Midori looked at him. She opened her mouth to say something, but she swallowed back her words as some cool water hit their faces.
Parting the strongly flowing water was Riley's head.
"CEO! Thank goodness you're safe!"
Dan glared at him and he felt like it was hail rather than water that was stabbing his back.
Midori stood up and also glared at him. "What are you talking about?"
Riley squirmed to get out of the water. Panting, he replied, "We..." he shot Dan a look. "Ms. Park and I were looking for you...then I...I saw...I saw your dress on the ground. We can't find you guys so we got worried." He was praying not to lose his job as two CEOs were now glaring at him. It seemed like his timing interrupted something important.
"Very well. We might as well go back." Midori got her poker face back and started to head out.
Riley had a huge sigh, relieved that his CEO was convinced of his explanation.
However, the other CEO was still staring daggers at him, so he gulped and hurriedly found his way out.
Michelle was panicking as the bosses were missing, and Riley, who went to look for them was also nowhere to be found.
She was pacing back and forth, mumbling to herself when a familiar voice reached her ears.
"What are you doing? Get us some refreshments."
Michelle had never been this delighted to hear an order from the cold voice of her CEO.
She turned to them with a bright smile, relieved to see that the three are safe. She noticed her CEO turned his body in such a way that half of it was on CEO Xiu's side, keeping the rest of it behind her. It showed a protective stance. Michelle looked at Riley who seemed out of place.
"Mr. Adams, won't you come with me to get some drinks?"
Riley understood her intention and was thankful for the save, for CEO Zhou might kill him anytime. He nodded back and strode away with her.
________
The night festivities commenced after a few hours. There were a servings of food and drinks spread on small wodden tables surrounded by rattan chairs. There was a bonfire at the center, lighting the place together with torches spread everywhere. Locals were performing native dances, with some guests joining them while trying to learn the dance.
Dan and Midori were sitting side by side behind a table. She was sipping her drinks while enjoying the show. Suddenly, he took her hand in his.
She shot him a glare. He looked back with a gentle smile.
"I only agreed not to push you away." Her frown was deepening.
"Yeah, I know. We're keeping it casual."
Secretly holding her hand under the table does not coincide well with that!
She tried to free herself with no avail, even trying to stand up.
"Where are you going?" he sounded like he was begging.
"Why do you always interfere when I want to visit the restroom?!" She forcefully freed her hand, taking advantage of his shock.
As she walked away, he mumbled, "Just like old times." Then he had his rare gentle smile.
The toilet was inside a makeshift hut with a thin wooden door. The flushing system consisted of a pail, a dipper and water flowing from the mountain. Even though it lacked technology, it was clean and smelled of scented candles. There was also a wash area just outside, complete with soap, hand towel and a mirror.
Midori was washing her hands quietly after using the toilet. As she was done, she looked into the mirror to check her face when she was startled by an image of an old lady staring at her in the mirror.
Instead of screaming, she gasped and stood there frightened.
Midori turned around and found the old lady right in front of her. She had gray hair messily draping on her back and shoulders, colorful baggy clothes and a necklace made of what seemed like old teeth or bones.
Midori found the distance between her and the lady too close for comfort. Before she finally lose it, the lady spoke in a raspy voice.
"Young lady...you...you need to be careful...Many will come for you. Hold on to your treasure or you will lose it again." Then she backed away, after giving Midori another look of warning, she walked away, disappearing into the woods.
Midori became more confused than frightened. She was more scared of the words right now.
Dan suddenly emerged out of nowhere. Seeing her face, he got worried. "Hey, you alright?"
She looked up at him with teary eyes, then looked away to hide her expression, then nodded.
He looked around then held her shoulders with his arm, leading her back to the party.
____________
A ringing phone was picked up. "Are you done with the preparations?"
The bulky man sinisterly smiled. "Indeed."
"We will commence as agreed. The transfer was done."
The man hung up and looked out at the dancing lights through the porthole of his cabin.