Paiming sat across from Jim on the plush couch, his posture rigid and his expression unyielding. The luxurious room, with its soft lighting and elegant decor, felt like a battlefield as the two men locked eyes. Paiming's voice was steady but carried an undercurrent of tension as he spoke, "Mr. Chin, what do you want to say?"
Jim leaned back slightly, his gaze sharp and unwavering. He took a moment, as if savoring the weight of his words, before replying in a decisive tone. "Only one thing." He paused, his voice dropping to a low, commanding tone, "For you to leave Tina."
Paiming's eyes widened, and for a moment, he was too stunned to respond. He had expected many things from this conversation, but not this—not such blatant arrogance. His hands clenched into fists, and he shot up from the couch, slamming his palm on the coffee table with a loud thud. "Why? Tina is my girlfriend and fiancée!"
Jim didn't flinch. His composure remained intact, his expression calm but firm. "What you're saying is meaningless," he said, his tone dismissive. He picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and set it back down with deliberate precision. "You should know who Tina loves."
Paiming's jaw tightened, but he didn't respond to Jim's jab. Instead, he forced himself to sit back down, his voice low and measured. "Mr. Chin, I think you know you're dissolute."
The tension in the room thickened as Paiming continued, his words cutting through the air like a knife. "She won't be happy with you."
Jim's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing. "No," he said, his voice firm and unyielding. "I'm only serious about her. She's the only one I want to marry."
Paiming's restraint snapped. He raised his voice, his emotions spilling over. "Really? Will you love her forever? Will you accompany her to old age? Will you marry her? Will you never forsake her?"
Jim didn't back down. He met Paiming's outburst with equal intensity, his voice steady but filled with conviction. "I will," he said, each word deliberate and unwavering. "I will love her forever. Accompany her to old age. Marry her. And never forsake her."
Paiming fell silent, his lips pressed into a thin line. He bit his lower lip, his mind racing as he processed Jim's words. For a moment, the room was eerily quiet, the weight of their exchange hanging heavily in the air.
Finally, Paiming stood up, his movements slow but deliberate. It was as if he had accomplished what he came for, as if he had heard the words he needed to hear. His voice was heavy, almost resigned, as he said, "Remember what you said today."
Jim frowned, his brow furrowing in confusion. "You mean... you'll quit?"
Paiming didn't answer immediately. He looked away, his expression shadowed with a mix of sadness and resolve. "...I just hope Tina can be happy," he said quietly.
He turned to leave, his steps measured but purposeful. As he reached the door, Jim's voice stopped him. "Thank you."
Paiming paused, his back stiffening. He turned his head slightly, his voice sharp and filled with bitterness. "No need to thank me!" he snapped. "I hope you'll keep your promise—or I won't let you go."
Jim's expression softened, and he nodded, his voice steady. "I won't let myself go if I don't keep my promise."
With that, Paiming walked out, the door closing softly behind him. As he stepped into the cool night air, his mind was a whirlwind of emotions. 'Jim', he thought, his jaw tightening. 'If you betray Tina, I'll never let you go.'
His heart felt both heavy and strangely at ease. He had confirmed Jim's intentions, and now he could say his goodbyes to Tina without regret. 'Even if I'm dead and become a ghost', he vowed silently, 'I'll never let anyone hurt her.'