Ronald started to run after getting off of the second bus he took. He was sure now that someone was really following him.
That guy surely came from Camotes at the same time as him. He transferred from one bus to another to test his speculations, but he never thought these were true. The other guy also took the same buses as he did.
Ronald felt like he's almost going crazy. Who was this guy? What's his purpose? How could he get this man off of his trail?
He ran as he planned. He found a jeepney [1] that was almost full, only one more passenger needed. He stepped right in and sat. The jeepney left the terminal, and the strange man stopped from running after him.
"Whew!" That was intense. He hoped that guy wouldn't follow him anymore. Ronald took a deep breath while wiping his sweat.
Minutes after, a taxicab was following them. That guy was sitting at the passenger's seat, frustrating Ronald a lot. He was now trying to get the man's full features or a photo using his mobile phone. Suddenly, the man lifted a piece of paper which said 'owner of Fancy and Elegant Food Ltd. wants to see you.' Another paper was shown: 'come with me now to have dinner with him.'
Ronald went bonkers. Why would he easily believe him? No way would he allow himself to be trapped. He didn't care about that even if he wanted to meet the owner. He preferred to be alive.
An hour passed, there was still no movement coming from Ronald until he reached his destination: his home. The taxicab stopped as well, and the man got off and purposely stopped hiding. Ronald started to get irritated, seeing the guy got off near his own house, his own turf.
"I'll show you that in my turf, you can't just easily come and go, you annoying scum ... why are you following me, and who are you to that company you said?!" As he shouted, everyone from the nearby stores started paying attention to them. One of the onlookers ran away fast, going somewhere else.
"Who I am is of no importance, but the guy who wants to meet you is. Don't you want to know the truth?" The man unhurriedly talked to him, unafraid.
"Why should I believe you?" hollered Ronald.
"In five minutes, he will arrive soon. Just ask him yourself."
"Fine, if he comes, I'll talk with him. If not, then this people here will skin you alive. This turf is our clan's territory so you better behave yourself."
"Sure," that guy carelessly answered him with a poker face.
Surely, a black BMW came, and a man in a black suit was seating at the backseat alone. Without waiting for anyone to open the door, he went out of the car. He then extended his right hand to Ronald.
"Hi, I'm Clyde Peres of Fancy and Elegant Food Ltd. Nice to meet you."
Ronald was stunned, seeing the BMW and the man whose face he only saw on food and business magazines. But he was there, speaking to him face-to-face.
"Ah ... oh, hi, ahem, I'm Ronald Kidlat of City's Home Newspaper Daily. Nice to meet you, too." He abruptly forgot he was angry. He stuttered at first, being astounded by the presence of the man, but he collected himself at once. He extended his hand to shake hands as well.
"Can we talk somewhere else? I already have a reservation. Please accompany me."
"Ronald, you're back. Oh ... hi, Sir, I'm this boy's mother." A plump lady, around her forties, went beside them.
"Ma, what are you doing here?"
"I thought you're in trouble. Yoyoy went to the store and told us."
"I'm fine. Sir, this is my mother, Rizza. Mom, this is ..."
"... Clyde, I'm your son's acquaintance. I have a business proposition with him. I hope you don't mind if I'll borrow your son for a while." Clyde interrupted courteously as he extended his right hand to shake hands with the mother.
"No problem, please take good care of him. Hey, you, be a good boy." She was so good-natured to Clyde but felt concerned, for his son might annoy this rich man.
"Ma, I'm already 26 years old. Stop calling me 'boy' ... we're going now. I'll explain to you and Pa later."
"Please, Sir," Clyde led Ronald to the car.
The car and men left, leaving the bystanders awestruck with the stylish BMW they had seen for the first time in their life. Gossips would start soon about Ronald getting rich. That was urban life in the slums.
. . . . .
"This is my wife, Claire, and my son, Clarence. This is Ronald from a local newspaper. He already met Beauty." The last sentence was for Clarence.
Having seen another young man who met Beauty made Clarence agitated and regretful all the more. However, as a cultured man, he restrained himself.
They were in an exclusive room reserved for them in one of the high-class restaurants. The three of them sat while waiters were standing at the side, ready to serve them anytime.
"Let's eat first before we talk," Clyde declared.
Waiters served them different kinds of sushi [2] and sashimi [3], steamed fish with chili, roasted boneless chicken with stuffing, a big plate of Caesar's green salad, a big bowl of clear vegetable soup, and a platter of rice.
Ronald was so taken with the special dishes that he started to chatter while eating.
"This chicken is well-balanced. The meat and cheese filling didn't overpower the chicken. My taste buds are not arguing with each other. But I prefer if it was already sliced when it's served.
"Hmm, this steamed fish does not smell fishy at all. I believe ginger and sesame oil were placed in the water or in the fish itself while it was being steamed. The chili sauce placed is also perfect, well combined. Not so hot and not so sweet. Only the presentation is lacking. Beauty can make this look alive if it was her. Somehow, you hired a good cook. Congratulations."
Clyde never thought to hear these words from the mouth of an aspiring news writer. A cunning grin was seen on his face, indicating a new revelation discovered: Ronald had an affinity with food. He could recognize ingredients in the food from its smell and taste. The way he described the food was like a seasoned food critic. Seeing his talent, he wanted to offer him a very important job, as hidden food investigator for his and other restaurants.
At the same moment, Clarence's curiosity over Beauty perked up all the more. At first, Ronald's professional-like comments did not even cross his mind or this man himself. However, when Beauty's name was mentioned, he began to take notice to this amiable-looking guy.
Claire caught the expressions of the two important men in her life. She saw Clarence's eyes sparkled when Beauty's name was spoken. She started guessing what her son's request would be later. She also saw Clyde grin towards Ronald. 'This guy is now trapped in my husband's hands. Interesting.'
Unexpectedly, Clyde stood up right away and extended his hand to Ronald. He then blurted, "be my hidden food investigator."
This would be the start of an odd partnership between Clarence and Ronald, entangled with Beauty.
[1] Jeepneys are cheap public utility vehicles in the Philippines. They are akin to buses but are smaller in size and capacity. The back seats are arranged as two rows on each side with the capacity of 7-10 persons. Each is roofed and even furnished with windows, lights, and sound systems. The outside is either covered with a plain silver finish or decorated with colorful words and artworks.
[2] Sushi is a dish made of small balls or rolls of vinegar-flavored sticky rice served with a garnish.
[3] Sashimi is a dish made of bite-sized raw fish seasoned with soy sauce or wasabi paste.