Stephen and NuYing are driving on the freeway to the StarClass Headquarters in Troy, Michigan. Stephen gives NuYing the rundown of what to expect during the interview on the freeway. NuYing was nervous, but Stephen reassured her that everything would be okay.
"I don't understand why they want to talk with me. I made my agreement with you."
"Yeah, unfortunately, the company has a clause in my contract that the board must review anything business-related."
"What do I talk about?"
"You can go into details of what you agreed to. Talk about my proposal to run the future StarClass branch in China. Now listen; as you know that our country's government does not have the best relations, so the board will use that against us. However, just let them know that you have not dealt with the Chinese government. You are just a citizen looking to enhance your career."
"Okay!"
Within a moment of their conversation, take the East Beaver Rd. NuYing saw tall skyscrapers in the background. Within the past 50 years, the city of Troy has expanded into Detroit's Rival City. Even though Detroit, Mi was StarClass Automotors was Detroit's main base for car assembly plants; Troy, Michigan was the business operation where the board met. Star class skyscrapers could be seen from afar, which was about another ten-minute drive.
This has multiple branches throughout the world; such as marketing and Sale, Automotor design; applied automotive technology, and others that make up car manufacturers. It only felt like moments before Stephen allowed his car to autopilot by building A.I. once it detected Stephen's Car in the twenty-mile radius. While his mind was free from the road, he decided to give NuYing one final word of encouragement.
"One more thing NuYing,"
"Yes?"
"I know that you are nervous. However, you don't have to answer any questions that you don't want to. I am with you all the way."
"Thank you, it means a lot," NuYing replied. NuYing grabbed Stephen's hand in hopes of gaining some of his courage.
Stephen looked down at his hand and noticed the beautiful contrast of their skin tone. NuYing felt reassured but still had doubts. NuYing soon started to think about her marriage to Stephen. Realizing she was starting to have feelings for her husband, who still was a stranger, she withdrew her hand with an excuse.
"Damn, I realize that I did not do my nails," NuYing whined.
Stephen looked at NuYing's hand and chuckled.
"Don't worry about it. I will take care of you at the meeting."
*****
An hour later, NuYing found herself facing a delegation of bigots. The board was not a bigot because of her race but her nationality. The questions on the board were harsh and intrusive. Stephen had to set out in the hall; however, the board hired a Chinese translator. Stephen wanted to sit in the meeting, but he was denied. His presence was a conflict of interest. Even though Stephen married NuYing for profit, they feared that he may have already been emotionally compromised.
"I know the questions we are asking are a bit harsh, but as a company with patents on applied automotive technology, we have to be careful who we let in our company. All-hour employees go through a thorough background check. And there is you. We know you are loyal to your government, which is a problem for us. If we decide to put you in a board ship position, how would we know that you would sell our secrets to our rival, The RedStar corporation," Aurelius Green, the Vice President, asked.
The translator spoke the words.
"First, I am loyal to my ambitions. I come from a poor family. I am only interested in making money to support my family and live comfortably.
"Is that what you are using Stephen for?"
"We have an arranged agreement. Stephen needs a representative to handle the Chinese government, and in return, I am quite sure that the company will make billions of dollars in profit.
NuYing felt belittled being in a room of men and women who did not like the Chinese government. However, NuYing found the courage to stand up for herself.
"So, Ms. Mohammad! How often do you sleep with men to enhance your career," Sarah Brown asked.
Sarah Brown was a 45-year-old woman who was in charge of corporate security. Sarah Brown had years of experience working for security companies in her college years. While in college, she went to school for computer engineering, where she focused on the internet and cybersecurity. When Stephen met Brown in college in one of the advanced software programming classes. During the start-up phase, Stephen offered Brown a board position and equity in the company.
Once the words were translated, NuYing became appalled.
"Excuse me, Ms. Brown, but that is an invasive question. However, I never slept with any man to enhance my career. Yes, Stephen and I have a business marriage arrangement. He has been the only man I have slept with as a married couple."
"Ms. Mohammad, it is crucial that we ask these questions. How long have you and Stephen been sleeping…."
"HEI! HEI," NuYing yelled. "What I do with my husband is none of your business," NuYing replied in broken English.
NuYing got from the interrogation seat and stormed out.
*****
After the meeting, Sarah Brown met with Stephen in his office to debrief on NuYing. Stephen was pissed when their intimate activities were mentioned. NuYing sat on Stephen's office sofa, waiting for the board's verdict. Even though Stephen made a deal with NuYing, the board decided to allow Stephen to continue with his plan. The board agreed with rules, stipulations, and restrictions. Both NuYing and Stephen were made to sign a pact. If NuYing uses any other phone or violates company policy, Stephen must step down as CEO. Reluctantly agreed and signed the agreement.
Stephen and NuYing left the office. NuYing was silent during the ride home. Stephen saw NuYing's disappointed look and felt the need to say something.
"Listen, don't let what happened to you deter us. The board allowed us to continue our plan, so we won."
"Won! My life is not some game where I display my sex life in front of strangers."
"Yeah, and I am proud of you and how you handle it. You did not show weakness. That will be important. Listen, I am famished; would you like to get something to eat?"
"Nervousness causes me to get hungry. I have been starving all day."
"There is a Brazilian steak house not far from here. You'll love it."
Stephen and NuYing were seated at a couple's booth during the mid-afternoon lunch. Both at their lunch which created a romantic atmosphere. This caused NuYing to wonder if there was any possible relationship that could exist beyond the office. NuYing had to ask.
"Stephen, may I ask a question."
"Sure!"
"What do you see in me?"
"I see that you are a person that has ambitions and tenacity. You will be a great asset to the company."
That was not what she wanted to hear. NuYing wanted to ask about a possible loving relationship. When she tried to ask, the question was not what she expected.
"Do you like having sex with me!"
Stephen was caught off guard, which caused him to spit a piece of steak he had just put in his mouth.
"I am sorry! I am sorry," NuYing replied.
"Don't be! Married people have these conversations," Stephen chuckled.
"So….why do you like having sex with me."
"As a man, I like sex with any woman."
"So you just like having sex with me. I know you already noticed I am overweight."
"I don't care about that. Sex with you is amazing. The question is, do you like having sex with me."
"Of course. If it were allowed, I would like to do it now."
Stephen raised a brow.
"Really! Well, maybe when we finish eating, we go home."
"Is there a hotel nearby!"
"So you want it now! This is a side of you I have never seen! Very demanding"
"There are many things you have not seen yet. Remember, we just got married."
"Can't wait!"
Stephen called for the check. He immediately paid and left a hefty tip. There was a five-star hotel that was not far. Stephen booked a room on his phone, and they both accommodated themselves with more wanting sex. When they were done, Stephen realized that he had come inside NuYing. NuYing did not mind, but she was reminded that she wanted to get on birth control the next day.