There was an uncomfortable stillness inside the conference room. Yan Julong sat on the head seat, Huang Lei along with Xiao Lienji were on his right, while Tang Lifen and Huo Keung on his left.
Yan Empire dealt with many aspects of businesses, from technology to Real Estate, to luxurious goods manufacturing, and many more. Their new perfume 'Mystic Shadow' was about to be launched, which could increase their sale by 30%, which was under the Yan Empire subsidiary, a perfume company named 'Nirvana'.
The company was started by Yan Julong's mother, who actively participates into the new fragrance preparation process.
It was by the special request that the owner of Sea Rose was called into a meeting today. Apart from handling the family business Huo Enterprise, which deals with the hospitality industry, Huo Keung was also a mysterious world-renowned fashion designer, Eos.
The setting for the promo shoot would be designed by the design team of the Yan Empire, while the dress and the overall shooting will be overlooked by Huo Keung.
The meeting should have been completed quickly, but Yan Julong kept on getting distracted. On one hand, Tang Lifen was busy providing details about the concept, and the overall cost allocated for the project, but on the other hand, Yan Julong's eyes kept on drifting towards Xiao Lienji.
He had a complicated feeling which could not be expressed in words. Xiao Lienji was busy taking notes, but occasionally she would look up and gaze towards Huo Keung's eyes. It was like, they were having some kind of silent conversation through their eyes, which infuriated Yan Julong.
'Do they know each other?'
He should have figured that they already know each other by the way Huo Keung greeted his assistant. Huo Keung kissed at the back of Xiao Lienji's hand while introducing himself. He was like a Prince from the medieval times, looking at his precious Princess
Huo Keung has never greeted an unknown person like this in from of Yan Julong, apart from Mui Wengie and Zheng Quinlin, but one was his cousin while the other was his best friend.
When Huo Keung's lips touch Xiao Lienji's hand, something in Yan Julong snapped. He was doubtful of it, but the aggressive feeling that arose from within him was undeniable.
Yan Julong overlooked it at first, but as time progressed the gloomy feeling grew in magnitude until it was unable to avoid.
"Xiao Lienji, give the notebook to Huang Lei and go back to work on those documents that I gave you earlier."
Stated by the unexpected voice, Xiao Lienji hesitated for a moment before looking straight toward Huo Keung and getting up to leave.
"Yes sir,"
This small interaction was not hidden by Yan Julong. Xiao Lienji did not even look at me. What are they, some kind of secret lovers?
The annoyance on Yan Julong's face was on full display. Tang Lifen who was interrupted, narrowed her eyes and eyed Xiao Lienji from top to bottom, evaluating her. It was a first for the President to be sidetracked while working, and that too by a girl like her was unacceptable.
As soon as Xiao Lienji left the conference room, within seconds Huo Keung took his phone while getting up.
"Sorry, I have to make an urgent call."
Yan Julong was no fool. It was evident that Huo Keung was going to meet Xiao Lienji. But what can he do? Does he have a right to stop them from meeting? She was not his personal belonging. They have no association, aside from being boss and subordinate.
Yan Julong knew he cannot stop them, but he still could not let them continue as well. It was a complicated feeling that he himself could not understand.
"I have work too," Yan Julong got up from his seat as well "You both discuss the details and work accordingly, if you need any help feel free to ask anyone of my secretaries."
Tang Lifen was dumfounded, none of the men looked at her. Even though she was the one taking from hours now, they treated her as she never existed in the first place. Clutching her fingers into a fist, Tang Lifen marched out of the room in frustration.
- - - - - - - - - -
"Never thought I will meet you here," approaching the girl coming out of the restroom, Huo Keung grabbed her elbow and took her inside an empty meeting room "Xiao Lienji, is it?"
"It hurts," hissed Xiao Lienji, who could not come out from the firm hold of his hands holding her.
"So you know pain now?" Huo Keung loosed his grip but did not let go. He feared the girl might disappear without a trace like before.
The pain was evident in his eyes, and Xiao Lienji could not say a word to comfort him. She did hurt them before.
"I'm sorry," her eyes were moist and her voice trembled. Xiao Lienji was truly sorry, she knew whatever she did was childish, but she cannot change the past now. She can only try to improve the future.
Looking at her crying face Huo Keung's heart melted. She always knew how to make him agree to her demands.
"Fine, don't cry now," he withdrew his hand "Look, I took my hand back, it does not hurt anymore, right?"
"What do you think I am, Five-year-old kid?"
Xiao Lienji's eyes widened. She could not believe, after years of separation, he was still the same. Slapping his hand Xiao Lienji pouted.
"Actually, I always thought you were three years old"
Huo Keung laughed, she was so adorable like a kitten, that he could not remain angry at her.
"Why are you here?"
"I will tell you later, this is not a place for these talks."
The playful atmosphere suddenly turned serious with this question. Looking at Xiao Lienji, Huo Keung suddenly asked.
"Dinner?"
"Not today, I'm busy with work."
"We can have a late dinner then."
"Maybe tomorrow. I might be late today, I don't know the evening schedule yet," Xiao Lienji was feeling nervous. Huo Keung could tell, she was playing with her fingers. It was one of her habits from childhood.
Some things never change. Huo Keung was happy that she was still the same. The girl he adores and loves.
"Fine, tomorrow then."
As they were making there way out from the room, Xiao Lienji saw Yan Julong coming out from her cubical. He looked angry. She was busy thinking, what mistake she has committed for making Yan Julong come out personally when abruptly their eyes meet. The world around her stopped.
Yan Julong thought she was with Huo Keung, and when he attempted calling her, no one picked up making him restless. His legs moved on his own, and before he could process anything, he found himself in front of her cubicle. But to his dismay, she was not there. Just as he was about to return he saw her.
His heart felt at ease, as if a huge stone was lifted from his body, releasing him from the endless suffocation.
"Why did you stop," Huo Keung asked while walking from behind. Seeing the person following Xiao Lienji, Yan Julong's eyes turned deadly cold. Killing instinct emitted from his body as he made his way towards the two.