In the Lap of Luxury by Unsweetened Chestnuts

The man had a strong grip on her hand, and his nose and mouth were covered with a wet towel. He handed one to Grace as they quickly made their way out. There was another passage inside the teahouse where the flames were less intense, allowing the two to pass through.

The fire crackled as it consumed the wood. It was a truly heart-stopping experience.

Grace held onto the wet towel on her face, feeling some relief in her lungs.

"Boss! What are you doing here?"

Other people were also escaping through that passage and were surprised to see the man.

The man scolded them in a hoarse voice, "Hurry and leave!"

There was the sound of hurried footsteps.

Grace hurried down the stairs, keeping an eye on the man's dark silhouette. He was tall and well-built and seemed to be middle-aged.

His voice sounded so familiar, as if she had heard it somewhere before.

She didn't have time to think more about it. All she could think about at that moment was finding a way out of there.

As she descended the last step on the third floor of the teahouse, Grace felt a tremendous sense of relief. She dropped the wet towel and gasped for air.

were at the back door, which all the staff

pity. It had just been built,

elbowed the person who had spoken and gestured toward

speak. "Thank you

Their corners

over his nose

I just happened to see you while I was escaping. I couldn't stand by

voice was indeed

thank you. I just heard them calling you "boss". Are you the owner of this teahouse?" "The manager." He glanced at the teahouse and then toward his

the place suddenly

know either. The fire started downstairs. It's probably because it's

The subordinate fell silent.

fire at the teahouse had drawn the

the manager, whose hard work had just been

only remained level-headed, but he

share your contact information so that I may

"I insist."

that he was about to leave and became a bit anxious. She