crazy) already.” Sam nudged me towards the exit, asking me to leave Chua alone. “go get some new clothes Jerry.”

“I’m calling the security…” Tan said and walked out of the toilet.

“Jerry let’s go let’s go… you need to get a new set of clothes… “ Sam opened the door and nudged me out.

I bought myself a new set of clothes form a boutique beside the toilet, chugging my soiled clothes into the plastic bag and soon, I saw the mall security guards coming up. Tan did not look like he is going to do anything to Chua now.
It’s over I think. The danger phase is over.

Chua’s friends soon turned up on level 3, they tried to clear out the misunderstanding with the guards before Chua was handed back to their care.
Sam and I went back to the restaurant to finish up the rest of the meal and drinks. I barely had an appetite left.

Chua and friends remained at the restaurant but he’s no longer awake. He laid slumped on the table with his friends who continued talking and drinking.
Tan came down to the Korean restaurant to look for his granddaughter.
I overheard their conversation. Worried about his girl, Tan told her that he cancelled his supper appointment with his friends. He will wait for her to knock off before they walk back home together.

It’s over I think. I stopped it.
After dinner, Sam offered to give me a lift but I turned him down. He thanked me and promised to buy the next round of meal when we meet up.
Looking at the time, I made my way over to the block where the lingerie theft will be taking place in a couple of hours time.
Last one for the day.
I finish this, I will have saved 4 lives.

59 year old Choo. Alvin Choo, he has the same name as my boss.
The article mentions he completed his shift at 11.30pm.

It’s coming to 11pm and I’m seated by the bench with a view of every vehicle heading to the carpark. I just need to keep a lookout for him coming into the estate.

At about 11.20pm, I saw a Taxi turning into the estate. It’s too dark to see who the river is but I have a good feeling it’s Choo. I walked over to the carpark and under the bright light, I recognised Choo. It’s him.

I immediately turned back and made my way to the block of flat he is staying in. I went straight to the bubble wrapped bicycle, that will be the spot where I stop the lingerie thief.

It’s quiet along the corridors and most of the houses have shut their main door. I checked the bubble wrap and I could tell someone had tried to peel it off and burst a few of the bubble but it’s still good.

11.30pm
My heart started beating faster. I suddenly realise I’m standing in the middle of a staircase landing with a plastic bag of soiled clothes in hand. I came wearing pants and polo t-shirt, but since I just grabbed whatever is on discount from the boutique, I’m now wearing a pair of berms that is too long and a t-shirt that is a bit oversized.
Pair that with my loafers and the messed up hairdo on my head, I think I might just get mistaken as the lingerie thief instead.

After another bout of waiting, suddenly, I heard some commotion from a few levels up. Someone was shouting. This was followed by the rapid footsteps of someone descending the staircase towards me.

This is it.
I have to catch Choo here to stop his fall.

With the chase coming down towards me, I relaxed my muscles and got ready. There was a loud stomp, and I saw the thief. Dressed in long sleeve black top, he was wearing a mask and a cap pulled down low. He must have jumped a good half flight of stairs to save time but Choo is close behind.

I ran up the stairs towards the escaping thief and I heard Choo asking me to stop him as he grabbed onto the man’s shirt.

“stop him!” Choo shouted as I started running up the staircase.

The thief elbowed Choo on his eye and punched him on his face to break free, he then pushed Choo down the stairs towards me when I’m barely 3 steps away.
Everything happened so fast.

As Choo fell towards me, I reached out to grab him and this allowed the thief to run pass us as he continued to skip steps, jumping down flights of stairs to get away.

[ilikeoldchangke]

I caught onto Choo but he fell top heavy onto my arms. i lost my footing and fell along together with him. I tightened my body and I felt the slam of the concrete steps on my back and head as Choo broke his fall on my body.

My hands were grabbing onto his shirt so tightly that I almost ripped out his buttons. Looking at Choo, I realised his hands were raised and his head was trembling like Tom Cruise in mission impossible. Tilting my head back, I saw that the broken pedal of the bicycle is barely an inch away from his eye.
There’s the bubble wrap around it but a blunt impact onto that is still going to cause quite a bit of damage.

I could barely breathe when I heard Choo push against the bubble wrapped bicycle as he got off me. The splattering pops of the bubble wrap reach my ears as Choo tried to help me up.

“Thank you young man… thank you… oh my god… who go and bubble wrap this bicycle ? “

I touched the back of my head, there’s a bit of blood from the fall. I must have scraped the skin against the floor.

“are you ok ? “ Choo asked.

“I’m fine… I’m fine…” I climbed onto my feet and I told Choo I will go after the thief, leaving my soiled clothes behind.

Struggling to go down the stairs, I wanted to catch that guy in case he comes around and this happens again. He’s probably had a full minute to get away before I started chasing him.
I staggered down a few steps before gaining momentum and I started jumping down the last few steps to save time.

When I got to the ground floor, I looked around the vicinity and I saw something that chilled me to the done.
Standing a distance away from me is someone I knew, or rather someone I met just a few days ago.

He has ditched his mask and cap but he is still wearing the same black top.
Spencer. He’s the one.
He’s the lingerie thief. I could feel a chill running down my spine realising that if I only saved Spencer, he would have been the cause of Choo’s death.

Spencer pretended to walk away calmly and I ran towards him.

My footsteps caught his attention and he turned. Our eyes met and he started to run towards the road. I caught up with Spencer but I never expected him to punch me on my face. My nose took the brunt of the hit and I could immediately feel blood coming down to my lips and mouth.

That was the first time in my life I was hit that way. It disorientated me for a few seconds.

“stop !” I shouted and Spencer threw his drawstring bag of stuff he stole at me.
“stop him !, he’s stealing stuff ” I shouted at the top of my voice to catch the attention of the people in the vicinity.

A couple who happened to be coming back from their jog and a food delivery man saw me chasing Spencer and they too joined in the chase.
Spencer took off at such speed towards the main road that I was left at least 20 metres behind.

He did not hesitate when he came to the edge of the road, he dashed across it and I heard the angry blare of a horn from an approaching car from the right.

He made it through to the centre divider as the lot of us in pursuit came to the edge of the road.
Eager to get away, Spencer scaled the divider and started running across the other lane as well with traffic coming from his left.

Instead of the angry blare of a horn, I heard a desperate screech of car tyres against tarred road. The screech drew a column of smoke up into the air and I heard a sickening bang.
My heart skipped a beat and I felt my legs go weak.

I watched that BWM go out of control after hitting Spencer, spinning and screeching before it rammed up the divider and embedded itself into the metal railings.

All traffic came to a stop on both sides of the road as vapour and mist start to come out from the car engine.

There was a 10 metre streak of blood along the road and I could see Spencer lying lifeless in at the end of it. I froze.

“oh fuck…. Oh fuck….” I muttered under my breath

Several motorists came down to help the crashed BMW and I groaned openly by the side of the road when I saw the driver emerged. That was Chua’s friend from the Korean restaurant. That financial planner Francis.
I walked over for a closer look to see a cracked windscreen with the head of a man half buried in it.

Some people started taking photos and videos and I turned the corner and saw the man who is no longer moving.

He was not wearing a safety belt.

It’s Chua.
I looked at my watch and the time was 11.55pm.
Chua’s fortune teller is right.

I backed away from the accident, breathing with my mouth as I struggled to come to terms with what just happened. The couple who was chasing along with me immediately whipped out their phone to call an ambulance.

The food delivery guy cursed, unable to believe what just happened.
I staggered back to the estate. Picking up the drawstring bag, I made my way back to the block where Choo is staying.

My hands are all bloodied from my bleeding nose. Taking the lift back up, I realised I was dripping blood all over the lift floor, being a considerate citizen, I tilt my head upwards to slow the drip and reached into the drawstring bag to see if I could find something to wipe my bleeding nose with.

My hands grabbed something soft and silky, I didn’t think twice and pulled it up, pressing it against my nose. I breathed with my mouth, gasping and trying to deal with the pain when the lift door opened and I came face to face with another person I least expect to see.

“you….!”

Without warning, Sulyani, dressed in her home clothes, charged into the lift and I found myself being tackled and pressed to the floor as I groaned in pain.
Choo came running to see me being pinned down and quickly cleared up the misunderstanding.

“girl ah, not him !” Choo exclaimed. “it’s not him!”

“Then why is he sniffing my underwear!” Sulyani screamed as she pulled more of her clothes out from the drawstring bag while keeping my wrist twisted at an awkward angle.

“arghhhhhhhhhhhhh!”

My face was being pressed onto the lift floor and the pain of getting kneed on my tummy by Sulyani is beginning to register in my head.

Sulyani let me go when Choo explained I was the one who saved him. I don’t know whether to cry or laugh as i was helped outside the lift by Choo and Sulyani.
Choo, is her father.

They sat me down by the corridor and I spent a moment explaining what happened including the accident along the main road. They were shocked of course and Choo said he will go get the first aid box.
The underwear I used to stop my bleed is a pair of pink boyshort undies with white trimmings around the waistband. Holding it up, I handed it back to Sulyani, apologising for it’s condition.

“I’m sorry…here…you can have it back…”

Looking at her soiled underwear, Sulyani sighed and replied.

“It’s ok… keep it..”

We looked at each other without a word for a few seconds and it was her who broke the silence first.

“I’m beginning to see a pattern here….Jerry…” she said.

“what pattern ? “ I asked.

“you’re never far away from trouble.”

I laughed.

Sulyani’s gaze temporarily removed the pain from my nose and I knew if I don’t make my move, I will surely regret it. She is just so beautiful and mesmerizing.

“Since you’ve given me your underwear, I don’t supposed you can give me your phone number too ? “I asked.

Sulyani was shocked at my request and she burst out laughing a couple of seconds later. She stopped after a few seconds and took her time to look at me.

“well, I’ve never given my number to anyone I don’t know before, but hell, I’ve also never given my underwear to anyone before too…” She said before turning her palm over and gestured for my phone.

………………

[ilikeoldchangke]

Thank you for the comments and encouragements :)
Please accept my apologies for being unable to reply to each comment.

It's going to be a wild ride. Fun part coming soon. :D

[kamayo]

Thank you for the comments and encouragements :)
Please accept my apologies for being unable to reply to each comment.

It's going to be a wild ride. Fun part coming soon. :D

Very nice updates bro, thanks! :)

[FlatTop]

Thank you for the comments and encouragements :)
Please accept my apologies for being unable to reply to each comment.

It's going to be a wild ride. Fun part coming soon. :D
Very nice updates bro.
Can’t wait for the Fun part…

[5ja5ja5ja]

Camping for fun updates :D

[driedlemon3]

Thank you for the comments and encouragements :)
Please accept my apologies for being unable to reply to each comment.

It's going to be a wild ride. Fun part coming soon. :D

Reading your story is like reading a Singapore real life thriller. Something we cannot even buy from bookstore. I really love what I am reading, thanks for writing. I can't wait to read on!

[AhLeeBraBra]

Reading your story is like reading a Singapore real life thriller. Something we cannot even buy from bookstore. I really love what I am reading, thanks for writing. I can't wait to read on!

Agree bro. TS writing style is so different from others :)

[keano]

Is Sulyani a Malay or?

[FlatTop]

Is Sulyani a Malay or?



The article spoke of Sulyani’s career and the family she left behind. Sulyani is only 29 years old. The only child of a mix marriage, Sulyani was described as extremely filial.

Her dad is a cab driver while her mum is a home baker.


This was mentioned in the earlier part of this story.

[ilikeoldchangke]

“Thank you for saving my life that day.”

“Oh..err… don’t mention it..”

“My colleague Chan has been wanting to thank you in person.”
Sulyani entered her phone number into my phone before asking why trouble always seem to follow me around.

“First there was that accident with the truck… then now this incident with the thief…”

“I’m just err.. unlucky I guess.” I smiled awkwardly as I watched Sulyani hit the dial button on my phone, giving her mobile a miss call.
My heart was racing, I’ve never asked someone for a number so abruptly before.

Choo came out with the first aid box but there’s nothing much they could do. The bleeding will stop on it’s own after a while. The thin roll of bandage could not do much and honestly, Sulyani’s underwear, having a wider surface area is more effective.

“It’s ok, it’s ok, I’m fine, the bleeding will stop after a while.” I said with my head tilted upwards.

I stood up and started to make my way to the lift.

“are you sure you’ll be ok?” Sulyani asked. “do you need me to call you an ambulance? “

“yeah, yeap, I’m good. I’m good.” I gave the father and daughter a thumbs up as the lift door closes.
Through the vision panel, I gestured to Sulyani that I’ll call her as the lift car started to descend.
I could hear Sulyani turning to her father asking if he’s ok before the descending lift cut off the conversation.

Getting down to the ground floor, I could see the flashing lights of the emergency vehicles along the main road. Despite the time of the night, a crowd has gathered to watch the firemen extract the body and car from the railings.

I stood on an elevated patch of grass knoll to look at the sight in front of me.
My eyes caught sight of a pair of familiar figures a distance away. Tan and his granddaughter. They carried bags of shopping as they walked slowly back to their place, uninterested in the accident. They walked under the sheltered void deck of a block of flats parallel to the road where the accident occurred, oblivious to their close brush with death that evening.

Tan reached into a shopping bag and I watched him pull out a bag of cookies and tried to open it, he laughed as his granddaughter Brenda made him put it back and tried to offer him something else from her bags instead.

Both of them looked exhausted after a long day of work but you could see they are happy. Happy and contented with each other’s company. How different their lives would be that night if Tan had killed Chua.

I’m not sure why I remained at the scene. I just stayed there for a while looking at the emergency services do their work.
I scanned the people watching the firefighters extract Chua’s body from the wreckage and I saw someone smoking across the road.
He saw me.
He definitely did.
It’s the newspaper seller.

He blew a cloud of smoke into the air before turning and walking away into the crowd with his signature grin on his face.
That same taunting gaze in his eyes.

I was too tired to go after him, partly because I knew there is no need to.
He will come for me.

A blue tent has gone up to cover Spencer’s body and I saw Chua’s friend, Francis crying and grabbing his head by the side of the road while surrounded by police officers.

I walked a couple of streets down to avoid the congestion caused by accident and took a taxi back home.
Heading into the shower, my body trembled under the cold water. I cleaned myself up and drank up the last of the milk from the carton in the fridge.
The bed never felt more welcoming to me and I knocked out immediately when my head touched the pillow.


27th December 2018
Thursday

First thing I did, I went to the papers. Sipping my coffee, I saw that the headlines have changed. I thought by doing something, I can save everyone but it became clear to me some people cannot be saved.

Chua still died, instead of being stabbed, he died in his friend’s car in the accident.
Spencer, instead of jumping off after a sex for credit scam, he was knocked down by a car while trying to escape.

The headlines on the papers is now about Spencer. People like to read news like this especially if it involves a university student and lingerie.

“Serial lingerie thief killed in road accident.
22 Year old Spencer was killed in a traffic accident. A large haul of women’s lingerie, clothes and footwear has been found in Spencer’s room when authorities went up to his place. His parents are in shock and they could not believe their son is responsible for the series of missing items in the neighbourhood. Police have retrieved a total of 47 bras, 31 underwears, more than a dozen dresses, 3 leggings with 4 pairs of socks from Spencer’s stash in his room. Under his bed, there are close to 20 pairs of heels and footwear of various designs. Spencer was wearing a female panty with sanitary pad when he was killed last night, both of which has been found to belong to a classmate of his. A large collection of upskirt videos including some taken from his school hostel has been found on his phone. Spencer’s laptops and hard drives have been seized for investigations.”

On a smaller column beside the headline, it featured a drunk financial consultant who killed his friend in the same accident. Chua, who is the owner of one of the brothels in Geylang was not wearing his safety belt when the car he was travelling on hit Spencer and lost control.

The car ram into the dividers, killing Chua on the spot.
There is no news on the papers about Alvin and Tan. I think they got away from this. The drawings, the lines and blue tacks I stuck on the papers now don’t make sense anymore since the articles on them have changed. The positions of the columns and pictures too, are now different.

I made myself a coffee and stared at the wall full of newspaper and little post it notes.
Closing my eyes, I lined up the series of events that would have happened if I did nothing.

Spencer will be the 1st to die. If he dies, Sulyani’s father Choo, will be safe because there will not be a lingerie theft for Choo to discover, thereby causing the accident.

Since I choose to save Spencer, I indirectly put Choo at risk. If I had saved Spencer and did nothing for Choo, I would be responsible for Choo’s eventual demise.
The cleaner Tan, he was meant to kill Chua. Report the body and go on to supper with his friends. If he did, he would have in turn, been killed by the BMW driver who is Chua’s friend.
Since I stopped him from killing Chua, I sort of rewrote the path for Tan. No supper, no dead body, no accident at the eatery.

Now this brings me back to what Chua said in the bathroom.
The fortune teller.

Chua was sure that he would die on the 26th. The fortune teller told him so. If that is the case, I wonder if that fortune teller foresaw my appearance that will affect what happens, and even then, knew Chua is not going to live past the 26th with or without me appearing.

Chua and Spencer’s death seemed to be set in stone.

Taken in whole, out of the 4 man, 2 are meant to die. There is nothing I could have done to save all 4. If I don’t chase Spencer, would he have died ? I don’t know.
Thinking along another perspective, perhaps I am meant to chase him, this way, my actions closed the loop on his circle.

And Sulyani being Choo’s daughter. What are the odds of something like this happening ? If I didn’t save Sulyani, would these series of events still happen ?

I gathered up all the papers and notes I made and crumpled them. I am now convinced there is a greater power at work here that I don’t understand. The one man that can answer my questions will be the newspaper seller. The next time I see him, I’m going to stop him from leaving until I have all my questions answered.
I’m beginning to see how this works.
Some things, I can change, somethings I can’t change no matter what I do.

With all the notes and newspaper gathered, I went to a corner of my estate where there are several incense burner set up for the residences. I found a old on that the cleaner use to burn dead leaves and twigs. I threw all the newspaper and notes inside, setting everything on fire.
I stood with my hands in my pocket, looking at the black smoke as it rose up into the midday morning, leaving only when it has all turned to ashes.

Since I’m on leave, I decided to pay my parents a visit and take them out.
Old people all like to go Chinatown for some reason and I brought them there for lunch and a bit of shopping. As I walked along old tea shops and makeshift tables selling everyday Knick knacks, I saw a fortune teller.
Opening some cards and speaking in dialect with a young couple, he started to foretell their future together.

It immediately brought me back to what Chua had said to me in the bathroom. The fortune teller. One that was staying in a mental hospital. A few months ago, I would have brushed this off as the ramblings of a mad man but now, having experienced things I could not explain, I find myself starting to believe in shit like these.

As I thought about Chua, I wondered if he had told his friends the same thing he revealed in the toilet. This leads me to believe that Francis, being the last person to see him alive, might have heard something.

It’s a long shot but it’s worth a try.
I sat down with my parents in a restaurant for dinner and my mother was going on about how her friends’ kids are all married, some of them are parents already.

“When are you going to get a girlfriend ? Or if you don’t want girlfriend, you wany boyfriend, must also tell mummy ok ? We can talk things through one.” She said as I continued googling on my phone. “are you listening to me or not Jerry.”

“Yes. Yes, I will try and find a girlfriend.”

I let her continue talking as I tried to find Francis online. Since he’s a financial planner, his profile must be available somewhere on the company site. After a bit of searching, I found it. Along with his email, there is also a number. I quickly screen shot the image before returning to the conversation with my parents in a half-hearted manner.

[ilikeoldchangke]

“yes, yes, I’m too busy… once I’m less busy, I will try and find someone who wants to have sex with me, clear up my shit and take care of me for the rest of my life.”

“Haiyah!, talk to you my life will get shorter ah.!” My mum lamented as she threw a peanut at me.

My dad, as usual, refuse to take part in a conversation like this and pretended to be engrossed in his phone.

After dinner, I sent my parents back home before trying my luck with Francis’s phone. He did not pick up my call after a few attempts. Maybe he’s trying to lie low after the accident.

I decided to drop him a mail instead. I told Francis i met and spoke with Chua in the toilet that day of the accident. That alone will not guarantee a reply, so I needed to throw in a lie. Not that Francis will be able to verify it anyway.

“Hi Francis, I’m sorry for the accident and your lost. I was in the same restaurant that day in Kovan. I met your friend Chua in the toilet and he sort of saved my life. I was choking and he helped me force the choke out. Anyway, Chua mentioned that I should consider taking up some additional coverage in case something like this happen to me again and he recommended me to go to you. Hope you are feeling better after the accident.
Chua mentioned something about a fortune teller too while giving me your contact. Anyway, if you are free to talk, I would love to connect about my existing policies.”

I hit the send button and I could only hope for the best.

Looking at my phone, I realised I have yet to give Sulyani a call or a message.
Then I was suddenly reminded of her blood stained underwear in my laundry basket. I quickly plugged the basin and poured in a copious amount of detergent. I soaked the panty and started to wash and scrub the blood stain off.

A bit of it did come off but it’s still badly stained.

“crap” I mumbled.

Was hoping to be able to clean it up and return to Sulyani, that way, I can use that as a pretext for a date.

I imagined in the future if someone asked me how I got to my first date with Sulyani in the first place, my reply would be, ‘ I stained her underwear with blood and she gave it to me together with her phone number.’ After which I will rise to a standing ovation with my arms open.

Leaving the underwear to continue soaking, I tried to google for a way to initiate a conversation. The standard pickups lines sounded boring and I don’t want to sound too mechanical.
I typed several versions of my opening line only to delete them away after reading it on my screen.

‘What you doing ? Where you’re at ?’
Sounds like I’m a creep.

‘you got plans this weekend ? want to chill ?’
Sounds too casual and she probably think’s I’m 16 mentally.

‘Have you brought in your laundry already ? don’t hang them outside!’
Sounds exactly like what a potential lingerie thief would say.

Just when I thought I’m all out of ideas, my fingers tapped something into the phone without thinking.

‘I can’t wash away the blood stains on your underwear, if you are free this weekend, I would love to take you lingerie shopping’

I burst out laughing at that message while laughing on my bed. This is funny. My head was filled with that funny image when my phone rang.
“shit shit shit!’

The sudden vibration caused my fingers to slip and my phone crashed onto my face.

I immediately picked up the call.

“hello…. Hello?”

It was Francis.

“Hi, this is Francis here…” His voice sounded exhausted and lifeless.

“oh hi Francis…ermm. I’m sorry for your loss.”

“thank you…ermm Jerry right ? “

“Yes, that’s me..”

Francis told me that he’s taking a break for a week or two because of the incident. However, he can recommend another colleague to help with my policy.

“oh I see.”

“If it’s ok with you, I will pass along your contact number to him.” Francis said.

“ermm.. ok… sure…hey Francis…just want to check with you.. Chua mentioned something about a fortune teller that day to me…did he…say …?”

“yeah.. he’s drunk.. he kept saying that the fortune teller say he will die that day.” Francis said in jest.” I wonder why he would curse himself like that…he should have known better to believe in shit like this.”

“Well, he was pretty insistent that the prediction will come true when we were in the toilet.” I said.

“I know, he has been going on about it for a while, which is why we promised to eat and drink with him until that day is over..” Francis said.

“what happened after you guys left the restaurant ? “ I asked.

“Chua refused to leave or get in the car.” Francis said.
He wanted to leave only after the stroke of midnight and refused to let anyone of us go back.

The lot of them ended up sitting in the carpark and talking in their vehicle.
“after a while, it’s already coming to midnight and Chua has fallen asleep. Everyone is exhausted. so I decided to just drive off.” Francis admitted. “if I didn’t, maybe he will still be alive..”

Francis started sobbing over the phone and I told him its an accident. Something nobody would have wanted to happen.

“Where is this fortune teller do you know ? “ I asked. “Chua said she is in a mental hospital or something.”

“It’s in a hospice….one that Chua sent his late mother to..”

Chua’s mother suffers from dementia and he puts her there to be taken care of. He used to visit her every week when she was alive and he met the fortune teller there.

“which one ? Can you tell me the address? “

“It’s all old and mental patient there…there’s no such thing as a fortune teller..” Francis said.

“I’m just curious… please…”

Francis gave me the name of a private Hospice in Serangoon.
I thanked Francis for the information, and he told me he will pass my contact along to his colleague.

After I hung up the phone, I went to my laptop and googled the address of the hospital. I’ll need an excuse to go there. I can’t possibly walk into the building demanding to see someone I don’t know.

Just when I was trying to wreck my brains how to gain entry to a hospice, my phone buzzed.

My eyes widened and I cursed out loud in my living room upon seeing what is on my screen.

“FUCK!”

I sent out that damm message to Sulyani. I didn’t mean to but I must have hit sent or something when the phone fell onto my face and when I was talking to Francis.

“Oh fuck, oh fuck. Oh fuck.” I looked at the chat history with my sent message marked with double blue ticks, telling me that Sulyani has seen that message, not only that, she has replied me as well.

‘Are you kidding?’ came the reply.

I immediately dialled Sulyani’s mobile. It connected and she picked up within three rings.

“I am so sorry, I didn’t mean to send that out, it was an accident.” I blurted

“Then why did you type it on your phone then ? “ Sulyani asked in jest.

“I was thinking of a way to ask you out for coffee…” I admitted bashfully, “ and I just can’t seem to find the right way to ask without sounding creepy.”

“Offering to take a girl lingerie shopping during the 1st date is not creepy at all by the way.” Sulyani laughed.

“I typed so many versions into my phone only to end up deleting them because it didn’t feel right.”

“why don’t you just call me and ask instead? Why rely on messages ? “

I apologised and since we’re on the line, decides to ask her if she is free that weekend since she has already given me the hint.

“I can do Sunday.” She said.

“Sounds good. Sunday it is then. Ermm… coffee ? lunch ?“

“sure… what about the lingerie shopping ? “ Sulyani asked in between laughs. “you sure you’re paying ? “

I laughed sheepishly on the line, unsure of what to say.

“See you Jerry.”

[ilikeoldchangke]

“see you.”

Putting down the phone , I punched my fist into the air a couple of times. That felt good. I’ve never asked a girl out before.

Sunday is the 30th. I marked it down on my calendar.

Now back to the hospice.
How can I gain access inside without resorting to breaking and entering?
I spent some time surfing the site of the hospice and reading up about it. Then I was struck with a brilliant idea.

Picking up my phone, I called my boss, Alvin.

“Yo Jerry, Merry xmas.”

“Merry xmas boss, a bit late though.”

“How are you ? You ok ? “ Alvin asked.

“I’m fine, I’m fine. Boss, remember that time you asked me to take over that volunteer thingy…. For the department…”

“you said your plate was full right? You complained I kept piling stuff on you.”

“well actually having a few days of rest did me some good, I was thinking of bringing the department to a hospice for the volunteering. I have one in mind though…”

Alvin went quiet for a second before asking what am I up to.

“What is it ? this is not like you Jerry.”

“Nothing. I’m just you know… taking it up since I have a bit of free time.”

“You’re the last person I know to volunteer your time Jerry…”

“Hey, I’m not that bad..”

“Are you ok ? are you hiding something from me ? do you need to talk ? are your parents ok ? “

I reassured him that my parents are fine and after a while, I manage to convince Alvin that I want to organise the department volunteer day.

“which one do you have in mind? “

“The hospice at Serangoon.”

“Oh… that one.” Alvin said.

“have you been there before ? “

“Of course. My uncle is there.”

“what?”

“yeah, my mother’s brother.. he’s warded there for a while now… turned 85 last week. Doesn’t remember any of us though.” Alvin shared. “ Speaking of which, when are you heading down to check out the place ? Have you contacted the hospice yet ? If not, I can help you link up with the operations manager.”

“errr, well, I …”

“You’re still on leave, we can do it after you’re back next year..”

“No no, no. ermm.. actually I am feel kind of bored at home…. I can head down tomorrow…”

“ok. Give me a minute, I have his namecard somewhere. I’ll text you. “

“ok thank you.”

I poured myself a glass of water and went to my balcony. The glass almost slipped from my hand when I looked across the road and saw the newspaper stand set up right along the pavement.

That umbrella, the table, the unmistakable gait of the newspaper seller puffing away on his cigarette.

I immediately rushed out of my house and head across the road.

Standing about 10 metres away, I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down. Don’t lose my shit and I can ask all the questions I want.
I approached the newspaper stand and the newspaper seller tapped his cigarette and tipped the white ash from his fag into a makeshift ashtray cut out of aluminium cans.

His posture is relaxed and he waited for me to start talking.

“Why ? “

“what why ? “ The newspaper seller asked.

“Why me ? “

He shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.

“how does this work ? Can you explain it ? Why some things I can change, and some things I can’t? “

“What exactly is it that you changed Jerry ? “ He asked.

“I saved people that should have been dead.”

“Perhaps they were not meant to die so soon in the first place.”

“How would I know the difference ? “

“There is no way to know…. The choice is yours if you want to try” He said.

I hate it when he starts going around in circles again. It’s like he knows I hate it and yet he wants to do it to me to make me lose my cool.
Trying to calm myself down, I reminded myself to clear up as many questions as possible.

“what is the purpose of selling me the newspaper? “ I asked, my eyes drifting to a folded copy on the table.

“You tell me…” The man said with a grin.

“Are you selling the papers to anyone else ? “ I asked.

“No…. at the moment, only you.” came the immediate reply.

“So… there have been others?”

“Yes of course…but no one made it as far as you.”

“Are these a test for me ? “

“You can say that.”

“what are you testing me for?”

“To measure what kind of man you really are Jerry.” He said with that irritating smirk that I cannot stand.

“what do you want with me ? “

The newspaper seller told me all will be revealed in due time.

I told him what Chua said in the toilet. About the fortune teller.

“Who is this fortune teller ? “

“I don’t know. Maybe after you meet her, you can tell me instead.”

“I never said it was a ‘her’ “ I replied and the man chuckled before taking a deeper puff of his cigarette, secretly gleeful that he fell into my trap unknowingly.

He snuffed out his cigarette which has burnt down to it’s end and sat up, resting his hands on the table while clasping them together. He looked at me from head to toe for a while before he started talking.

“The fortune teller is accurate, she sees the end and unlike the newspaper I sell, her version is never wrong once the pieces are in place....”

“so your newspaper… it’s a prediction of sort ? “

“Not exactly..… my headlines merely show what the future may be if no variables or some variables are introduced.…. While the fortune teller sees what the future could be….along with it’s infinite possibilities and variables…along with the details.” He said coldly while knocking another cigarette out of his pack. “ There is a difference.”

I repeated what he said in my head a couple of times to try and understand what he is telling me.

“so you are saying you can tell I want to have chicken rice for lunch tomorrow while the fortune teller knows I want to have roasted chicken drumstick with a side of vegetables and that I will probably drizzle the chilli before the black sauce on the rice before I take the first bite.”

“hmmmm… it’s not that simple, but something like that.” He said while commenting the mention of chicken rice is making him hungry.

“So I guess you guys don’t talk…. Maybe you should link up…give a better version of the future…” I said. “ How do you do the lottery numbers? “

“ahhhh… always the question about the lotteries.” He laughed. “Those are nothing… a mere speck in an ocean of ever changing variables.”

“Do you buy the lottery then ? “

“Do I look like someone who needs money?”

He laughed and lit up the cigarette, taking a deep drag before blowing smoke towards me.

[ilikeoldchangke]

Looking at his clothes and footwear, he looks like the average uncle along the street. Nothing stands out, yet he everything about him feels different. The dark blue shirt with the folded sleeves worn over his white singlet. The black pants with a rusty buckle belt. The old pair of leather shoes that has seen a good deal of years on his feet.

Truth be told, this man can pretty much become invisible because no one pays attention to uncles like him. Especially not when he keeps to himself and stay out of other’s way.

I waved the smoke away from my face and asked how can I meet the fortune teller.

“ The fortune teller is may not see you..… you will need to get pass her sentry to get access to her. “

“what ? guarded ? as in like security guard ? In a hospice..? you kidding ?”

The newspaper seller laughed.

“If it were just security guards, it would have been a lot easier. You don’t get pass the sentry by brute force.” He teased while his fingers drew imaginary circles on the paper in front of him.

“I know where she is, she’s in a hospice at Serangoon.” I said. “ I can find her.”

“ahhhh, you know where she is… but do you know who… she is.. or how to get to her ? “

“do you ? “

“I can sell you the information.” He said.

“How much?” I have 200 thousand sitting in my bank account, I’m sure I can afford to pay a little for information.

Instead of asking for money, he tapped the newspaper in front of him. The one that is folded with it’s headline hidden.

“buy this newspaper, and I will tell you how to get to the fortune teller.” He grinned.

I asked the man if anyone has refused to buy the papers before.

“Yes. Of course.”

“Why?”

“fear…it’s as simple as that… fear.”

“What is there to fear ?”

“Maybe one day, you might turn the page and see something you don’t want to see ? “ He offered. “you never know.”
I sighed and pulled out a $10 bill. I dropped it on the table and his finger broke contact with the copy of papers. I picked it up and tuck it under my arm.

“Alright. Done… How do I get to her ? “

“Ward 32…there’s a private ward within that ward, it’s unmarked, you’ll have to get pass Arturo.” He said.

“what ? Who is Arturo ? how do I get pass him ? “

“A visit to the fortune teller without an invitation….. it’s going to be a challenge to get pass Arturo..”

“How do I get an invite then ? “

“You don’t.”

“Ok then how do I get pass Arturo without an invitation ? “

“… you’ll figure it out…I hope… I can see you at the door with Arturo, anything beyond that is blocked.”

“You’re speaking in riddles again, can you just go straight to the point? “ I asked, my patience on the verge of running out.

“…. I have nothing more to tell you…..…answer your phone Jerry…” He sucked onto his cigarette and I felt my phone buzzing in my pocket.

The newspaper seller got up and started to pack up his makeshift stand.

Looking at my phone, I realised it was my boss.

“Hello ? “

“Jerry, tomorrow morning, I pick you up… we head down to the Hospice around 10am ? “

“Ok sure.”

The newspaper man started walking away and I retrieved the papers I just bought from under my arms. Opening to the front page, I almost dropped the copy of papers.

I shouted at the man who is about to turn the corner.

“hey wait !”

I found myself frozen to the ground, unable to move as I looked at the headlines. I alternate between looking at the headlines and the man.
Our eyes met and he gave me one last smile.

“Remember Jerry, my papers shows one version of what the future… may be..…..” He said before disappearing into the shadows round the corner.

My heart started racing again as I looked at the headlines.

On the paper is a picture of the newspaper seller. I finally know his name.
His name is Hock Chuan.

It’s 27th today.

He’s going to die on the 30th.

………………………

[StellaM6869]

Nice updates TS, thanks :)

[mejihi]

Awesome story bro, camping for more updates!

[badboy]

The master weaver is back in his element again!

Finally got something to look forward to b4 sleeping..haha..


Cheers
Badboy

[Spermster]

This is damn good!

[Felixsk]

This is damn good!

Not only good, is farking good :D

[FlatTop]

Excellent updates. Looking forward for more excitements.
Probably Jerry can up Sulyani soon.

[pinkdotpower]

Fantastic story. Camping here for more!

[ninenine90]

so pleasantly surprised that my fav writer is back!

i'm still trying to recover from having my mind thrown through the blender..

[RamosKiapArm]

Wonderful writing skills. Please continue bro TS. :)

[ilikeoldchangke]

62 year old Hock Chuan was found lying face up behind Kallang estate market on the morning of new years eve. A cleaner discovered the body at 3am in the morning during a heavy downpour. Preliminary investigation revealed that Hock Chuan has been dead for more than 12 hours. There are no identification found on him and the police identified him through his fingerprints in the database. Hock Chuan served 10 years in prison for robbery and assault before his release a few months earlier in January 2018.
Some hawker stall owners recognised Hock Chuan and revealed that he eats at the food centre every morning. Sometimes they would see him take a morning walk around the area. When asked if they knew what he did for a living, no one had any clue.
The authorities have retrieved the CCTV footages around the area and investigations are underway.
Police are trying to get in touch with his next of kin, a daughter by the name of Suwen. If the public has any information they would like to share, please call the hotline 1800-225 xxxx.


Aside from a large picture splashed across the front page of the carpark behind the wet market with the blue police tent on the wet ground, there was barely any information to go with the report.
Accompanying the headlines at the bottom of the page is an advertisement of hair loss treatment. Makes me wonder if I’m meant to feel like I’m about to rip my hair out while reading the headlines.

I went back home and read the newspaper cover to cover.
There is very little information given on Hock Chuan’s death. The rest of the news don’t interest me, I only found one other article puzzling when it spoke of another visually impaired tissue paper seller missing. A total of 3 within 3 months.
Hock Chuan’s death took up the whole headline.

Base on the article, i know the area which he stays, the place he goes for breakfast every morning and his body was discovered on the 31th at 3am. Estimated time of death of 12 hours before meant whoever killed him, did it around 3pm in the afternoon on the 30th.
There’s no way it could have happen at the open air carpark in broad daylight. There’s too many people around.
Someone killed Hock Chuan and dumped him at that spot in the middle of the night.
It’s late but I could not sleep. There’s too many things on my mind.
The fortune teller, Hock Chuan, my date with Sulyani.

I made myself a cup of coffee and printed out a map of the market where Hock Chuan’s body is discovered.

Talk about old airport road food centre with any foodie and you will be bombarded with recommendations about the good hawker fare in that area.
It opened in 1972, that’s a 46 year old food centre. However, the location which Hock Chuan is found, is not at the hawker, but at the less well-known wet market located a couple of minutes away.

Kallang Estate market has played 2nd fiddle to it’s more famous sibling for a long time. I used to go there for breakfast with friends after morning runs when I’m in university, but it’s been a while since I visited.
Orientating myself using google map, I sipped my coffee and looked at the carpark via the satellite view.
The market is framed by 3 roads. Main road being Old airport road, while Jalan Tiga and Jalan Empat goes around the back. Coming from the main road, the only way you enter the carpark of the market is via Jalan Tiga.
From there, you turn left and you will be greeted with a long line of parallel parking lots before another left that takes you into the small open air parking behind the market.
Referencing the crime scene photo on frontpage, I could see where the police blue tent has been set up. Going down to ground level on google earth, I could see Hock Chuan’s body is found on lot 14 of the open air carpark.

Lot 14 is located right beside an access pathway that spans over an open drain. It’s also right beside a row of shophouses.
Swiping my mouse around, I could see that particular lot is surrounded by HDB blocks. And yet Hock Chuan was dumped right there.
I tried to imagine myself as the murderer. How would I do it ?

I mean I can’t possible drag a body across an open field in front of a large estate and expect to get away with it. Most likely it’s done with a car.
A car that comes in in the middle of the night, probably a MPV or SUV with foldable seats. From within the car, I can open the boot and kick the body out. Body rolls down the car, I shut the boot and I drive off.
There is a major issue with this method though, because it would mean the car I’m driving will have to pass through the parking gantry. Those comes with cameras too and the reader will have read my In vehicle unit, thereby putting me at the scene of the crime.

I struck that thought out of my head and started all over again.

Why lot 14, why not 1, why not 20 ? Why 14 ?

Fooling around on google map is not going to cut it for this one. I’ll have to go down to the market and get a feel of the ground.

I wish I can do it the next day but I’m headed to the hospice.
It’ll have to wait another day.
28th December 2018
Friday
9.45am

It may be end of the year and I’m on official leave but I’m still not going to be late when meeting my boss. I’ll hear no end of it. I have to arrive before he does.
Entering the hospice, I waited near the sheltered drop off and a few minutes later, I saw Alvin’s car turning into the compound.
He parked the car and after getting out, reached for his smokes out of habit.

I gestured to the compound and to the no smoking sign before he absentmindedly put the smokes away.

Alvin looked at me left and right before asking me if I’m ok again.

“Jerry… Jerry, I tell you… serious matter.”

“what is it ? “

“I can tell something is bothering you..”

“huh?”

Alvin tapped his chest before putting his arm around my shoulder.
“I have been in the military for a while and I learn how to spot individuals with some deep rooted problems that they cannot share.” He said.

We stopped a distance away from the administration office and Alvin told me vaguely that all problems in life, can be solved.

“I’m really ok.” I replied but Alvin cut me off with a raised palm.

“I understand…. Really, I understand.. it’s ok with me if you don’t want to share… but I just want to say, if you need to talk to someone, I’m here.” Alvin added that he has seen a lot of young men caving in because of stress.

“I don’t want that to happen to you even though I don’t really like you.”

“wow… I cannot tell if that is a compliment or not.”

“it’s not.”

“ok.”

“anyway, if you need me to take some work off your desk, let me know ok? I care about the mental health of my team.” Alvin said in a reassuring manner. “did I tell you about the time when I was a trainer and a recruit tried to turn his weapon on another trainer during live range ? “

“You think I’m mentally unstable? “

“of course not…..relax…” Alvin tried to calm me down in an exaggerated manner, “but ah….I think anyone who runs off in the middle of a meal to shake down an old man needs a bit of help….”

“it’s not what you think…”

“it’s ok Jerry, it’s ok… calm down… i know you must be feeling awful and embarrassed, that’s why you ran off saying you need to read the newspaper.” Alvin said, so sure of himself that he is right. “you’re just too embarrassed to face me. I understand.”

I gave up trying to reason with Alvin and we entered the administration office to look for a guy call Tom.

He’s in charge of operations and he will help coordinate the team’s volunteer work at the hospice.

“Hey, Tom and Jerry, what a coincidence… haha.” Alvin laughed while Tom and I gave him the ‘meh’ look.

We went to the meeting room, Tom offered us bottled water and we got the boring part of the discussion out of the way. After that, I asked Tom if it’s ok we walked the ground a little, explore a bit.

“Sure. You can take a look at the facilities, anywhere that has no locked doors are accessible.” Tom said.
He gestured to the activity centre and the garden, adding that those places are popular with the old folks.
“Wards along level 4 are out of bounds, Level 1 to 3, you are free to take a look, but I must warn you, the folks at level 3 can get a little too friendly with unfamiliar faces.”

“what about ward 32 ? I think I have an uncle that stays here.” I said. “ Can’t remember the name… Tan something something.”

I made that shit up. Tan, Lim , Lee, Ng, all these are popular surnames in Singapore. You could throw a stone and hit one of them on a train.

“well, you can drop by and look for him, it’s activity time now. Ward 32 houses patients with mild dementia, sometimes they remember everything, the next moment it’s all gone. But they’re still quite ok and independent.” Tom said.

“ok, sounds good.” I said and I thanked Tom for his time.

I will be giving him a list of volunteers and coordinating the time for the team to come down on a weekend morning.
Tom showed us the way out and excused himself because he has other matters to attend to.

The moment he is gone, I told Alvin I will be walking around a bit.

“Boss, you can go off first.. I want to explore the place. “

He didn’t look convince at all.

“Something is up Jerry, I can tell. You’re up to something.”

“i…i… no…really… I just…”

“don’t deny it… nothing escapes the eyes of this old soldier.” Alvin said.

I sighed and admitted that I’m up to something.

[ilikeoldchangke]

There is someone in ward 32 I want to see.

“there ! I knew it, now you are telling the truth.” Alvin said, his excitement going up a notch.

“Is it a lost relative ? is this about money and inheritance ? “ He asked excitedly.

“errr… no… I want to ask some questions ..” Seeing Alvin so excited, I decided to rope him in for help. I mean the fortune teller is guarded, an extra pair of hands will come in handy since I don’t know what I’m up against. “but I need to get pass Arturo.”

“Ar…tu…ro ~~” Alvin said it slowly, emphasising the 3 syllabus word as he gets himself lost in his throughts.

His eyes widened before he said it again.

“Ar…tu …ro…~~ “ This time round, his hands rose and opened outwards like a magician performing a trick.

“You know him ? “ I asked.

“No… but he sounds like an X-men with special power.”

I almost wanted to slap my forehead but Alvin started to formulate his own theory.

“Ok… I think I know what you are after… let me help you..”

“huh ? what am I after ? “

“Base on my years of experience, for someone in your age to be embarrassed to share about something, it’s got to be one of 2 things…especially when you are single.”

“what are they ? “ I asked.

“it’s either about your erection or your family.” Alvin said confidently. “ Since we are here and not in Geylang, I believe this is about your family.”

I could not stop my boss and he seemed to get more excited by the minute as he fed and swallowed his own theory.

“In a hospice, with the old folks, this has to be about your grandparents. “

“Jesus…” I mumbled.

“Your grandfather had an affair… and you are trying to find out …”

I almost vomited the water I was drinking in my mouth.

“you’re kidding right ? I mean… listen to yourself. “

“Unless you can tell me a better reason why you paid $50 for newspaper, run off in the middle of lunch to heckle an old man, I believe this is about family and blood.” Alvin said. “ That old man, is he your grandfather? “

“fuck no!” I said.

“Don’t use vulgarities with me Jerry.” Alvin said as we came up to level 3.

Ward 32 is right in front of us.

We stopped talking and I approached the entrance to the ward.

Ward 31 and 32 shares a common activity area in the middle. The residents are largely mobile and looking in through the door, I could see many of the residents milling about.
Some are chatting, a few watching television, some are on the bed. There’s even one playing games on his mobile phone.

I stepped into the ward and immediately saw the massive frame of a man blocking me.

He’s got to be 2m tall at least with the body of wrestler. His face and chin are peppered with stubbles from an uneven shave. He doesn’t look very old, probably in his late fifties give and take.
His dressing though is a mix and match of his own clothes and the hospice gown.
The man wore the hospice top that looked a bit too tight fitting on his large frame while on his bottom, he wore loose fitting berms that exposed his hairy legs.

The man held a half-eaten 6 piece red bean bun on his right hand while his left hand held a single golf ball.

“Who you ? “ he asked, his voice coarse and low like a giant bellowing at an unwelcomed guest.

“errrr”

“You who ? “ he asked again as I looked at Alvin.

“we’re visitors… here to ermm.. look around.” I said.

“You who ? who you ? “ he asked again, taking a step towards the door and driving us back.

I could see the nursing staff in the ward, she seemed too preoccupied with other residents to see us.

“Hi, ermm, we’re visitors… can you let us in ? “ I asked politely.

“You who ? who you ? “ The man asked again, gesturing at us with his half eaten buns. I could see the red bean filling spilling out, the shop he got the bread from sure is generous with the fillings.

I cleared my throat and spoke slowly, explaining our intention word by word, however, my explanation was met with the same reply.

“you who ? Who you ? “ the man asked, his frown setting deeper into his expression. It’s like he could not understand us.

I tried waving to the staff who was busy in the ward but she could not see me.

“come come come… Jerry, I try, I try.” My boss offered.

“huh?”

Alvin pulled me back and stood in front of the massive giant.

Again, comes the same thing from him.

“You who ? Who you ? “ the giant asked.

“I …..Alvin, He….. Jerry…... who are you ? ” Alvin said, jabbing his thumb backwards to point at me before resting both hands on the side of his hips like a mafia boss trying to negotiate a bargain.

The man finally stopped giving the same reply and answered us.

“I ……am …..Arturo…”

Alvin gasped and turned to me, gesturing with his hands spreading up and outwards, emphasizing the size of the man in front of him as he spoke to me.

“see… see… Ar…Tu…Ro…. X-men !”

I ignored Alvin and told Arturo we are here to visit.
“Can you let us in please? We just want to speak with someone..”

“No… no visit…go away.” He growled.

By then, I caught the attention of the nursing staff who looked exhausted as she tried to wheel a man to the bathroom. She saw Arturo blocking us but chose to look away.

Alvin cut in to try and negotiate our way in.

“Yes, yes visit…. We go in…..Meesee ( nurse ) say we can go in…” He gestured like a army officer trying to explain something to a clueless recruit.

Arturo shook his head and took another step forward to push us towards the exit.

“hello friend… we need to get in, back off !” Alvin said. I could tell he is about to blow his top.

Alvin tried to push his way through but Arturo barely budge.

“Fuck he’s like a fucking wall.” Alvin said.

“boss, boss, ok, ok, let me do it… let me do it…..” I said.

“No!. I know how to handle people like these. I eat salt, more than the rice you eat.” He said, displaying that stubborn streak.

Alvin whipped out his wallet and pulled out a $50 bill.
Arturo’s eyes widened and Alvin smiled.

Pointing to Arturo, Alvin said his name.

“Arturo…..” Then pointing to the dollar bill, “ Yusok Ishak….ahhhhh…..Arturo…..Yusok Ishak…...”

Repeating the names again, Alvin handed the money to Arturo.

“Arturo… Yusok Ishak…. Friend..”

There was a moment of hesitation before Arturo took the money.

I could see the triumphant smile on my boss face as he gave me a smirk look. However, when he tried to push his way in, Arturo pushed him out again.

“who you find ? you find who ? “ Arturo asked.

Turning to me, Alvin wanted to know the name of the person my grandfather had an affair with.

“What?”

Ignoring Alvin, I told Arturo I’m looking for the fortune teller.

“I’m looking for the fortune teller.” I said.

[ilikeoldchangke]

Now it was Alvin’s turn to look surprised.

“huh ? “


I could see the expression on Arturo’s face change. That twitch in his expression. He knew who I was talking about.

“No fortune teller…” he said.


“I know she is here, Chua told me.” I said and I could tell he knew who I was talking about when I mentioned Chua’s name.

Arturo took another step forward, blocking the door entirely, sending us back into the corridor.

Alvin took out his wallet again, pulling out another $50 bill.

“Arturo… more friend ? more friend ?“

Alvin handed the man another bill which he pocketed without giving way to us.

“Hello, money take already, faster move aside ah..” Alvin said.


Arturo turned and looked at his casio watch, the old classic black version with a squarish face. The watch looks tiny on his large hands. Gesturing to his watch, I guess Arturo wanted to tell us not to waste his time but my boss Alvin, he took it as a competition of sort.

Pointing to his silver Seiko, he flashed his watch at Arturo.

Arturo saw that and decides to flex his body size.


Spreading his arms at Alvin, he said his name like a wrestler announcing his entrance into the ring.

“i…. AM……. Arturooooooooooo !”

Not wanting to be outdone, I watched in horror as my boss mirrored his movement before announcing his name as well.


“I …. Am….. Alvin…… Lee…… Meng…. CHyeeeeeeeeeeee….!” My boss said, emphasizing the ‘chye’ with the bottom row of his teeth exposed and his eyes wide open. He looked like he was about to do a Hakka war cry.

“oh come on.” I lamented but the game is on. A game of seeing who’s dick is bigger between 2 men who looked like they should be withdrawing their CPF savings soon.


“You Kimchi…! “ Arturo bellowed…

“You Bim Bim Bapppppppppp!”

“Roti prataaa…”

“You mutarbakkkkkkkk!”


“come on Boss stop it, you’re agitating him.” I said but Alvin shrugged me off.

“I’m going to win this ! I’ll fucking win this…” Alvin said with a determined look on his face as he rolled up his sleeve.


“I go MP (member of parliament) complain you! ” Arturo said in an agitated manner like a disgruntled resident.

“I go minister!” Alvin replied almost immediately.

“I go Prime minister !” Arturo raised his voice, there’s no hiding his agitation now.


“I go senior minister!” Alvin shot back, an almost delirious expression visible on his face as I alternated between the 2 fighting seniors.

“I go… minister mentor !” Arturo said, panting and grinning, knowing full well that is the highest ranking minister Singapore ever had.

Not wanting to be outdone, Alvin looked around before looking down into his shirt pocket at his cigarette.


“I go… Minister Menthol light…!” Alvin shot back and I could feel my legs on the verge of buckling as Arturo looked like he was about to lunge at Alvin.

“Enough la ! stop it….” I tried to put myself in the middle of the 2 of them but they both shove me away.


Things are going to get ugly fast if I don’t do anything.


Bringing his golf ball up, Arturo proudly announced the name of one of the most expensive clubs in the country.

Like Chow Yun Fat in Pirates of the Caribbean welcoming his guest to Singapore, Arturo lowered his voice and said it in a mysterious tone while spreading his arms.


“Singapore…. Island …. Country…. Club…” After that, he proudly waved that golf ball in front of Alvin’s face, making absolutely no sense in his line of defence, argument and his line of thought.


I watched my boss roll up his sleeve further beyond his elbows and reached for his wallet.

Pulling out a plastic card, he mimicked the same pose Arturo did.

“ NTUC ….. Fairprice…… warehouse…. Club….” Alvin gasped before waving that membership card in his face.


Arturo looked like he was about to suffer a heart attack. His face wobbled as he shook his head. After that, something seemed different about him. That crazy antics he was displaying earlier is now gone.

What greeted us was a pair of calm eyes and a body relaxed with steady breathing.
Throwing the golf ball down, he looked up at the both of us.


“Are you fucking out of your mind ? Ok.. what the fuck do you guys want ? “

“Fuck I knew it… I knew you were fucking with us.” Alvin said, boasting that his military experience as a trainer could easily differentiate those who were trying to malinger.


“You were fucking with me too!”

“No you were the one fucking with me!” Arturo insisted.

“you started fucking with us first..you dimwit…” Alvin shot back.

“EH, I from Hwa Chong one ok !” Arturo argued.


“Oh fuck off, I’m also from Hwa Chong one…everyone from CEO to mad people, they all come from Hwa Chong, so what!” Alvin gestured angrily while turning to me, asking which JC I came from.

“yeah ! you’re one of the mad one.!” Arturo spat.

“Yeah, so are you!” Alvin retorted.


“Are you listening to yourselves? Stop it…” I lamented “ The only person I knew from Hwa Chong is Annabel Chong.(famous porn actress in the 90s)”

Both of them stopped talking and turned to me, going all quiet for 3 seconds before turning back and resuming their squabbles.


“stop it , stop it please…” I separated the 2 old man who were still gesturing and pointing at each other.

“Please… the fortune teller…” I said to Arturo.

He took a deep breath before turning his attention to me.

“What do you want? “ he asked.


“I want to save a man.” I answered honestly.

“Which man ? “

“A newspaper seller.”


Arturo looked at me and our eyes never broke contact for a good 10 seconds. He knew who I was referring to.

“Alright… you can go, he stays here.” Arturo said, gesturing for Alvin to remain.


I thought my boss would protest being left out, but he seemed please that he won the verbal fight.
Arturo gestured to the packet of Menthol cigarette in my boss’s shirt pocket before putting 2 fingers to his own lips. The message is clear.


Alvin gestured with his head towards the staircase and it’s done. The 2 man, both Hwa Chong Alumni, walked quietly towards the staircase, probably looking for a spot to steal a smoke break in the middle of a hospice.
I stepped into the ward and no one else paid much attention to me.


I don’t know who is the fortune teller. I only know it’s a woman.

As I venture deeper, I could smell incense. It was then I realised that nested within the ward, there is another private room.


I walked over to the doorway and when I looked inside, I saw a woman sitting cross legged in the middle of her bed. In the 4 corners of the room, stood 4 others. They remained motionless as they faced the corners of the room like a child being punished. They just faced the walls.
It was a disturbing and eerie sight and I hesitated to step in.

The woman is young, probably in her late thirties at the very most. She’s pretty but her hair has been shaved. She looked like she is meditating, and I don’t know if I should knock.

Suddenly her eyes opened, and we made eye contact.


“Hi Jerry “ She said.

Of course she knows my name. She knows everything.

Gesturing to a chair in front of her bed, she offered me a seat.


“Please…. Sit.”

I sat down and kept eyeing the 4 figures facing the wall. Their presence creep me out.

“ You have questions Jerry… lots of questions…” She said.


“Yes I do..”

She took a deep breath and her gaze seemed to penetrate my head.
She kept looking at me like she is curious about something.

I waited for her to speak but she didn’t.

I took that as a sign to start talking but she raised a finger, a signal I took to remain silent.

Goosebumps rose on my body when all at once, the 4 men and women facing the was turned around at the same time. It’s like a coordinated drill but no command was given. All 4 of them filed out of the room and the fortune teller got out of bed.

She poured me a glass of water and I thanked her. She walked back to her bed and sat down. Without saying anything, she took two pieces of paper, wrote something on it and folded it into half. She then put the pieces of paper down on the desk beside her bed before turning her attention to me.


“There is a price to pay for a consultation with the fortune teller.” She said.

“I’m guessing it’s not in monetary terms. “

“No…. the price for everyone is the same.” She said

“what is it ? “

“I tell you… the exact day you will die.” She said with a warm smile. “ That is the price I’m asking for.”

………………………

[Zendude82]

“yes, yes, I’m too busy… once I’m less busy, I will try and find someone who wants to have sex with me, clear up my shit and take care of me for the rest of my life.”



rinse and repeat CNY reply for years of old :D

love your writing bro, keep them coming

[pamarsalam]

Excellent story TS, camping here for more updates :)

[iluvbreast]

I can't wait for Jerry to fuck the policewoman in her uniform...:D

[chenzong]

“I tell you… the exact day you will die.” She said with a warm smile. “ That is the price I’m asking for.”

………………………

A Sword of Damocles. No joke.

[katong]

What's the link to ilock's blog again? Awesome writer, would love to revisit and purchase some of his/her work.

[lostcuntrol]

Very nice story, any updates soon? :)

[HBUs]

Fantastic story TS, support for more updates to this awesome thread!

[driedlemon3]

the price to pay is chilling

[brice]

So very nice story, 3 rounds of applause for TS!

[ilikeoldchangke]

I stared at her without a word as I deliberated with the decision. Knowing exactly when I will die can be a boon or curse. I realised my heart was beating really fast and I could feel I’m afraid.
I’ve seen first-hand what it could do to a man. I’ve seen it happen to Chua. Imagine spending the rest of your life knowing the exact day, but not the exact moment you will go. It will drive you insane. Even if it doesn’t, it might drive you to do things that you don’t want to do. It’s going to kill you mentally.
We live each day not knowing what is going to happen the next, how can we possibly live with the knowledge of the exact day I’m going to depart ?

“ I fail to see exactly how that would benefit you “ I said.

“Do you think I do this for benefits? “ She laughed. “ so Jerry… deal or no deal ? “

“don’t you already know the answer to that ? “ I said and she chuckled even harder.

“well…. It’s complicated.…” She said, uncrossing her legs as she stepped off the bed.

I asked her how does this work?
Why can she tell the future ? What sort of mad science or alien technology is she employing? Perhaps this whole thing is a scam, designed to drive you nuts.

“Is this a cult ? Devil worship ? Alien technology from the future ? “ I asked.

“first thing first…do you accept the deal ? “ she asked.

“If I do, I can ask anything I want ? “

“yes.”

I hesitated for a moment. The phrase curiosity kills the cat suddenly appeared in my head. She did not rush me, she just waited patiently for me to say the answer I suspect she already knew. I’ve come too far along to stop now. I’ve seen the future before, I’ve seen it happen and yet, there is still this nub of discomfort bothering me.
There is still a part in me that refuse to believe something like the future can be cast in stone.

“yes, I accept the deal.” I said. “how is it that you can tell the future? Do you know everything in this world ? ”

“I don’t know everything….i only know the future of people whose fate are intertwined with mine….if you believe in fate that is….. and….everyone can tell the future, it’s just the degree of accuracy and to what extent it differs.” She said and held up a pen.
Holding it horizontally in front of her, she asked me what will happen if she let go of the pen.

“The pen will drop onto the ground.” I answered.

“Has it happened yet ? “

“No”

“But you know, if I let go, it will drop.. why ? “

“gravity.”

“There, you can tell the future already.”

“it’s not the same.” I argued. “I don’t know if you will drop it in the first place.”

“Exactly, but you know…. If I do drop it… it will fall to the ground at 9.807m/s… as per the gravity on earth…. Yes ? ”

“yes…”

Nodding and shaking her index finger at me at the same time, she went on to give me another example.

“what happens…. When you take a knife and cut yourself? “ she asked. “describe it to me.”

“I bleed, I feel pain…my skin splits apart, blood vessels are ruptured… but why would I cut myself ? “ I asked.

“why would someone drink and drive ? why would someone steal an underwear and sniff it ? why would someone peep at someone in the shower? Why would anyone kill themselves? Why does the chicken cross the road “ She said with a smile.

“So you don’t know everything, is that what you are trying to tell me?”

“Just like you, I know a pen will fall when dropped…..just like I know Chua will die…..and I know Spencer will die….. and even Tan, & Choo, they too will die…”the fortune teller said. “but… i don’t know exactly how they will die…..Anything could have happen in between, that changes how they die….. ”

She dropped the pen without warning and kicked it with her foot, sending it across the ward. The pen fell, chipped off a section of it’s plastic body before rolling to a stop at the bottom of a bed.

“my kick, the chipping of the plastic, the rolling and changing of position, none of these changes the fact that the pen has fallen to the ground…. especially it has been my intention to drop it in the first place.”

I walked over to pick up the pen and handed it to back to the fortune teller.

“do that again.” I said. “drop the pen again.”

She repeated her action but this time, I caught the pen before she dropped it.

“What now? I caught the pen before you dropped it.” I said.

“Good. Good point.” She said with a nod.” Give me the pen.”

I returned the pen to her and she threw it across her shoulder behind her. The pen bounced off a bed and landed on the floor again.

“what is this supposed to mean ? “ I asked.

“You did not change the fact that the pen will be on the ground, you merely delayed it….there’s no way you can stop me from putting the pen on the ground indefinitely.“

“so every life I saved, I merely delayed their death ? “ I asked, absolutely flabbergasted.

“Of course Jerry, all man must die…don’t you know that?” She chuckled.
“you can delay the inevitable, but you cannot stop it.”

“what if I keep holding on to the pen, I refuse to let go, everyone you drop, I will hold it.” I asked.” What happens then ? “

“I just answered this earlier didn’t i? “ She replied calmly. “You delay the inevitable…..life expectancy in Singapore is 83.15 years….when your body stops working, you die…… have you tried using a pen you left on the shelf for a really long time…. ? does it still work ? has the ink dried up yet ? ”

Looking at the fortune teller, I walked behind her and picked up the pen. I put it into my pocket.

“There, I won’t hold it…the pen will not be on the ground and I’m not giving it back.” I challenged

“ahhhhh… good…” She replied. “ you can keep it in your pocket. Go ahead. But for how long ? “
“can you hold that pen, and make sure it never touches the ground, until the day you die ? “ She asked, a smile slowly breaking on her face. “what happens then when you die ? “

“or maybe I’ll repharse the question… how many pens can you hold ? “ She said in the manner of a teacher trying to educate a stubborn student.

I sighed and sat down on the bed opposite hers. Looking at the ground for a few seconds, I made eye contact with her.
“The people I saved so far…. I only bought them more time ? …is that it ? “

“yes…but….for how long ? A day ? a week ? a month? A decade ? Nobody knows.” She replied.

“don’t you know ? “ I asked.

“ahhhh……let’s put it this way….. if you are not here to catch the pen today, I know it will fall immediately to the ground…however… with you here to catch and hold the pen, I don’t know how long you are going to hold on to it.” She said. “ Does that make sense to you ? “

“but..”

She held up a finger, indicating that she is not done yet.

“I may not know how long you are going to hold on to it, how many pens you can hold in both hands, but eventually we will get to a point when I can see …..this…”

Opening a drawer, she pulled out a cylinder pen holder stuffed full of pens in different colours. The base layers are tightly packed in while more pens are stuffed at the top, those looked like they are going to fall out anytime.

Shaking the container gently, I could see the few pens on top moving out of place slowly.

“The container is full, and a gentle shake is all it takes to make the pens drop. At this point, even you can see which ones are going to drop isn’t it ? “ She asked.

Within a couple of seconds, the 2 pens right at the top separated from the pack and fell to the ground, while another 2 hung precariously, balanced against the body of other pens.

From her pocket, she magically produced another 4 pen of different colours.

Holding it up in front of me, she threw all 4 of them at the same time.

I immediately reacted, catching 2 of the 4 as the sound of pen hitting the ground reached my ears.

“you caught 2 “ She said. “ Gesturing to the green and purple pen I caught, she pointed to the piece of paper she wrote when I first walked in.
The same one that was folded and put on the table.

I opened it and saw the words.

“Green and purple.”

“I know I will drop 4 pens today at this moment, I know you will catch green and purple.” She said. “And unfortunately for red and blue, they are now on the ground.”

[ilikeoldchangke]

“Having said that, I do not know which hand you will use to catch the pen, the manner in which you catch it, how far from the ground you catch it and at what speed”

“But you do know, that on this day, I will be here in this room, at this time, watching you drop these pen”

She nodded.
“that’s good enough.” I said.

“Though I must say, I do not know I will be meeting you until recently…” She continued.

“Why is that ? “

“Just like a game of chess, until moves are made and pieces taken off the board, the possibilities of how the game will turn out is limitless….. the more moves are made, the lesser pieces there are on the board….the clearer you can see what is going to happen….. as the day gets closer to the point when something is about to happen, the more accurate I can be…”

“So Chua and Spencer are down to their last pieces on the chess board ? “ I commented.

“Something like that…”

“How is Spencer connected to you ? “

“He stole from me… many years ago… that was when the connection was made…”

I kept quiet and looked at the pens on the ward floor.

Raising the 2 pens I’m holding, I asked the fortune teller if she knows when those will be dropped again. In essence, I want to know if Tan and Choo will die soon.

“It’s going to be a while before those will be dropped again.” She said and laughed. “ we all have better things to do than to keep dropping pens don’t you know ? Besides, I’m not the one who decides whose pen should be dropping. There are greater powers at work here.”

I just stared at her, trying to digest everything she just told me.

“When you mentioned fate… and having your lives intertwined… what do you mean ? “ I asked.

“When you meet someone, you make a connection. Webs of infinite possibilities are formed instantly like hairline cracks appearing on the surface of a glass. What you do, what you say, how you behave, all these will spark off different actions and reactions.” She explained. “the more connection you make, the more complex or rather, the more interesting the webs of possibilities become. Your actions will also affect the lives of the people you have a connection with.”

You won’t bat an eyelid if you read about an accident halfway across the world on the paper, because you don’t know that person, his or her death, it doesn’t affect you. However if someone close met with an unfortunate accident, say a friend, it affects you, because you know each other.

“So you are saying you can read the cracks on the glass of people who you have a connection with ? “ I asked, trying to simply what is happening.

“Something like that.”

“Is this why you stay here… to stop meeting people…. So your glass won’t shatter ?”

“That’s a good way to put it.” She laughed.

Pointing to her friends who left the room earlier.

“They help me block off unnecessary connections.”

“Oh… I thought they were being punished to face the wall or something. What about that giant out there ? Arturo..he’s crazy isn’t he. ”

“He’s not….when you made your connection with Arturo, he holds you back on purpose. It gives him time to…. How should I put it ? hmmm…. Evaluate you… and the possibilities that comes from that connection…..he gets to the point he see something positive among all the cracks on the glass that he thinks I should take a look….. if not… you will not get pass him..”

“wow… this is one hell of a mindfuck…” I said. “ So you had your look, what do you think ?..why am I here ? “

“Well…. I’m not impressed… but I’m intrigued. “ She replied.

“And, I have no fucking idea what you mean by that.”

Seeing me go quiet, the fortune teller sighed and observed me quietly from head to toe. She started talking after taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly.

“you’re special Jerry.”

“why ? Because I can catch pens? “ I tried not to roll my eyes.

“yes.”

“Why is that so?” I asked, taking a seat on one of the bed. My head still feeling the mindfuck that in a moment, I am going to know exactly when I will die.

“Some people just want to know the lottery, some wants to know if the one they love will love them back, whereas for you…. You go to great length to affect lives of people totally not related to you….. even before the connection is made.”

“I want to save Hock Chuan.” I said, going straight to the point.

“then catch his pen.” She said with a simple wave of her hand.

“I need help… tell me how to save him… then me exactly where I should be, what time, what place, where should I position myself to catch it ? “

Without breaking a beat, she replied me.

“30th December, Block 11a, multi-storey carpark, level 3B. 2.15pm”

Referencing back to the time stated in the article, it sounds about right.
12 hours give and take before Hock Chuan’s body is discovered.

“How is he going to die ? “

“I don’t know.”

“Can I save him ? “

The fortune teller went quiet. She said nothing and just looked at me for a long time.

“If I say no, will it make you give up on saving Hock Chuan ? “

“I will still try. Because if I don’t try, I would have already failed.”

“If I say yes, would it make you put in less effort to save Hock Chuan, especially when you know you can save him even before you did?”

“I don’t know.”

“then what is the point of this question?” she said.

I was left dumbstruck and I didn’t know what else to say. Now I know the exact time, the location where Hock Chuan will be killed. There’s no way I am going to let it happen.


“Anything else? “ The fortune teller asked me.

“Why me ? Why am I the one doing all these? Why is it not someone else ? “

“Hock Chuan believes we can all be saved from what is coming. He has sent many my way…so far, I am still not convinced we stand a chance.”

“This is starting to sound like a cult.” I said, lying down on the bed and looking up at the ceiling. “what is coming ? Winter is coming ? Zombie is coming ? Apocalypse is coming? “

I did not receive a reply and I sat back up to see the fortune teller tapping the 2nd piece of paper she had prepared on the table.
She slid it across that table, gesturing to it with her open palm for me to take it.

“what is that ? “

“The day you die.” She replied so casually as if she was directing someone to the bathroom or something.

I took the piece of paper and she waited for me to open it.

Holding it up in front of me, I asked her what she saw me do with that piece of paper. In her vision of the near future.

“You opened it, tore it up, crushed it, sat back down on the bed and start crying.”

Fuck. Her words immediately affected me and I could feel fear creeping in.
My heart was racing so fast by then I thought I’m about to suffer a heart attack. Mere words alone sending my usual calm self into a frenzy.

Why would I start crying ? Is it because I’m going to die soon ?

What is going to happen to my parents when I die ? Who is going to take care of them ?

What is going to happen to all the projects I am doing halfway ?

I need to clear my internet browser history and reformat my hard disk filled with Japanese adult videos before I die.

I need to give my parents my bank account password. My wake, I want it to be simple, throw my ashes into the sea. Make a list of who comes to my wake and burn the list to me so I can haunt my friends who didn’t turn up just for the kick.

Are my insurance policies up to date ? Is my coverage enough for my parents to live till 85 at least without worrying about going back to work ?

My place, rent it out only to pretty hot babes, there’s a stash of cash in various currencies worth about $4000 under a drawer in my bedside table. I need to tell my parents about it.

A thousand questions filled my head as I looked at the fortune teller in her eyes as she waited patiently to see what I will do.

[ilikeoldchangke]

Everything that has happened to me so far tells me I have to believe her. She knows what is going to happen. She knows.
However, a part of me refused to acknowledge that my life, my fate, is cast in stone. I refused to believe in something like this cannot be changed.
It can be changed if I put my heart to it. I refuse to submit my life to a string of numbers written on a piece of paper.

I closed my eyes and took a moment to calm myself down. I waited for my heart rate to go back to normal. Blocking out all other stray thoughts, I concentrated my mind at that very moment.

The lady did not rush me, I took my time. When I opened my eyes, she was sitting cross-legged on the bed in front of me, her palms resting on her knees.

I shook that piece of paper a couple of times in front of me, my eyes looking at the folded paper before I looked at the fortune teller.

Fighting back a smirk, I closed my eyes, I opened that piece of paper. 2 seconds later, I tore it, then I crushed it. Then I sat back down on the bed and I started to cry.

“arhhhhh… boo hoo hoo… boo hooo hoo…!” I cried twice before standing back up to look at the fortune teller defiantly.

She did not look alarmed; she did not look angry nor surprised. Her expression remained unusually calm as I literally took a piss at her prediction.

“There, your prediction came true.” I said as I held up the crushed ball of paper before throwing it at her.
She smiled and said nothing.

I’ve heard enough and I turned and made my way to the exit.

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll shout out the date ? “ She taunted

Turning to look at her, I replied;

“You wouldn’t”

“what made you so sure ? “

“you have already told me and revealed the date when I will die, but I choose not to know it… telling me the date again changes nothing…”

A smile broke on her expression and she nodded slowly.

“This changes everything….”

I gave her a mock 3 finger salute as a farewell and I saw Arturo appear in front of me.
Right as he put his body in between me and the entrance into the private ward, I heard the fortune teller say something which made me stop walking.
“Send my regards to my father.”

Turning around, I came face to face with Arturo’s large frame. He gestured towards the exit with an open palm and I knew my visit is over.
Nothing more needs to be said. The 4 mysterious man and woman who were in the room earlier made their way into the room behind Arturo and resumed their standing position by the corners, facing the walls.

So the fortune teller is Suwen, Hock Chuan’s daughter. There is some serious family issue going on here it seems.

Making my way out to the corridor, I saw Alvin fiddling on his phone.
“Ok boss, sorry, I’m done.”

“sure ? You find out who your grandfather is sleeping with ? A fortune teller ? “ He joked.

“it’s complicated.”

“don’t worry Jerry, I won’t probe too deep into your personal stuff, but I want you to let me know if these issues is going to start affecting your work.”

I reassured Alvin I’m ok.

“I take the personal well-being of my staff seriously…. I’m heading back to office, give you a lift?” he offered.

En route back to Botanic garden, Alvin and I talked a little about work. It’s coming to the end of the financial work year and there’s some left over budget allocated to infrastructure works that need to be spent.
Alvin has spoke with a few colleagues about it and he wants to know what are my thoughts and where to spend them on.
I do have a couple of initiatives and proposals I put up for consideration but those are really low on the priority list.
“ You can give them to Tricia, she’s been wanting to work on the toilets for a long time.”
“the toilets are still pretty new.” Alvin said as he filtered onto the right lane without signalling. “ you have a few idea back then right.”

“ideas you shot down because it’s a waste of money.” I added.

“Well we have money to spend now. Do you want it or not ? “ He said, grumbling as a truck cut into his lane without signalling.

“We can do Project greenfield, or the Daisy initiatives.” I suggested.

Alvin nodded with an audible ‘hmmmm’

“Project deepwater too if we really have the budget.”
“Nah, nah, nah, that one cost too much. The lagoon inside the garden is nice as it is, there’s no need to enlarge it further.” Alvin said.

“How about Project Iron Haven?” I suggested. “It’s been sitting there for years.”

“Hmm, ok, i think greenfield, daisy and iron haven sound doable base on the leftover budget. I’ll see what the rest have on hand first. Can you send me the proposals again.” Alvin said.

“Of course.” I replied, reminding him that the budgetary quote in those proposals is a couple of years old and likely outdated. He should only use the figures as a reference.

“I quite like the daisy initiatives though.” He mumbled, dropping me an obvious hint to where his preference lies.

Alvin dropped me off at my place and I immediately got to work after making a fresh cup of coffee.

I’ve established the relationship between the 2 mysterious figures. One publishes papers, the other throws pen. A family with serious daddy issues.

Family drama aside, Hock Chuan will die on the 30th afternoon at the carpark.
30th is also my date with Sulyani.

It’s been fucking years since I get to ask a girl out, and a pretty hot one at that. However, I can’t possibly let Hock Chuan die either.

The best course of action will be to involve Sulyani in my plan. Perhaps plan a date at the spot where Hock Chuan will be killed.
Suwen did not reveal whether I will succeed.
I groaned out loudly in my living room as I thought about asking Sulyani to a multi storey carpark for the 1st date.
It’s unthinkable.


29th December 2018
Saturday
6am

Hock Chuan goes to the market every morning for breakfast. It’s not a big place to look for a man. I arrived at the market at 6am and it’s already bustling with activity.

Hawkers selling raw food and vegetables are busy attending to the early risers. Mostly the seniors with their helpers in tow.

Configured in a ‘n’ shape layout, the hawker centre faces the main road with plenty of seating in the middle. There are a few more seats scattered on the outdoor patio closer to the road with it’s own umbrella shelter. The aluminium cans filled with cigarette butts is a dead giveaway who those seats are reserved for.

I took a seat in the centre of the market facing outwards. It gives me a clear 180 degree view of everyone coming and leaving. I paid particular attention to the drinks stall because coming to the market in the morning, most people will get a drink. Likely a coffee or tea.

I quietly observed the stalls within the market. At 6 plus in the morning, almost every stall has a queue. Early risers waiting to be served their piping hot breakfast. From Kueh stalls to economic bee hoon to wanton noodles and even Roti Prata, the small market has everything you could possibly want for a hearty breakfast.

I did not have to wait long. Hock Chuan shuffled in slowly from my right near a stall selling traditional kuehs. He bought something from the stall before moving a few steps down to the next one. He gestured what he wanted to the stall owner with the same hand holding the kuehs and moments later, a piping hot plate of fried noodles with luncheon meat, fried fish fillet & sunny side up egg appeared on his hand.

He has not seen me yet.
Turning around to look for a seat, Hock Chuan took two steps before he stopped. With the plate of food on his hand, he broke into a smile without looking at me directly. It’s my turn to pop up on him instead of the other way around.

Hock Chuan took a deep breath before turning towards me. Without a word, he made his way towards my table. Setting his food down, he gestures to the nearest drinks stall, asking if I would like another coffee.

“Of course. Black. No sugar.” I said.

“you must be a bitter man…” he teased before going ahead to place the order.

Hock Chuan sat the drinks in front of me before taking his time to lower his body down into the seat.

I did not speak, I wanted to give him the chance to talk first.

He took a mouthful of the fried noodles before chomping down on a bite of the fried fillet. The crunch and the grease on his lips and the manner in which he is eating is making me hungry.
“You found me, which means you met the fortune teller.” He said in between mouthful of food.

“Yes. I found Suwen.” I said, bringing up his daughter’s name on purpose.

Hock Chuan nodded and continued eating, slurping up the noodles as I felt my stomach rumble.
“This stall has the best fried noodles do you know that? “ He said before gesturing to a vegetarian stall and says that one has the best bee hoon.

[ilikeoldchangke]

Turning to point at a drinks stall, he likes the coffee at that stall, and he eats the fishball noodles at least once a week.

“You have a good appetite for someone about to die.” I said.

“so what ? Everyone dies Jerry.”

“don’t worry. I won’t let that happen. I’ll save you.”

Hock Chuan started laughing as he sweeps the noodles into the centre of the plate to make them easier to handle. He broke the yolk of the sunny side up egg and I swallowed a mouthful of saliva as the yolk cascaded down into the tangle of black noodles.

“what if I don’t want to be save?” He asked.

“Nonsense. Then you wouldn’t have sold me the paper.”

“you think I sold you the paper because I want you to save me? “

“why else would you sell me the paper then ? “

“What have you learnt so far from this bizarre adventure of yours Jerry ? “

“I learned that if I try, I stand a chance, if I don’t, then I don’t stand a chance.”

Hock Chuan nodded as he slurped down another mouthful of noodles.

“Did the fortune teller reveal if I could be save?”

“No”

Hock Chuan smiled but said nothing.

“I know the exact date, the time and the location when you will die. I’ll be there to stop whoever that is going to kill you. You must have offended many people.”

He agreed, telling me that some of the people he sells the papers to threatened to kill him if he doesn’t keep selling them.
“the lottery page can be really attractive to some individuals.”

“Are you not the least bit worried? “ I asked.

“No. All men die.”

“There is no nobility in a senseless death.” I said.

“Neither is there in a meaningless life.” He replied without missing a beat.

I sighed and looked at the man in front of me enjoying his breakfast. He did not seem at all bothered that he is about to die.
He sold me the paper, he pointed me to the fortune teller which turns out to be his daughter.
I took a sip of the coffee as I watched Hock Chuan polished up the rest of the noodles as I put two and two together in my head.

“You wanted me to meet your daughter.” I said, figuring out what Hock Chuan has up his sleeve.

“You are half right.” He said as he sat his chopsticks down. “I wanted her to meet you.”

“Why?”

“you’re a special man Jerry. Destined for great things.”

I rolled my eyes and gave him the finger.

“Fuck off. So what, I’m Neo in the matrix ? You going to offer me the blue pill and the red pill ? can I dodge bullets ?”

“Nothing so dramatic.” Hock Chuan wiped his mouth with a handkerchief before pulling the coffee nearer to himself.

Hock Chuan took a sip of his coffee, closed his eyes as he enjoyed the feeling of the devil’s brew going down his throat.

“Tell me what happened when you met the fortune teller ? “ He asked.

I told him about the throwing of pens.

“That’s interesting. She has never bothered to do that for anyone before.” Hock Chuan said. “I’m guessing you paid the price ? “

“I did. She revealed when I will die.”

Hock Chuan laughed.

“and ? when are you dying ? ”

“She revealed, but I did not look.”

Shaking his finger at me, he told me I merely delayed the inevitable.

“You will… know the day of your death Jerry. There’s no way around it.”

“I’ll worry about it when that day comes.

Hock Chuan revealed that the fortune teller has never bothered to go into the technical details of how things work. This means I’m the 1st person to ever have that conversation with her.

“what does that mean ? “

He shook his head, unwilling to reveal further other than he made the right choice choosing me.

“What else ? what else did she say ? “

“Send my regards to my father.” I said, telling Hock Chuan the last words she left me with.

The coffee cup froze in mid air and I could feel a change in Hock Chuan’s demeanour. It’s like he wasn’t expecting something like that.
He looked at his coffee and I could see him thinking. Then he slowly broke into a smile before he took another sip. Something changed in that moment. He looked relax, almost happy.
He gave me off the vibe of someone ready to go which worries me further.

“enjoy your date with Sulyani.” Hock Chuan said. “don’t worry about me.”

“No. I’m going to save you.” I said, standing up from the seat. “and no one can stop me.”

Hock Chuan just smiled as I walked away.

With the information I have on hand, there’s no way I will let Hock Chuan die on my watch.

I just stepped into my place when my phone rang. It was Sulyani.

“Hey. Just want to check with you what are we doing this weekend. I mean.. we going anywhere that has dress code or something ? “ She asked.

Looking at the blown up map of the estate where the market is at, I asked Sulyani what is the most interesting date she has ever been on.

“Hmmm… definitely not lingerie shopping. Haha.. well, I would say ermm.. it’s rock climbing… a date brought me to a wall once.” She laughed. “what do you have in mind ? You don’t strike me as the outdoor adventure type.”

“How would you like to save a man from dying ? “ I asked.

“wow… are you volunteering at some shelter or anything? “ she asked.

“not exactly.” I replied as I printed out another image of the carpark where Hock Chuan is killed.

“well, if he is suicidal, it’s best you leave it to the professionals.” Sulyani said.

I almost dropped my phone as I connected what she just said with the blissful expression on Hock Chuan’s face earlier.

No one killed him.

He’s going to take his own life.

………………………………………..

[sommeliersed]

Fabulous updates TS, thanks!

[Spermster]

Outstanding updates!

[hotmine1919]

Nice story, camping for more

[WhysHappened]

Wonderful story, support for more updates :)

[takashi31400]

Bro TS

Always love your story.
Thanks for your great story.
Keep it up and be safe.

[formulae]

Awesome story, please keep coming bro.

[driedlemon3]

Great thriller, waiting for the next update!

[JoyfulCat7]

Very nice story, support!

[chenzong]

No one killed him.

He’s going to take his own life.

………………………………………..

Sigh. How to save someone who is determined to die?
Valar Morghulis.

[Bus2T4]

OMG such a nice story!

[myfast]

Camping for more here ts

[Moorthi]

Interesting story, keep it up!

[SocialSnob]

Incredible story writing!! Please keep going TS. ;)

[FlatTop]

Bro ilock is one of the best writers here. There is no doubt about that.
Patiently waiting for the next update.

[qiannian188]

Very nice story, camping too

[FlatTop]

Camping here for updates

[MYSPA]

Updates coming soon?

[hawkeye007]

Where are you bro ILOCK..?

2 weeks since your last update, many of your loyal readers are suffering from massive withdrawal symptoms... :p

[Tiotok]

Where are you bro ILOCK..?

2 weeks since your last update, many of your loyal readers are suffering from massive withdrawal symptoms... :p

Bro ilock mentioned that he is going on a break for a while. Do check out his website for more updates and other stories


I'm patiently waiting for it too. Haha

[DrunkenClam]

I'm patiently waiting for it too. Haha

Same here too

[LoweTalk]

Do update soon again TS :)

[yellowdove]

Very tok kong story, please continue TS

[driedlemon3]

looking forward to the continuation of this awesome story!

[jianfu]

Wonderful story TS, waiting for next update. ;)

[ilikeoldchangke]

“Hello? You there Jerry ? “ Sulyani asked.

“yeah, yeah, I’m here… sorry…” I quickly replied. “ Errmmm.. I think ermmm… maybe something sporty…. Errm… you know….shoes…. ready to run … workout attire should be fine…what do you usually wear when you exercise..? something light ? airy…? ”

Sulyani laughed.

“So you’re saying you want to see me in tights, running shoes and sports bra…?” She teased.

“No no no, of course not… I didn’t mean it that way… I just… I just…” I stammered and tried to think of a reason when Sulyani said she was just teasing me.

“I’m just kidding…. I can do 5km in 50 mins if you’re interested to see me sweat…” She teased.

“That’s really fast, I can only manage an hour at that distance…and I’m probably going to pant like a dog after I’m done…” I admitted.

“Looks like it’s going to be a sweaty date with lots of panting I guess.” Sulyani laughed over the phone.

“wow…. i…ermm… I definitely wasn’t expecting that from you…” I said.

“hahha, sorry, it’s just that it’s been a while since someone asked me out.”

“haha, it’s been a while since I asked someone out too.” I admitted. “ ermmm, I see you at say…11am ? at…. Old airport road food centre… vicinity…“

“ Alright…I’ll call when I’m there…hope we can save your friend.” She said, from her tone, I could tell she thinks I’m joking.

“See you Sulyani…”

“My friends call me Sue..” she offered.

“See you soon Sue.” I laughed and so did she as we hung up on each other.


30th December 2018
Sunday
6am

I’m back at the market again.
If Hock Chuan is going to kill himself, I’m going to fucking knock some sense into him before he does. Hell, maybe I can even knock him out or something, then I get to go pant and sweat with Sulyani in peace.

The seat I took the day earlier is occupied. So I took another table at the corner as I waited for Hock Chuan to appear.
However, when I saw him again, I felt goosebumps appearing all over my body.
It’s weird.
It’s just darn weird.

It’s a different day, a different seat but I’m looking at exactly the same thing.

Hock Chuan shuffled in slowly from my right near the stall selling traditional kuehs. He bought something from the stall before moving a few steps down to the next one.
He gestured what he wanted to the stall owner with the same hand holding the kuehs and moments later, a piping hot plate of fried noodles with luncheon meat, fried fish fillet & sunny side up egg appeared on his hand.

It’s like someone hit the rewind button. He was wearing the same top, the same pants. Hock Chuan bought the same food, from the same stores in the same order.

Turning around to look for a seat, Hock Chuan took two steps before he stopped. With the plate of food on his hand, he broke into a smile without looking at me directly. He knew I was there at another seat.
Hock Chuan turned towards me. Without a word, he made his way towards my table. Setting his food down, he gestures to the same drinks stall, asking if I would like another coffee.

I felt like I was sucked into some ground hog day shit and everything is repeating itself.

“ Ba…..Black. No sugar.” I said.
“you must be a bitter man…” he repeated what he said to me the day before going ahead to place the order.

Hock Chuan sat the drinks in front of me before taking his time to lower his body down into the seat. It’s a Deja vu moment.

I did not speak. I just looked at him, my eyes transfixed at what he is doing.
He took a mouthful of the fried noodles before chomping down on a bite of the fried fillet. The crunch, the grease on his lips and the manner in which he is eating, I’ve seen it all before.

I was rendered speechless as I looked at him.

“Do you see how meaningless my life is Jerry ? “ he said without looking at me.

Hock Chuan told me he does the same thing everyday. If I was not there, he will be having breakfast alone, eating the same thing, repeating his day over and over again.

“what kind of fuck up nonsense are you going about ?” I said a little too loudly, drawing the ire of the neighbouring table.

He can make the choice of what he wants to do everyday, there’s no need to come to the same market, eat at the same stall, do the same thing. It doesn’t make sense.

“do something different for fuck sake, go to another place for breakfast, what is stopping you ? “ I said.

“yes, today, I’m going to do something different..” Hock Chuan said with a grin.

“you’re going to kill yourself today….am I right ? “ I asked.

Hock Chuan nodded as he took another mouthful of noodles while looking at me.

“why…. The fuck would you do that… ? “

“some things has to happen, in order to spark of a chain reaction for other things to happen.”

“bullshit… how would your death change anything ? “ I said.

He did not answer me and I changed my direction of questioning.

I want to know why he went to jail.
“you were jailed for robbery and assault right ? “

“yes.”

“who did you rob ? and who did you assault ? “

“I robbed my daughter, and I assaulted my wife, my wife is now lying on a bed and in a coma for the past few years…”

The coffee I was about to bring to my lips halted in mid-air.

“what the fuck is wrong with you…?” I asked in disbelief.

“it’s what I have to do…” he said with a hint of sadness.” She will wake soon.”

“stop giving me that shit.” I set the coffee down and glared at him while Hock chuan continued giving me the nonchalant expression.

“all of these…..this… you.. killing yourself so something else happens….all these can stop… ok ? you have my attention now…just tell me what you want me to do….i’ll do it… it’s simple as that…I’ll do it… don’t fucking die.” I said in a harsh whisper.
Putting down his chopsticks, Hock Chuan referenced a game of chess while explaining his perspective.

If the situation calls for it, you will have to sacrifice your pawns and knights to check the king.

“Beating up your wife into a coma ? Robbing your own daughter ? Does this even make sense to you ? “
Hock Chuan smiled but said nothing, he went ahead to polish up the rest of his noodles before speaking.
“I am but a small pawn in a big game… and my time is up.”

“bullshit….don’t make sense to me…not a single bit.”

“By that logic you are going by, anything and everything you do not comprehend will not make sense to you.” Hock Chuan said and as the words sank into my heart, I went quiet for a moment.

Seeing that he has me where he wanted, he took a sip of his coffee and continued.

“Algebra and trigonometry will not make sense to a kid just learning to count, Engineering formulas will not make sense to the hawker preparing my breakfast….and I can go on..…”

“but..”

Holding up a palm to stop me from talking, he told me to pay attention to what he is about to say.
“Jerry, you are going to be put in a position where you can save a lot of lives… you cannot save everyone, but I know you are going to try and save as many as you can.” He said. “that’s who you are.”

“Hock chuan… i..” He went on talking, cutting me off.

“Today is the last day you are going to see me alive, nothing you do will change this……”

“woah woah woah…wait..wait wait..relax bro…”

“listen carefully to what I have to say Jerry.” Hock Chuan said. “when the reunion begins….it is a sign that the wheels have started to turn.”

“reunion dinner is not due until fucking Chinese new year dude…what wheels ? apply the brakes on the wheels.” I interrupted but Hock Chuan continued speaking.

“That will mark the start of your next adventure… I know you are someone who will not sit by and watch something happen if you know you can stop it…but my advice to you….. sometimes, choosing not to see what is in front of you is necessary….”

“errrr….can you just use fucking simple English..?”

“the newspaper you have been reading the past few months…there are articles about visually impaired people going missing…”

“oh yeah, what was that about…? “

“you’ll find out soon enough….everything happens for a reason Jerry… the people you saved…the lives you affected…the connections you made so far…it will all come together..”

“something changed when I told you what Suwen said yesterday….” I blurted out abruptly. “ If she did not say that, would it make a difference ? “

“yes it would.” Hock Chuan replied while stirring his coffee.” If she ignored you, if she rejected you, I will say with confidence you can stop my death.”

“I’m going to go where you go, do what you do, you will not take your own life… not on my watch..” I said.

“hahhaha” He laughed heartily as he drank his coffee. “what about your date with Sulyani ?”

“it’s going to be an interesting first date for us…trying to save a life…I’m sure that will leave an impression.”

“I can tell you it’s going to be an interesting first date…. But I’m not so sure about you saving a life.” Hock Chuan taunted.

[ilikeoldchangke]

“we’ll see.” I said.

“we’ll see” Hock Chuan replied without hesitation.

………………………………..


I sat opposite Hock Chuan and he did not seem like he was in a hurry. He took his time drinking his coffee and eating his breakfast, enjoying what I assume will be his last meals.

Not wanting to wait for things to happen, I tried to map out what will possibly happen in the next few hours. I can run pretty fast, there’s no way Hock Chuan can outrun me. I just need to stick close to him.
He can try to lose me in a crowd but there’s nothing stopping me from holding onto him or putting my arm around his shoulder.

Block 11a, multi-storey carpark, level 3B. 2.15pm. That was what Suwen said. I can catch Hock Chuan’s pen if I’m there at that exact moment. I’m not going to lose sight of him but if I do, I just need to make sure I’m at that spot at 2.15pm.

As I was getting lost in my thoughts, a visually impaired man approached our table with packets of napkins.

“Tissue paper ? 3 for $1 “ He said.

Hock Chuan gave him $2 and so did I, we only took 1 packet of napkins from the man.

“thank you, thank you so much.” The man replied.

He looks around my age, his hair is greasy and could probably use a wash. The clothes he was wearing is old and dated but still clean.
Carrying a large bag of napkins and wet tissues on his shoulder, the man moved from table to table, tapping with his stick to feel his way around.

“Eat breakfast already Ah Fu ? “ Hock Chuan said.

“Ehhh.. Hock Chuan…it’s you..”

“come come, sit… I buy you coffee.” Hock Chuan shifted to the side of the table, making space for Ah Fu.

Not wanting Hock Chuan to use the excuse to disappear, I offered to get another round of coffee for everyone.

I kept my eyes on Hock Chuan while ordering. He talked to Ah Fu casually like old friends who see each other everyday at the market.

Bringing the drinks back to the table, I overheard Ah Fu telling Hock Chuan that his mother’s medical bills is coming to 40k.
“how to pay ? I die also no money to pay the hospital.” He lamented. “still got other bills, every time open letter box… every letter asking for money...nowadays, the only people sending letters to you are the ones asking for money.”

Ah Fu’s mother suffered from a slew of ailments from diabetes to high blood pressure. She is wheelchair bound and Ah Fu’s napkin sales really helped with the household expenses. He comes out for a few hours to make some money before rushing back home to take care of his mother. In the evening after she sleeps, he will moonlight as a masseuse around the vicinity.

Ah Fu had an older brother but he passed away in a car accident. The burden of caring for his aged mother then fell onto his shoulder. The conversation between the 2 man then drifted to the usual topics. High cost of living in Singapore, everything is expensive, we are moving too fast, people like them are getting left behind.

“sometimes I think maybe it’s better to die ah… die already no worries…” Ah Fu said.

“don’t say things like that, I’m sure there’s a solution…” I said.

Draining his coffee from the cup, Ah Fu thanked me for supporting his small business and for the coffee.
“I need to go make some more money..” he said

As Ah Fu tapped his way down other tables, it suddenly struck me that this meeting may not be just a simple chanced encounter.

“Don’t tell me he is the next one to disappear..” I said, referring to the people going missing in the previous articles.

Hock Chuan smiled and shrugged his shoulders.
“I don’t know Jerry… I really don’t know.”


10.45am

Hock Chuan got up from the seat and I followed suit.
I asked him which block of flat is he staying at.

“block 12. You want to come up for tea?” Hock Chuan said with a grin.

“sure. Why not?”

Base on what I remembered block 12 is right in front of the carpark which is block 11A.

Taking the path to his place, I was about to ask Hock Chuan about his wife when a car screeched to a stop just when we are about to cross a small road to block 12.

It’s a old Mercedes and I saw the reverse light come on.

The car backed up until the driver’s side is right in front of me. When the window came down, I froze and felt a chill like someone just opened the freezer door in front of me.

Sitting in the car is someone I never thought I would see again.

The businessman.

Bobby.

Sitting on the passenger seat, is the Irish man who is peering out Bobby’s side and squinting his eyes at me.

“OYYY! YOU!” Corner shouted.

I panicked and I reacted instantly.
“fuck !” I cursed and I immediately turned and started running.

I bolted and turned back in time to see Conor and Bobby getting out of the car and staring at me while gesturing wildly. Hock Chuan gave me a eerie grin, adding to the frustration I was feeling.

I don’t know why Bobby and Conor is together but seeing them backing their car towards me, it must not be good news. I checked again and saw that they are not in pursuit, instead, they got back into their car.

Taking a circuitous route, I plot my path back to Hock Chuan’s block. Bobby and Conor are headed into the multi storey carpark. I just need to avoid that place for now.

My phone started ringing and it’s Sulyani.

“Hi Sue,” I picked up the phone while trying to catch my breath.

“You started running without me ? “ she asked.

“No…no… errmm.. where are you… ? “ I said while looking around the estate.
The market is now to my right, to my left is a open field with block 1 at it’s rear. Looking down at my feet, I jumped off the carpark lot 14 I was standing on and back onto the pavement.

“why are you so jumpy?”
Turning again to look at the direction of the market, I saw Sulyani waving at me. My heart skipped a beat when I saw her.
She’s gorgeous.

Dressed in a pair of black running tights complete with white sneakers, she walked up to me while hanging up the phone. She’s dressed for a workout alright with her pastel coloured sports bra showing from under her loose t-shirt.
Her hair is tied up in a tight bun and she carried a drawstring bag.

“hey…”

“hi…” I said, barely able to tear my eyes off her body.

“so… where is the guy you want to save ? “ Sulyani asked.

“I..err… lost him…” I said sheepishly “but I know where he’ll be later at 2.15pm.”

She gave me a raised eyebrow before nodding slowly, probably thinking I’m weird.

I don’t have Hock Chuan’s number, I don’t know his address, it doesn’t make sense to go searching for him around that area especially with Bobby and Conor around, so I figure the best thing I can do, is to go for my date.

Sulyani didn’t mind having lunch at the hawker centre. We got a table at the corner and both of us just started digging into our meals when I saw Sulyani’s eyes widened as she looked behind me.

Raising a hand up as if she was waving to someone, I turned and a dreadful feeling starts to fill my tummy.

“yo bro… “ Sulyani said while fist bumping Chan, her colleague I saved together with her that day near Botanic garden.

“what you doing here ? “ Chan asked.” Come all the way here to eat ah ? “

Looking at me, Chan immediately paused and I could see him searching his memory because he recognised me.

“oh… you’re that weird smoking guy working in the park.” He shook his finger at me as I gave him an awkward smile.

“I’m not the smoking one…”

“Oh oh oh… you’re the one that beat up an old man or something is it ? “

Sulyani came to my rescue and changed the topic.
Chan pointed to a noodle stall at the rear, saying that his fiancé is queuing up for it.

“Next time come here jio (ask me along) me ma, I stay so near.” Chan commented before adding that he will stop disturbing us.

He whispered a little loudly to Sulyani for her to tell him all about this date when they are back at work.

“ Still find it hard to believe you would give your number to a weird AF guy you don’t know.” Chan’s whisper is so loud that I’m sure the table beside us can hear him.
“I gave him more than my number Chan… ask him..” Sulyani replied with a cheeky smile and Chan returned to his normal speaking volume while looking at me.
“Well good luck to you bro….Sulyani is weird…I’m serious…… maybe you guys can stay weird together.” Chan said as Sue threatened to splash her cup of sugar cane juice at him.

“don’t mind him…” Sue said with a smile that came with a glare directed at the man behind me.

Bobby, Conor, Sulyani, Chan.

These are people that I have met and saved in that exact order.

I scooped a spoonful of rice into my mouth and looked at my watch.

It’s coming to 12 noon.

2 more hours before it’s going to happen.

[ilikeoldchangke]

After Sulyani and Chan, the people I came into contact with are, Spencer, Tan, Chua and Choo, who is also Sulyani’s dad.

Spencer and Chua are dead. This leaves Tan and Choo.
“Is your dad working today ? “ I asked

“Yeah… he dropped me off before picking up another fare, why do you ask ? “

“Just… just curious…”

Sulyani and I chatted over lunch. I discovered we have quite a few similarities when it comes to coffee and desserts.
The food centre is not too conducive for an extended stay, we ended up at a café a short walk away.

I kept looking at my watch during the date and it did not go unnoticed.

“am I boring you Jerry ? “ Sulyani teased.

“No, no… i… I just really need to be at the carpark before 2.15pm.”

“Wow, you’re really serious about this aren’t you…”

“it’s really hard to explain…”

Sulyani drained her coffee and gestured towards the exit.

“Well, show me then.”

At 1.30pm, we made our way to the carpark at block 11A. Heading up to level 3B, I could see that it’s pretty much empty with exception of a delivery van parked at the end.

Sulyani rest her hands on her hips and looked at me as if asking me what’s next.

“There’s still some time before 2.15pm”

Pointing to the only vehicle on that level, Sulyani asked if I have some surprise waiting for her.

“ Jerry, just to let you know…. Balloons, flowers and picnic basket surprise from the back of a car on the 1st date will feel weird…”

I laughed and told her I prepared nothing of that sort.

“but if that’s what you like, I’m sure I can think of something.”

“Oh please don’t…” She laughed. “ ok whatever, I want the balloons to be in pink.”

Our laughs were cut off by the screech of a vehicle’s wheels from a level up. This was followed by the revving of it’s engine.
Checking my watch, I could see it’s 1.45pm.
30 more minutes to go.

The screeching of the tyres continued and the sound of the car came closer.
Gesturing for Sulyani to step away from the approach of the vehicle, I braced myself for what is about to happen. The car sounded like it’s going too fast in a carpark.
I cursed under my breath the moment I saw the Mercedes come into view. That’s Bobby’s car.
Grabbing Sulyani’s hand I told her to start running down the carpark.

I heard the Mercedes sound it’s horn several times as it sped up in the carpark.

“what’s happening ? what’s happening ? “ Sulyani asked.

“I’ll explain later !”

Conor has wind down the passenger side window and he is shouting at us.

“OOYY!...STOP!”

Sulyani and I reached the ground floor in no time since the dog legged ramp do not allow vehicles to take the same stack up and down. Vehicles need to travel to the other end of the carpark to descend or come up.

Still, Bobby drove really fast, his vehicle’s tyres screeching angrily in the carpark.

They’re probably fucking mad at what I did to them. Cutting across the carpark towards the barrier, Sulyani and I came face to face with a taxi turning into the carpark.

The cab slammed it’s brakes and blared it’s horn the same time Bobby’s vehicle screeched to a stop behind us.
Bobby and Conor came out of the old Mercedes but before I could figure out what to do, the cab driver came out of his vehicle and I felt my legs go weak.

Choo is the cab driver.
The passenger side of the cab opened up too and Tan looked at me with a puzzled frown. He recognised me.

“Everything ok ? “ A voice came from our rear.

It was Chan.

He arrived with his fiancé by his side.

“Why are you surrounded Sue ? “ Chan asked defensively while looking at the 2 vehicles and 4 men around his colleague.

“why are you running bro ? “ Conor directed the question at me.

“What are you doing here Sue ? “ Choo asked his daughter.

Sulyani looked at me but the commotion at the carpark interrupted by a loud slam that made everyone turned.

No one said a word as all eyes looked silently at the body that just fell from above.

I was frozen when I stood as I looked at the body with a gut wrenching feeling in my stomach.

“fuck…” Sulyani cursed and as professionals, Chan and her are the first to react.

Chan already has his phone out to call for an ambulance while Sulyani is looking up the carpark to try and see if there’s anyone above. She lowered her body and tried to talk to the man on the floor without touching him.

A crowd is starting to gather as I stared at the body in a trance.

Forcing myself to move, I took a step forward.
Then another.

The man is lying face down.

Raising my hand to check the time, it’s not 2.15pm yet.
It’s not.

As I got closer, I saw the walking stick. I saw the tissue packets.

That’s not Hock Chuan.

That’s Ah Fu.

2.05pm.

There’s still time.

I backed away from the crowd and I could see Conor gesturing to me.

“Hey, hey bro, I need to talk to you… I need to talk to you…! “ He didn’t sound like he was angry or out to get revenge.

I told him to give me a minute as I ran back up to 3B. Then I went up to 4th, to 4B and on to the rest of the carpark to see if I could see Hock Chuan.

He’s not anywhere.

Arriving at 3B, nothing changed. Still empty except that delivery truck parked in the corner. I decided to keep running up. Coming to the top floor, I covered my mouth when I was an old lady in wheelchair parked by the parapet near the spot where Ah Fu jumped.

At her feet are two packets of uneaten lunch.

Her hands are on her lap and her head is down.

Approaching her slowly, I called out.

“Auntie…hello Auntie… ? you ok ? “
She’s not moving.

With a trembling hand, I put my finger close to her nose. She’s no longer breathing.
I looked over the parapet and saw Sulyani looking up. She called me on my mobile and I told her about the lady in the wheelchair. She’s got to be Ah Fu’s mother.

“The ambulance is on their way….what is happening Jerry ?“ She asked.

Right then, the alarm on my watch starts beeping.

It’s 2.15pm

Turning around, I braced myself for another surprise but there is none.

Aside from the beeping on my watch, there is nothing else.

“I don’t know Sue… I don’t know… I just saw this man this morning at the market… I … I bought tissues from him and I treated him coffee…”

“Is this the man you are supposed to save ?” She asked.

The beeping on my watch stopped as I saw the digital display changed to 2.16pm

“No… it’s not him.”

Making my way back down the ramp, I paused again at 3B.
My eyes went to the delivery van parked at the corner.

I walked over to the vehicle cautiously.
From the passenger side window, I could see a stack of newspaper on the passenger seat.
I saw a packet of cigarette on the dashboard that is the same brand I know Hock Chuan smokes.
The goods area behind the driver is separated with a wire mesh. I made my way to the driver side and tried to peer into the back of the van.
Then I saw him.

Hock Chuan.
He’s right there all along.

At the back of the vehicle, leaning lifelessly against a stack of newspaper.

………………………

[ilikeoldchangke]

Looking at the lifeless body of Hock Chuan, I backed away slowly from the vehicle. My breathing starts to get irregular. The amount of shock I received within the past hour is stretching my ability to cope with news like these to it’s limits.
My legs refused to support my weight and I find myself lowering to the ground as I tried to catch my breath.

Maybe he’s just sleeping, maybe he is taking a break. Maybe he’s just fucking with me to see my reaction.

Holding onto a wall for support, I got back up and tried the door handle.
The door opened, fear striking deeper into my heart when I realized Hock Chuan remained motionless.
Swinging the door opened, I called out to Hock Chuan.

“Oei… Hock Chuan…. Oei… don’t play ah….Hock Chuan…! “

He didn’t move nor acknowledge me. His head is looking downwards like he was taking a nap while slumped against a stack of newspaper. In his right hand is an empty bottle while his left held the keys to the van.

“Oei… Hock Chuan.!” I raised my voice but there is still no reply.

I took a deep breath and reached forward to his face. Placing my fingers under his nose, I realized he is no longer breathing. Touching the side of his neck, I checked for a pulse and there is none.

He’s gone.

I backed away and mustered up enough strength to shut the door.
The moment the vehicle door slid shut, I literally sat on the ground, hurting my bum as I groaned loudly in despair.
How the hell did things come to this state ?

First it was Spencer and Chua, 2 men dying on the same day.

Now it’s Hock Chuan, Ah Fu & his mother. A total of three.
How many will the next time bring ?

I forced myself to get up and continued backing away from the truck.

I backed away until I reached the stairs. I have never felt my legs go weak before and having my legs buckled upon taking the 1st step made me glad there are railings for me to hold on to.
Instead of taking the stairs, I pulled myself up and head for the lift that serves the carpark. I need to calm down and think.
When the lift door opened, I saw something familiar on the lift floor. It’s the bag of tissues and napkins that Ah Fu was carrying earlier at the market.

There is a buzzing sound coming from it.
I opened the recyclable bag and I saw a phone with a cracked screen. It’s still working despite the spider web like shatter on the top left.

Someone is calling the phone and it’s a private number.

The lift went down to level one as I picked up and answer the call.

“Hello.”

“why you take so long to answer ? “ the voice said. “ you do blind massage one right ? tonight 10.30pm…Lorong 22 Geylang. Gulliemard suites..#04-04.”

“wait… i..”

“Ah Biao recommend you to me one… you need fast cash right… then come at 10.30pm….very fast job..walk 2 street away only..”

“No I mean…Ah Biao..?”

“You better come ah. 10.30pm….don’t fucking waste my time….” The voice said and hung up.

The lift opened on the ground floor and I looked at the phone in my hand. This is not random. This happened for a reason.
If I am to believe that this is somehow connected with everything and everyone that has died so far, surely this phone call did not happen by chance.
I pocketed the phone and checked the bag for other clues that may have been left for me. Finding none, I left the bag as it is and made my way back to the gathered crowd. I went straight for Conor.

He was smoking beside Bobby and they saw me approached them.

I want to know why they are here.

“OYYY! You… hey…!” Conor called out to me with his cigarette holding hand raised.

“why are you here ? Why are you here today ? “ I asked. “why are you with him ? Aren’t you just collecting money from him ? “

The both of them looked surprised at my sudden outburst.

Conor asked me to calm down and he told me what happened after I left the carpark on that day of the collection.

After the debt was paid, Conor could not help asking why Bobby is laughing so hard when he was so angry and confrontational. Bobby told him what he was saying and cleared up the translation on the spot.
Initially Conor was hopping mad but after thinking about it, he too had a good laugh.
His colleague from the debt collection company arrived after sorting out the accident and he was unhappy that Conor succeeded in the collection without him, cutting his share of the commission out.
An argument ensued and Bobby, offered Conor a job on the spot.

The two of them have been working together ever since and business has never been better.

“What you did was fuck up man.” Bobby said to me.” But as a businessman, I believe in fate…. And Conor…helped turned things round for me.”

Bobby’s business improved after he hired Conor and he is now exporting stuff to Ireland. They’re expanding and doing well enough to start giving back to society.
He credits it to the lucky staff he hired thanks to that evening.
Everything has been smooth sailing for him ever since meeting Conor. Even bad debts that he did not think will ever be repaid were cleared.

“We’re here today to distribute groceries to the needy together with other volunteers.” Conor said. “ Then we saw you…and I don’t know why you started running…. Must be the guilt eh…”
Bobby pulled out a name card and gave it to me.

“This is my card. I’m in logistics and furniture now with Conor…if you ever need to move things about, call me….” Bobby said. “I have a huge warehouse, you need to store your stuff while moving, let me know too.”

I looked at the card Bobby gave me and Conor started cursing at me.

“Hey…by the way…” Conor called out to me.” Diu Lei ah. ( screw you in Cantonese ), that was for fucking with my Hokkien… you CCB ( you cunt ).

I was left speechless as I looked at Conor belt out the curses like he was a native speaker.

“Just kidding bro.” Conor smiled and tapped me on my arm.” You’re a life changer man… if not for you fucking with me, I might still be trying to collect debt and getting pushed over... Li Si Yan Dao ah. ! ( you’re handsome ) haha“

Bobby and Conor extinguished their fag and started to walk back into their car which is now parked by the side of the small road.

Turning around, I saw Sulyani and Chan talking intently before looking my way.

Heading over to Choo and Tan, I saw Choo helping Tan unload some boxes from the boot of his cab to the side of the road.

“Jerry…. Hope my daughter never give you any trouble…” Choo said.

“Ah Choo…. This guy seeing your daughter ? Your daughter got people want ah ? “ Tan the cleaner at Kovan chirped in.
“of course my daughter got people want… what nonsense are you talking about ? chey…“
Looking at the both of them, I asked if they knew each other.

Choo laughed and said they are neighbors.

“We stayed in the same estate in Hougang for decades.” Choo added.

After dropping Sulyani off for her date with me, Choo picked up other passengers which brought him back to Hougang. He was considering stopping for a quick lunch when he bumped into Tan who wants to bring some old appliances to his friend’s place at block 10.

“So I gave him a lift here.” Choo said.

My head feels a little lightheaded. It’s like a dream and everything is so surreal as the picture start to come together.
I walked over to Sulyani and Chan like an adventurer looking for NPC characters to talk to. The more people I talk to, the bigger the picture that is forming in my head.

“Sue… i…”

“ You know Jerry…. I was right when I say trouble seems to follow you around.” Sulyani said.

“I… I don’t know what to say…”

“Well….….shit happens…” Sulyani said while shrugging her shoulder and commenting that the whole situation is just so sad.

The ambulance, the police, the reporters, they all came.
I was praying no one will realise there is a missing phone and my prayers were answered soon after.

All of Ah Fu and his mother’s belongings were intact. The phone in the bag must be a spare phone.
Some neighbours revealed that Ah Fu regularly brings his mother to the roof top of the carpark for some sun and they will have lunch under the sheltered area.
Her passing on must have hit him hard, not forgetting he just lost his brother a short while ago.

After giving my statement about what happened, I was free to go with Sulyani.
I was pretty distracted when Sulyani was talking to me and she could tell.

“You ok ? you seemed pretty shakened…” She said.

“Yeah… first time seeing someone jump…”

I did not tell anyone about Hock Chuan, because I don’t know how to.
There’s no way I can explain it without me looking suspicious. I’m caught between a rock and a hard place.

If I tell someone there is a body in a truck on level 3B, they will surely want to know how I came across that information. If I don’t tell anyone, I’m also riddled with the guilt of leaving Hock Chuan alone in that vehicle.

I could come clean with everything from the newspaper to the fortune teller, but by then the authorities will need to decide if I should go to jail or a mental institution.

As I walked with Sulyani to the train station, I was trying to think of a way how to report Hock Chuan’s death.

“come, I’ll recommend a place for dinner…it should take your mind off these unpleasant stuff.” Sulyani said.

We took a train and did a bit of walking before ending up at Arab street. Sulyani brought me to this nice Kebab café. We talked more than we ate. I found out that Sulyani has applied for a transfer from her current position to go into another team.

“I applied together with Chan and he was telling me earlier we both got in.”

“What team is that ? how different is the job scope ? “

[ilikeoldchangke]

“I can’t tell you… it’s secret.” She said with a grin as she dipped her bread into some olive oil. “super exciting stuff.”

“Will I see you on crime watch telling people to be careful of scams and stuff ? “

“hahahaha.” Sulyani chuckled and brushed her hair behind her fringe while straightening her back. “Do I have that crime watch look ? “

“Of course…” I replied and we both laughed as Sulyani did an impression of saying good evening to the audience.

We talked about my work next and I told her my job is boring compared to hers.

“The most dangerous part of my job is probably getting stung by a bee or stepping on an ant’s nest.” I said while sipping my drink. “maybe get chase by the swans occasionally at work.”

“don’t say that, I think it’s interesting. I don’t mind working with plants.. I love gardening… I have a pot of basil along the corridor..”

“A pot of Basil…” I said and gave her a ‘meh’ expression. “Is it still alive ? “

“I hope so, I haven been paying much attention to it for a month now.” Sulyani laughed and I find myself staring at her expression. Her smile is so mesmerizing.

She was the one who brought up the subject of past relationships and I admitted that I don’t have much luck in that department.

“No way !...are you gay Jerry ? “

“Of course not..!”

“Looking the way you do, I’m surprised you are single… you’re not two timing or anything right ? “

“No no no… I’m.. I’m just a boring guy…. And… I don’t know… people get bored around me…”

“I was still afraid you will say people die around you…” Sulyani joked and it took me a couple of seconds before I caught on to the joke.

Sulyani was in two previously relationship before but both didn’t work out.

“why ? “

“Personality difference I guess ? “ She said while scooping a piece of ice into her mouth and started chewing on it.” 1st guy is on drugs… I didn’t know that until I found out by accident….2nd one is just a asshole…”

“so I’m number 3 ? “ I asked with a grin.

“too early to tell Jerry. Hahha.”

We finished our meals and I could see the sky is about to pour soon.

Sulyani’s phone started buzzing and it was Choo. The whole ‘dad want to pick up daughter after her first date with a guy’ scenario starts to play out in front of me.

I could tell Sulyani is embarrassed but she tried to keep her cool when mentioning that her dad is around the corner.
“He’s ermm.. going to pick me up…” Sulyani said while avoiding eye contact. “so you won’t need to send me back..”

“that’s so nice of him..”

Sulyani gave me a raised eyebrow and said I’m the first guy to ever say that. The others usually teased her about being a daddy’s girl.

“Your father is the 1st man to ever love you, the 1st to ever carry and hug you…he’s the only one you can be sure of that will love you till he draws his last breath…there is nothing wrong with being a Daddy’s girl…” I said matter of factly.

Sulyani stared at me with her mouth slightly apart as she took in what I just blurted out.

“wow… did you rehearse that ? “

“No…I just spoke what is on my mind.” I replied.

She took a napkin and used her straw to dip into chilli sauce, using it as a makeshift pen, she wrote a ‘+10’ and flashed it to me.

“That’s bonus points Jerry…haha… you are one step closer to being number 3.. “

We laughed and it wasn’t long before I saw the flash of headlights from a approaching taxi pulling up to us.

I stood up and said hi to Choo who eyed us with a smile.
“do you need a lift Jerry ? “ he asked.

“No its ok… I’m fine…I’ll leave Sue in your hands now…” I said while opening the door for her.

Sue did a little curtsy before stepping into the taxi. Immediately, she hugged Choo and declared her love for him much to his surprise.

Choo gave me a wide eyed bewildered look and I shut the door. As the taillight of the taxi disappeared around the corner, I received a text from Sulyani thanking me for dinner.

‘Really enjoyed the company and exciting first date. Look forward to our 2nd one.!’

‘Me too !’

I replied and got a smiley face emoji in return.


Time check, it’s 9.30pm.

The sky is in an angry shade of red and I could see lightning in the distance.

Pulling out Ah Fu’s phone, there are no missed calls and messages. I looked though the phone’s history. There are nothing in the messages or in the contact list. There are some pictures but they don’t make sense. Mostly are badly taken shots of food and signages.

I walked into a convenience shop around the corner and picked out a pair of sunglasses. I’ll need a guide stick.
My eyes darted to the private hospital further down the road and I quickly made my way to the pharmacy just before it shuts. I picked out a folding cane and paid for it.

I got into a taxi and directed it back to block 11A. The carpark.
From the carpark, it’s a 5 minutes walk to the address.

I could have gone straight to the address in the taxi but I’m afraid it would give away the game that I’m actually not visually impaired.

Opening up google map again, I orientated myself to the development and I could see a large section of it faces the main road that I will have to cross from my side of the street. There’s a high chance that the man who called Ah Fu’s phone will be watching my every move from crossing the street right up to his front door.

Then there is also the issue of my personal belongings. My wallet, money, phone, cash, all these are dead giveaways that I’m not Ah Fu.
It’s too late for me to head back home.

Looking at the carpark, I know there is a place where I can put my things.
Inside Hock Chuan’s vehicle.

It’s got to be the dumbest idea ever, leaving your identifications in a vehicle with a dead body you can’t explain. However, given the time and the situation, that’s my best shot.

It’s unlikely anyone will go around trying each vehicle door to see who forgets to lock their vehicle, and even if they do try, the sight of a dead body is enough to freak any petty thief out.

Making my way up to 3B, I could see the carpark has more vehicles now, most residents around the estate have come home for the day. I opened the sliding door and this time round, Hock Chuan’s body did not disturb me that much.

Looking at his peaceful expression, I found the moment surreal and humbling.
At the end of the day, death comes to all of us. The only difference is when and how.

I bundled up my belongings into a plastic bag I found inside the van, half wondering if Hock Chuan left it there for me. I tucked the bundle into a corner and closed the door.

With only Ah Fu’s phone and $10 in my pocket, I put on the sunglasses and extended the cane I bought. Taking a deep breath, I walked towards the lift.
I don’t know how it’s like to be visually impaired but wearing a pair of shades at night, I might as well be walking with my eyes closed. I could still make out where I’m going, and I just reminded myself to go slower.
I should not be walking that fast.

The development I am supposed to go to soon came into view and I could feel my heart beat faster. Inside my head, the rational side of my is screaming.

‘what the fuck do you think you are doing ? ‘

I’m satisfying my curiosity. That’s what I’m doing.
Things happen for a reason.

As I got closer to the busy junction, I saw the tactile flooring that has been installed on the ground to guide the visually impaired. I felt my way over and a Malay teenager saw me about to head towards the zebra crossing.

Looking too young to have a cigarette in his hand, he picked up his pace and raised his hand at the approaching cars.

“Bro, zebra crossing bro…”

“oh… thank you… thank you…” I said as he took a puff of his cigarette while crossing the narrow turn with me.

At the main traffic light, I could hear the audible beeping of the signal. It’s been there all along and I’ve never understood the importance of it. The lights turned green and the beeping turned into a rapid throb. I started to make my way across the large junction, pretending to feel my way while looking at the dozens of windows and balcony in front of me.

The man that called Ah Fu is probably staring at me from one of those.

[ilikeoldchangke]

The teenager helped me cross one more zebra crossing and I asked him if Gulliemard suites is near me.

“it’s right in front of you… I don’t know where’s the entrance though.”

“Ok. Thank you… thank you…”

He walked away and I saw him wave to his friends down the alleyway.

I paused and thought of what I should do. I can see the fucking entrance to the development but should I walk straight to it as if I knew it’s on my right or should I pretend to head towards the side gate on my left.
Will my acting be too over if I tried to show my helplessness?

In the end, I decided to turn right and go for the main gate. Tapping and feeling my way, I was about to reach the main entrance when I saw a bespectacled man come out. He walked purposefully towards me, I could see him staring at me and I forced myself to continue tapping and swinging the cane.

He might be the guy who contacted Ah Fu.

I must not know he is coming because I can’t see.
He walked right passed me but not before looking at me closely. I continued moving and the man doubled back.
Parking himself a few meters in front of me, I could tell he is determined to make me walk right into him. He wants to make sure I cannot see.

My cane hit his foot and I slowed down but I still came too close. I wanted to apologized but I stopped myself in the nick of time. If I can’t see, I won’t know I hit a person or an obstacle.

Swinging the cane and tapping it about, I tried to feel for a way around when the man suddenly spoke. I recognized the voice right away. It’s the voice on the phone.

“Hey Ah Fu..” He said.

“huh…. You…. Who are you… ? “ I replied.

“I’m Terry…. Ah Biao recommended you…”

“oh hi…”

“Come, I bring you up…” He said.

Terry led the way and I kept telling myself to slow down. Every ramp, every step, I made sure I tapped and felt it with the cane. Terry never stopped looking at me and he never offered any help.

“you looked… pretty well dressed…” Terry commented.

“This is my best set of clothes…a volunteer gave it to me… I went on a tour with the resident committee earlier…we took a bus to…”

“ok… ok… ok… I’m not interested…shut up..” He said.

“oh… sorry…”

I got into the lift and he hit level 4.

Terry waved his hands a couple of times in front of my face. Then I saw him position his body for a swing. I saw it coming a split second before he did it. He’s going to punch me.

If I blocked, I would have given the game away, if I don’t, I’m going to get my face smashed in.
What Hock Chuan said to me that morning suddenly came crashing into my head.

‘Choosing not to see what is in front of me is necessary.’

I gritted my teeth and braced my body for the hit.

Terry’s punch stopped barely an inch from my nose and I was trying hard not to shake. I coughed a couple of times to hide my nervousness and Terry quickly withdrew his fist.

The lift opened and Terry walked out silently.

I remained inside the lift because it did not come with a audio announcement that it’s level 4.

“Come out la, waiting for what ?” Terry snapped.

“ok..ok..”

He asked me how long I have been massaging for people.
I don’t know Ah Fu’s massage skills and resume. Working my way back to his brother’s death a few months ago, I lied that I have a few months of experience.

“I do mainly foot massage… I’m still trying to get good at full body.” I said. “ But I assure you, it will be comfortable for you…”

Terry stopped outside his unit and looked at me from top to toe.
“How did you lose your eyes? “ He asked.

“childhood illness…delayed treatment and everything just went south..i think I lost it before I turned 10.” I lied, amazed at the bullshit I can come up with. “Don’t worry, I don’t need to see to give you a massage.”

Terry unlocked the door to his unit.
“You’re not massaging me today… you’re massaging someone else.”

I entered the really nice done up house complete with burning incense smoke like you just entered a high-end spa.
The door shut behind me and suddenly, I have this dreadful foreboding feeling.

Terry walked to the dining table and removed his phone and wallet. I then watched him pull out a knife from his back.
Ok, fuck this, if he comes at me with that knife, I’m out.
Terry held onto the knife and stared at me without a word while I remained in the living room.
My heart was pounding. My shoes are still on. I’ll have the element of surprise if Terry decides to come at me.

Then he put the knife down and called out.

“The shoe cabinet is on your right, remove your shoes then come into the room.”

“ok…”

Shit, he’s going to kill me in the room, but then he’s not bringing the knife.

My bladder felt as if it was going to burst as I removed my shoes. Tapping with the cane, I followed Terry’s voice towards the room he is waiting in.

The room lights are on and there is a woman lying on the bed in her lingerie.
“You’re going to be massaging my wife Ah Fu..” Terry said “ She has a really stiff back…..don’t you honey … ? ”

Just when I thought this is going to turn out to be some weird cuckold massage fantasy roleplay between husband and wife, I saw something that immediately dismissed that possibility.

“hi…. Hi Madam…” I said as I got closer, forcing myself to spit out the words.

Terry folded his arms and sat down on the dresser table.

“My..my name is Ah Fu…i..”

“Just start with her legs…” Terry snapped. “you can call her Lisa…don’t be shy..”

I folded my cane and set them down on the floor.

The wardrobes and drawers looked like they have been ransacked. The photos on the bedhead and table belongs to that of a beautiful woman.
Someone in her late twenties give and take.

“do you have body oil or lotion?” I asked Terry.

He hesitated before randomly picking one from the dresser table and handing it to me.

“thank you.”

I’ve never felt this level of fear and nervousness before.
It’s worse than seeing Ah Fu jump, definitely worse than seeing Ah Fu’s mother slumped over her wheelchair.
It even beats seeing Hock Chuan in his vehicle.

My hand landed on the bed as I reluctantly move towards the 4th dead person I’m seeing that day.

Yes she’s dead.

And I have no fucking idea why Terry wants me to massage her.

…………………………………….

[water_boi]

Welcome back bro ilock.. N is getting exciting.. :D

[Bitecoin]

Wow fantastic story! :)

[time4secret]

Omg camping for more updates so exciting

[SalahGhaly]

Looking forward to next chapter!

[Tiotok]

Bro ilock always has his ways of keeping us on the edge of our seats and make us wanting for more! Bravo!

[FARKIVE]

Incredible writing by bro TS. Waiting for updates too! :D

[ilikeoldchangke]

Lisa’s eyes are opened and I could not tear my eyes away from the tightly wound scarf around her neck. The colours are gone in her cheeks and she looks pale, not that I should be able to tell.
I’m blind remember ?
She must be dead for a while. It’s unbelievable the kind of shit I am capable of getting myself into.

“Can I have a stool to sit on ? “ I asked Terry and he handed me the small chair in front of the dresser.

I positioned it at the front end of the bed and sat down slowly.

I pretended to feel for Lisa’s feet on the bed before I touched her left foot. It’s cold and stiff. Something that I figure should not go unnoticed especially if I have done proper massage before.
If I don’t voice it out, I might look like an absolutely noob.

“Mdm… your feet is really cold… are you feeling ok ? “ I asked while feigning innocent. “you should really sleep with natural ventilation…air conditioning is not good for you in the long run..”
Squeezing an inch of the lotion on my palm, I rubbed the lotion on my hand before I reached for Lisa’s feet. The skin feels weird and rubbery. There is none of the warmth you feel from touching another living breathing human.

I started praying that her feet will be all that is required for me to massage.

“I forgot to tell you… my wife… ermm…she’s had a bit of an accident… so her legs are a bit stiff…can’t walk properly…” Terry lied.

“oh… ok..”

Applying the lotion over Lisa’s feet, I used my thumb and tried to replicate what I remembered was done for me during my previous foot massage session.
Terry continued staring at me and I tried to strike up a conversation with the dead Lisa.

“You should exercise more Mdm… blood circulation is not ideal… you should move about more often…” I spoke while pretending to be pressing some spots that are connected to nerve endings.

Terry spoke for Lisa again, saying that she’s quite tired after a long day.

“Is it true you can tell a person’s health from her foot ? “ Terry asked.

“For the more experienced therapist, they can… I’m still learning…” I said as I continued rubbing the lifeless body.

This officially tops the list for the sickest thing I’ve ever done. While trying to keep my expression neutral, I was in fact, in the verge of throwing up.

Terry checked his phone and I saw him tying something into it.

Then, he pretended to talk to Lisa.

“What was that honey ? Or… ok… sure…sure… I’ll let him know..” Terry said while eyeing me from the corner of his eye.

“Ah Fu…. Sorry ah…. My wife don’t feel so good… she wants you to stop… but don’t worry…. I’ll still pay you…”

“Oh…I’m sorry Mdm if I didn’t go a good job…I’m still learning…”

“Don’t worry…women all like these…. Change their mind often…” Terry pulled out 4 fifty dollar bills and stuffed them into my hand.

I pretended to feel it for a second before exclaiming that’s too much for a massage.

“yeah…it’s too much for a massage, but not too much for a short trip down the street Ah Fu… “ Terry said. “Ah Biao say you won’t ask questions..”

I scrunched up the notes and nodded.

I don’t know what trip and what street he is talking about, but it seemed like he wants me to go somewhere.

“Ok…”

Looking at me for a second, Terry asked if I could remove my sunglasses and my heart rate started racing.

“wh…why ? “ I asked.

“Just curious how your eyes look like…”
I tried to act casual and removed my glasses while focusing on a single spot. I lowered my eyelid partially to make it seem like my eyes are not normal.

“why are you eyelids twitching ? “ He asked.

“they are always twitching… I have a bit of muscle problem around there..” I spat out another round of bullshit. “ this is why I wear glasses, it makes people uncomfortable..”


Terry walked in front of me and stared right into my eyes. My bladder is on the verge of bursting as I forced myself to stare straight. I must not meet his stare.
In fact I was beginning to tear a little as Terry paced about in front of me.

Satisfied with his request, Terry turned away from me and I was about to put my glasses back on when I remembered I should not be able to know when he is done.

I pretended to call out for him.

“Hello..? you there ? “

“yeah.. yeah…you can put your glasses back on..”
Terry opened Lisa’s wardrobe and he seemed to be looking for something. Whatever it is that he needs me to deliver, it must be crucial that I’m blind. He doesn’t want me to see it.

“Can I use your toilet ? “ I asked not just because I needed to pee, it’s because I could feel my dinner on the verge of exploding out of my stomach.

“Sure… it’s the door behind you….” Terry said without looking at me.

Not wanting to give anything away, I stretched out my hands and soon felt the door frame of the door leading to the master bath. I was still thinking how I can mask the sound of me puking when the door swung opened to reveal another surprise.
I almost cursed out loud and I had to mask it with a spade of fake coughing.
The whole bathroom is filled with a strong scent of air freshener and disinfectant.
There is another girl in the bathtub and she is not alone.
Lying face down in the tub, the girl did not seem like she is alive. Another man still covered with blood stains sat on the window sill beside the bathtub with his feet stepping on the body in the tub. In his hand, he held a what appears to be a small saw that is also covered with blood splatters.

It took all I had in me not to scream at the sight as the man stared quietly at me. Shutting the door, I did not lock it in case I need to get out fast. The man eyed me suspiciously as my hands felt for the sink, the toilet roll and the toilet seat.
Suppressing my puke, I reluctantly removed my pants and lowered them. Sitting down on the toilet seat, my pee came out strong and fast without urging. In fact I was on the verge of peeing in my pants.
The urine stream lasted only about 15 seconds but it felt like forever.

I took a deep breath and tried to control my breathing to calm down.
If he wanted me dead, he would have struck immediately. Instead, he is just staring at me quietly without moving. He wants to remain hidden. Through my shades, I looked at the man’s features, his height, what he is wearing, trying to remember as much as I could.


After I’m done peeing, I stood up and pulled my pants back on before feeling for the flush button.

Quickly washing my hands, I felt for the door handle and stepped back into the bedroom.

Terry looked behind me into the bathroom before asking if I’m ok.

“All good Ah Fu ? Stomachache ar ? Nervous ? haha “

“No…no… I’m ok…”

“Your friend Ah Biao so comfortable now… make big money already… relax…work for me…I confirm you will be comfortable…don’t need to rely on handouts.” Terry said as he thrust a waist pouch into my hands.

“relax Ah Fu…. Ah Biao say you all got collect money and move cigarettes before….this is nothing….people like you are invisible…” Terry said as he asked me to follow him out of the room.

The bag felt pretty heavy. 3-4kg by my estimates.

He asked me to wait by the dining table and I saw him walk to the freezer. Taking a package out, he added that to the bag I was to deliver.

“about 3 streets down, Lorong 14…. Walk in… someone will come for you..” Terry said as he helped me put the bag on my body.

I’m royally fucked now. I don’t know what is in that bag but I can probably guess.

High chance it’s drugs.
If I walk out into the street and get caught with this shit, I’m dead.


“Where is Ah Biao ? “ I asked.

“He’s on holiday…make enough money already… of course go on holiday right.. ? “ Terry said while nudging me out of the bedroom.

I told myself to remain calm as Terry led me to his door.

“I won’t follow you now Ah Fu…. Can you make your way there… ? I’ll get my friend to keep a look out for you…”

“yes… yes I can…”

“Alright…”

I tapped my way to the lift lobby and felt for the button. Unsure if Terry is still looking at me, I didn’t dare to turn around. When I heard the lift open, I shuffled inside and again, took my time to feel for the ground floor button.

Terry’s main door is closed but there’s no way of knowing if he’s peeping through the view finder.

Holding my breath until the lift door shut, I cursed out loudly the moment it starts to descend.

Opening the fanny pack, I saw 3 bags of white powdery substances in it. There’s also a bag of pills and some round aluminum balls. Right at the bottom, there is also something tightly wrapped with cling wrap but I could not make out what it is. It felt cold to the touch, that must be what Terry just removed from the fridge.

“Fuck… fuck… fuck !” I cursed as the lift came down to level 1.

It’s too late to turn back now.

I zipped up the bag and the moment the lift door opened, I tapped my cane and started to feel my way out of the development. As I exited the gate, I could feel Terry’s eyes on me as I walked.
He’s probably spying on me from above.

Perhaps it’s the guilty conscience, I find myself walking a bit too slowly. A police car slowed down for the turn into a side street and my heart almost stopped beating.


Forcing myself to continue with the delivery, I saw another 2 police officers talking to a table of uncles drinking beer and just chilling out for the evening.

Everywhere I turned and looked, I see cameras, I see people looking at me. Even faded anti-crime posters on the walls of the buildings spooked me.
Dead bodies, drug smuggling, I’m dead. I’m going to die real soon.
This must be why Suwen said she saw me cry after looking at the date on the piece of paper.

[ilikeoldchangke]

Approaching the street where I was to make the delivery, a man came out of the shadows and started coming towards me. He looked around the vicinity before walking up to my side.

“Don’t stop Ah Fu… keep walking…” He said.

“Orh..”

Approaching one of the legal whore houses, the man put his arms around my shoulder and led me into the property.

I’ve never been inside one of this place before. I’ve heard stories and read articles describing what is it like inside but have never mustered up enough courage to check one out. If I did, I probably won’t still be a virgin at my age.

Stepping in, I could see the colourful neon lights and the large glass panel with stools behind it. This must be the fish tank everyone talks about.
I was expecting to see girls sitting behind the glass with number tags on them but it’s empty. There isn’t a pimp behind the small reception counter either.
There is a strong smell of incense burning and I could hear some chanting being played from a speaker in a language I don’t understand.

The man nudged me towards the back of the house before taking the waist pouch from me.

“wait here…” He said.

“ok..”

He went on to make a call, presumably to Terry.
The spot I’m standing in is right beside a small kitchen.

There is a small dining table beside me and I noticed 6 container boxes of packed food. Looking around without moving my head too much, It doesn’t look like there is anyone around here aside from the man who led me in.
Not on the ground floor at least. They might be on level 2.

Beside the kitchen counter, there is an old aluminum door. A relic from the past supported only by the hinges on the side. A door like this comes with a sizable gap between the bottom of the door and the ground itself.

What caught my attention was the shadows. There’s light coming from inside that room and the moving shadows tells me there is someone in there.

“Hey..”

The man appeared suddenly and asked me to take a seat.

“oh..ok..”

“I need 10 minutes… you sit here first… don’t move around “

He guided me to a chair by the dining table and poured me a glass of water.

“Here, wait for me here. I will be right back in a while.” He said.

The man walked away and I could hear his heavy footsteps going up to level 2. The sound insulation between floors are terrible. I heard the loud creak of a door opening before it slammed shut above.

I held still for a couple of seconds before I cautiously got up. I touched the packed food on the table and realized the takeaway packets are empty except for the last packet. Unless that man could finish 5 packets of food, there must be someone else around here.

Lifting up the bag, I touched the bottom of the full pack and it still feels a little warm.
I saw movements under the aluminum door and quickly returned to my seat. I turned around to face it, eager to see who will emerge.
After a couple of minutes of waiting, no one came out.
However, I could still see the shadows dancing under the door. Whoever is inside is definitely moving.

I bent forward and lowered myself to the ground. Crawling towards the door, I tried to peep at what is behind that door.
My body recoiled in shock and I almost bumped into the dining table when I saw the people inside. They are all tied up on the floor.
The aluminum door is not locked, only a flimsy catch secured it to the wall beside it to keep it closed. I opened it and upon hearing the creak of the hinges, the occupants of the room jumped and started mumbling. Their mouth were gagged up, and it’s obvious they are afraid.

There are 5 men, 1 woman inside that room. The only man that is not tied up is lying face down on the ground with his hands in an awkward angle.
The woman is the only one that is blindfolded while the men are not. The men’s eyes were wandering all over the place and it suddenly struck me why they are not blindfolded.

They’re blind.
The woman is probably the youngest of the lot in her mid-twenties. Dressed in a pair of dirty shorts and t-shirt, she looked like she has not showered in a couple of days.
Beneath the messy and oily hair, I could tell she is quite pretty.
With her hands tied up behind her and her ankles bound, she kept struggling to try and shift her body far away from the door where I’m standing.

Something is definitely going on here. These people are being kept against their will in the room. Common sense dictate that I try to do something. I could call the police and say hi to them with a few KG of drugs on me and a shitload of explanation which will see me admitted into the institute of mental health.

Or I can try to do something on my own and be the dumb smartass waist deep in shit that I’ve now become.
Looking in the kitchen, there are knives and scissors hanging freely on the dish rack. I can easily cut them free.

If these are able bodied men who can see, I have no doubts we can overpower the man and break free. However, without the gift of sight, it’s too dangerous for them.
They could walk right into a wall without knowing. Even if I were to free them all at once, how will I get them out to safety ?
Give everyone a string and ask them to hold on to it ?
My head felt like it was going to split apart. I’ll have to figure out a way to save them without exposing myself or having to explain anything to anyone.

I lowered myself to the woman and whispered in her ears.

“I’m not with them, I’m here to save you… I’ll remove the gag but please don’t shout, the man is on level 2.”
The woman nodded her head and I removed her blindfold and gag at the same time.
I quickly put a finger to my lips.

She took a couple of seconds to register that I’m not her captor and started begging me to save her.
“they got you here to deliver things too ? is it ? are you done ? are you going to leave…? “ The woman fired off her question rapidly, the fear evident in her eyes.

“yes.. yes.. I brought something here…”

“you can see ? you can see ? how ? “ She asked without giving me a chance to answer her. “ they only use the blind..”

“I pretended… it’s a long story..”

“Get us out of here…. We need to go… we need to go now !” she pleaded with tears rolling down the side of her cheeks

“what is going on here?” I asked. “ Are you all drug mules too ? they make you deliver drugs before locking you up ? “
The woman shook her head vigorously.
“No… no… they are not drug dealers…no…no they are not… please…please get me out of here now..!”

“who are they… what are they doing ?”

“They are mad men… they are crazy…. Please… please save us….you need to get us out. … please…they will kill us…”

Before I could carry on my questioning, I heard the loud slam of the door from the level above.

“stay still, I need to go… I’ll come back….i promise”

“No.. no.. no.. no.. please.. please… no…don’t …don’t “ She whined in a pitiful manner and I reassured her I will get them out.

“Look at me… hey… look at me….” I whispered quickly. “ I promise… I will save all of you…”

The woman nodded and looked like she is about to break down mentally when I put back the blindfold and asked her to bite down on the gag for a bit while I figure something out.

I shut the door and quickly returned to my seat at the dining table.
The heavy footsteps came back down to level one and soon, the mysterious man appeared in the kitchen.

“I need you to go back to Terry….he forgot to pass you something..” he said.

“oh… ok..”

The man walked me out of the property and lit up a cigarette.

I tapped my way back to the condominium and this time round, Terry is waiting for me on the ground floor.

“Hey Ah Fu…. Simple job right… sorry ah.. I forgot something else…” Terry said as he put a sling bag around my neck. “after this and it’s done…”

The bag felt twice as heavy this time. Whatever I’m delivering, it’s cold, probably just came from the freezer as well.
I don’t have an opportunity to open it but I could hear the crinkle of heavy plastics from the bag as I moved. The plastic is thick, closer to that of ziplock bags rather than those thin shopping bags from supermarket.

I made my way back to the same street and again, the man approached me.
Soon, I was back in the kitchen and the man helped me remove the bag from my body.

“thank you for your help Ah Fu… that’s all …. Finish your drink before you go..” he said.

The man took the cup of water he poured for me and put it in my hand. Alarm bells were going off in my head. He looked at me, waiting for me to drink.

“I’m not thirsty thank you…” I replied. “ how do I address you by the way…”

I registered the change in his expression and a switch got flicked inside me. My heart beat faster, sending blood and oxygen to my muscles. I could feel a rush inside my brain like I just got the runner’s high from clocking a few good km.

I could see his hand reaching behind his back and I got ready to defend myself if needed.

“I’m Edwin….” He replied and I could see his hand reaching deeper into his pocket.

“Oh Edwin, Thank you for the job ah… next time do contact me if you have more..” I took my cane but before I could start tapping my way towards the exit, I saw the taser he man pulled out from his back pocket.

“sure Ah Fu….no problem.”
He raised it up and I saw him grin as he stretched his hand towards my chest, thinking that I could not see what he is doing.

I grabbed his wrist before he could come close with my right hand. My left hand went for his biceps and using his own elbow swing as a lever, I swung the taser right back at Edwin. Depressing the trigger, A single line of electrical charge danced in between the 2 metal prongs as the rapid clicking from the device filled the kitchen.

A split second before I used his toy against him, I was worried I will get a shock as well but I was thankful I paid attention back in school during science class.
The voltage is grounded and grounded only by the person being electrocutred.

Kicking him in his groin, I jammed the taser in his chest before he could figure out what is going on. The moment it connected with his body, he went stiff and fell like a stiff log onto the floor. The man went into a spasm and his body kept twitching.

I backed away from him and I removed my sunglasses.

[ilikeoldchangke]

The game is up now.
There’s no need to pretend any longer.

The man is still conscious. He is trying to reach for the taser again. I grabbed it away from him and jammed it into his thigh. I heard a couple of loud thud as his head slammed onto the concrete ground. Then he stopped moving.

“fuck..” I cursed and quickly bent down to check him for a pulse.

He’s still breathing but I don’t know how long he will be out.

Not wanting to take my chances, I grabbed a scissors and quickly opened the door where the prisoners are being held.

I cut the girl free first.

“help me with the guy” I said and started to drag Edwin into the room.

The girl took a moment to come to terms with what is happening and asked if he is dead.

“No he’s still alive. We need to tie him up before he wakes….what’s your name ? how did you end up here..? ”

“I’m Daphne….i’m a social worker….ermm…it’s a long story…you ? ”

“I’m Jerry.”
I turned and looked at her before commenting.

“Looks like you meddled in somethings you shouldn’t have outside your job scope eh…” I grunted as we dragged Edwin.

“Yeah… well…. Sort of…. Would be good if we don’t involve the police in this until I’m out of the picture…”

“I feel the same way…”


Together, we dragged the man into the room and I told the rest of the prisoners I’m getting them out once we are done with Edwin.
“Are there any others here ? “ I asked Daphne.

“There are 2 more… Terry and Larry. They went out in the morning…I don’t know when they will be back….” She said. “ There might be others out there that we don’t know of… they have a few friends around this area…”

So the guy watching me pee is Larry.

Using the zip ties in the room, we secured Edwin and I started cutting the rest of the men loose.

“is Ah Biao here..? “ I asked.

Daphne gestured to the dead blind man lying motionless on the ground.
“That’s him…”

Just when I thought we can make a break for freedom, Daphne delivered another piece of grave news.

“did you see where are the wheelchairs ? “

“what wheelchairs? “ I asked.

Daphne looked at me before turning back to 2 of the visually impaired men on the ground who have yet to get back on their feet.
My hand went to forehead and I groaned.

“their wheelchairs…. If not, how are we getting them out..?” Daphne said.
I blew out a mouthful of air as I looked around the property.
It’s a short walk to porch from the side. I steeped out to take a look at the wide open porch with a roof overhang cantilever far enough to act as a shelter for vehicles.

I could call a taxi.

Suddenly my shoulder relaxed and I turned towards the direction where carpark block 11A is. Hock Chuan’s van, the keys he’s holding, everything came rushing into my head as the pieces fell into place.

The skies opened up at that moment and started to pour.

“I have a van… but I’ll need some time to get it here…” I told Daphne.

“How long ? “
“give me 15 minutes…I’ll run as fast as I can.” I said and she nodded.

Taking off into the heavy downpour, I crossed the main road easily because traffic is light. Running as fast as my feet could manage, I arrived at Hock Chuan’s van totally drenched.

Opening the door, I took the car keys from his lifeless hand and fired up the engine.

The rain is so heavy that I have the wipers going at it’s full speed. Even there, I could barely keep the water off my windscreen.
Arriving at the property, I backed the vehicle into the porch.

When I got to the kitchen, I was horrified to see Edwin awake and the prisoners were trying to subdue him.

Daphne grabbed an old toaster from the kitchen table and slammed it 3 times on Edwin’s head before he went cold.

“go, go go, we need to go now..” Daphne hurried. “leave Ah Biao…we’ll call the police to come here after we’re out..!”

We loaded into the van and Daphne was asking why is there a dead man in the vehicle.

“It’s a long story… he committed suicide…” I said.

Daphne got into the driver seat and started the engine.

“You can drive ? “ I asked as I lifted the last man into the back.

“Of course I can drive.” She shot back.

Slamming the side door shut, I got into the passenger seat a second before Daphne floored the accelerator into the rain.

My heart is still beating at twice it’s normal rate. I turned and asked if everyone is ok in the back and they are fine.

“I need to get them all to a hospital but I cannot do it with a dead body in the car. I cant’ explain that away.” Daphne said, making turns and swerves in the heavy downpour.

“Then what? What do you want to do ? dump him ? “ I asked

“he’s your friend.?”

“Yeah.. kind of..” I replied.

“I’m sorry man… I can’t explain away a stolen van… but not a body…” Daphne stopped the vehicle suddenly and I could not see where we are.

“help me, we need to leave him.” Daphne opened her door without giving me time to consider.

“wait…i..”

Stepping out into the rain, I felt as if someone just gave me a slap across my cheek.

We’re right back behind old airport road market.
The rain seemed to be getting heavier by the minute.

“Hurry!” Daphne urged.

Together, we carried Hock Chuan’s body out of the vehicle and placed him down by the side of the vehicle.

I looked at Hock Chuan lying face up in the carpark lot.

It’s like someone has been drawing a circle on a paper all these while and finally the lines have met and the circle is complete.

Looking at my watch, it’s now 31st December 2018.
It’s 1am in the morning.
62 year old Hock Chuan is now lying face up in the carpark lot.

Lot 14.

No one murdered him and left him there.

I put him there.

……………………………………..

[risingfeenix]

Great updates TS, looking forward to next instalment!

[driedlemon3]

wow the plot was so well though out right to how Hock Chuan's body end up at lot14.
So looking forward to next update. TS thank u so much for writing

[whatzupplow]

Amazing story (absolutely no sex) and still so griping…

Well done!

[Ikaro]

Amazing story (absolutely no sex) and still so griping…

Well done!

Cannot imagine if there's sex :D

[FlatTop]

Wow... awesome updates.

[time4secret]

Subbed to your site very nice stories

[miraclebelow]

This story is absolutely intense. Bro ilock, your mind works in wondrous ways man. Its like Inception, where one has to read certain parts over again to catch the gist of what exactly is happening. Which makes the writer quite the genius to be able to pan everything out in his head, episode after episode of genius! Keep going bro!

[Oaziz]

This story is absolutely intense. Bro ilock, your mind works in wondrous ways man. Its like Inception, where one has to read certain parts over again to catch the gist of what exactly is happening. Which makes the writer quite the genius to be able to pan everything out in his head, episode after episode of genius! Keep going bro!

Fully agreed bro. TS is a genius! :)

[TheGG]

Hi ilock any updates today? It’s TGIF

[siver]

Very nice story, waiting for updates too :)

[unlove]

From bro ilock’s blog, think he’s taking a pause on this story as he is busy working on other projects. Next update should be end of July!

[katong]

From bro ilock’s blog, think he’s taking a pause on this story as he is busy working on other projects. Next update should be end of July!

Can share his blog link?

[donjean]

Can share his blog link?

https://sensualsingapore.blog/

[Instakati]

https://sensualsingapore.blog/

Thanks bro! :)

[water_boi]

Bump it up while waiting for ilock returns.. :D

[Kraptic]

Excellent work by bro ilock. Please keep going!

[big wood]

been quite a while since the last update

[FlatTop]

I'm sure that the wait will be worth. It's gonna be exciting rollercoaster ride.

[FlatTop]

Is there anyone other than me waiting for updates ?

[prebalance]

Is there anyone other than me waiting for updates ?

I'm waiting too :D

[deematter]

need to learn some skills so would be beneficial to us

[deematter]

roller coaster feeling when we read people story, especially their life event

[hyppiao]

Any update soon? :)

[big wood]

its been a while still waiting :(

[sexcision]

its been a while still waiting :(

ILock will be updating on 6th Aug. 10 more days.

[robertphone]

ILock will be updating on 6th Aug. 10 more days.

Can start to countdown :D

[FlatTop]

ILock will be updating on 6th Aug. 10 more days.

Only a week more to go. I'm sure it will be well worth the wait. :D

[Bittersweet Guy]

20 mins to end of 6 Aug... still logging in every day and patiently checking for updates.

[ilikeoldchangke]

Dripping wet from the downpour, I wiped my face with my hands as Daphne drove away from the market. Looking at the side mirror, I could not wrap my mind around leaving Hock Chuan like this.

“I can’t believe we just… we just left him there.” I said. “perhaps we should have..”

“Jerry I’m going to drive this van right up to the door step of Accident and emergency…How do you expect me to explain away a dead body ? “ Daphne replied, interrupting me from my thoughts.

“What about the guys behind ? What are you going to say ? “

“Don’t worry about them, I’ll lie my way through if I have to. Are you hurt ? “ Daphne asked while throwing me a sideway glance.

“I’m fine.”

“I’m, I’m going straight to the hospital now....” Daphne said while trying to peer through the downpour. “You…ermm… want to drop off somewhere.?”

Turning to Daphne, it’s like she could read my mind.

“That would be good.”

What happened next was a period of uncomfortable silence.

I decided to break it by asking Daphne about her work.

“So you’re a…social worker eh…?” I said.” How did you end up in that mess?”

It’s not difficult to see that Daphne is trying to think on her feet.

“ermm.. I was looking for one of my client who has gone missing…and then erm..i started poking around.” She shared.

The next thing she knew, she finds herself being held hostage.

“There’s something shady going on definitely.” Daphne said. “I’ll notify the police to check it out later…. And you ? ”

“Ermm.. I’m err, sort of ermm… in the wrong place at the wrong time..”

We exchanged a look and the expression on our faces could not be more obvious that we are both lying.

As the van cruised along Nicoll highway, both of us are avoiding the biggest elephant in the room.
Any logical citizen would notify the authorities right away, yet both of us seemed determined to be out of the limelight in this situation.

“so you ermm.. want to tag along to A&E ? “

“No. No. there’s no need to. I’m ok.” I quickly said. “just drop me off somewhere up front will do.”

I asked her how she is going to explain herself when she call the cops.

“I’m just going to make an anonymous report.” Daphne said a little too quickly.

“What ? “

We exchanged another awkward look before she says she will find a quiet carpark to abandon the van after that.

“Actually, I…erm… I’m not supposed to be out looking for erm…my client tonight…so…ermm… I’m actually supposed to be on another case…my boss will kill me if he knows how much trouble I got into.”

That is hardly convincing at all, but I just nodded.

Seeing that I’m the one asking all the questions, Daphne asked how did I end up playing a blind man.

“ermmmm..i..errr… need some extra bucks and I heard from a friend I can do delivery for some fast cash if I pretend to be blind.” That was a pathetic lie.

What made it even more pathetic was that Daphne could see right through my excuse, the same way I saw through hers. And yet, both of us decided to take it at face value, refusing to call out on the bluff.

Daphne nodded and asked if it’s ok she drops me off by the train station coming up.
I could see City hall coming into view.

“Yeah, yeah.. that’ll do.” I said.

This feels weird. I just rescued a bunch of people, why am I behaving like a fugitive?
Turning to the rear, I asked if someone could pass me the bag of my stuff.
No one answered me. I forgot they can’t see.

Daphne pulled up by city hall and i asked her to give me a second. Opening the side door, I grabbed my stuff and shut it. Daphne was panting hard like she is still trying to recover from the shock. We stared at each other, unsure of what to say.

“You… you’ll be ok ? “ I asked.

“I think so..” She replied.

“Well take care Daphne…”
“You too Jerry.”

A cloud of black smoke pushed it’s way out of the exhaust and I watched the tail light of the vehicle disappear into the night.

The cab driver gave me a weird look when I boarded his taxi totally drenched.
Feeling bad for wetting his ride, I gave him a $20 tip after I got home.

I groaned loudly as the hot shower pelted my tired body.

Dead bodies, criminals, shady underworld. What have I got myself into ?

Collapsing into bed, I knocked out immediately until it was coming to noon the next day.

31st December 2018
New Year’s Eve.
11.30am

I woke up with a headache.
Grabbing a quick meal of yogurt and coffee, I went to the newspaper.
The one with Hock Chuan’s death.

Nothing changed. The article is the same as before
Hock Chuan is dead and the police are looking for the next of kin.

I flipped the papers and noticed nothing has changed. Nothing was mentioned about the bodies at Geylang or the condominium. I’m beginning to wonder if Daphne reported it like she said she will.

Turning on the TV, I was immediately greeted by the scene of reporters on the ground in what was the latest breaking news.

Looking at the news ticker, I cursed under my breath.
“What have you gotten me into Hock Chuan?”

The unit in Geylang has been discovered and cordoned off. Preliminary reports stated that someone has died in there and drugs are found within the unit. The picture showed a burned area with figurines and melted candle wax on the ground.
Someone had tried to set fire to the place but the heavy rain stopped the spread and the fire fighters got there in time. Several body parts that do not belong to the dead victim are also found on the scene.

The camera switched focus onto another reporter and I literally vomited coffee out from my lips as I looked at the woman on the screen.
“bloody hell.” I cursed as I looked at Daphne reporting live at the scene of the incident.

She’s a fucking reporter, social worker my ass.
Daphne spoke of the possibility of a cult on TV with a solemn expression.
Her eyes had no life and I thought she looked rather pissed at having to deliver that piece of news.
News that she doesn’t believe in.
Daphne is giving off a vibe that she was being forced to read off a screen or something.

A cult.
A cult in Singapore. That’s what they are calling it ?

Footages of figurines melted candles and weird symbols are flashed on the screen. Daphne then spoke of body parts wrapped and kept in freezer. Aside from drugs, there is also a stash of tobacco on the scene. Details are scant at the moment, but the news will update the moment they have more information.

‘This incident brings back memories of the Toa Payoh Ritual murders case that took place in 1981… where..’
It was quite obvious she was cut off from live broadcast and the TV resumed at the news room where details of the annual countdown is being shared.
A new year is approaching. No one is interested in murder, everyone wants to know where the party is to welcome 2019.

Crime in Singapore is rare, violent crime such as murder seldom happens. An active cult in the country? It’s practically unbelievable.

The bag of stuff I carried from the condo to Geylang, that tightly wrapped item that felt cold to the touch.
It’s got to be a body part or something.
Going online, I saw that the news only covered the deaths at the Geylang property. Nothing was mentioned of the girls’ body I saw in the condo. The connection has not been made yet. Perhaps the bodies have not been discovered yet.
There is not much information available online and all I can do is wait.

Since I have time on my hands, I decided to find out more about the ritual murder the reporter mentioned on screen.
The Toa Payoh ritual murders happened in 1981, before I was even born. The body of a 9 year old girl was found in a bag next to the lift in a block of flats in Toa Payoh.
Two weeks later, a 10 year old boy was found dead nearby. The children had been killed, supposedly as ritual sacrifice to the Hindu goddess Kali.
The mastermind is a self-styled medium who had women believing he has superpowers. After investigation, the police realized that the murders were but a distraction.
An attempt to distract the police from a rape charge filed against the mastermind.
“what the fuck is wrong with people these days..” I mumbled under my breath. “ murder to cover up rape? This is madness.”

Sitting back on my chair, my eyes drifted between my laptop and the news on TV.
Wait a minute.

The Toa Payoh Ritual murders isn’t exactly a cult. It’s just murder.
The mastermind used the murder to cover up something else.
No prayers, burning of joss sticks, ringing of bells or any other rituals were conducted during the killing. It was just cold-blooded murder in an attempt to cover up something else.
Daphne said that on TV that this case reminds her of Toa Payoh murder.
Something clicked in me and the fact that she was cut off prematurely made it even more plausible.
Yes, people died.
She’s trying to say something, deliver a cryptic message perhaps based on her hunch.

And if Daphne’s hunch is correct, the dead bodies are but a cover up for something much more sinister. There is also no mention of Edwin, the man we left behind and no one has been arrested. He must have woken up and got away or something. Perhaps Terry and Larry came for him and they decided to burn the place down.

Cleaning up the coffee spill on the floor, I thought to myself.
What can be a more gruesome crime than murder? Something that justifies killing to cover what they are trying to do ?

…………………………………………..

[ilikeoldchangke]

2nd January 2019
Wednesday

I’m done with my year end break and upon my return to office, I could see a truck load of emails waiting to be cleared.
Overwhelmed with work, I did not follow up on the news regarding the incident at Geylang. From the TV playing in the pantry, I could catch snippets of headlines for the day.
A fire broke out at the condominium and the bodies were found. No other details were given. No one made the connection between that and the cult incident in Geylang. It’s either that or the powers to be decided to keep it quiet for fear of inciting panic.

I bought the papers everyday from a news stand, and unlike the ones I used to get from Hock Chuan, the news on my papers are current. I read everything from cover to cover.
On the 5th of January, 2019. I found the article I was waiting for.

“what are the odds..” I mumbled.

The interview was conducted by none other than Daphne.
A woman regained consciousness after being in a coma for many years. She woke in the morning of 31st December 2018, the nursing staff in the community hospital rushed her to Singapore General Hospital in the wee hours of the morning.
Her condition stabilized over the next few days before she was found to be well generally. Her muscles have degraded but with a bit of therapy, she will be back on her feet in a matter of months.
The woman’s memories are a little fuzzy at the moment and she is expected to recover in time.

A photo of her has been published on the papers and with it, is a note asking for next of kin to get in touch. The woman, Xiumei remembers she is married and has a daughter.
This must be Hock Chuan’s wife.

I looked at Daphne’s email at the bottom of the column and I decided to drop her a message.
I want to speak to the lady what just woke up from her coma.

‘Hi Daphne, This is Jerry. So you decided to change job in the middle of the night from a social worker to a reporter?
Can we talk ?
My number is 9724 ****‘

I hit the sent button and read the article again.
It’s a small column tucked beside an advertisement for a cruise liner. My eyes are drawn more to the discounted ticket for the cruise than to the article Daphne wrote.

My phone rang and seeing a foreign number, I immediately knew it’s Daphne.

‘Hello. This is Jerry.’

‘yeah, it’s me.’ Daphne said, without a hint of apology for lying right in my face.

‘Why did you say you are a social worker when you are a reporter ?’ I asked.

‘And how did someone working for Nparks come about playing a blindman for extra cash ? ‘

It struck me then in my anxiousness to email Daphne, I had used my work email instead of a personal one.

‘What do you want ? ‘ Daphne asked over the phone.

‘The woman that just woke up from her coma. I want to talk to her.’

‘what ?’

‘The one you interviewed, who just woke up after a few years.’

Daphne went quiet on the phone.

‘you there?’ I asked.

‘yeah, why ? what do you want to talk to her ?’

‘It’s complicated. Can you bring me to her ? ‘ I asked.

Daphne went silent on the phone again and I had to repeat myself a couple of times.

‘Daphne, you there ?’

‘let’s meet.’ She said without explaining why.

‘not now, I’m at work. How does 7pm sound?’ I suggested.

‘ok 7pm, text me your office. I’m going over.’ Daphne said and she hung up on me.

I simply told Daphne to meet at a café at Cluny court. I’m not bringing her to my office. What would Alvin think if I suddenly bring a reporter in?


7pm

I saw Daphne walking towards the café and I gestured to her. She took a seat and immediately opened up her laptop. Instead of placing her order for a drink with the staff, she placed an order with me.

“Get me a ice coffee, thanks.” She said while logging into her laptop.

I just stared at her and she stared back at me.
“What ? you have something to ask of me. Shouldn’t you at least buy me a coffee?”

I got up and got Daphne her coffee.

The moment I sat down, she turned her laptop towards me.
On her screen, is an article dated several years ago.

It was a piece about spousal abuse that she did.

“I covered the news about Xiumei and her family 6 years ago.” Daphne said.

“what…?” I took over the laptop and started reading while Daphne spoke.

“after Xiumei went into a coma, she was sent to a community hospital.” She said. “ I visited every month because this piece left a huge impression on me. It’s one of my very first article when I started work.”

“and ? “

“Something happened 2 months ago.” She said.

“what happened ?” I asked.

“Xiumei woke up for a while when I was there.”

“what!”


Daphne explained that she got a shock. She was doing her usual chat with Xiumei, telling her about her life, her career when she suddenly opened her eyes.

“I immediately went to get a nurse but when I came back, her eyes shut again.” Daphne said.

“Could it be your eyes playing tricks on you?”

“Impossible. Xiumei woke up, she spoke to me.” Daphne said as she sipped her coffee.

“What did she say?”

“She thanked me for visiting her all these while, and that she could hear everything I shared with her.”

“and ?”

Daphne hesitated

“go on.” I urged.” Tell me.”

“She asked me to go to a hawker centre.”

“Hawker centre ? what are the exact words she say?” I asked.

“Is the Irish man still standing at the carpark of Bukit Timah Hawker centre.” That was what Xiumei said.

I felt a rush of cold air hit me as goosebumps populated my skin.
Daphne could see the change in my expression, and I immediately asked her the date.

“Date… the date…what date was that ? “ I asked

“4th of November”

That was the date I first met Conor and Bobby.

“I called the nurses in and they checked Xiumei. The doctor came in too and they are certain it’s just my mind playing tricks on me. Brain activities show she is still in a coma. There’s no way she can wake up like this, much less talk to me.”

“Did you… go to the carpark on the 4th of November?”

Daphne nodded.

“I took a taxi there after I left Xiumei. I arrived at 8.15pm”

Sitting back on my seat, I waited for Daphne to tell me the rest.

“And I saw an Irish man talking and laughing to another man.”

“and..?”

Daphne went back to Xiumei the next day.
She told her about what she saw even though she appears to be still in a coma.

“I told her the Irish man is still standing.” Daphne said.” She did not wake up, but I could see her smile for a brief moment.”

Swallowing a gulp of saliva, I could see there is more.
This cannot be just it.
4th of November is the first time I saved someone using information given to me by Hock Chuan.

“What did you do after that?”

“I increased the frequency of my visit to Xiumei.”

“Did she wake up again?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“And you did not notify the nurses this time round.” I said it in a tone that Daphne did not take well.

“Something is going on, I can sniff it. And if Xiumei wants to share it with me and me alone, there’s nothing I can do about it.”

“what else did she tell you? Where else did she send you to ? “

“Your turn.” Daphne said. “Why am I the only one sharing ?”

After a short staring match, I told Daphne that I was there at the carpark with Conor on the 4th of November. I must have left before she arrived.
She did not look convinced until I asked if she is in Hougang on the 26th of December.
Her coffee paused midway between the table and her lips as she looked at me.

[ilikeoldchangke]

“Were you there, when the car accident happened?.. Between the BMW , and the kid running across the road ?”

Daphne set her coffee down on the table with a loud thud.

“HOW DID you know that!” She demanded.

“What did Xiumei say when she send you there?”

Daphne now looked a little confused, unsure of what to make of the information. She revealed that Xiumei woke up again on the 21st December.
I mentally recalled that was the day I bought the next batch of newspaper from Hock Chuan.

“She told me something will be happening on the 26th at Hougang. People will die.” Daphne said, her voice getting softer and she got lost in her thoughts.

She admitted that she was thinking about being first on the scene so she could get exclusive news and footages.

“I asked her for details.” She added.” Xiumei couldn’t give any.”

Like the 1st instance, Xiumei asked Daphne a question.

“What was the question?”

“Who died in Hougang on the 26th December.” Daphne said while looking at me. “the thing is, 26th was not here yet back then. So on that day itself, I went down to Hougang. I wandered around the whole neighbourhood, going from Hougang Mall, to Hougang Green, to Kovan.”

“You were there the whole day?”

“Yes of course.”

“What time were you at Kovan?”

“Coming to the evening, I went to Heartland mall for dinner.” She said.

“Where?”

“Fast food, on the ground floor. Why ? “

I told her I was on level 2 the whole evening in the Korean restaurant.

“No way.”she mumbled.

Daphne then wandered around and was one street away when she heard the crash. She was the first on the scene. The pictures and videos she got firsthand earned her into the good books of her editor.

“You were the one who covered that accident too.”

Daphne nodded.

“I wrote the article”

I asked her what happened after she told Xiumei who died that day.

“she smiled with her eyes closed, but she never wake up that day. I didn’t get to talk to her.”

“Chua and Spencer died that day.” I said.

“yes, Spencer was hit and Chua was not wearing a safety belt. I can’t make sense of all this. What is happening?”

“It’s complicated.” I said

“Then explain.”

“You won’t understand.”

“Try me.”

“Where is Xiumei now?” I asked.

“Oh no you don’t, you’re not cutting me out of this. I can smell a front page story from a mile away.” She said excitedly. “ This is going to launch my career!”

“you have no idea what is going on, people are dying and you are concerned about the news!”

Daphne raised her voice at the café.

“YES, I have no fucking idea what is going on!” She said before lowering her voice to a harsh whisper. “that is why I’m trying to find out.”

“I want to know why i am not allowed to cover the story of what happened in Geylang properly. I want to know why I have to give up the story, one that I discovered to someone else. And I want to know why my boss made me say it’s a cult when I have seen nothing of the sort on site.”

I ignored Daphne and tried to leave.

“I know Xiumei sent me to a place where she knew people are going to die on the 26th. Then she sent me again to a place in Geylang where people are getting kidnapped! And i…ended up getting caught!”

Grabbing my arm, Daphne wants me to tell her what I know or she will make sure I never get to speak to Xiumei.

“I can always go to the hospital and ask for her.”

“Haha, you can try.” Daphne said smugly.” She has been transferred to a community hospital. A different one from the one she was staying at. And I happen to know where it is.”

“Let me guess.” I replied calmly. “It’s along serangoon road.”

The change in Daphne’s expression told me I hit the nail on the head. Of course, Suwen will have made sure her mother is transferred to her.

“How the fuck can you possibly know that ?”

“where was the last time you spoke to Xiumei?” I asked.

“yesterday..” Daphne said, still trying to figure out how I could guess which community hospital Xiumei was sent to.

“Did she tell you why she sent you to Geylang?”

Daphne hesitated, she appeared unwilling to share more seeing that she is getting the short end of the stick when it comes to information trading.

I stood up and thank Daphne for the help.

“Thank you for your help. Enjoy the coffee.”

“HEY!.. HEY! JERRY!”

Daphne grabbed her stuff and started following me.

“Wait, wait, wait, I haven told you everything. “ She said. “Jerry ! Wait..!”

I stopped and turned to look at her. Her attitude has changed and there’s this overly friendly smile on her face as she gave me that wide eye look.

“What is it ? “

“Xiumei told me I was there to meet someone.”

“who?”

“I… I’m beginning to think it’s you.” She added.

“Bullshit, you just want to tag along for the news.” I said as I brush her hands away.

“Look I’ve been right inside the mouth of the tiger. I’ve seen these people. There are violent criminals. Something is definitely happening here and I want to know what is it.” She said.
“I promise I won’t get in the way of whatever you are doing, I just want the story.”

Daphne dug into her bag and pulled out a crumpled red packet. It’s sealed and she waved it in front of my face.

“This” She said.” Xiumei gave me this yesterday.”

“What ? a red packet ? “I shook my head and turned to leave but Daphne pulled onto my arm.

“Jerry, Jerry! Wait, wait. Listen.” Daphne stepped in front of me and thrust the red packet into my hand.
“I asked Xiumei…how will I know who I am supposed to meet.”

“and ? “

“She told me the man that opened the red packet will grant her a wish. Any wish.” Daphne said. “ Can you believe she actually said that ? “

“You’re mad. “ I said while looking at her with a raised eyebrow.

I tried to give the red packet back to her but she backed away.

“It’s for you Jerry, I know you are on to something, I just know it. I want to tag along. Please. That’s my wish.”

I rolled my eyes and handed the red packet back to her.

“Don’t be childish.” I remarked.

Daphne pushed the red packet back into my hand.

“What are you afraid of ? “ She taunted. “black magic ? a spell ? a curse ? hahaha… go on. Open it. I too want to see if Xiumei is really capable of predicting the future, or she is just fooling around.”

“alright, I’ll proof it to you.” I said as I tore open the packet. “This means nothing.”

I don’t believe in granting wishes to girls who are interested in poking their noses everywhere. Especially not a overly zealous reporter.
From inside the red packet, I pulled out a piece of paper and I felt my heart go cold. I recognized the piece of paper. It’s a normal piece of writing paper but the last time I saw one folded into 2 in that manner was when Suwen tried to give me one.

“what does it say?” Daphne asked.

Opening the piece of paper, I took a look and immediately shut it. My heart started beating really fast.

“What is it ? Is it working ? did she cast a spell on you?” Daphne asked with a hopeful voice.

I said nothing and just looked at the eager reporter in front of me.

Looking at me with a curious look, Daphne tried to take the piece of paper from me. I quickly tore it up and crushed it before putting it in my pocket.

“what was that?” She said.

“you ok Jerry ? “ she asked.

I nodded, looking at Daphne in her eyes.

On the piece of paper, Daphne’s name was written.
And below that name, is a date.

It’s a date one week from that day.
She’s going to die in one week’s time.

“Jerry. Hey !...” she waved her hands in front of me. “ Looks like it’s working dude… so ok ? you going to tell me everything I want to know ? let me tag along for my exclusive scoop?”

I nodded slowly and Daphne punched her fist into the air.
“YES!” she yelped.

She waved her fingers in front of my face like she is casting a spell on me.

“Tell me something that will absolutely blow my mind Jerry…abracadebbra..~!”
Daphne started laughing at her silly act, drawing the looks of passerby.

I was not laughing though. There is nothing funny about this.
“Hock Chuan, the body we left by the carpark…. He is Xiumei’s Husband.”

Daphne stopped waving her fingers and she stopped laughing.

“fuck…”

………………………………..

[ilikeoldchangke]

Sorry for the long hiatus. :D

[kforkun]

i love camping

[Seowkao]

Solid follow ILock. But that means another long break before the next update!

[Crysta]

Camping is love

[keano]

Goosebumps mate... U nv failed to give me that. Hope all good.. Take care bro. Waiting for ur next one!!

[water_boi]

Sorry for the long hiatus. :D

Welcome back bro ilock! :D

[verytiredguy]

Great story!!! Camping here for more!!

[Cressida]

love is nice! love the writers

[driedlemon3]

wow my fav Singapore thriller is back! thanks to author iloveoldchangkee!

[EnigmaofSorrow]

Finally got good stuff to read... Welcome back bro.

[Wulumulu]

Great update bro! :)

[viiola]

camping!! lovw it also

[KellyJie]

Very nice story, look forward to more updates

[Zendude82]

dude, this is better than most of the stuff on Netflix, nvm mediacorp. Worth the wait!

[hydromax]

Wonderful writing. Wish could read this kind of story every day!

[ilikeoldchangke]

Daphne is going to die on the 12th of January, 2019.
I don’t know the exact time and how, but that is the day.

We made plans to visit Xiumei the next day at 10am and parted ways after I spent an hour telling her about my relationship with Hock Chuan. For the first time, she listened without shooting off a single word.

From the very 1st copy of papers Hock Chuan sold me to the last breakfast we had together, I told her everything and her mouth was opened throughout the entire time.
I told her about Suwen as well, but I left out the part about the dates.

She had a hard time believing what happened but the pieces all fit together perfectly.

Returning home, I could not sleep. Laying on my bed, I thought about Daphne.
How do I break the news to her ?
Do I even break the news to her ?

If I choose to keep it a secret, is it then a selfish act ?

If she knew she has 7 days left, she could have spend more time with her family. She could make her all necessary arrangements, be it financially or otherwise.
Perhaps she could max out the loans from the banks and piss off all the credit from her cards. The banks cannot collect money from a dead person.

The thing that weighs most heavily on my mind was if Daphne should spend her remaining days running around like a clown with me, or she should spend that time doing stuff that are a lot more meaningful.
She might view chasing down this for front page news is meaningful, however, when the time comes when she is no longer around, does this even matter at all?

The date written on the piece of paper may not be mine, but it affected me equally. The knowledge itself is a curse, an unnecessary burden.
I only hope the burden comes with good reasons.

Closing my eyes, i tried to make sense of what is happening. There can be only one reason why Daphne has that red packet.
Xiumei wants to see me.


6th January 2019
9am

Upon arrival at the community hospital, I could see Daphne pacing about.

“I’ve been thinking about this as a whole. I think we are meant to meet…it’s fate” Daphne said as I walked briskly towards the block where I last met Suwen.

“No shit.”

“Listen to me…. You see. From the start, circumstances have been trying to bring us together via these series of events, however, we keep missing one another due to bad timing.”
I took 2 steps at a time up to the ward and Daphne tried to keep up in her heels. Her pair of hip hugging jeans has a large phone sticking out the back of her pocket.
The singlet she is wearing is paired with a matching cardigan. With a pony tail swishing about, Daphne cut in front of me and turned, slapping my face with her hair as she speaks.

“Then finally, you appeared and save me in Geylang. I really thought I was going to die that day…”

Arriving at the ward, Arturo is already at the door waiting for me.

“This is not Xiumei’s ward.” Daphne said.

“I have a feeling she’s here.” I said without looking at Daphne.

Going straight up to Arturo, he greeted me first, saying something that don’t make sense at all.
“Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled pepper.”

“what the fuck ?” Daphne said as she looked at Arturo blocking the doorway.

I have no interest in playing his game that day and I randomly spewed my nonsense at him.
“She sells seashells at the seashore.”

To my surprise, Arturo stepped aside and let me enter.

Daphne stared at the exchange in bewilderment.
He blocked her at the door and refused her entry.

“hey…hey, I’m with him… I’m with him !” she argued. “She sells seashells by the seashore…hey..! Betty Botter bought some butter!...Hey Jerry!”

“My name…. is … Arturo….” Came the reply behind me as I walked towards the ward I last saw Suwen.
Peering in the door, I finally see Hock Chuan’s wife. Xiumei.

Xiumei looked thin and frail but through her eyes, you could see the strength of her spirit and conviction. The tired and frail body is like a façade, the boldness of her eyes easily burned away the mask she wears if you look close enough.
The vigor in her gaze scares me.
In that instance, I could see my own reflection in her.

While her gaze is steady like a snipers’ breath, mine I’m sure, just reeks of recklessness to her.

Seated in a wheelchair beside Suwen, the mother and daughter duo appeared as if they are waiting for me.

“I could have saved your father.” I said to Suwen. “Why didn’t you tell me he is in his van parked at the side of the carpark!”

I gave you the exact time and location where he will die. Isn’t that enough ?” She said casually.

“why…? Why are you doing this…” I said in exasperation. “If he is here, if I saved him, your family will be..”

“will be what ? “ Suwen said with a gentle smile. “ Reunited?”

Xiumei touched her daughter’s hand, telling her to stop. There is no need to go down that path of arguing what ifs.

“hi Jerry” She said.

“Hi Xiumei…” I said while pulling a chair to sit down in front of her. “I’m sorry I left your husband out in the rain like that. It was…unintentional”

“everything happens for a reason.” Xiumei said. “ If Hock Chuan is still alive, I will not be able to talk to you like this. My husband loved the rain, and it would do you good to see the rain as a final cleanse to his body instead of an insult.”

Pointing towards the exit of the ward, Xiumei knew what I wanted to say even before I did.

“Ahh… Daphne…”

“yes… Daphne… can I save her…? Must she die ?”

“Jerry my dear boy… you already saved her don’t you know?” Xiumei’s voice is so gentle and soothing that it sounded like a mother hoaxing a difficult child to sleep.

“What..?”

Daphne was meant to die in Geylang that day.

“By doing what you do, you essentially gave her an extension.”

“7 days ? you got to be kidding. Is there no way to extend it further?”

“Jerry…for someone about to leave this world, even an extra hour is a blessing. I would say 7 days is pretty generous. I know what you are trying to get at, but let me put your question to rest with my answer so we can move on to bigger issues.” Xiumei said as she sat forward, taking my hand in hers.

Looking at me, she left me in no doubt that Daphne will die soon.
“Daphne will die on the 12th, nothing you do will change it.”

At that point, it felt as if someone is piling bricks on my shoulder. The weight gets heavier and heavier like someone is trying to crush me.

“Should I tell her?” I asked.

“Would it do her any good if she knew?” came the reply.

I sighed and took a moment to compose my thoughts.

“What is going on in Geylang and why do you want to see me?” I asked.

Xiumei wasted no time going around in circles. She went straight to the point.
Over the next 7 days, a series of events will occur around me. They will eventually lead me to the end game of what this is all about.
“You will be making some very tough decisions over the next few days and I am truly sorry you have to make those decisions. A good leader, understands how to balance emotion with reason, even though sometimes, he lives in regret and wonder if he could do better.”

I wanted to speak but Xiumei put up a hand, indicating that she is not done yet.

Xiumei started rattling off names and with each one, the goosebumps on my skin gets more apparent. And with each name, the fear within me grows.

“Alvin your boss, Bobby the businessman, Conor the Irish, Chan the police officer, Choo, the taxi driver, Daphne, the reporter, Tan, the cleaner, Sam your contractor, Sulyani your new friend, your fate is inevitably entwined with theirs.”

“This has nothing to do with Alvin and Sam ! I knew them before I met Hock Chuan!” I argued.

“They are part of this, be it by fate or by the sheer coincidence you involved them in your decision making.”

I cursed under my breath and Xiumei went on.

Including me, there are now 10 of us. There will be 2 more who will be making their entry shortly.

“12 of us. What can the 12 of us do?” I asked.

[ilikeoldchangke]

“That’s for you to find out.” Xiumei said. “A word of advice Jerry. You cannot expect yourself to do everything, you cannot shoulder all the responsibility. Spread them out, share them and believe me when I tell you that the other 11 are equally capable in their own ways. Perhaps they might even surprise you.”

I was to keep in mind not to isolate myself work with everyone.

“Ok… let me sum it up and you see if I’m right.” I sat up and put both palms on my knees. “Some shit is going down in a few days, Daphne is going to die, and everyone I have met so far is going to help me avert a catastrophic disaster.”

“Something like that” Xiumei smiled.

“Is a meteor dropping ? “

“no.”

“Aliens visiting?”

“No.”

“Am I like the avengers or something ?”

“I’m sorry, what is the avengers?” Xiumei asked with genuine bewilderment.

“Never mind.” I covered my face with my palms in exasperation. “who are the other 2, among the 12.”

“I’m sorry Jerry. I don’t know.” Xiumei said. “ I can’t see them… I can’t feel them… Not even Suwen can feel them, if we could, we will you…. But we can’t…. all I can tell you is there will be 12.”

“Is there anything else you can tell me, it would really help if I know more.” I asked.

“I have told you everything I can, the rest is up to you as the events unfold.”

Taking a deep breath, I struggled with the question that is on the verge of spilling from my lips.

“how….how many of the 12 will die?” I asked with trembling lips. “is it only Daphne?”

“knowing that changes nothing Jerry. I will not answer that question.”Xiumei said, her eyes held her gaze as steady as a surgeon’s scalpel.

“So I guess it’s more than 1 then.”

Xiumei gave me a gentle smile before asking me not to be too hard on myself.

“Some things are beyond your control.”

I stood up and I saw Suwen playing with a piece of crushed paper. She threw it up into the air before catching it on the way down. She’s taunting me.

“I can tell you things my mother can’t, and you know the price.” She said. “ this time round, you will have to pay it.”

I hesitated for a moment before replying her.
“No thank you.” I said and turned away.

Making my way to the exit, I could see Daphne trying to wrestle her way into the ward but Arturo is too big for her to shove aside.

“Let go through…arhghhhhh!” she said as she hammered the giant by the door.

“My name…. is ARturooooo..”

“I know what your name is ! You’ve said it a hundred times!” Daphne argued.

“Stop it, I’m done.” I said as I appeared behind Arturo.

“What the fuck was that ? you promised to let me tag along ! I need my exclusive scoop!” Daphne said furiously as she tried to keep up with me.

“you’ll have your exclusive. Don’t worry. It’s going to happen within the next 7 days.”

“What is ? What is going to happen within the next 7 days?” she asked anxiously.

“I don’t know yet, but something is going to happen.”

“this is as good as nothing!” Daphne said.

My head is about to explode and as much as I would like to lose my temper at the irritating girl trying to pry for information, I could not bring myself to do it.

“Jerry ! Come on… you need to give me something… anything!”

My phone buzzed and it’s Sulyani.
A text message.

‘Hey. Going overseas for work, be uncontactable for the next few days ya in case you can’t get me. Catch you when I’m back.’

I replied the message, knowing full well there is more to this so call trip than meets the eye.
‘ok, be careful and take care ya.’

Looking at Daphne, I asked if she would like to grab lunch together.

“Shall we eat something?” I suggested. “ What is your favourite food ? “

“Oh no you don’t, don’t fob me off with food and try to change the subject. I like Japanese though.” Daphne wants me to tell her everything that Xiumei told me inside the ward.

“I’ll do it over lunch.”

I found nice Japanese restaurant in town and I gave Daphne a condensed version of what I know.

“do you believe her?” She asked.

“I don’t know. But so far, everything this twisted family has given came true.”

“wow, so I’m going to be part of this super hero thingy eh ? “ Daphne said as she took a bite out of a handroll.

Looking at Daphne eat and talk at the same time, I changed the subject of our chat. I want to know more about her. Who she is.
I want to know her as a person. Not an inquisitive reporter.
There is a difference between what a person is willing to go through for her job because of passion, and who she really is.

As the only child to a single mother, Daphne grew up rough. She never knew who her father was.
“I’m never afraid of all the boys at the playground, I can play rough too ok!”

Her mum passed away shortly after she got her 1st job. With no one else left, she devoted herself to work. Being alone is also part of the reason why she gravitates towards Xiumei.
“There is something motherly about her.” She said absentmindedly. “she would have wanted to see me if not for that Arturo dude. I’ll call on her tomorrow or something.”

“you..seeing anyone?” I asked abruptly.

“hahah, why ? You interested in me ah.” She said while giving me the once over. “You… not bad la Jerry. Quite good looking…..i think you can get in line.”

I laughed and to be honest, Daphne is quite attractive. She’s bubbly and outgoing, definitely the kind of girl that guys like. Physically she is attractive, however, she might come across as being a bit too bold for guys who lack the confidence to go after someone like her.

“Just kidding, yes, there is someone I’m seeing.”

“Oh..”

“A colleague of mine…”

“Tell me about him..”

Daphne laughed and she shook her head, indicating that she did not want to talk about it but somehow the words just started flowing.
Dan is 3 years old than her. A senior she met in school.

“We’re very close friends. And.. I rejected him a few times back when we were in school.”

“ohhh.. you friendzoned him…”

She laughed and commented wistfully that she just felt so comfortable with him that she’s afraid if the relationship don’t work out, she will lose him forever.
“He’s a very sweet guy…and he loves me a lot…and I feel…safe…contented…and happy when I’m with him….” Daphne suddenly sobered up like she was in a trance earlier. “ Why the hell am I telling you stuff like this ! hahah”

“There’s nothing wrong what….Dan sounds like a nice guy…” I said while sipping my tea. “ You meeting him later?”

“Nahh. He’s out stationed, going to be back in a couple of weeks. Can’t wait to see him though.”

I had to grit my teeth in order to keep my expression neutral. A couple of weeks. That means she won’t even get to see Dan for the last time.

“Well you should call him…tell him how much you miss you or something.”

“Oh come on, what are you ? A relationship coach? Hahah” She teased.

“well sometimes, we….we…”

“we what ?” She asked.

“We just don’t know how much time we have left.” I said.

She stared at me while chewing her food at half the speed.

“That’s fucking depressing. Don’t talk like that, you’re boring enough as it is. Has any girls ever told you that you are boring to talk to”

[ilikeoldchangke]

“all the time.”

We laughed and parted ways after lunch.
Daphne made me swear I will keep her up to date on all the latest happenings and she demanded to meet me everyday after work for updates.

“Call Dan… I’m sure he’s looking forward to hear your voice.”

“Yah. Yah. Yah.. I will”


7th January 2019
Monday
8am

My computer barely warmed up when my boss Alvin called me into his office.

“Eh Jerry, got a few things to talk to you.”

The budget for the additional works has been pushed through, Alvin needs me to decide on which project to embark on.
“We need to spend it by this work year ok.” He said while unrolling a piece of drawing on his desk.” And we have an issue with this building owner. “

I looked at the drawing of a warehouse and Alvin brought my attention a boundary between the warehouse and the neighbour. It started with a dispute between both parties, one says the other is encroaching on it’s plot.

“After each hired their own surveyor, the findings are consistent. Both of them are wrong.” Alvin said. “there is actually a 3m strip that belongs to us. Both are encroaching on it. Thankfully there are no structures built on it, it’s just fencing and parking”

“oh?”

I looked at the rectangular plot of land parked at the edge of Jurong River.
“This has been thrown to us, we need to go down and talk to both owners to reinstate it accordingly.” Alvin said.

Looking at the address of the plot, something clicked inside me.
I took out my wallet and looked at the name card that Bobby gave me.

“what is that?” Alvin asked.

I showed him the name card.

“I think I know one of the owner .”

Alvin took the card over and commented ;

“well, I think you know both owners then.”

“what?”

Gesturing to the smaller plot, Alvin brought my attention to the name of the landscaping company.
“Sam..” I mumbled.

“yeap, you work with him quite often right.”

“ye…yes..”

“Don’t worry la, I won’t throw this on you 1st thing in the new year. I’ll sort it out together with you. Since you know both of them, it would make things a lot more easier.” Alvin said.

He wants me to set up a meeting with both of them over the next few days.

Nothing unusual came up at work that day and when I left office, Daphne is already waiting for me at the café in Cluny court.

I told her about Sam and Bobby and she scribbled furiously on her notebook.
“This is going to be huge man.. I know this is going to be huge…” She mumbled.

We were looking at the google map location of the 2 buildings when Daphne suddenly closed her eyes and hissed softly while clutching her stomach.

“What’s wrong with you ? You ok?” I asked.

“Yah..yah.. I’m fine.”

We continued talking before Daphne said she hasn’t eaten anything the whole day.

“Let me go grab a sandwich first, you want anything?” She offered.

“Get me one of whatever you are having”

I went back to the map and the next thing I knew, there was a loud crash. Looking up, I realized that Daphne had collapsed onto a nearby table together with all the food and drinks she is carrying.

All the café patrons and staff immediately attended to her while I called for an ambulance.

“Are you ok Daphne? Hey..hey!”

Within minutes, I was at the back of an ambulance with her. Daphne regained consciousness within minutes and she revealed that she has low blood sugar and there’s no need to make a big deal of it.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

Daphne brushed me off and say she will be fine.

I waited around the emergency area for a while before I got to speak with Daphne. She came out in a wheelchair and apologized for the trouble

“Sorry ah.. was busy the whole day.. didn’t have time to eat.”
Aside from a bruise and minor cuts, she is pretty much fine.

I took over from the porter and pushed Daphne towards the pharmacy.
“Let me do it.” I said as I took the discharge and medication slip over to the drop in tray.

I got Daphne a bottle of water and she seemed to be engrossed with texting on her phone so I left her alone. When her number came up for me to collect the medication, I went over and the pharmacist went through the medicine with me.

Just before I go, the pharmacist told me something that felt like a slap in my face.

“You wife is pregnant. Please make sure she takes her meals on time.”

“what..?”

My heart started racing and a renewed sense of dread filled me as I turned over and looked at Daphne.

She pregnant ?

I brought the medication over to her and lowered myself to her height.

“You’re pregnant…?” I said, the words barely forced it’s way out of my mouth.

“Oh…how did you know that..? “ She exclaimed with a smile.
Daphne was just sharing the good news with her boyfriend.

“The doctor did a check earlier, I had an ultrasound.” Daphne said. “ I’m expecting twins.”

My legs gave way and I just ended up sitting on the pharmacy floor.
“No..”

“What no? What’s wrong with you Jerry haha? You looked shocked.” Daphne teased. “ Don’t worry la, the sushi and raw food I ate that day won’t affect anything.”

“You… you… you didn’t know you were pregnant…?” I asked.

“My period has always been irregular. Didn’t think much of it…” Daphne added and she showed me a video on her phone.

It’s a video taken of the ultrasound.

“Can you heart the heartbeat?” Daphne quipped.

I pulled myself unsteadily off the ground and told Daphne I needed to use the washroom.

Running to the toilet, I splashed water on my face before running into an empty cubicle.
I started hyperventilating as my hands held onto the 2 partitions separating me from other bathroom users.
I looked at my watch.

It’s coming to 11pm on the 7th of January.
Daphne and her twins has less than 6 days left.

The thought alone made me sick and I vomited into the toilet.

Panting and wiping my mouth with paper, I struggled to keep my balance.

Xiumei and Suwen can’t tell who the other 2 were out of the 12 because they’re not born yet. They cannot tell the future of someone whose existence has not come about.
With the twins inside Daphne, the group of 12 is now complete.


……………………………

[water_boi]

Thank you ilock bro for the great update... Again

[vanilqanache]

Fantastic story bro, please continue :)

[verytiredguy]

Looking forward to the next part of the story!!

[driedlemon3]

Hope Daphne n her twin babies get to live. Looking fwd to next update!

[croaching]

Excellent story! Camping for next chapter.

[KellyJie]

Very nice story bro, waiting for more updates :)

[ilikeoldchangke]

I must save Daphne and her twins.
I must.
I will figure a way out.
Coming out of the bathroom, I must have looked rather pale.
Daphne insisted on going home on her own after a short rest and I saw her off in a taxi.

8th January 2019
Tuesday
12am

I should be in bed but I can’t sleep.
The knowledge given to me about Daphne’s death is not without reason. I refuse to believe I cannot do anything about it.
If I know something, I can try to stop it.
I can try to catch her pen.
I can try to delay the inevitable.

Doesn’t matter if Xiumei and Suwen say it’s impossible.
It’s impossible only if I don’t try.

Plastered on the glass wall of my living room are the print outs of the industrial area where everything will be going down. Leaning against my dining table, I held a cup of cold coffee in hand as I looked at the plot belonging to Bobby and Sam.
Located in Kranji, the site enjoys a waterfront view of our neighbour across the causeway. The 2 rectangle plots stands parallel to each other with their entrance facing the road and the back of the plot against the water.
I can tell which one belongs to Sam right away due to the number of plants and young trees he has. Sam has a section set aside for Orchids and palms.
Tuck at the end near the sea is a pond which he did initially for fun so his kids can do longkang fishing. He ended up expanding it to cater for the school kids & families that drop by on weekends.
I’ve never been to Sam’s place and I have only seen it on pictures.
He has a few recycled shipping containers as office and most of his stores are under shelter beneath a zinc roofed structure he inherited from the previous owner.

Bobby’s plot on the other hand looked new compared to Sam.
A large gleaming warehouse 3 levels tall. He deals with furniture and relocation services. I cannot see much from the map because it’s all covered up.
Looking at the highlighted fence in question, I can see the 2 plots are encroaching into a pathway that would have allowed access from the main road all the way to the edge of the waters.
Both owners claimed they did nothing to it and when they took over the site, the boundaries have already been set.
Sam has a few palms and trees that are planted along the side of the fence and one of Bobby’s complains was that the plants are encroaching into his site. Sam on the other hand, is unhappy with a large pile of rotting wood sitting at the back near the water’s edge.
Petty quarrels when compared to the gran scheme of things that are about to happen.
The 2 buildings look so ordinary that one will not give either a passing glance.
Whatever is going to happen, chances are it’s going to go down at that site.

What are the odds of an issue cropping up between 2 person I know?

I did not sleep that day, instead, I got into office at 6am and started to clear my emails.
I cleared a section of my desk and using paper clips, I bent the metal into the first letter of each person that will be with me when things go south.
My heart skipped a beat when I subconsciously folded a letter ‘D’ for daphne before looping 2 smaller coloured clips onto it.
Taking a sip of my morning coffee, I separated the names.
Bobby, Conor, Sam, Alvin and I will be at the warehouse.
This leaves Tan, Choo, Sulyani, Chan, Daphne and her twins.

12.
What is special about the number 12?

12 months in a year, 12 hours in a clock face. 12 signs in the zodiac.
Jesus has 12 disciples.

Assuming everyone has to be present on site when the said event occurs, this leaves more than half of the group that has no valid reason to be there at the moment.

9am
I gave Sam a call and told him the purpose of my ring.
He sounded quite happy that we’re going down to help mediate the situation with his neighbour.
“Jerry, Jerry, Jerry….any day la, I can do any day. Come down come down. I treat you coffee.” Sam Chirped.

“Let me get back to you once I check with my boss.”

“got new project or not. Support a bit leh, quite slow recently.” Sam said.

“Might have something coming up, I’ll let you know again.”

I was about to ring Bobby up when Alvin came over to my desk.
He told me Bobby rang him up earlier. He too was eager to get things sorted out.
“Sounds like a nice guy.” Alvin said. “can you arrange for 11th, Friday.”

“What about other days.” I suggested.” In case they can’t.”

“Bobby can do Thursday and Friday. I’m on course tomorrow and Thursday. It’ll have to be Friday. You have anything on?” He asked.

“No…no.. not at all.”

“Alright. Put it on Friday morning. I don’t think it will take more than a couple of hours. We can go grab lunch after that.”

I agreed and notified Sam of the meeting on Friday morning. After that I gave Bobby a call.

Alvin stepped out of office shortly after and I gave Sam a call, asking if he is at his workplace.

“Yeah…why ? Want to buy me lunch is it?” Sam joked.

“Yes. I’m taking a taxi down. “

“Wah. You serious? I going to win lottery already.”

30 minutes later, I alighted in front of Sam’s landscaping company.
The road is pretty quiet aside from the occasional heavy vehicle rumbling by.

I can see a truck unloading stuff across at Bobby’s warehouse.

“Yo yo Yo…. Jerry, Jerry, Jerry….rare guest man.” Sam shook my hand and gestured to his work place.
I could see several of his workers resting under the shelter
“No jobs outside today?” I asked.
“Have small ones la. Later heading out in the evening when it’s not so hot.” Sam said we walked deeper inside his nursery cum workplace. “what brings you here? I thought we are meeting on Friday “

“I ermmm… want to see if your place is safe.”

Sam laughed and he thought I was joking.

“I follow the workplace safety and health guidelines one ok.”

He gave me a quick tour of his place. Nothing out of the ordinary. We came to the longkang fishing pond he built and he asked if I would like to give it a go.
“No thank you.”

“It’s no easy ok. The fishes are quite fast.”

With the short tour over, I flagged out a few things which made me uncomfortable.

“I noticed some of your fire extinguishers are expired…for more than a year… there are a lot of exposed and sharp edges where you store your things and the cage where you keep your garden shears and blades are not locked.”

“You fucking high on something Jerry?” Sam said as he lit up a cigarette beside his store of petrol cans.

“Don’t smoke beside your petrol cans for fuck sake. Why do you need so many by the way?”
“How else do I power my grass cutter ? Bicycle pedal ar?” Sam said with a puzzled look on his face.” You’re acting weird. Everything ok or not.?”

“Am I ? “

“you came all the way from botanic garden to come and tell me my fire extinguisher is expired and my equipment cage is unlocked. You got fever ah.”

Taking a deep breath, I struggled with my words before asking Sam about his schedule on Friday.

“Morning my guys going out to Jurong. Some small job for the town council there. They will only be back in the evening. Morning I will be here la. You coming with your boss right.”

I nodded. So Sam’s place will be empty save for us.
I stayed for coffee and asked Sam about his wife and kids. He’s still the same jovial fellow, laughing and talking loudly. He even offered me some plants to bring home if I like.

“No. no. no… I can’t take anything from you. It will be bribery.”
“Bribe you head la. Please la. A pot of fucking orchid is a bribe?”

“these are sensitive times, I’ll pay for the plants if I see anything that I fancy.”
Sam ushered me to his orchids and tried to market the national flower to me.

“Nah, this 1, good one. Van Da Kee Lim Jiu ( Vanda goes for a drink ) or Van Da Cuae Jiu Lim ( Vanda looks for a drink) “
“Oh come on, it’s Vanda Miss Joaquim” I corrected.” It’s our fucking national flower, how can you get it wrong?”

“eh hello Jerry, I uneducated Ah Beng. If I remember ever one of these names by heart, I scientist already, no need become landscaper.”

Sam laughed as he flicked his spent cigarette butt onto the floor.

“That’s littering bro. I’m from Nparks.”

“This is my property Jerry, I am from Sam Nursery.” He said as he lights up a 2nd stick. “ You want one ?”

I took a few steps towards the water edge and asked Sam if he has any issues with illegal immigrants coming from across the causeway.

[ilikeoldchangke]

“What ? You change department again ah ? Become immigration ?”

“Sam I’m serious.”

He looked at me for a couple of seconds before he pointed to a parked coastguard vessel a distance away with his cigarette holding hand.

“There, see.. our tax dollar at work.”

“That’s it ? Don’t you think you need more fence ? Security ? I noticed you have a lack of cameras in your property.”

“Oh cameras… cameras ah…ok…ok…come…come.. I show you…”

Sam brought me to a large pile of compost. It stinks.
“This…. Shit…”
He then brought me to his grass cultivation plot.
“This… cow grass…”

Then gesturing all over him, he added.
“plants… Cannot eat one…”
Displaying a pose mimicking a body builder showing off his muscles, he angled his body with his cigarette pointing 45 degree to the sky.

“And got me here. Who dare to steal from me ? hahahahha”

We went back to his air conditioned office and Sam made me a cup of coffee.
He began talking about the side fence in question and say he’s fine with reinstating it but he just needs time. He has no intention of paying someone to do it since he has the workers himself.
All he need to do is to arrange their work schedule accordingly.
“actually, if need to, I can help the neighbour do and bill from for it. Hahahahah”

I told him we will go through that in detail when we meet on Friday with my boss. Gesturing to his first aid box in his office, I asked if I could take a look at it.

“eh Jerry, you seriously something wrong ah.” Sam said as he brought the box down.
Opening it, I saw a few pieces of plaster and a tube of cream for mosquito bites.
“What? You only have these in your first aid box? What happens if your men hurt themselves?”

“Jerry I tell you.” Sam sighed and gestured to the first aid box. “if a piece of plaster cannot fix ah, then you need to go hospital. Simple as that…if some poor guy cuts his finger off, you think there is anything I can fix with a box like this? Come on la.”

“No no… you need a better one.” I said and made a mental note to get him one.

Turning to his pantry, I looked at the bag of 3 in 1 coffee and a few pieces of crackers inside a plastic container.
“Is that your pantry ? That’s all the food you have? “

Sam looked genuinely concerned and he leaned over to touch my forehead.

“You something wrong ah.” He asked. “ this is an office leh… I stay here do admin work, send invoice. My work is out under the sun one. I hungry I go coffee shop la, why I need to put so much things here. Feed rats and cockroaches ah.”

I made another mental note to help Sam stock up his pantry.
Taking away the twins inside Daphne, i should at least account for water and food for 10 adults for a couple of days.
Something is happening on the 12th but there’s no way to know if it will end on the 12th. It’s better to be prepared.

“I’m going to order some stuff for delivery later, you will be here to receive it right.”

Sam stared at me with his mouth slightly apart and I told him I won the lottery.

“first prize…it’s a while back…. My office phone number 3025.”

His expression immediately changed.

“WAH! Huat AH!”

“I only just checked the ticket recently so I want to ermmm… do something for you…”

“WAHHHH…. Steady la bro….why ah….why? is it because I give you the inspiration to buy your phone number…”

I lied that he called me multiple times that day and I could see him trying to recall.

“Anyway, I need to do more good things for the people around me so my luck will get better….fortune teller told me so.”

“Eh intro the fortune teller to me also leh..”

“He passed away.”

“Fuck…”

I told Sam it’s just some general pantry stuff, not expensive stuff.
He offered me my choice of plants from his small nursery and I told him I will let him know if I see anything I fancy.

After a 30 minutes chat with Sam on his site, I excused myself and made my way over to Bobby’s warehouse.

Upon entering the warehouse, I can hear Conor’s distinctive accent spewing singlish that will make any native speaker proud.
“OEI YANDAO ( Handsome ) don’t look at your fucking phone when you drive the forklift can or not! KNN”

Walking over to Conor, I saw his face literally light up when he saw me.

“Ehhhhh Jerry…Li SI Yandao ah..! hahaha”

“thank you Conor.”

“What brought you here?” he asked.

I explained about the boundary situation and Conor told me he heard Bobby mention it.
“So you guys seemed pretty busy.” I commented.

Conor told me they are shifting things around the warehouse because there is a client with several big packages coming in.
“When are they coming?”

“This Thursday, 10th. Why?”

“Nothing, just curious…”

Conor offered the information without me asking. The client is from Myanmar and they leased quite a bit of space to store goods from Bobby. Pointing to the temperature controlled rooms at the side, he revealed that the client also booked the entire cold room.

“What is the temperature for the cold storage?” I asked.

“Bigger room is between 10-15 degrees, we do quite a bit of wine on and off, the small one is minus 25”
“Any idea what the clients will be bringing in on Thursday ?” I asked and Conor checked his tablet as a forklift zoomed passed us.

“It’s stated here that it’s mostly furniture and personal belongings. I think some Myanmar general or something is relocating to Singapore.” Conor said. “The things are shipped from a military base.”

“Oh..?”
“It’s very common. Preferential rates, easy to clear the ports once you have the right connection.”

“I see.” I mentally took note of the client’s name.

I wanted to speak to Bobby but was told he is out for the day.
“You can give him a call if you want.”

“It’s ok. I’m coming here on Friday anyway.”

Leaving Bobby’s warehouse, I looked at the solid automatic gate compared to Sam’s world war 2 era wrought iron gate with mangled wire mesh. It’s really a heaven and earth comparison.
While the roads inside Bobby’s warehouse is paved and straight, Sam’s compound gives you the feeling you just drove into a kampung in Malaysia.

Making my way back to office, I started placing orders from a supermarket on my phone. I ordered a 5 cartons of water, with each at 1.5 litres, plenty of crackers and instant noodles. To be honest, I don’t know what I was preparing for, something inside me just tells me it’s better to be prepared for all circumstances.

Who knows, perhaps a giant sinkhole might open up under us and swallow everyone ? At least we will have food and water.

I placed orders for batteries and portable radio that comes with torchlights as well. Then I went to an online pharmacy and placed orders for bandages, plasters, antiseptic cream and wound cleaning solution. Basically, everything a first aid box should have.

Daphne gave me a call close to end of the day and I shared with her the name of the Myanmar General.
“General Aung Myint. Can you find out more about him?” I asked.
“Anything I should look out for?” Daphne asked.
“I don’t know yet. Let me know if you find anything interesting.”

“when is your meeting?” Daphne asked.

“ermmm.. next Monday.” I lied. I’m not letting her know I’m going down on Friday.

It’s a game of odds and probabilities. If I keep Daphne away from the place where something bad is going to happen, I reduced the chances of her being at risk.

“what time?”

“ermm 10am.”

[ilikeoldchangke]

“you better not be lying to me Jerry.” Daphne said over the phone.
“Don’t worry, let me know if you find anything on the General.”

I quickly hung up and got back to work.

Just before I left the office, Sam sent me a picture with all the stuff I bought in his office.
It came with the message.
‘Crazy ar ? 7th month celebration is it?’

I ignored him and went back home. I brought the paper clips back and attached them to the information wall.
A general is coming on the 10th, 1 day before our meeting. 2 days before Daphne’s death. Surely this must be connected.

I ate instant noodles while staring at the wall filled with printouts and I tried to think if there is something more I can do.
My phone rang and it’s Daphne.

She did not even say hi and went straight to talk about the General.

“General Aung Myint, commanding officer of 201 Infantry Battalion located in the Northern Shan State. He’s very low profile and there’s practically nothing on him. I called a contact in Myanmar and asked about him but he too could tell me nothing on this reclusive General.” Daphne said.
“He’s single. Early fifties, a very decorated soldier and commands a group of loyal men. That’s practically what we know about him.”

“What are the chances that he’s coming here for his retirement?” I asked.

“Why not ? Singapore is a good place to retire. Especially if you have a shit load of money.”

I thanked Daphne for the information and hung up.

Adding another post it note to the information wall, I pasted General Aung Myint’s name on top of Bobby’s warehouse.

Whatever it is, I guess we’re about to find out.

……………………………………………..

10th January 2019
10am

I gave both Sam and Bobby a call to confirm the meeting the next morning. Bobby has offered to host us in his office.

Coming close to lunch time, I gave Bobby’s office a call to look for Conor.
I want to find out from him about the general that will be depositing his stuff with their warehouse.
However, the call went unanswered.
I didn’t think much of it and I tried again at 3pm.

Again, it went unanswered.
I brushed it off that they are busy with the new client who is taking up so much of their storage.
I’ll ask Conor about it when I see him the next day.

11th January 2019
7am

I went to office early and prepared the documents and drawings for our discussion. Making sure none of my colleagues saw what I am up to, I took a penknife and checked the blade before slipping it in my sock by my ankle.
Although I’m not sure what I can do with it, I just thought it might come in handy.

The butterflies in my stomach starts to get more apparent when the clock ticked closer to 9am. My eyes kept drifting to the clock. Alvin is someone who likes to be on time.
This means we should be getting to ready leave at 10.15am for the 11am meeting.
Feeling a bit uneasy with what I’m about to face, I transferred money into my parent’s account, splitting the lottery sum between the two of them.
Just in case shit happens, they have the cash to deal with any emergency.

I went to the washroom and splashed my face with water.
I could feel the anxiety building up in me and I chose to take a walk out in the garden.

Taking in the sights and fresh air made me feel a little better. Subconsciously as I walked, I came to the same path where I met Hock Chuan for the 1st time. The place where he sold me the 1st copy of the newspaper.

I continued walking, heading to a project site of mine to take a look.

10am

Its about time to head back and I had this sudden urge to pee when I saw the public toilet by one of the park’s entrance. I went in and head straight for the urinal.

I barely unzipped my pants when this man came in behind me.

There is this unspoken rule among men when using the urinal.
As long as there are enough urinals to leave a space between you and other users, you don’t take the one right beside a stranger. They don’t teach this in school, there’s no need to teach this. It’s ingrained in us.
So when this guy appeared beside me, I instinctively looked at him.
Why does he have to come so close to me ?

My tool is already out and I’m about to pee but given that I’m so on edge, plus the appearance of a man who don’t know anything about personal space, I just couldn’t go.

As if things could not get worse, the man unzipped his pants and looked down.

Then he started to smile.
And the smile turn to a laugh.

“hahahha…. Hey……brother…..”

My jaw dropped an inch as I started at him in disbelief.

“Long time no see brother…”

“what the fuck…” I mumbled as I heard the strong stream of pee leave his penis and hit the urinal.
When was the last time he looked at himself?

“how are you ?” the man continued talking.

I immediately zipped up my pants. There’s no way I’m going to pee bside such a weirdo.

Suddenly, he backed away from the urinal and turned towards the basin. It was then I realized he has a Bluetooth headset on his other ear.

He’s on the fucking phone.
I was about to laugh at myself for overthinking stuff when the man washing his hands suddenly stopped talking.

He turned and looked at me.

“The man beside me?” He asked while exchanging looks with me.

“huh?” I looked at him with a questioning expression.

The strange man then finished washing his hands before drying them with a paper towel. He pulled out his phone and disconnected the Bluetooth headset.

“It’s for you.” He said while handing over the phone.

“what?”

“take it.” He said.

I took over the phone and answered it to hear Arturo’s voice on the phone.

“Please hold Jerry.”

Moments later, Xiumei’s voice came onto the phone.
“Jerry. Do not throw away any empty bottles. Keep them. Stay close to the compost pile. Save as many as you can.”

“what? Xiumei. I need more. Tell me as much as you can. Every little bit helps.” I said.

“I’m sorry, this is all I can tell Jerry. Good luck.”

“Xiumei…Xiumei!” I called out but she has already hung up.

The man gestured for his phone and I returned it back to him.

Bottles, compost. Bottles and compost.
Keep every bottle. I thought about the cartons of water I ordered. That must be what she meant.

Returning to office, I went straight to the recycling bin in the pantry. I picked up the whole back of plastic bottles and lugged it with me back to my desk.

Alvin looked at me with the bag of trash and asked me what I’m up to.

“ERgmmmm… Sam wants to use bottles for some recycling….planting…stuff..”

“you ready to go?” Alvin asked.

“yeah let’s go.”


Upon arrival at site, I was surprised to see the gate into Bobby’s warehouse closed. Sam is smoking by his gate and gestured for us to go into his place instead.

“I don’t see anyone the whole morning.” Sam said. “ No one at all.”

“Can you try calling them Jerry.” My boss said as we walked towards Sam’s office.

Perhaps they are on the way in, probably worked late the night before or something.
Sam served coffee and Alvin started talking about shifting the fence.

[ilikeoldchangke]

We waited and we kept calling Bobby and his office. From 11am till 12pm.
Nothing.

The gate remained shut.

By 12.30pm, Alvin is visibly upset and he is contemplating climbing over the fence to see if anyone is in the office.
“ what nonsense is this!” Alvin commented.

“Eh sorry ah guys, I thought this was a quick 30 minute meeting, I have something else going on later at 1pm” Sam said.

“what do you have at 1pm?” I asked.

“There’s a busload of kids coming to visit the nursery and for longkang fishing.”

I could feel my heart sinking when I heard what Sam just said.

Before I could react, I heard the honk of a bus. Turning around in horror, I realized the bus came early.

“Ahhh..they are here already…” Sam pushed the gate opened and gestured for the driver to park inside the compound.

“No… NO…no…!” I protested and Alvin pulled me aside, asking me not to block the bus.

As the school bus cleared the turning radius into Sam’s nursery, a taxi followed closely behind.
“No…please… no…” I walked towards the taxi and the driver tapped his honk at me before lowering his window.

“hey Jerry…!” Choo called out

The next time I heard my name came from a tone which sounded pretty hostile, because the passenger in the taxi is none other than Daphne.

“Oh boy you have some explanation to do Jerry. “ she said.

“why are you here!” I exclaimed.

“and why are you here?” Daphne mirrored my exclamation.

Turning around, I tried to stop the school kids from coming down the bus only to see Sam already talking to the teacher.

No. This cannot be happening.

I tried to shout at Sam for him to stop the visit. Choo parked his taxi and asked to borrow the bathroom to which Sam pointed him in the right direction. Walking over to the bus driver, I was about to ask him to take the kids and go when I realized the person driving the bus is none other than Tan, the cleaner from the Mall bathroom.

“Tan…” I mumbled.

“Eh… why are you here…” He asked.
Right about then a 40 foot container truck pulled up to the side of the road, blocking the entrance of both units with it’s massive length.

Men appeared out of nowhere and a dozen of them made their way into the nursery.

“Hey..hey ! “ Sam shouted at the men coming into his property.

“what the hell” Alvin shouted at one of the man who shoved him deeper into the nursery.
He was about to push back when that man whipped out a gun.

Before Daphne could scream, she too was herded together with the rest of us deeper into Sam’s property.

Everything happened so fast. The kids didn’t even know what is happening. Some of them are still happily looking at the plants.

Their teacher, a female around 30 years of age was the first to react when she saw the guns in the hands of the men surrounding us.

“aRGHHHHHHHHHH!” Her high pitched scream was cut shot by a silenced shot to her head.

The teacher’s head snapped backwards before she fell onto a pot of tangerine.

Sam immediately put himself in front of several kids and turned them the other way. Alvin, having taken a grasp of the situation immediately rounded up a few kids too and tried to pacify them.

Tan was about to light a cigarette when he saw what happened and he dropped his fag. He held 2 kids by their hands and pulled them away from their unmoving teacher on the ground.
The other accompanying teacher fainted and collapsed onto the floor.

Moments later, Choo was dragged out from the bathroom and deposited unceremoniously with everyone under the zinc roofed structure.

Some kids started to cry and we tried to calm them down.

The man that shot the teacher fired 3 more silenced shots at Sam’s plants, shattering the clay pots and spilling the contents around the trembling kids.

“You make any noise. I’ll put the next one in you.” He threatened.

Seeing that they have the site under control, they gestured towards the back of their column.

Moments later, a charismatic man walked with his hands behind his back slowly into the compound.

His bearing, his body language, the way he carried himself, it reeks of military.
Removing his aviator shades, I suddenly realized he is looking at me.

I could feel my heart skipping a beat when he smiled at me.

Then I thought my heart stopped beating when he walked right over and call me by my name.

“Jerry…..”

I was dragged up to my feet by his men, putting me face to face with him.

“I am… General Aung Myint.” He introduced himself.

Then moving closer to my ears, he said something that chilled me to the bone.

“I can do what you do…”
That eerie smile took everything I had within me to stop myself from shaking.
“Surely you must not think only Singapore….has fortune tellers..”

I exhaled slowly as we faced off each other.
Shaking myself free from his men’s grip, I took a step closer to him and I felt the muzzle of a gun touch my head.

“Jerry don’t do anything stupid!” Alvin called out.

That look of smug confidence on his face really got to me.

“How much do you know?” I challenged Aung.
“And how much… do you know..?” Aung repeated the question I posted to me.

“that’s for you to find out I guess.”

“You’re getting cocky Jerry…hahha.” Aung whispered.
From the way he keep his voice low all this while, I gather his men do not know what he can do.

“I’m confident, there’s a difference.” I replied.

Now I don’t know how much Aung knows about what is going to happen.
I don’t know what his fortune teller told him about what is going to happen over the next few days.

All I know is I stand a chance to stop him.
And my odds just went up a notch.

Why?

Because among the armed men he brought are 2 familiar faces who has remained expressionless and unmoving all this while at the back.

Sulyani and Chan.

Bobby and Conor are probably in the warehouse.
The rest of us are all here.
This is it I guess.

Aung smiled and put on his shades.
“we’ll see.”
………………..

[SadioManeNo19]

Fantastic bumper updates. Thanks bro! :)

[driedlemon3]

wow, I am constantly amazed at how well thot out the plot is and its still thickening with Daphne now in the picture and Sulyani with the general? hmm..
thanks iloveock for this thriller, waiting for the next updates!

[kirk28]

Very good story. Wonder when is the next update?

[ilikeoldchangke]

We were all herded into the sheltered compound under the zinc roof structure. Sulyani and Chan did not acknowledge me, and I refuse to believe they’ve gone over to the dark side.

Chances are they are working undercover.
Something of this scale must have taken some planning, surely the authorities are aware of this. That is why Sulyani and Chan have been planted with the General.

I carefully observe Sulyani and she is trying hard not to look at Choo’s direction. Choo on the other hand kept his eyes down and focused on pacifying the kids along with the other adults. If Aung realizes Sulyani’s father is among the prisoners, it’s going to be a disaster.

The men quickly took control of the site.
Aung Myint’s men took a roll of blue canvas from Sam’s store and started to block out the entrance and sides of the nursery. All our mobile phones were taken from us. The pockets of every adult were searched and thankfully, they did not find the cutter I kept in my sock.
The kids were not spared either. Some of them had smart watches that allowed them to call their parents, one even had his own mobile phone. All of it were taken away.

The dead teacher was carried and dumped in Sam’s fishpond. The children are all sobbing in fear and few of them peed themselves.

We directed the kids to sit while facing away from the terrorists. The adults formed a protective barrier of sort, separating the kids and keeping them away from the hostage takers. We did our best to calm them down, the remaining childcare teacher Mindy, asked the kids to take out the snacks they packed for the trip and take a bite.

Not that the food will calm their nerves but at least it occupies their attention for a while.

The 40 footer truck spanned across both units, effectively blocking any vehicles from coming in or out. It navigated itself onto a narrow section of the driveway leading into both units so it doesn’t block other traffic travelling along the main road.
The massive size of the truck also meant passing vehicles will not be able to see what is going on within the units.

Aung Myint’s men removed all the gardening tools that can be used as a weapon from the store.
“Hey..hey! those are mine! Don’t you dare damage them!” Sam called out but was blatantly ignored.

Suddenly I saw a familiar face.

Terry. That sick fuck that made me massage a dead body.
Goosebumps appeared all over my skin as Terry sauntered over to me with his hands in his pocket.
“So you can see now eh?” Terry laughed. He did not bother to call out my lie or go into detail what he meant. He just looked at me in a disturbing manner.
It’s like he is looking forward to toying with me when he gets his chance.

“Terry, the fence.” Aung said while lighting up a cigarette.
Terry grabbed 2 men and went to the fence separating Bobby and Sam’s plot. They cut through both fence and using canvas and timber from Sam’s nursery, erected a makeshift connection of sort between both plots.
When the connection is done, everyone was herded over to Bobby’s warehouse.

Upon entering, I could see Bobby and Conor on the ground. They were covered in bruises with 4 men standing guard over them. They’re knocked up pretty bad.

In a particular section of Bobby’s warehouse, the 6 meter tall racks are arranged in a ‘n’ configuration. With plenty of boxes and goods packed to the brim on 3 sides, it formed the perfect prison to hold everyone.

I could see some gaps that perhaps a smaller child could squeeze through but even then, he or she will need to cross an entire warehouse of hostile men.
At the opening of the makeshift prison 5 meters away, stands the cold storage section, it’s length perpendicular to the prison we’re in.

If we are to make a run for it, we will have to turn either left or right after coming out of the boundary of the storage shelves.

For close to an hour, we were left on our own. No one said anything to us, no one shared anything with us. About a dozen men kept watch over the group. If any kids needed the bathroom, only Mindy is allowed to bring them.
As for the rest of the adults, they will be escorted by Aung’s men.

“We’re fucked aren’t we.” Daphne whispered beside me. “what should we do?”

“Why are you here?” I asked.

“I want to check out the site before the meeting you lied about you dick.”

“Well, if you have listened to me, you wouldn’t be here, will you?” I retorted.
Daphne looked like she wanted to say something but stopped herself.
I’m right and she knows it.

“No talking amongst yourselves!” A man shouted at us.


2pm
General Aung’s men set up a table.
The rustling of plastic bags and boxes were accompanied by the smell of food. I could feel my stomach growling.

Aung took a seat as his men unpacked the food on the table, laying out a feast of Dim Sum and bread among other packed food. The packed food was distributed among Aung’s soldiers while the spread on the table is reserved solely for the General.

I stood up and one of Aung’s man immediately shoved me back down.

“Jerry, stop it. Calm down.” Alvin whispered sharply to me.

“Jerry….” Aung called out my name as he started to eat in front of us.

“I know what you want to say.” Aung took a bite of his French loaf before popping a dumpling into his mouth.” So I’ll save all of us some time.”

Gesturing to the kids, Aung said what is on my mind.
“The kids have nothing to do with this, you want me to let them go.” Aung exhaled as if had expected something like this from me, or rather, he has replayed this in his mind a dozen times. “I’m going to say no. then you’re going to try and convince me.”

Gesturing with his palm in a back-and-forth motion, Aung tried to illustrate the alternating conversation we will be engaging in if we attempt to go down that path.

“Let’s not do that. I’m not a patient man, doing something like that will only make me angry. And I’m not a nice man when I’m angry.” Aung chuckled as he shook the gold watch on his left hand to loosen it from his wrist.

I didn’t say anything, but I remained standing while looking at Aung. You can tell he is not done with what he wants to say. There is something more.

“I am a stubborn man Jerry.” He paused and took another bite of his late lunch.” So you can imagine the first time when I was told what will happen in the future, I have a hard time believing it.”

However, Aung soon came to embrace the gift that was given to him.
“Knowing the future Jerry. Can you believe that?” Aung laughed as he gestured to his men for a drink.

“you can tell the future Jerry?” Sam whispered “ Why didn’t you say so ? Tomorrow night 4D (lottery) 1st prize is what number? Or Monday TOTO ( lottery ) “

“It doesn’t work like that.” I whispered to Sam.

“What is going on Jerry?” Alvin asked and I told him I’ll explain in a bit.

After Aung washes down the food, he went on to say something that made my heart rate go up a notch.

“I’m here for a reason Jerry, I may be a small pawn in a big chessboard but I am here for a reason. “ Aung wiped his mouth with a napkin while levelling his eyes at me.” And my fortune teller, has revealed that you, are the key to my work here in Singapore.”

“I’m not sure I get what you mean.”

“I was told that you, will be the one that stands in my way for what I’m about to accomplish…. And my reply was simple. That I will kill you, put a bullet in your head the moment I see you.” Aung smiled.
I felt a chill in my spine as I thought about my parents. I can’t die in this warehouse. Not like this.

“However, if I kill you right now, I will fail in what I’m about to do. If I don’t, you will thwart and affect my plan. I’m caught between a rock and a hard place here you see.” Aung said, betraying a hint of anger. “

“I have accomplished enough with the skills and knowledge told to me that I truly believe everything my fortune teller tells me, but there is only so much she can see.”

Aung gestured around him.
“I have a platoon of my best men right here. My men have control of the site. We even have local guides that have been on our payroll for a while. They provided the necessary information to get me to where I am today.” Aung said proudly “and I’m really curious, how, you can possibly thwart my plans in your current state.”

Aung took out his phone and I saw him fiddling with it. Turning it over to face me, he displayed a countdown timer before looking at his watch.

At the stroke of 2.15pm, Aung started the countdown.

“In 30 hours, this will be over. In 30 hours, I will be able to kill you with no possible repercussions to my plan.” Aung said. “in the meantime, I want to understand how such a normal guy like you, can be blessed with such a gift like mine.”