The Rise of the White Lotus Chapter 137 – How do you sleep?

‘Hmm?’ For some odd reason, Lexi suddenly felt anxious for no reason.

“What is it~? Missing Mr. main task~?” Sensing the slight change of Lexi’s peacefulness, Churu asked with great interest.

‘Nothing.’ Ignoring Churu’s usual banter, Lexi shrugged the bugging feelings that suddenly struck her.

“Hey, hey, Lexi! Why don’t you sing for us, eh??” Rika elbowed her with excitement as her brows moved up and down. Her face was a little flushed as she was drinking since the beginning.

Currently, Lexi, Rika, Elliot Gong, Arnold Shen and the crew of the movie were in a large KTV room. After their satisfying dinner, Rika had a great plan on her sleeves. She merrily insisted everyone enjoy and have a drink in the nearest karaoke bar — her treat.

Of course, the crew was tempted with the word ‘free’. Hence, everyone agreed without a second hesitation; Arnold Shen wasn’t an exception.

Lexi, on the other hand, was surprised by Rika’s carefree personality. Since Rika was extremely famous just like Elliot Gong, she expected her to be more modest. However, Rika’s behavior while on set and tonight has a vast difference.

Was she always like this?

Moreover, Lexi was in disbelief about how this whole crew treated each other. There was no contempt in their interaction, rather the whole atmosphere around them and Arnold Shen was light.

Lexi worked into different movies but there was no such dinner as lively as this in her memories… Or, was it because she was busy cooking up schemes and missed all the fun in the past? After all, most of the movies Lexi worked on, Mia Chen was always there.

Regardless, the more Lexi spent the night with them, she gradually got used to it and watched them sing and dance like there’s no one watching them.

“Yes yes! I heard Miss Yang has great vocal!” One of the writers of taming hearts sat near Rika chimed in. She as well was evidently tipsy with her beet-red face.

Staff number 1: “Oh, oh! Miss Yang, grace us with your voice!”

Staff number 2: “*whistle*”

“Loosen up, Miss Yang and have fun! You’ve been quiet since earlier. Hehe!” Arnold Shen whom Lexi was the most surprised about cheered after hearing Rika’s request.

Soon, all the attention was on Lexi which gave her a little discomfort. It’s not that she was shy or anything of the sort, she was just adjusting with this environment.

After swallowing hard, Lexi awkwardly nodded her head. “Alright…”

“Woohoo! Go bestie~!” Rika’s face brightened up and already regarded her as ‘bestie’. Whether she was a little drunk or not, Rika undoubtedly liked Lexi more and more.

Regardless of her scandals and the harsh accusations, what’s important for her was, the Lexi she knows wasn’t near to those articles. Also, she was probably the most real gal she worked with. Hence, the sudden giddiness.

On the corner, Elliot Gong was also having fun talking with another male artist. When he heard Lexi awkwardly spoke, his attention was caught. He already expected her to keep her quiet throughout the night as he was somewhat used to her lack of participation. However, hearing her agreeing to their request, he was mildly surprised.

‘Really? She’s participating and didn’t reject them outright?’ He thought inwardly.

“Great! Great! Rika will sing for us next! She will showcase her talent!” Arnold Shen heartily clapped his hands in delight.

“Alright alright! Since I’m in a great mood, I will sing!” As shameless as she can be, Rika instantly agreed without anyone’s forcing her. She didn’t even give others a chance to speak as she already seconded Arnold Shen’s request.

Some of them who already heard Rika’s singing could not help their face but twitch. Subconsciously, they had one thought in mind,

‘She was waiting for this for sure. Good gracious, our dear ears!’

—

“What do you want to sing, Miss Yang?” One of the staff inquired.

“Uh,” Lexi pursed her lips, undecided what song she should pick.

Seeing that she was undecided, the staff smiled and offered, pointing at the song title, “How about this song?”

“Oi oi, you only want to listen to your favorite song, eh?” The staff beside the one who suggested the song dissed.

Lexi glanced at the song title before she nodded. Since she knew the song and was undecided about what she’d sing, Lexi agreed with the request as it saved her the trouble.

Lightly tapping at the mic with her index finger, Lexi cleared her throat. She scanned her audience that was anticipating for her to start before she meekly smiled as the song began.

“I’m done hatin’ myself for feelin’

I’m done cryin’ myself awake

I’ve gotta leave and start the healin’

But when you move like that, I just want to stay~”

The moment Lexi started singing, everyone was unconsciously drawn with her soulful voice. What’s more, her slight facial movements were too perfect.

“What have I become?

Lookin’ through your phone now, oh, now

Love to you is just a game…” Lexi knew this song from months ago, however, she was too busy with herself and never appreciated its lyrics. But now, it somehow reminded her of a particular man and the old Lexi Yang.

“Baby, how do you sleep when you lie to me?

All that shame and all that danger

I’m hopin’ that my love will keep you up tonight~” The more Lexi continued the song, her voice became more emotional. For a specific reason, the lyrics were the words she could not express before.

“Oh no, how did I manage to lose me?

I am not this desperate, not this crazy…” Indeed, this song represented the old Lexi.

As the song continues, Lexi could relate to it. It was her love journey in a nutshell. After all, Morris Liu didn’t introduce Mia Chen to her, it was Lexi who found out about it because of her former fiance’s cold treatment and suspicious excuses.

As Lexi finished the song, her eyes traveled through her audience’s faces before her eyes softened.

“Boohooo~! My bestie!!” Rika was the first one to snap as she sobbed. She abruptly stood from her seat and hopped towards Lexi. She then hugged Lexi as if she was comforting her friend albeit, she was the one crying.

“You poor thing, come here!” Rika added which made Lexi’s brows twitch.

“Waaah! Sissy! I want a hug too~!” Just like Rika, Churu was sobbing as she joined the group hug.

‘What? Why are you crying too?’ Puzzled at these two crying babies, Lexi asked Churu instead. Although it affected her, Lexi sounded emotional because she felt bad for her old self — and not whatever inside their mind.

“Miss Yang, Miss Rika seemed she hadn’t moved on with her recent breakup, so she’s crying.” One of the staff commented as he teased the kind celebrity.

“Shut up! Huhu!” Rika responded with a glare at the person who commented before burying her face to Lexi’s shoulder again.

“Ohh… it’s okay.” Lexi awkwardly tapped Rika’s back as she wasn’t used to this kind of situation. “Let’s sit first okay?” Lexi then offered and after a second, Rika nodded.

The corner of Elliot Gong’s lips curled upward watching this unfold before his very eyes. He shifted his gaze to his phone when Lexi and Rika returned on their seats.

[Enjoying the night here! Look who sang^^ please send my fee to my bank. Ty ^^]

Elliot Gong composed a message and attached the clip he recorded while Lexi was singing. Without thinking twice, he sent it with a sly smile.