On the other side of the town, "Jinnie if you want to sit this one out…. I am absolutely fine with it." Luwei, Sam and Jinjing met over for dinner.
When Luwei was abruptly informed, by his father, about the sudden collaboration between Sheng Corp and Yun enterprise, the first thing that came to his mind was Jinjing.
Even though his father did not make it clear, as to who would be representing the Shengs for the meeting, he had a strong hunch that, the team would definitely include Sheng Liang. He had been on the lookout for Liang. He knew once he met Jinjing, he would definitely find ways to come closer to her. Luwei's sole intention was to protect Jinjing from further heartbreak.
"I am fine Luwei… don't worry." picking at the food in her plate, she said "I have to face the demons of my past someday…. I just can't be on the run forever."
Even though she made that statement, her body language gave away her true emotions. She was absolutely shaken and scared. Sam wordlessly consoled Jinjing by placing her hand over Jinjing's. Giving her a meek smile, Jinjing continued to poke at the food, having lost her appetite completely.
'I wish to have never met you' she thought to herself.
Monday, the day of the meeting.
The scene in the VIP suite was lively and energetic. There was loud music playing on Liang's phone and he was running through his selection of suits while humming the song.
When Meili stepped out of her room completely ready for meeting… she was surprised to see her brother's behavior. The Mr. Sheng 'punctual' Liang, was not ready as yet whereas, the Mr. Sheng 'no fuss' Liang was having difficulties in selecting a suit for the day.
She trotted in amazement into her brother's room and first thing, she turned the ear blasting music off. That was enough to attract Liang's attention.
Meili stood in front of Liang with her hands folded at her chest and a foot tapping on the floor. Her stance spoke of her impatience. She accusingly looked at her brother and then at her watch.
Finally, running out of patience she chided Liang "you are selecting a suit to wear it to a meeting…. You are not going on a date…... understood??? So move your indecisive ass and get ready quickly."
"help me select a suit please…" Liang requested. Shaking her head in disbelieve, Meili moved closer to the rack where the suits were hanging and randomly picked one up and handed it to her brother.
Liang frowned looking at the grey suit, but the reprimanding stare that Meili gave him was enough to shut him up. Giving him space to dress up, Meili went out of his room and headed to the lobby, where the team members were already waiting.
On her way down she received a call. When she saw the caller ID, she let out a tired sigh. It was Buzz and since morning, she had lost count of how many times he had called her. It was nothing new for him to call her up multiple times in a day but today, it was just too much.
Answering the call, before Buzz could utter a word, Meili assured him for the nth time "don't worry I remember everything…. I will not sit close to him, I will not be in the room alone with him and I will not talk to him about anything other than work related matters…..." she trailed off. "I have it under control Buzz."
Feeling down since morning, Buzz retorted "but love…." Meili swiftly interjected him and issued a subtle warning "now…. if you, Mr. Feng Bolin, call me once more regarding this…... I will blacklist you and your contact number forever." She hung up without waiting for his reply.
Consoling him face to face was a different thing but when they are far away, it was very tricky to handle his anxiety.
Liang soon made his way to the lobby and the four of them made their way to the Yun Enterprise headquarters in two cars.
Seeing the permanent smile on Liang's face, his fingers drumming on his knees and the weird vibes she was getting from him, Meili was sure there was something more to this meeting than what met the eye.
"what are you hiding from me??" Meili interrogated her brother, who somehow looked like a fool to her right now.
"nothing…" Liang sounded like a guilty child who stole candy from the kitchen.
Suspicious Meili did not dig further, but did not let her guard down as well.
It was a half an hour long drive from the hotel to the company.