The Story of Mukbang
04: Time to Move On

Kaysie's words to Adrian left everyone shocked, they didn't expect that Kaysie would say that. Moreover, Adrian, he was overwhelmed by confusion about Kaysie who suddenly hated him.

Kaysie did not care about their reaction, he then moved away from Adrian and then passed towards his bed.

"Papa said he'd grant my request. Right ?" Kaysie asked Raka.

Think of the steady done Raka as the response, "True, what do you want ?" he asked back as he walked closer to his daughter.

Kaysie pulled the thick blanket to cover her entire body and left only part of her head. The girl was heard taking a deep breath for a moment and then turned her body to turn her back on everyone in her room.

"Egyptian left" Kaysie said his request unhindered.

Again the three people gave the same facial expression, especially Adrian where he was the center of attention. Kaysie's sudden change gives her a headache, she doesn't know what's wrong but why Kaysie seems to hate her.

"Papa" rebukes Kaysie again after realizing that Adrian is still there.

Raka realized to his surprise, he immediately went to Adrian and took the man away from his daughter's room. Adrian who still did not understand the reason Kaysie behaved like this tried to get closer to the girl, but Raka's hand swiftly held her back.

"Wait for Uncle, I have to know why" exclaimed Adrian begging Raka to give him a chance to talk to Kaysie.

Raka is actually also confused, he knows Kaysie was very loving Adrian since long ago but why in a day his daughter's attitude changed drastically, it seems Adrian also does not know why Kaysie behaved like that.

"Kay, explain first what's really going on ? Why do you hate me ? Remember we are getting married, why your attitude is like this" Adrian said again, it feels like he is looking for answers to questions that do not have answers.

Word by word Adrian made the scar in Kaysie's heart more painful. Adrian really deserves the best actor award at the Oscar for his acting, it feels sickening and painful for Kaysie.

"Kaysie answered me" Adrian spoke again and now he raised an octave of his voice until Raka, Siska and even Bik Tutik gave his fierce gaze simultaneously.

"Everyone please go, I promise I'll eat later. But now please leave first" Kaysie said in a pleading tone. He had to get away from Adrian as soon as possible otherwise his heart would waver and make the pain multiply.

No one did anything, they were all very surprised at Kaysie's attitude. Their even compact gaze led to Kaysie who had already closed her eyes.

"Kay you haven't answered my question" Adrian spoke again but Siska swiftly pulled the man's hand away after seeing her husband did nothing when Kaysie told him to expel Adrian.

Adrian was sucked because Siska pulled him out of there"Auntie wait a minute, Adrian hasn't finished talking to Kaysie" he said politely speaking to Siska

Siska's headband was the answer, he did not want Kaysie back hysterical like earlier so better obey first his daughter's request. The problem is there is a reason behind Kaysie's attitude to Adrian will be considered later.

Adrian was literally dragged out of Kaysie's room. After Siska closed the door to her daughter's room she looked seriously at Adrian "Auntie don't know what's going on between you but it's better today you go first, after Kaysie calmer you can talk later" he said wisely.

Adrian's eyes looked meaningfully at Kaysie's closed door. Why it feels like he was dumped by Kaysie, but whatever Adrian is most curious about the reason behind it all. His memory repeats itself, he tries to remember whether he ever made Kaysie angry or he made a mistake he did not know about.

"Go Adrian" now Raka who spoke when he arrived outside in a firm voice without wanting to be denied, not to mention his expression was very unfriendly.

Adrian gave a small nod then he passed away from there with many puzzling questions in his mind.

Kaysie's room was empty again, the girl opened her eyes and then rose from her sleeping position until now she sat with her legs folded and hands hugging her legs.

Kaysie was no longer crying, she was just immersed in her own thoughts. Maybe for a moment he felt regret for his decision to leave Adrian, but he was also not stupid to let himself be taken advantage of by Adrian just like that.

The first time Kaysie wished she had lost her memory and could have forgotten all that pain. He wanted to start a new life with a new piece of paper.

But it seems impossible, unless Kaysie desperately hurt herself so that her wish was achieved but again she is not that stupid anyway if Adrian thought not so special that Kaysie had to sacrifice himself.

"Bodo is very" Kaysie complained again, it was enough that the girl felt sad today so she had to go back to reality.

Wanting to cry for whatever time, his wounded heart could not be healed and his memory would not erase the fact that Adrian was a jerk who only used himself to take over the assets of the Lucia family.

*******

If Kaysie is struggling with her own feelings then Arsen is struggling to hold back her Grandmother's nagging that has been going on for almost 30 minutes.

"Your job is just delivering flowers, is that hard ?" this question was asked by her grandmother for the third time.

Arsen just lowered his head while apologizing to his Grandma, it would be a waste if he replied to his Grandma because it would definitely be asked back. So it's safer if he just shut up while saying sorry.

The grandmother sat down with an annoyed expression that was still etched clearly on her aging face "Just easy work you can't do perfectly so how can you lead Xavier Corp ?" if this was the first question his grandmother asked, Arsen apologized again and then he raised his head.

The question hurt his self-esteem, for the past few years throughout his 26 years Arsen did not stop trying hard to learn so that later he could lead Xavier Corp and bring a lot of success, Arsen, but why was her Grandma so annoying as to compare the job of delivering flowers to the job as the leader of Xavier Corp.

"Sir, it's my first time doing menial work so why can't Grandma tell him ?"

"I'm just short of one flower stalk why compare it to my 26 years of struggle to become the leader of Xavier Corp ?"

Arsen's two questions left the middle-aged woman shocked, she did not expect a serious reaction from her grandson. He took a deep breath and then got up from his sitting position.

"The leader of Xavier Corp is doomed to do nothing wrong. You who do small work still make mistakes how will you become the leader of Xavier Corp ?"

"Do you intend to destroy Xavier Corp with your hands ?"

"Of course not !" arsen exclaimed unequivocally, he knew very well from his great-grandfather to his father how hard they fought for Xavier Corp to now become the only company that is most powerful in this S city.

His grandmother smiled faintly at Arsen's firm answer. "Do your job properly, Grandma hope this doesn't happen again" she warned.

It was not without reason that her Grandmother treated Arsen cruelly like that. Because for the sake of becoming the leader of Xavier Corp does need a hard upbringing, in addition to having to make Xavier Corp increasingly successful leaders of Xavier Corp must have a hard soul and heart.

Since being the only reputable company definitely had many competitors, their goal was only one 'making Xavier Corp go out of business'. They do not even hesitate to use any way, not least until they dare to harm Arsen.

For the sake of getting the best quality iron, of course, must be burned on the coals and then wrought with the same hard as what his grandmother did to Arsen. He only wanted his grandson to be even stronger to be able to protect Xavier Corp. That was his only wish, and he hoped that Arsen would realize it.

Arsen looked at his Grandmother's departure with mixed feelings. He felt annoyed and angry at his Grandmother's words but he also understood her true intentions.

From the beginning he knew it was not easy to become the leader of Xavier Corp but he did not expect that the path would be this difficult, he said, he even got a special upbringing from his grandmother in this city while his whole family is now in the city of L.

Arsen sighed again heavily then he got up from his seat and passed away, he needed some fresh air to calm his heart.

******

Tonight was so cold that it was summer, Arsen walked with both hands in his black hoodie pocket. He was too tired to go around his Grandma's red rose garden until he finally decided to walk in downtown S.

Arsen had parked his box car near the city park, he then walked casually down the streets. Although the clock has shown at 12 midnight but the atmosphere of the city S is still crowded, indeed some shops have been closed but there are still shops that are open until many people who have not slept choose to come there.

Arsen's feet walked lightly, he then stopped in front of a skyscraper that has a modern style with a large glass carving on it that reads Xavier Corp.

Arsen pondered at the magnificent Xavier Corp office building, his mind swaying far while recalling what his Grandmother had previously said.

Can I lead this company ?

The various thoughts are wrapped in a question sentence that even he does not know the answer. It felt like there was a heavy burden on his back even though he had yet to become the leader of Xavier Corp.

Not wanting to dissolve his own mind. Arsen decided to leave there, but not yet he walked a girl with an oversize white hoodie hit him until the girl complained of pain due to her head being hit by Arsen's body.

"Can be careful anyway" complained the girl annoyed while looking down and rubbed her head that hurt.

Arsen just shook his head, here who really should blame him who just turned around or the girl who walked while looking down.

Mood Arsen is no good today, he will just ignore the girl and leave quietly to continue his journey but the girl quickly restrains Arsen by pulling her black hoodie.

"You forgot something" said the girl again, still looking down and touching her head.

Arsen was confused, had he left something there ? His eyes then looked back at the girl, who knew what she was saying.

"Nothing I left behind" Arsen said after he found nothing left in front of the Xavier Corp building.

The girl raised her head while removing her white hoodie headgear then stared fiercely at Arsen "Your apology kare.. Uncle Loh Red rose" exclaimed the girl in surprise after seeing Arsen's face.

The white beehoodie girl who turned out to be Kaysie. He even calls Arsen his Uncle a red rose a sign that he knows Arsen.

Arsen fell silent while repeating his memory, "Ah" he said briefly after remembering the girl in front of him.

How could Arsen forget because Kaysie was the main reason her Grandmother lectured her today. Arsen accidentally met Kaysie yesterday while she was delivering flowers to one of the downtown florists.

It started with Kaysie asking her directions until she found the girl crying behind a wall of florists. Arsen who was about to deliver a stalk of roses left in his car actually gave the flower to Kaysie so that the girl stopped crying.

But in fact Arsen's good deed of comforting Kaysie wreaked havoc on himself. The florist complained about Arsen's work until his grandmother gave a long lecture.

"Uncle red roses remember me ?" kaysie asked, looking closely at Arsen.

Arsen only nodded slightly as he let go of Kaysie's hand which was pulling his black hoodie, he also stared at Kaysie with a judging look.

This girl in front of him looked pitiful, both her eyes and nose were red as if she was crying out plus her expression looked sweet.

"Thank you" Kaysie said sincerely as she lowered her head slightly.

The little thing that Arsen did at that time was enough to make his heart much better, at least for a moment he could forget his memory of Adrian's evil speech with other women in the Cafe.

Arsen breathed his tired breath. He then turned his body to face Kaysie, really today the mood is not good especially he had to meet Kaysie where the girl indirectly contributed to the creation of a bad mood today.

"Please don't get me wrong, but I don't like being indebted to others so I'll repay Uncle's kindness" Kaysie said calmly as she looked at Arsen.

"No need" Arsen refused immediately, he turned back to leave but again Kaysie stopped his steps. The girl blocked Arsen's path while stretching out her hands.

"I promise I won't bother Uncle again, I'll pretend I don't know Uncle if we meet again. But please don't refuse my request" Kaysie said stubbornly.

Since long time ago he did not like to be indebted, although he did not forget to say thank you, but he felt he had to repay it at any cost. His father always taught him that way.

This was the first time Arsen met a girl who was so stubborn, he felt it was enough with a thank you anyway when he sincerely did it for Kaysie.

"What do you want ?" asked Arsen, he would only settle this quickly and make this girl in front of him immediately move away from him.

Kaysie gave a small smile, she pulled Arsen's hand to follow in her footsteps while Arsen just stared confusedly at her hand now held by Kaysie.

The late night accompanied the second road in the middle of the city, there was no talk until the two are now in one area where there are many restaurants that are still open.

Kaysie stopped walking as well as Arsen, the girl then took her hand off Arsen then looked towards the man "Choose Uncle, where do you want to eat ?" tanyakanya.

"As for you" replied Arsen quickly, in fact he was not hungry but for the sake of driving Kaysie away with the forced he would comply.

Kaysie then looked at the row of restaurants with a judging look, he then pulled back Arsen's hand to follow him.

The roast meat restaurant was her choice, Kaysie and Arsen entered the restaurant which was quite crowded and then occupied the table on the second floor of the restaurant.

"Please two sets of premium meat and bone soup" Kaysie said after the waiter came to their table.

Arsen caught a glimpse of the menu, surprised to hear Kaysie's order. It's not about the price that has a 5 at the beginning with 6 digits 0 behind it but what makes Arsen surprised is the amount of food that Kaysie ordered.

A set of premium meat that consists of 100 grams of strip meat (upper back) 50 grams of meat T-bone section, 50 grams of Porterhouse section, 100 grams of ribeye, and, 50 Grams of ribs and last is 100 grams of tenderloin not to mention Kaysie also ordered bone soup.

Arsen doubts that Kaysie can spend all that alone, if she might be because generally men have a greater appetite but if Kaysie ? Arsen would bet this girl in front of him wouldn't finish her food.

"Uncle eat happily, if you want to wrap for Uncle's family at home can be really" explained Kaysie again with the rest.

Arsen looked seriously at Kaysie, he was starting to feel bad now. Does it look that old ? Does his appearance explain that he is a head of the family who has a wife and children at home ?

"How much money are you ?" Arsen asked another question and chose not to respond to Kaysie's earlier remark.

"So here" Kaysie then gave gestures in both hands to form the number 24.

Arsen smiled faintly, the girl in front of him was an adult actually called him Uncle when their age difference was only 2 years.

"Then stop calling me Uncle, I'm only 26 years old" Arsen said, explaining a little about himself, leaning his body behind the chair.

Without any protest, Kaysie simply nodded as she replied "Then I should call you what ?" ask her again confused.

"Arsen" continued the man again introducing himself to Kaysie.

The girl gave a small smile then she reached out her hand to Arsen "Kaysie, glad to see you. Arsen" he said sincerely.

Arsen was stunned after his name was mentioned by Kaysie, he looked doubtfully at Kaysie's hand but eventually he still returned the hand of the girl.

Both of them released their hands simultaneously followed by the arrival of orders belonging to both of them. The empty table is now tightly arranged plates containing food that looks good.

Kaysie put on a white cloth to cover her pants and then she started to enjoy the food and Arsen.

Premium meat is processed with many types of cuisine, some are sauteed some are burned until the tenderloin pieces will be roasted.

The two began to eat quietly, both Arsen and Kaysie did not forget the table manner that had been taught by their respective families even no one spoke while they ate.

The night dinner that Kaysie and Arsen did was peaceful. Kaysie was also seen enjoying her food when she had previously gone on hunger strike due to her heartache but now the girl seems happy when eating her food with Arsen.

The relaxed atmosphere at the restaurant made their dinner session light, some tender meat pieces managed to land perfectly in Kaysie's stomach and Arsen's.

Now there's one last menu left, the grilled tenderloin. The waiter had brought Kaysie and Arsen's empty plate and replaced it with a large grill and two tenderloin plates that had been seasoned.

Kaysie turned on the electric stove and then poured butter before she started grilling the meat, Arsen stared at Kaysie with a look of disbelief.

After so much food has not been able to make the girl in front of him feel full.

Did he eat for a week ?

The question suddenly flashed through his mind as he saw Kaysie was still eager to bake the meat.

Hiss sounded melodious until Kaysie smiled happily, he arranged the tenderloin pieces he had arranged neatly while controlling the fire in the electric stove.

"Is there still empty space in your stomach ?" asked Arsen in the end, he was too curious about the capacity of Kaysie's stomach which he thought was not normal if measured by the standards of a woman.

Kaysie glanced at Arsen, then nodded with confidence "This meat is really good, Uncle should try it" he replied casually until he subconsciously called Arsen with Uncle's call.

Arsen just rolled his eyes lazily hearing Kaysie calling him Uncle again. In this instant Arsen hated the call, he was only 26 years old instead it was too young if he was called Uncle especially by a stranger like Kaysie.

Kaysie did not realize her mistake because she was very busy with her meat-baking activities. The girl seriously flipped the meat that had been ripe to cook the other meat parts while Arsen just stared fixedly at Kaysie, he still did not believe in the ability to eat this girl in front of him.

A few minutes later the meat on the grill was ripe, Kaysie then cut the meat in a smaller size to be easy to eat and handed some meat to Arsen first.

"Uncle eat" he said cheerfully but after seeing Arsen's fierce gaze he immediately covered his mouth and realized his mistake.

"When people feel comfortable about one thing it will become a habit" Kaysie said again ambiguously until Arsen wrinkled his forehead a sign he did not understand what Kaysie said.

Kaysie shrugged her shoulders in ignorance, she did not want to explain anymore because she was sure Arsen would understand her point.

The roast in front of him managed to make Kaysie sparkle happy, he took the chopsticks then dipped the pieces of meat into the sauce and enjoyed the delicious taste of the meat in his mouth.

"You look happy" Arsen said suddenly until Kaysie gave a confused expression.

Arsen put down his chopsticks then he gulped down the mineral water to clear his throat "Your face shines during the meal so I say you look happy" he explained at length, Kaysie nodded in agreement then she went back to eating the rest of her meat with vigor.

Arsen's faint smile expanded but he quickly changed his expression back to calm. Arsen felt that the girl in front of him was not the same person as before, in his memory Kaysie was a crybaby girl with a sad face that looked very clear but now ? it felt like everything just flipped upside down, Kaysie became happier while she was eating.

"Why did you cry then ?" arsen unconsciously asked that.

Kaysie stopped chewing her food, her hand holding a tongs floating in the air after hearing a question from Arsen.

Feeling her question was too presumptuous to panic, she quickly sat up straight and looked at Kaysie with an awkward look "No, don't forget it. Sorry" he said quickly.

Kaysie was silent for a moment but soon he smiled so much that his cheeks were still full of food immediately poking fun, funny, the girl was like a squirrel chewing on her food and it made Arsen laugh amusedly.

Kaysie's fierce gaze made Arsen painstakingly hold back his laughter, he desperately wanted to give Kaysie a glass so that the girl could see how cute her face was now.

Kaysie did not care to go back to chewing his food, he put down his mineral water after his eating activity was completed. Arsen then handed two pieces of tissue for Kaysie and received by the girl happily.

Kaysie rubbed her lips then looked at Arsen seriously "I was betrayed by my boyfriend, he cheated on me with another woman" he suddenly told me the reason why when he met Arsen he was crying.

Arsen was speechless to hear it, this girl in front of him was heartbroken apparently.

"Forget it, there are still a lot of men in this world" Arsen continued casually and hoped it would help comfort Kaysie.

Kaysie nodded in agreement, this was the second time the man had tried to comfort her. The girl immediately developed her smile

"Including Uncle ?"

"I mean Arsen, uh but surely you already have a family don't you ? I feel so guilty for your wife and children, they must be waiting for you at home"

Kaysie said she quickly corrected her original speech before Arsen became angry that the man was called Uncle again.

Arsen didn't understand Kaysie's head, why she kept saying nonsense. How can Kaysie be so stubborn by saying that he is a man who has a family when the girl did not ask him first.

"It's too late, so I'm going home. Once again thank you for comforting me, from yesterday or now" Kaysie said sincerely as she rose from her position and sat her head down and took their food bill.

Seeing Kaysie who was about to leave made Arsen quickly hold the girl's hand, the two now looked at each other with two different types of views.

"I don't have a wife or children" explained Arsen who suddenly explained his status.

Kaysie quickly fell silent, the sharp eyes of Arsen seemed to hypnotize him so much that he could not move at all. Time stopped and Kaysie stared at Arsen with a hard look to explain.

"Do I have to move on to you ?"

Kaysie asked involuntarily as her eyes were still faithful looking towards Arsen who was also staring fixedly at him.