She couldn't concentrate on work at all the entire afternoon. Sure their chemistry was like fireworks but fireworks are short lived, will their marriage last? In a panic she call Steven, he pick up almost immediately,"Hello sweet. Is everything alright?"
"Yes, Yes. It's just that I have heard some rumors about you and I don't know what to make of it,"she told him honestly.
"I know I haven't told you everything YaoYao but everything I told you is true. If you have any questions, I will gladly answer them tonight,"he promised.
"Good. I wanted us to last Steven and my grandparents had taught me relationship cannot be built on lies,"she stressed.
"I agree, love. Make sure your ring, phone and card are with you. Enjoy yourself and I'll pick you up at Hans tonight. Gotta go into the next meeting, don't hesitate to call me if you have emergency. Love you,"he ended the call.
She was stunt. Did he just uttered the three magic words?! She don't remember if he has said them before. Why it has t be over the phone?! Now her anxiousness turn into frustration.
Liliah approached her at the end of the work day to ask for a ride stating her car was out of service until tomorrow at the mechanic. She agreed since they are going to the same place after all and arriving with the host will be less awkward then arriving on her own. While most of her classmates are nice people, there are at least two others she would like to avoid. Koko and Tanya used to be a gang with Liliah. Birds of the same feather flew in the flock or so they said. The three of them compete in everything, from exam to boyfriend. If another innocent party was caught in between, the three will annihilate the outsider together. The best thing to do is to clear out of their way. my plan the moment we arrived.
Unfortunately, luck is not on my side. The other two was waiting for Liliah at the entrance of the restaurant.
"Wow Liliah, you have upgraded! This is the newest Maybach S-Class, we only have a few private imported ones of this in the country. Can I have a ride after dinner?,"exclaimed Tanya whose family is in automobile business.
She paused when the driver get down from the car to open the door,"Qin Yao? I thought you drop out of university? Why are you here?"
Liliah intercept her,"Don't be rude Tanya, she is my guest tonight. She drop out because she suddenly became an orphan not because she has bad result. She has re-enrolled this year so it wouldn't be bad to have her around."
Koko surprisingly just observed her quietly and didn't mocked her like the other two.
YaoYao never like confrontation so she just kept to herself and stick to her plan to avoid those three. The moment they got in, she was mesmerised by the traditional architecture of the restaurant. She has a weak spot for old buildings, another reason why she can lived in the old quarters with her grandparents so so long.
They were shown to a private room with two tables. YaoYao discreetly leave the trio and circle around asking information on Catherine. To her dismay from reception to dessert, none present have kept in touch with her best friend. If she is not mistaken, architecture field in itself is very competitive. Everybody tries to dig out information on latest development project and position opening or even private project. She don't think she will attend the next one. She just hope for a stable job with sufficient income to support her family.
As she came back from the washroom, Koko was waiting for her at the entrance of the private room."The car was yours right? What game are you playing at?"she asked.
"I have no idea what you are talking about and I am not playing any games. Let me pay my share of the meal before I leave,"YaoYao was tired after dodging sensitive question about her project and personal enquiries, not to mentioned her body was still sore from last night activities.
"Don't think to leave before you give some answers Qin Yao. That dress on you was the one and only by Alex de Solace. It is real gold thread used for the outlined of the phoenix on this piece. Initially I thought you wore an imitation but I confirmed it authenticity with the light reflection when you moved around the room during reception. You know my family is big in the fashion industry so I know. How did you get it?" Koko is refusing to let her leave.
The door to the private room opened with Tanya standing in the doorway,"Is it true? Where do you get all these things Qin Yao? Are you here to show off to get all the connection or what?"
The situation is getting ridiculous. YaoYao insisted,"Liliah invited me and I would like to get hold of Catherine contact, that is why I came."
Now everyone attention is on her; ex-classmates in the room and a crowd started to gather outside the room in the main hall.
Four men in black slipped through the crowd and form a barrier around YaoYao all of a sudden. "Young madam, are you okay?" Lucas voice came behind her.
Liliah managed to squeeze out of the room next to Koko and Tanya,"What happening? Qin Yao, although you are my guest you must behave yourself. Don't create trouble."
YaoYao had enough, she was at the brink of anger being blamed for nonsense. An uproar in the crowd paused her next course of action, then the crowd parted and Steven in full suit walk in. He is so handsome, she lost her angry spirit.
He came and snake his arm around her waist before dropping a kiss on her forehead,"Enjoying yourself, love? Ready to go home?"
"Steven Tan?" Koko blurted out.
"Yes but I don't think I have the pleasure to know you...."he paused.
"Koko, Koko Rin of Rin Fashion Industry. I have been trying to reach you. Can I have a minute of your time to pitch how our flagship store will support the new Emperor Mall City prestigious image,"Koko continued.
"You talk to the wrong person. My wife is the one who is responsible for the design and concept of the new Emperor Mall City and you have two hours to do that, isn't that enough?" he said.