"See? I told you not to be here."
Lou Bai took a glance at the rigid and frozen state of Sera. It wasn't known what she is thinking, but he could feel the deep hatred in her eyes. The shining glimmer of crystal that is unique and embedded in her eyes was gone. It was replaced with black and misty color of darkness.
Yet he didn't felt any sign of fear around her.
She still stood up.
As soon the guest was introduced to the public, the crowd gasped in disbelief. How could such a distinguished personality able to attend such a trivial event? Not to mention that he is at the peak of his busy schedule. Since he had only been to his position for a few days, there's no doubt that the workload was massive.
Song Ming is wearing his formal business suit. Carefully polished on this occasion. He had two guards beside him who acted vigilantly around the surroundings.
As soon as Song Ming entered the stage, a vibrant smile appeared on his lips that almost steal every young maiden's heart. He was handsome indeed. There is no doubt about it.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for not arriving in time as for some matters couldn't be pushed at a later time."
The crowd gasped.
'Such a humble and kind young man!'
'He is so down to earth!'
'Such a handsome man and with a good personality, he's definitely a good catch!'
Murmurs surrounded Sera. Each was loud and clear from where her position is.
Xiang Lou Bai was just standing on her side. His arms crossed with each other; as if trying and waiting for a good show. His gaze reverted from the person in front and to his side. Scrutinizing every detail on her face and never missing her emotions. Since the woman had decided to come here, then this will be a good opportunity to see what she's made of.
" I hope you can find kindness to forgive me on this occasion. I will strive hard every day, to become a leader more competent and leaning towards perfection."
"And to the celebrant of this occasion, I greeted you a happy birthday. You are the first to conduct a birthday party in my hotel on my first term working here. It is my utmost responsibility to take care of this goodwill. The 'Tan Group of Companies' will be under my care from now and this large empire... I will not be able to handle it alone. I need cooperation and understanding from everyone for the days to come."
"There will be rumors coming ahead, trying to ruin my name, but I know... each and every one of you will believe the true me that stand in front of you. "
"For the betterment of this business and entity...let us all cheers for the bright future ahead of us!"
Claps!
Hundreds of claps erupted.
Along with the shout of encouragement and understanding of all people.
Xiang Lou Bai's clap wasn't that loud but enough to see the action.
Sera didn't bother to lift her hands.
Her eyes were deeply glued to the man in front. If looks can be killed, he would have already been a sweet and sour barbeque stake right at this moment.
***
" There are beautiful things in this world, Sera."
"You are lucky to be born in this family where you don't need to break a bone to be on top."
You should be grateful. So please smile. You have beautiful bright eyes and a radiant smile.'
She remembered what Song Ming had said to her before. His sweetened honey words will not work on her this time. Sera had already fully known his true character.
At this moment, his sweet words were like a sharp dagger piercing on her chest. She knew full well that he wanted to earn the trust of these people. It was his strategy to do this.
"I- I need to go out. I will go first. If you want to stay then go on." When she peeked at Lou Bai, the man had already been gazing at her. She didn't know what is undergoing in the head of his.
"Why are you leaving so early? Is it because of Song Ming?" When he asked, the man also pointed at Song Ming. Sera swatted the hands, but it was all too late. Song Ming had already noticed them. Thus he composed himself and walked to their side.
Sera stilled herself for the incoming man, but her guts still froze. Lou Bai had witnessed this as he was intently staring at her.
Song Ming was smiling while walking towards them. As soon as he reached out, he spoke, "It was too rude of me to walk over a stranger's conversation and interrupted them. I hope I am not making it inconvenient to you?"
Song Ming greeted in a humble tone. It's as if he wasn't the newly appointed CEO of the company when he talked.
Lou Bai was wearing his expressionless face and when facing the man, he was bored. To look more carefully, it was Lou Bai who exuded an aura of a tyrant and mighty CEO of the group and not Song Ming.
" It doesn't matter. Now that you are here, we would like it to be with you. We are just discussing some important matter but since you are here, we'll just push it through when you are not around."
Song Ming didn't anticipate to be greeted sarcastically. But then he just showed his brilliant smile. This man was too conspicuous among the crowd. Such outstanding posture and personality, it seemed that he isn't that just simple.
"I am Song Xiu Ming. The new CEO of the Tan Group." He said as he handed his business card.
There was a sharp pain in her chest when Sera heard the 'Tan Group'. It was her ancestor's effort about why this group polished. Then in just a blink, a stranger had gotten its name.
"Xiang Lou Bai. Head of the Private Detective Agency."
After their pleasantries, the two shook hands.
Song Ming isn't rude to neglect the person beneath Lou Bai.
"This is..." Song Ming looked at the woman in a veil. From the moment he came earlier, she was quiet at the side and didn't utter any sound.
If he was going to know the man, it would be probable to know his companion.
" Maxine Xilang Bai..." Sera stilled herself. Stood with puff cheeks and with confidence.
"And she is my wife. "
Xiang Lou Bai added. He pulled Sera on his side and gently hold on her waist. Showing his gentleman side, he draped his coat on her as soon as he found out that she was fidgeting.