Tadashi always felt guilty for taking Zhi's father's bribe money.
In the end, Tadashi knew her father only wanted to wash away the incident. If people from their social circle found out she was kidnapped and almost raped, others would never look at her the same way.
It would be hard to marry her into a good and wealthy family, because after all, who could trust if she was actually still pure or not.
Tadashi didn't want that to happen to Zhi. He wanted her to be happy even if it wasn't with him. So he took the money and like a good boy never spoke a word about what happened.
What Tadashi didn't realize was at the time, it wasn't only for the CEO's daughter's sake that he had bribed him, it was also to prevent people from talking about the incident. If they did, eventually people would suspect the kidnapping is related to her father's company.
Who would want to go into business with a company where it's own CEO was being targeted from someone willing to harm innocent children.
CEO Ruo couldn't have anything ruining his company's reputation. Instead, he paid off the only other person that was a true witness, Tadashi Gao.
CEO Ruo even went a step further and sent his own daughter to the States to attend an elite boarding school so nobody could ask questions.
With the money, Tadashi received from Zhi Ruos father he created a company called Mamoru after Mamoru Chiba, the name of Zhi's other love interest, Tuxedo Mask.
At just 13 Tadashi invested his million into his company had doubled. Eventually, Tadashi would be more powerful then Zhi's father, so when the time came, Tadashi could hold his head high and walk straight to CEO Ruo and ask for Zhi Ruo's hand in marriage!
(Coincidently that was the same time he was recruited by the government to be an assassin Despite being at a young age. Eventually, he would realize his age was the leading factor in him being recruited....but this story is for another time.)
***
Zhi ended up giving in and allowed Tadashi to stay but she only agreed to one week.
Tadashi was excited. He was in mission mode and was silently coming up with a plan to make sure Zhi at least remember that she liked him by the time he left.
Zhi, on the other hand, couldn't take the silence.
The vibe in the house was awkward.
Luckily Zhi's phone rang. Zhi Ruo happily excused herself and took her phone call outside on her balcony.
The phone call was from a new friend from her film crew. The cast was set days ago and Zhi's new friend was having a party with some of the crew from the new film to celebrate making the cast.
Having friends wasn't on Zhi's list of interests but she decided she had to get out of the house.
Zhi took the next 10 minutes playing the 'good host' role and showed Tadashi around the house. First, she led him to the guest room where he would be staying so he could put his stuff away.
Tadashi enjoyed following Zhi around. In every room, he learned something new about the woman he liked.
In one Room there was a library and in it, there were many pictures of very expensive and very luxurious cars. There were different models of high-end cars on each wall. Tadashi found this very interesting.
In another room, there was a home gym. Good, she likes to take care of her body. Tadashi liked that too.
And in his favorite room by far was a home movie theater. The walls were decorated with shelves covered in anime DVD's, rare manga collections and expensive figurines. and what immediately caught his eye was a photo of, Usagi and Mamoru. ( Sailor moon and tuxedo mask) Tadashi didn't know whether to feel excitement or jealousy. Secretly he had spent the last few years trying to be better than this fake guy.
The tour of the house ended with Zhi Ruo Excusing herself to go and get ready for something or another.
Tadashi used Zhi's disappearance to sneak out to the grocery store.
Zhi took her time getting ready. Having already taken a shower at Tadashi's house, she was able to focus on her outfit and makeup.
As usual, Zhi put on her coziest robe, turned on her usual music on loud and danced around in between getting ready. This was a habit she picked up from her time in the states. Everything always had to be done with some sort of excitement.
Three hours later and Zhi was dressed in a beautiful and elegant evening gown and wore simple yet tasteful makeup and walked out of her room to leave.
Tadashi was in the kitchen cooking and looking like a God while he did it.
Zhi didn't know how powerful the effect of seeing a sexy man cooking in the kitchen could have on her. The house smelt amazing. Tadashi must have gone shopping while Zhi was getting ready.
Without looking up and being hard at work cutting fresh ingredients, Tadashi could hear Zhi walking out of her room. "I'm making dinner." He announced trying to be the first to talk. He really wanted to end the awkwardness here and now.
"It smells really good," Zhi admitted. All the years pining for this man and he was finally in her kitchen and she didn't know how to act or even know what she should say to him.
All the romance movies and shows she watched hadn't prepared her for the awkwardness of having her dream guy actually in her house.....and cooking.....in her apron... omg he looked scrumptious!
Tadashi was finally in a spot to stop and looked up towards Zhi Ruo. "But, it looks like you're going out?" His whole being changed once he saw her.
Zhi couldn't read the man in front of her.
His face looked like it was yelling silently but his eyes were saying something different. They looked like they were admiring a prized possession. They were intense and even more seductive than usual.
"Yes. Well, a friend from my work invited me to a party. Some people from the crew I'm working with are going to be there."
"Work?" Tadashi looked puzzled. He had completely forgotten to find out about her work.
"Yes, I'm an actress" Zhi's face turned a pale red color.
"Oh. Do you want company?" Tadashi offered casually. So, she became an actress like her late mother, did she?
"No." Zhi almost yelled. "It's just a small get together. Mostly just some crew members."
Tadashi looked at her dress. His blood boiled. That dress is not meant to be worn at a small get together. "I'll save you a plate then." he offered coolly. He really wanted ask her to stay but it was to soon to ack as possessive as he felt.
As Zhi left, Tadashi made a phone call. "Minzhe."
"Yes, boss?"
"I need you to work tonight," Tadashi ordered.
Minzhe was curious about the job. Just four hours ago Tadashi had given him and the other two, 3 days off. "Is this an official order?"
Tadashi shamelessly answered with a straight voice. "Yes."
"Ok. What type of job, sir?" Minzhe asked. He made plans for the night and hoped he didn't have to cancel.
" I need you to pull off the most perfect, shepherd for a Sally you can muster."
Mr. Min understood in a second. This must be because of the lady boss. "I'll be there in 20. Send me the details.." Take that Howin! Minzhe gloated to himself.