Yun Jinghan scolded himself for his own self-interest. His purpose coming here was to cut down that barrier between them. But like a child who couldn't have his toy, he sulked because she wasn't acting like everyone else. Yet he never factored in, her attitude towards men.
As the end credits rolled, Yun Jinghan realized that watching a movie could really help. Something positive panned out between them on this experience. It's not about physical intimacy but it was more of improving the interaction between a couple.
Yun Jinghan got to understand her thoughts better. After the popcorn incident, she started discussing the movie with him which eventually led to other topics. When she mentioned it was her first time going to the cinema in years, he was able to wrestle with another movie date from her.
Yun Jinghan gave her a hurried look. Her lips were drawn upwards. Happy and content with today's progress, he pocketed his hands.
Coming out of the cinema, she sighted one guy pretending to be on his phone but he was paying attention to two of them.
"Why don't we take a walk?" Luo Jingyi suggested when she remembered why they were there in the first place.
"Hand in hand?" He joked.
"In your dreams." she retorted quickly.
Luo Jingyi recalled that this area was an empty lot three years ago. Whoever built the place planned it very well. There was a park, cinema, an amusement center, restaurants, etc. within proximity. It was an ideal place to relax.
Matching her pace, they ambled forward. There was a park opposite the building so they crossed to the other side.
In silence, they meandered side by side on the uneven cobblestone walkway, lined by matured trees on both sides. Luo Jingyi breathed that cool, early September air mixing with the scent of flowers.
"I'll be moving to the capital next week." Luo Jingyi started.
'I know.' He meant to say. But doing so would just reveal that he had her background checked. Pretending, he cast her a surprised look. "Really?"
Yun Jinghan saw her nod.
"Is GM General lacking to your liking?" While he was happy with the prospect of her moving to the capital because they could be in one place without him moving offices, Yun Jinghan was curious as to what brought on this decision. Was it because of her mother or something else?
Luo Jingyi's steps faltered. A thin smile formed on her lips. The Lacroix Family asked her the same thing. "You're the tenth person to ask this."
"After being with GM Gen for three years, I wanted a change of scenery perhaps. Moreover, Medlife is one of the best cardiology and heart surgery hospitals in the country."
"But it's not only Medlife. There's Hope Medical Hospital, New Life Healthcare, and JN Hospital Group."
Luo Jingyi put aside the newspaper lying on the metal park bench, sat and motioned him to do the same thing. Resting her back, she allowed her eyes to wander around. They stilled at the scattered pavilions with picnic tables occupied by chattering teenagers fighting over bags of chips. Not far from them, was the same guy she saw outside the cinema.
'Until when will he follow us?' she wondered, giving out an unhappy sigh in her head.
Hearing no answer, Yin Jinghan continued with the intent of luring her to work in the hospital he owned. "It's not too late to change decisions. Hope Medical Hospital is on par with Medlife. With your expertise, I think they will give you whatever you demanded."
Luo Jingyi peeked at him and inquired doubtfully, "One would think you are offering me a job. Are you connected with Terra Firma Corporation?"
'I am.' He meant to say but it wasn't the best time to reveal it yet. "I was simply pointing out other options. I heard that Medlife is in a mess due to change of ownership."
"It is." She replied with mirth in her eyes. While it's in turmoil, it was the best time to move forward with the plan.
"So how about Hope Medical Hospital?" He aroused her from her thinking.
"Even if they will triple MedLife's offer, I will never accept it."
"Why?"
"I have my reasons."
'What could they be?' Disappointment loomed inside him. Without showing it to her, he kept on prodding. "Then how about New Life Healthcare or JN?"
'I'll eventually go to New Life. It's mine after all. But it's not the right time.' She answered in her head.
"New Life is under consideration. As for JNHC, I already refused them three years ago." Luo Jingyi revealed. While she knew that the offer from JNHC still stood till now, she had no plan. If taking over MedLife would be successful, she would ultimately go to New Life.
Yun Jinghan let the topic go. He found out she was really determined to start another job in the hospital her mother built. She made him promise not to meddle with her work so he won't.
"Will you stay at your family's house?"
"No, it's too far from the city."
"Then, live in my house?" Humor glinted in his eyes.
Ignoring him, she caught a glimpse of a man hiding behind the decorative rock formations taking photographs. Sliding sidewards, she closed the gap between them. He noticed this and took advantage of the situation by grabbing her hand, lifting it up and planting a kiss on her knuckles before letting it go.
Her lips instantly pressed into a thin line. She mentally counted backward to deal with her racing pulse.
"Are you mad?"
'Is she?'
"No." She uprooted herself and slipped her hands inside the pocket of her cardigan.
A grin crept up his face. Yun Jinghan rose up and bent forward. "Then shall we do it again? This time—" he pointed to his lips, "—here."
Disregarding his playfulness, she turned away and tread on further ahead.
Yun Jinghan couldn't contain the grin on his face. He really liked teasing her. But the curve swiftly faded after he answered his phone.
Without giving much attention to him, she enjoyed that hard to come by a leisurely walk. Once she starts next week in Medlife, she knew she would be cooped inside the hospital again.
"I understand."
The chilliness in his voice prompted her to turn. Yun Jinghan was standing a few steps away from her, with his handset against his ear.
"Is there a problem?" Luo Jingyi inquired.
==========
Yun Jinghan: Why can't you let her work in my hospital?
EvilMe: As long as I'm breathing, I'll stand on your way.
RomanticMe: (hit EvilMe on the head) Idiot! I'll never let you win.