STEPHEN MOHAMMAD
Two Months Prior.
(Beijing, China)
Stephen devised a plan to reinvent his idea of starting a car assembly plant in China. First, he would create a subsidiary, which would appear not to be a threat to Red Star Automotives. He designed the prototype design that never made it to production. It was called the StarClass. Stephen was a huge Star Trek fan, and the series inspired the creation of Star Automotors.
After SpaceX built the two space stations, orbiting the Earth (the Johannesburg) and the moon (Pretoria) was his inspiration for the name of the design. Now that SpaceX was building the first moon colony called the Shiba Inu. The settlement will consist of a one-mile diameter biodome, solar panels, and terra-formed surface for livable habitation. So it was the perfect time to start up a new company representing exploration. StarClass Holdings L.L.C. would be the name.
Second, he would create a new brand and a prototype of a new car model. That would not be a problem since his company had a vault of designs. However, if he did not like either one of them. Then, there was a pool of dedicated, hungry, and creative designers he could choose.
Third, he would have to find a Chinese or Chinese American poster child representing his new company. Stephen planned to leave a few days after his meeting at AmCham; however, he decided to stay looking for the right candidate for a few months. He searched the Chinese Talent Agency. Most of the databases are candidates who just graduated from college. They are most likely to betray him the slighter offer made by his rivals. He most definitely would avoid older people in business. Most already set in their ways in an inducted idea of a workflow. He needed someone dedicated, hungry for money, experienced in handling pressure, and just as dedicated to their career. After a month of searching, there was no potential candidate he could mold into his corporate image; until he met NuYing.
STEPHEN AND NUYING
The ruling just finished her first round of cranberry and gin, while Stephen just received his white Russian. Stephen took a sip of his drink to prepare his throat to propose.
"Xièxiè nǐ, for the drink," NuYing said, showing her gratitude without looking at him.
"Looks like you had it rough back there."
"You make it your business to listen in on other people's conversation?"
"Not really, but when you are loud enough, it's not hard to listen to." NuYing dismissively waves her hand.
"Do you mind if I sit here?"
"Do whatever you like," NuYing replied.
"If you don't mind, I like to talk with you."
"If you are looking for a cheap thrill, I am not that type of girl."
"I am looking for a thrill, but I promise you it won't be cheap. I like to make you an offer; I think you will like it."
"There are not enough cryptos you can offer that will make me want to sleep with you. If you are looking for a whore, Dongguan is the city for you."
"Geez, you are tough. I like that. You'll be perfect for the position I want you to work in my company. I am starting in China."
When NuYing heard a new company, Stephen had earned her curiosity.
"I am listening! What company are you trying to start."
"It's a car company. I am the C.E.O. of StarClass Auto motors."
"You lie!"
"I'll prove it."
Stephen goes to his suit jacket and removes the American version of the Palmer called the Graham. It was a 12 G phablet with an advanced Android operating system called the supernova.
The Devie has an octave core processor, an A.I., fifty terabytes of storage, and a liquid cooling system. In addition, the device had fast charging capabilities via a hard line connection or solar energy. The screen window is an unbreakable glass; the device itself is encased in a plastic kevlar protective casing.
Stephen went to his company website and showed his page translated into Chinese. NuYing became embarrassed as she talked to one of the world's wealthiest and most prominent men.
"I am so sorry! Please forgive me for my bad behavior."
"Forget about it. I can tell you had a hard long day. Now that you have an interest, are you interested?
"Yes, what will this position consist of doing?
Stephen slides her a tablet with digital numbers written in English and Chinese. NuYing read through the contract and saw that he offered a vice president who paid 250000 a year. NuYing eyes widened at Stephen's offer. He even wrote the agreement to give her family a monthly crypto stipend. She was excited until she read that she had to marry him to receive all benefits. Phablet threw the contract back at him on the table.
"How dare you try to trick me!"
"What are you talking about?"
"I have to marry you!"
"Well yeah. I thought it would be best to talk you back to America to train you for my company. It avoids the passport red tape, and I need your family off your back about you getting married."
"What is this? You make this sound like some cheap scene from Fifty Shades of Grey."
"Look at it like this. For generations, people have married for wealth and power. The monarchy governments and the wealthy families have done this for ages. You are marrying into a pay grade way higher than yours. Your money problems can disappear overnight!"
NuYing sighed as she knew he was right. For one, the constant demands of her parents demanding money and marriage were stressing her out. She could kill two birds with one stone with a swipe of a finger; NuYing's financial problems will disappear. Not to mention the chance to move to America. She always wanted to see the world. However, NuYing had fears that could ruin her chances to climb the corporate ladder.
"Would I have to sleep with you and have children?"
"Sex is part of the benefits of marriage. However, like you, I am not ready for kids."
"Good, I don't want any either."
"Are you inexperienced?"
"I am not discussing personal business with you!"
"You don't need to. Just buy your reaction; I can tell the answer is yes."
"I said, let's move on!"
"Fine, but you can't avoid it on our wedding night if you decide to sign the contract. Look, there is no pressure; however, I leave for the states in two days> If I don't hear from you beforehand, the offer is rescinded."
Just as Stephen was about to leave, NuYing felt that her opportunity was slipping between her fingers. Marriage! She hasn't had an actual date. Even though she chose never to be wined and dined, NuYing was not interested in love. She did not even find Stephen attractive, let alone have any interest in a relationship. However, she had made a vow to do anything to give her a better pay grade. Yet, here it was, Stephen was offering it to her at the price of her hand in marriage.
"Mr. Mohammad, wait!" Stephen turns around.
"I accept only on one condition!"
"Yes!"
"I want a quick wedding, just me and you!"
"You don't want your family to attend?"
"No! We'll tell them after. They can be bigots sometimes."
"Trust me. That will go out the door for what I have in store for them!"
"We tell them after we get married."
"Fine! So do we have a deal?" Stephen asked as he offered his Phablet. NuYing took the Phablet and DocuSign the document.