Construction check
MAXIMUS
Anton reminded me that we were heading to the construction site this day. It's time to check on the progress and make sure everything's running smoothly with my employees—according to Old Zheng's ever-wise words. So, here I am, standing in front of the mirror, inspecting my suit like I'm about to close the biggest deal of my life. Old Zheng told me I needed to look "presentable" and exude the aura of a wise businessman.
But, when I turned around and saw myself in the mirror, I didn't exactly see a powerful mogul. Nope. I saw a guy who looked more like he was getting ready to be laid out in a coffin. This suit is so formal that it might as well come with a funeral invitation. Seriously, who made this? The Grim Reaper's tailor? This is sooo not me. Boring. Dull. And, dare I say, lifeless.
"Young master, Mr. Lu is waiting for you downstairs. We're leaving in 3 minutes," Anton called out from behind the door, clearly unaware of the fashion crisis unfolding here.
"Okay!" I shouted back, hurrying to finish up. Just a few final touches to my hair, and I'm good to go—not to a coffin, though. Don't get ahead of yourself; I'm still healthily alive and kicking.
Before heading out, I took one last look at my godly face. I stroked my chin like a philosopher deep in thought, threw in a sexy lip bite, and gave myself that "I-know-something-you-don't" look.
Perfection
"Confident. Composed. Assertive," Old Zheng began, his usual lecture mode in full swing as we walked toward the construction site. His hands were naturally folded behind his back, like he was some wise monk imparting life-changing wisdom. Anton had parked the car close to the building and was trailing behind us, probably enjoying this less than I was.
I did my best to imitate Old Zheng's posture, hands awkwardly behind my back, trying to look like I was soaking up all his "wise businessman" talk. In reality, I was just trying to keep myself from tripping over my own feet with the rocks on the way.
"Are you even listening to me?" Old Zheng's voice sharpened, and I could feel his eyes burn into the side of my head.
"Yeah," I replied quickly, though my mind was miles away but still pulling off the 'attentive student' act while daydreaming.
Because let's be honest, I was still stuck on what my butler said earlier. Who would have thought the day would come when the tiny chef —yes, Zane—liked my post? And it wasn't just any post, oh no. It was my topless photo. Does he like my body? Well, why wouldn't he? This physique could probably sell gym memberships. People would pay just to touch it.
Hmm, note to self: Tell Anton later to post another one. Maybe one from those El Nido shots he took of me. Those were pure gold. Yep, definitely going to sell well on the internet. But for now, back to playing the role of 'serious businessman' while Old Zheng throws life lessons at me.
"Ahem," I cleared my throat, trying to look like I knew exactly what I was doing, even though my brain was basically a blank page. Everyone stared at me, waiting for some genius insight to drop from my lips.
"Uh, who are you?" I pointed to one of the workers, just to say something. Anything. This was what came out.
"M-me? My name's Sedrick. Sed for short," he replied, clearly just as awkward as I felt.
"Good," I nodded like this was vital information.
( . . . )
"Let my assistant, Old Zheng— Mr. Lu, I mean, continue the talk. My hands are tied for the moment." I quickly stepped back, passing the baton to old Zheng, who was far more equipped for these serious discussions. Why is there so much to do? I can't even hit up a bar, grab a drink, and get comfortably drunk anymore. It's all meetings, sites, and progress checks. Where's the joy? I deserve at least one day off this week. I'm not accepting anything less.
The heat was unbearable, and I could already feel the sweat forming under my arms. Not exactly the look of a "wise businessman." I grabbed a cardboard sheet off the table and started fanning myself like some royal trying to keep cool in a palace, except I'm on a construction site. At least I had a handkerchief to wipe my face. Small victories.
As old Zheng smoothly took over the conversation, I mentally checked out. I mean, I'm still here physically, but my mind? Already planning which bar I'm hitting the moment this week ends.
I sat down, watching old Zheng handle everything with the kind of professionalism that makes you wonder if he ever relaxes. Meanwhile, I rested my hand on my chin, already bored out of my mind. "Old Zheng is really good at this. I'm just the guy who brings out money and signs the papers." My casual musings were abruptly interrupted when I caught Old Zheng giving me the glare. The kind that instantly screamed, "Do something useful!"
What's this now? I just sat down for a breather, and already I can feel another lecture brewing. He'll save the scolding for later, I'm sure, but for now, I'll milk this tiny bit of downtime.
As I scanned the construction site, I realized something. The progress? Barely there. One month in, and you'll think I'll see a skyscraper by now with the number of people working here. I mean, over 100 construction workers, two architects, and two engineers, with decades of experience, and yet... it looked like they'd just started. Suspiciously slow, if you ask me.
Feeling the heat and my laziness creeping in, I decided I deserved a cold drink. But there's no way I'm getting up to grab it myself. Luckily, Anton was still hovering around. I waved him over as he was about to sit down.
"Anton, get me a cold drink," I said, fully aware that I was being lazy but not caring one bit.
"Yes, young master," he responded immediately, getting up without a fuss. Anton's a lifesaver, honestly.
"Why does it seem like the progress on this building is so slow, Old Zheng?" I asked, sipping the water Anton had just brought me. "It's been over a month since it started. I should be seeing some hollow blocks or at least something halfway up. All I see are deep excavations and large poles."
"Are you complaining? Is that it?" Old Zheng shot back, a familiar gleam of patience (or lack thereof) in his eyes. I didn't bother responding because, well, I knew it would lead to a long-winded lecture filled with life lessons and sage advice. And, as expected, I am right.
"You know, young master," old zheng began, "building a large building requires patience."
"I have a phrase I live by that I came up with myself: 'Don't walk too fast; you might trip. It's better to go a bit slower and be sure you won't stumble.' It's similar to the popular saying, 'One step at a time; walk slowly but surely.'"
So there it was—the classic Zheng wisdom. As he delved into his metaphorical musings, I couldn't help but wonder if "one step at a time" meant he was okay with this snail's pace. Well, at least it gave me time to finish my drink and maybe daydream about less slow-moving things.
Why is 10 AM taking forever to arrive? I'm itching to see and give that chef a good teasing. He won't be able to escape the laws of a Maximus, ha ha ha. But before that, of course, I have to survive the inevitable scolding.
How did I end up here? I made the classic mistake of handing over the spotlight to Old Zheng right after asking one of the construction workers their name. That was a rookie move, Max. Should've known better. Sigh. Now it's just a matter of enduring old Zheng's endless lectures before I can get to the fun part.