"Yes, Mr. Cha... Being able to remain at the top in the business world for so many years. I really admire your perseverance, even as a CEO myself."
"I hope this collaboration would continue even in the far future Mr. Cha... You are a truly remarkable person and everyone would be greatly honored to work together with you."
"Mr. Cha, I heard that you're still single, is it that you're not ready to settle down yet, or are you still searching for the perfect bride? Hehe... If so Mr. Cha, you don't have to worry, because I have great suggestions for you."
"Yes, Mr. Cha, my daughter had just graduated from the most prestigious university overseas... She's a very hardworking lady and is currently managing the company, I'm sure you would be a very good match."
"Mr. Cha, I'm sure you have heard about my daughter. She's a prodigy just like you and is well known all over the world for her great talent in painting."
"Mr. Cha, my daughter is termed as the most beautiful girl in Country B... She's very outstanding and her great talent in singing is known across the world. I'm sure you would like her very much, after listening to her beautiful voice."
"Everyone knows my little cousin whose beauty and talent in almost everything is well known across the globe. And the fact that her mother is also from City M, makes her a very good match. Don't listen to them Mr. Cha, those foreign girls are not reliable."
Carl sighed inside exasperatedly as the men started bootlicking and had even gone to the extent of trying to matchmake him. Without bordering to give them a response, he silently walked past them, then sauntered toward the mini bar inside the room and then sat down on one of the stools which were in front of the counter.
However, those men were not done yet and they continued speaking enthusiastically while walking back to the several couches to join the ladies whose mesmerized gazes were now fixed on the handsome and charismatic guy.
"Don't worry, Mr. Cha... We have prepared a very outstanding present for you tonight to make you more comfortable... As the saying goes, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy... Hehehe."
"Yes, he's right Mr. Cha... Hehe... We're very sure that you're going to enjoy yourself tonight."
Carl ignored them once again as the bartender poured him a glass of wine... And after taking the wine from the guy, he turned his attention to his phone which he had just retrieved from his pants pocket, as soft and melodious music slowly started playing in the room.
The men did not mind being ignored as they were greatly aware of and used to the nonchalant attitude of the guy. They turned their delighted gazes back to the ladies as they carefully poured them wine while giggling softly now and then.
Amidst the soft and slow music, laughter and chatters filled up the room as the men boasted to each other about their achievements and the number of companies they owned. They didn't also forget to mention their beautiful daughters and relatives now and then as they knew that the guy who was sitting alone on the barstool was surely hearing their conversation.
The slow and soft music continued and Carl who was still engrossed in his phone suddenly paused and sighed inside as his thoughts wandered back to the phone call he had made with his stepmother, earlier that day... Does he really wants to see them?... A sad chuckle escaped his lips as he picked up the wine glass again.
He slowly turned his attention back to his phone while sipping the wine and his ears suddenly perked up as the music was now changed to a new one and he silently listened to the slow lyrics of the female voice.
'How... can I forget your love...?'
'How can I... never see you again?'
'...There is a time and place...
For one more sweet embrace...
And there's a time, ooh
When it all, ooh, went wrong'
'I guess you know by now
That we will meet again somehow
How-ow-ow, oh baby, how...
Can I begin again?'
His grip slowly tightened on the wine glass while he listened silently to the song, which continued playing in the room and dimming all the voices of the men who were still chatting happily.
'How can I try to love someone new...?'
'Someone who isn't you...?'
'How can our love be true...
When I'm not, ooh
I'm not over you?'
'I guess you know by now...
That we will meet again somehow...
Time can come and take away the pain'
'But I just want my memories to remain... To hear your voice... To see your face'
'There's not one moment I'd erase... You are a guest here now...
So baby, how can I forget your love?'
'How can I... never see you again?'
'How can I ever know... why some stay, others go?
'When I don't, ooh
I don't want you to go...'
'You are a guest here now
So baby, how can I forget your love...?
How can I never see you again?'
"Hey DJ guy, change that music this instant... We're celebrating here not mourning, how can you suddenly dampen our moods!?" One of the men finally snapped as the soft music continued playing in the room and the DJ who was standing at a corner quickly changed the music to a harmonious one. However, he sighed inside as he so much loves that song which was sung by his favorite singer; Regina Spektor.
By then Carl had already gulped down many glasses of wine and he stared down at the now empty glass of wine in a daze as each of the lyrics slowly replayed in his head.
The people inside the room were totally oblivious to the gloomy atmosphere around the guy as he continuously gulped down many glasses of wine. And they continued chatting happily after the music was changed.