Chapter 134

Since Suzanne had finished her work for the day, she smiled and agreed. "Sounds good. Same place as last time?"

Cheryl's face lit up. "Yes! Perfect! See you in a bit!"

With their plans set, Suzanne drove to their meeting spot. Bright lights illuminated the bustling streets, filled with the aroma of grilled food and the chatter of vendors and customers. She circled a few times before finding parking. After locking her car, she headed toward the small alley behind the market.

Tucked away in a corner, a tiny barbecue joint was packed. Despite its hidden location, the place was booming—the line outside was proof enough. Suzanne found a small table in the farthest corner and sat down. As she scanned the menu, she glanced toward the entrance just in time to see a familiar figure walk in.

Cheryl had arrived. Dressed in a casual gray tracksuit, her long ponytail swayed with each step. Light makeup gave her face a fresh, energetic look. Suzanne waved.

Cheryl immediately spotted her and walked over with a grin. "For once, you actually got here before me!" She slipped her bag from her shoulder, placing it on the bench before sitting down.

Suzanne chuckled. "I was already nearby, so it wasn't far. Order whatever you want—it's my treat." She gestured toward the menu.

Cheryl tilted her head playfully and smirked. "Oh? Then I won't hold back."

Whenever they ate out, Suzanne paid. Cheryl never had much money, and Suzanne had long since made it a habit to help whenever she could.

As Cheryl scanned the menu, Suzanne's gaze fell to her hands. Her fingers were rough, the skin wrinkled from constant exposure to water. Some areas were even inflamed—signs of infection. Suzanne frowned, her heart tightening. She took a small sip of water and then asked casually, "Cheryl, what have you been up to lately?"

Cheryl didn't even look up as she continued selecting dishes. "Same as always. Dishwashing shifts after work, running deliveries—whatever pays the bills." She said it so casually, but to Suzanne, it was anything but trivial.

Suzanne reached into her bag, pulled out a small jar of homemade cream, and placed it in front of Cheryl. "Use this for your hands. Try it out. I think it'll help." Cheryl's condition needed treatment; if the infections worsened, it could be serious. But Suzanne knew Cheryl too well—she would never spend money on herself. She had tried helping before, only for Cheryl to refuse, insisting she didn't want to owe Suzanne anything and promising to pay her back someday. Her family situation had always been difficult. Her mother's calls often prevented her from working, meaning Cheryl had carried the financial burden alone for years.

Cheryl picked up the jar and sniffed it. "Whew! It smells strong!" She wasn't complaining, though. Every time Suzanne gave her medicine, it worked wonders.

Suzanne laughed lightly. "It's medicine, not perfume."

Cheryl stuck out her tongue playfully before smiling. "Thanks, Suzanne."

With their order placed, they reminisced about high school days and laughed at old memories. Cheryl propped her chin in her hands, grinning. "Hey, do you remember that chubby kid from our class back in high school?"