Michelle came into the CEO office after being given permission. She briefed the CEO for his schedule for the day, reminding him of important events of the week.
"Hmmm...anything else?" He kept his fingers intertwined as his elbows were propped up on his desk.
Michelle placed an envelope on his desk. "There is a temporary restraining order against you, Sir. You cannot come within 100m of Mantarou Xiu." Her tone and face was serious. She believed that the kid is special to the CEO.
Contrary to her expectations, Dan smiled. Even though she has worked for him for years, he had never shown such a gentle smile to anybody--wait, he actually did! It was to that kid! The CEO had always been an aloof man. Even when in social functions, he maintains a neutral face, occasionally pursing his lips like it could substitute to a smile.
She was so confused. Was it not bad news for him that he got a TRO to keep him away from the child whom he was fond of?
"Michelle, I will give you until the end of the day to get me the schedule of CEO Midori Xiu for the week." His eyes were glistening.
"Yes, CEO." She knew the boundaries of the order this time. She bowed and was about to leave when he stated another order.
Then, he remembered how he called Rushi last night. He did not remember her previous explanation as to what happened years ago because he was dazed when Midori left. To clarify things, he made an overseas call which was picked up in two rings.
"Hi Dan!" Although she is technically a subordinate, she keeps on addressing him intimately, to the point that employees in City B had the assumption that they are together.
"Rushi, what really happened six years ago?" He went straight to the point.
Luckily for Ming Rushi, he cannot see how her face transitioned from joy to shock then fury. She mustered her sweetest voice. "What are you talking about? Is everything fine at the headquarters? Do you need me to fly back to City S?"
"No need." She was brushed off completely. "That day when Midori left, you came into my apartment. I told you I have plans in an hour."
Ming Rushi knows exactly what day he was talking about, but she still played dumb as her face contorted into anger and disgust. "Hmmm...well, let me think..." she deliberately paused for a long time, hoping that Dan will not inquire further.
"It was the day our grades were released. You came by with two cups of sundae." He was getting annoyed, but he knew he needed to be patient if he wanted answers.
"Hmmm...ah! I remember!" She put a great effort to sound like she just had a eureka moment. "Yeah, after cooking, you suddenly felt ill. It must be due to exhaustion. I helped you into your bedroom, but since I had another appointment, I didn't stay."
"Did anyone else come in during that time?" A sense of urgency could be heard in his voice.
"Hmmm...I don't think so. I did not see anyone...however..." She deliberately kept him hanging.
His patience was thinning significantly. "What? Do you remember anyone barging in?!"
"Nope...but you always keep the door ajar when you have visitors, right? It's possible that someone might have seen us..."
Truth was, he only kept the door ajar when it was Rushi who was stopping by. This was the precaution he previously told Midori.
"Mhmm. Okay." Before she could say anything, he hung up.
As he was pulled back to the current situation, Dan looked at the back of his secretary.
"Also, I want a thorough investigation on Ming Rushi."
Michelle suddenly turned around with a confused look. "The general manager in City B?"
"Yes, that one." He replied nonchalantly.
As she walked out of the office, Dan had the gentle smile on his face again as he read again and again, "Mantarou Xiu." 'So that's his full name.' he thought.
__________
Meanwhile, in the CEO office of XCG...
Riley handed Midori an envelope.
She took out the contents with her poker face on. It was an invitation to the birthday celebration of the chairman of TM Bank, Tang Fang. It will be a 3-day event aboard a cruise ship.
She turned the pages and saw the RSVP.
"Inform them that I'll be coming." She gave the invitation back. "Pack your bags."
Riley was stunned. "CEO?"
"You're going with me. Do I need to spell out everything?" Her furrowed brows and irritated look sent fear to his system.
"I...I'll make the reservations." He bowed and hurriedly walked out of the office.