The event was hosted at a five-star hotel's restaurant, Savoy. For the occasion, Lee Odo reserved the entire restaurant for the special day.
It was true to its status - white and gold towering walls, an extravagant chandelier and massive windows on all sides, displaying a breathtaking city view.
While others assumed Lee Odo had chosen the place for its exceptional style and atmosphere, the old man had selected the place for one reason only.
The food.
Based on French cuisine, he was informed by a certain glutton companion of the restaurant's delicious foods. Not denying being a glutton, Lee Odo reserved the entire restaurant for his event.
When Tobias arrived, he was quickly greeted by various businessmen and women. Passing simple exchanges, he excused himself before encountering the eyes of a smiling old man.
"Mr. Itou, I'm thrilled you could make it." Lee Odo greeted enthusiastically.
Tobias nodded and grabbed a glass of red wine from a passing waiter. He, along with Lee Odo, was surrounded by a group of old businessmen who chatted idly.
While everyone spoke amongst themselves, Tobias quietly sipped his wine with an apathetic expression.
At that moment, Lee Odo standing next to him said in a low voice, "So, I take it you didn't invite your special someone to attend with you?"
"Cough—!" Tobias suddenly burst into a fit of coughing.
Perceiving his reaction, Lee Odo laughed and helped pat the coughing man on the back. While Tobias still maintained his usual icy expression on his face, the backs of his ears were already flushed red.
"Mr. Itou, are you okay?" A woman's voice suddenly sounded nearby, her melodious voice laced with worry.
Glancing up, Tobias was met with the sight of Lina Tong. Her wheat-colored hair was bound in a classic bun, two locks of loose hair hanging in front of her lightly painted face.
The woman's curved body was dressed elegantly in a red velvet cocktail dress, the sleeves brushing off her smooth white shoulders. The dress was just high enough to conceal her large bust.
"I'm fine," Tobias said with a slight cough.
"Are you sure? I could get you some water if you'd like." She insisted.
Tobias shook his head. Noting that he was fine, Lina Tong breathed a sigh of relief. Meanwhile, standing on the side, Lee Odo witnessed the two's exchange and raised an eyebrow. His eyes suddenly curved into a smile.
"Ms. Tong, it's a pleasure for you to come. I take it you came with President Kai?"
Lina Tong nodded with a courteous smile. "Yes, I did."
Lee Odo's lips curled up into a lively smile and he looked at her with a pair of bright eyes, fully utilizing her stunning face. He stole a glance at Tobias before shifting back to the woman.
"You look beautiful tonight. Don't you agree, Mr. Itou?"
Not noticing the old man's suspiciously bright eyes on him, Tobias gazed at Lina Tong – carefully examining her appearance.
Truthfully, he didn't know much about fashion. To him, whether they wore expensive or casual clothing, she and everyone else was the same. The only difference to him was that the features were enhanced with makeup and a tight fitted dress.
However, with Mimi, it seemed different. While he was indifferent to women regardless of how they looked, to him, Mimi was beautiful every time he saw her.
Although he had never seen Mimi wear an extravagant dress like Lina Tong, he was certain from her appearance in suits that it would be breathtaking.
For the first time, he wished he had the chance to see her wear a fancy dress.
Even when she had unkempt hair and wore oversized pajamas that covered her petite frame, she was still lovely. The same could be said when she ate ravenously but acted neat and composed after she finished eating.
Above all, her blooming, violet eyes. They were full of smiles. It was like a lake sparkling in the sunshine.
Everything about her was lovely.
While Tobias continued to gaze at her with such intense eyes, Lina Tong found it hard to maintain a relaxed appearance.
At that moment, she heard Tobias say in his deep, magnetic voice: "You look lovely."
His voice was so soft. When she heard him compliment her, Lina Tong could no longer control the furious blush blooming on her cheeks, and her head lowered.
"T-Thank you, Mr. Itou." She managed to mutter.
At the same time, Lee Odo had been carefully watching the two's expression with a thoughtful gaze. Although her head was lowered, Lee Odo could perceive the woman's flustered and bashful appearance to Tobias's words.
He then turned to look at Tobias. While the man appeared as if he was gazing at Lina Tong with a kind expression, Lee Odo could see the man's dim eyes. From the moment he walked in, his gaze had regarded everything around him with a dull expression.
It was as if he wasn't even present but lost in his thoughts. Like a shell. From his observations, it was clear Tobias had zero interest in Lina Tong.
Whereas for Lina Tong…
Lee Odo glanced at her again. It seemed she didn't realize her eyes had turned bright and sparkly, her hand fanning her flushed cheeks.
It was as clear as day that the woman was falling for him. Sighing to himself, Lee Odo's eyes drifted across the room when they suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure. His bright eyes glowed a little.
At that moment, he raised his glass of wine and chugged it down effortlessly.
"Mr. Itou, it would seem my glass is emptied. Be a good lad and refill my glass, will you? And get something for Ms. Tong as well, I saw her fanning herself a while ago, she must be thirsty."
Startled, Lina Tong immediately shook her head. "No, that's not necessary! I can go with him and get my drink."
When Lee Odo passed his glass to Tobias, he turned to look at the woman with a kind smile.
"Ms. Tong, I was hoping I could discuss with you some things regarding your work. I've seen your latest projects and I have to say, you're quite talented."
At these words, Lina Tong paused suddenly and looked at the old man with sparkling eyes. She quickly nodded her head in agreement, forgetting her words a moment ago. While smiling at the woman, Lee Odo glanced at Tobias and made a slight shooing gesture with his hand.
Tobias arched a brow but still walked off with the old man's glass to the table of refreshments.
While pouring wine into the glass, Tobias noticed from the corner of his vision a petite figure. Shifting his head slightly to look over at the food table, his movements stilled.
His heart that had been cold for so long at that moment, burned immensely.
"Mimi…"