"I'll check with my bank's private manager."
With that, she quickly stepped aside, her manicured nails tapping furiously on her phone.
My phone kept vibrating, but I ignored it.
She was so anxious that she was sweating, and her carefully applied makeup was smudged.
When she returned to the cashier, I continued sipping my milkshake, lost in thought.
Her gaze at me was almost fiery.
After a couple of awkward coughs, she said, "The manager mentioned a good investment recently and helped me invest, so there's not much cash in my account right now."
The smiles on my roommates' faces froze, and they reluctantly returned the bags to the clerk.
"It's alright, making money is important."
"With the returns, you'll be able to buy countless bags in the future," one roommate said with a wry smile.
"Yes, yes, Tina, don't worry. We're not just hanging out with you for the bags," another added.
Tina lifted her head again, smiling as she said, "This manager is new and inexperienced."
"She didn't inform me before investing, but I've already talked to her about it."
The other roommates could only smile awkwardly.
Seeing there were no benefits to be had, they quickly made excuses about having other commitments.
Once outside the store, they headed into other more affordable shops.
Seeing the situation, Tina quickly approached me, her face barely containing her anger.
"Yuna, why isn't your card working?" she demanded.
"They don't like you, and if I don't spend money, they'll have even more issues with you!"
Looking at her stubborn expression, filled with resentment, I felt a wave of confusion.
She used to be my only friend, the light in my life.
But now I realize she's the shadow that dims my light.
I pretended to remember something and said, "Oh, right. The bank called earlier. They said there were too many transactions and large amounts on my account. Since it wasn't me using the card and I couldn't provide proof, they had to temporarily freeze it."
As soon as I finished, Tina's eyes widened in disbelief, and she clutched her head, looking overwhelmed.
I feigned contemplation and tried to comfort her, "It's okay. I'm not living to please them. Whether they like or dislike me doesn't affect me."
"Thank you for your help over the years, but I've realized I need to rely on myself. You don't need to try to win them over for me anymore."