"Oh, my boss? He understands English very well, he just doesn't like speaking the language. But if he wanted too, he speaks well." he explained and remained focused on driving.
"What is your name by the way. I forgot to ask earlier. You're quite friendly, I like you." he smiled looking at Li Wei's direction.
"It's Li Wei sir. I'm Mr Gu's personal assistant and secretary." he smiled back to Eric, "About your wife, what time is she coming tomorrow sir? I can make arrangements and make sure my boss will be okay with it but if he needs me in the office, I'll send someone else to pick her up."
"Okay. My daughter is with her, so please, I'll be glad if you will personally collect them from the airport. If Mr Gu trusts you, I know I can rely on you." he spoke in a loving voice when he mentioned his daughter.
"I will try Mr Lewis. It's my pleasure to help you." He could tell that Mr Lewis treasures his daughter, seeing his face and hearing his voice as he spoke of her.
Arriving at Hilton in Wangfujing, Li Wei took him to the penthouse. "We know that you like staying in penthouses with a nice view. So we got you this one. I hope you will enjoy your stay."
Eric was not bothered about it actually, he only likes good ambience if Ji An is with him anyway. Alone, in this penthouse, he'd rather drink wine and review all the documents needed for the first meeting. "Thank you. I will just rest for today, tomorrow, send me a driver and a car, please. Don't forget to collect my daughter and wife from the airport. I'll see you then. Goodbye Li Wei."
After Li Wei exited the penthouse, he called Cheng Ze and informed him what happened, "Boss, he is now resting at Hilton in Wangfujing. Mr Lewis asked me for a little favour."
"Go on. Say it."
"He wanted me to collect his wife and daughter at the airport tomorrow. Will it be possible? And he also asked for a driver and a car for tomorrow."
"Okay. Prepare a car and a driver for him. Collect his wife and daughter, then head back here immediately. Wait... Make sure to be here by 5 in the afternoon."
"Yes boss, I'll make arrangements for his car and driver now." He was about to end his call when he remembered something and spoke once again, "Boss, did you know his wife is Chinese?"
"Hmm? He's a family man, I see! Good! We should welcome them with dinner then. Reserve a restaurant for tomorrow evening. Book it in a child-friendly environment."
"Yes, boss." He then waited for Cheng Ze to hang up first before he proceeded to follow his instructions.
The next day, as planned, Eric went to the office to finally meet his new partner in the business. Cheng Ze's secretary welcomed him as he entered the floor of Mr Gu's office. She then led him to where her boss is and waited for further instructions.
Eric entered Cheng Ze's office and Cheng Ze casually greeted him good morning and asked him to sit on the couch before he asked his secretary to serve some coffee for them. "Mr Lewis, welcome to Beijing. I believe your wife and your daughter is on their way here as well. Let's have dinner tonight with your family." he then sat down on the couch in front of Eric.
"My wife might not be up for it, she's probably tired from her journey. Some other time maybe." Eric smiled at him, "But thank you for a kind gesture. I know you mean well."
"Okay." He stood up, "Let's head to the conference room. The board is waiting for us."
Li Wei went to the airport to collect Ji An and her daughter, he was waiting for the arrival of Mr Lewis' wife and daughter. As Ji An exited, Li Wei saw her and instantly recognised her. He turned around and pretend that he was a random person, "Why is she here?" he then turned around to see where she is headed to but before he can, a sudden tap on his shoulder made him froze. He turned around to see who it was and to his surprise, it was her.
"I believe you are here to pick us up?" she spoke in Chinese with a bright smile on her face as she looked at the piece of paper he was holding saying "Mrs Lewis."
"A-a-ah y-ye-yes Ma'am. Are you..." he hesitated to ask but he asked her anyway. "Mr Lewis' wife?"
She smiled with a hint of annoyance in her face and replied, "Is that what he told you?"
Li Wei smiled back, 'Does she remembers me? The boss should know she's here. I can smell trouble,' he thought. "Where should I take you, Ma'am?" he politely asked as he took her luggage from her hand.
She gave him a piece of paper that has the Gu residence address. "Take me to this place, please."
Li Wei looked at it in disbelief, she is indeed his boss's Ji An. He looked at her again and then to the little girl beside her, 'But who is this child's father? Could it be... No... no, she's married, so the husband is the father.' he sighed in relief.' "Okay, Ms...?" he paused.
"Oh, it's Ji An, Li Ji An" she replied happily.
He glanced at Ji An's daughter. 'Why does she resembles Cheng Ze? Is it my imagination going wild?'
"Is there a problem?" she noticed him staring at her daughter.