A fresh new day for Chen Rou Jiao made her wanted to enjoy it all by herself. Instead chilling on the sofa early in the morning, she decided to jog in around the neighbourhood first thing in the morning. She was ready with her sweat shirt and black trousers before set up to start her daily routine.
The fresh air in the morning helped her to cast away miserable thinking in her mind; a lot of trees and less used of transportation made the air clean and way better than the city she lived in.
Jogging for a round in the small town already drained out her energy thus Chen Rou Jiao took rest at the park where people came to do morning exercise such as tai chi or jogging like her. It just as early as 8 o'clock, however the park was full of people.
She spotted her dad exercise with his friends while facing the lake. She meanwhile sat on one of the unoccupied swing, not intended to move the swing, just leaned on the chain of the swing; enjoying the melody of the morning birds singing happily around the park, and watched the people passing by.
Chen Rou Jiao took a deep breath and she looked up looking at the mountain acrossed the lake where sun still hide behind it, shyly emitted sunshine between the gap to brightened the day. The magnificent view opened up her mind and gave her space to create ideas for her project.
While she was enjoying the moment, her dad, Chen Zong came to her after done with his exercise. He settled down at the swing next to Chen Rou Jiao, catching breath. Chen Rou Jiao grinned at her dad.
"Long time not having moment like this?" Chen Rou Jiao asked following her dad seems comfortable on the swing.
"Mn... busy days made me forget to take care of myself." his shaky voice after the thorough exercise almost made Chen Rou Jiao cracked up. Nevertheless, the expression her dad showed now, made her a bit concerned about his health.
"You should take a break from operating the shop. You need time to nourished your health."
Chen Zong smiled knowing her concerned about him. His big-knuckle hands which once used to catch criminals, and now making the dough patted his daughter's delicate hands, only to assured his daughter.
"Stop worrying about me. I can take a break whenever I want. It's you who shall we worry about."
Chen Rou Jiao tilted her head, pretended to be clueless of his statement.
"What do you mean?"
"I know you love your job so much, but you should know the limit of your concentration. The condition you showed me yesterday made me concerned about your situation. Plus you live alone, if anything happen to you, Liang Shu and I cannot do anything."
Chen Rou Jiao smile slightly. Her eyes fixed to her father's expression. Although sweat stream down on his face, and he looked very tired, he never failed to shower his concerned toward her.
"Don't worry dad. I already said to my boss that I will take a vacation after this project. And I plan to stay here for a while before taking another project." Chen Rou Jiao grabbed his hands tightly. Her eyes shaped up to puppy eyes after she grinned towards her dad.
"Really?"
"Mn." She nodded. "I promise."
Chen Zong stared her expression for a long time before he could rest a bit. He smiled but not to wide due he still had his doubt with Chen Rou Jiao's assurance.
"If that what you say, then okay. But make sure don't force yourself too much." Chen Zong pointed his pointy finger to his daughter. Chen Rou Jiao nodded eagerly.
"Yes. Of course. Don't worry."
"Hmm.. then, let's go home. We can have breakfast."
Chen Rou Jiao cheered. "Let's go!" Together, they walked home.
***
Li Da Zhan waited patiently for the gate opened up before he could enter the area of the mansion owned by Chairman Bai.
30 minutes earlier, he received call from Chairman Bai about the changing location of their meeting from Chairman Bai office to chairman place. After received the location, Li Da Zhan waste no time and went straight to the chairman place.
Upon the gate wide opened, Li Da Zhan drove in immediately. He parked his car in front of the fountain near to the entrance of the mansion. It will make him easier to go home later.
As he walked out of the car, the scenery before his eyes caught his attention. The mansion was built in front of the lake. Gave calming vibe to everyone and the pavilion at the bank of the lake was the perfect place for having tea and enjoying evening sun.
The mansion itself was luxurious on it own. Although from his predicament, the mansion was long built before he was born, but how the renovation occurred to it made the mansion looked extravagant; the combination of classic and futuristic design gave him goosebumps.
He felt calm and peace in this place.
Nonetheless, Li Da Zhan did not want to carry away with his feelings so he took his phone and called Chairman Bai that instant.
"Hello, sir. I already arrive." he said politely.
"Okay. Do you see a pavilion?"
Li Da Zhan looked at the pavilion again, he nodded. "Yes sir. I saw it."
"Go there, we are waiting for you." Chairman Bai hang up the call without allowed Li Da Zhan to reply.
Li Da Zhan close the car door and walked on the bricks pathaway that was lead him to the place he wanted to go.
A few meters to the pavilion, he saw Chairman Bai and two unknown men sitting around the table, enjoying a cup of tea and chattering with each other.
When he arrived at the pavilion, Chairman Bai carefully rose from his seat and get to him with a big smile on his face. Although that chairman already hit his 60th birthday, his appearance was so attractive, even when he was wearing a casual t-shirt and trousers.
"How are you, young man?"
Li Da Zhan bowed down to the chairman before he answered. "I am fine, sir. How about you? Sorry for disturbing your resting time."
Chairman Bai chuckled. "I am the one that should say that. I was the one that disturbing your holiday."
"No sir. This is about work, I need to be focus of it." he said with manner. Chairman Bai nodded with satisfactory.
"Good. Good. What a great young man." Li Da Zhan smile a little. The real thing was, he kind of awkward getting the compliment. For him, when it involved the project, he need to be serious. A little slack would cause him, his integrity and his pride.
Of course Chairman Bai oblivious about his thought. He was busy called the two unknown men to meet him.
As the two men approached, it turns out, Li Da Zhan recognised one of the men as that person was his rival for the project. He had no clue that Tang Hong was a close person with Chairman Bai. All he knew was that Tang Hong working under Chairman Bai, that's all.
"Li Da Zhan, I think you already Tang Hong. He is my nephew."
Li Da Zhan smiled and nodded to Chairman Bai and then shifted to Tang Hong.
Tang Hong and Li Da Zhan shook hand, though Tang Hong seems unease with his presence. Li Da Zhan ignore it. He looked back to Chairman Bai.
"And this is the person I want to introduce to you. President of Zhang Group. President Zhang Ji Fu."
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Li." The plumpy man with a thin moustache gave a warm smile at Li Da Zhan. They shook hands.
"Yes. Nice to meet you, too."
"Mn. I find out you need interior designer for your resort project? Is it true?"
Li Da Zhan nodded before answering. "Yes sir. I am afraid I really need help from you."
"Haha. It's not me who can help you." Li Da Zhan knitted his brows. President Zhang continued, "It is my son that can help you because the company was under him."
Only then Li Da Zhan understood. He laughed with his own reaction. "I lost you there."
"Haha. It's okay. Let's us talk about the design you wanted before I could explain to my son and his team."
"Yes. sure."
While Li Da Zhan followed Chairman Bai and President Zhang to the round stone table, discussing the design, Tang Hong asked permission to get inside.
"I have something to do."
"Okay. Tell your aunt to cook extra today."
"I will uncle."
Tang Hong stepped out from there, but before he left, he shot a sharp glare to Li Da Zhan.