Okie back again.
Oh thanks for the comments, Danielle <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> . Hehe, Matt is interesting...I mean to write about, though other characters may provoke some anger later...
Please continue reading.... <IMG SRC="smilies/bow.gif" border="0">
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Chapter 7: Mistaken
Nathan’s mobile phone rang.
“Nathan speaking.”
“Nathan, it’s Dylan here.”
“Yes?”
“I just found out that you’re planning not to renegotiate the contract with Tang’s Co. Why?”
“I found a better provider.”
“But they been our provider for years.”
“Things change. I’ve decided already. I know you know them personally, but this is business.”
“But, you should have told me beforehand.”
“I didn’t know I had to. Am I not in charge now?”
Nathan smiled as he clicked his phone shut. The conversation ended with Dylan speechless and compliant, and that was what Nathan wanted. He felt Dylan needed to be reminded he was only an employee. Donald had only one son now.
He pointed to the displayed model of the latest Ferrari.
“What do you think?” he asked Jason, who had accompanied him to the car dealer.
“Sure, this is the best one,” Jason replied.
Nathan decided on a black colour and the beaming salesman quickly went to organize the paperwork.
“So, have you thought about what I mentioned last time?” Jason asked, hoping Nathan’s good mood would makes things easier.
“Hmm, I don’t see how they need to busy themselves with ex-curricular activities.”
“The revenues are much higher.”
Nathan suddenly looked at Jason skeptically. “You not getting yourself caught up again. You know gambling is going to be the death of you.”
“No, I’m not going there.”
Jason then lowered his voice. “The guys done it before and we get large cut of the profits. We’ll be like outside investors. It’s assured that we are not linked if anything goes wrong.”
Nathan brushed his fingers over the vehicle’s sleek exterior, his face expressionless.
Jason persisted. “All they need is some sort of support. You just say the word and I’ll do everything.”
“I don’t think it’s such a good idea.” Nathan said conclusively. Before Jason could say anything more, Nathan shook his head, indicating that the conversation was finished.
Nathan’s phone rang aloud again.
“Hello.” His tone softened. “Yes the party is indeed this weekend. I have time tonight. We’ll pick out something nice for you to wear. No, I didn’t know LV is having a sale.”
The salesman stood aside waiting for Nathan to finish his call. He turned to Jason who was gazing glumly at the Ferrari.
“Are you interested in going for a test drive yourself?” the salesman asked.
“Not at the moment,” Jason replied. He had to convince Nathan about his idea first.
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The party was a celebration of media tycoon, Fred Yuen and wife’s twentieth anniversary. The flamboyant couple ran among many social circles and their gatherings had always been worthwhile for many business opportunists to attend. By nine o’clock, the party was already in full swing. Finely dressed ladies and gentlemen filled the mansion, chatting and enjoying themselves.
Nathan slipped another name card into his pocket. He had been meeting and greeting people all night. Although he was a stranger to many, his surname did wonders in the introductions. His dad had not been feeling well enough to come, but Nathan knew he could acquaint himself with the Hong Kong’s elite circles alone. After all, he was a charmer and socialising came to him naturally.
Nathan picked up another glass of red wine from the passing waiter and fleeted his eyes across the room in search for his date. She had excused herself to the restroom and had not returned. At last, in the far corner of the room, he spied the familiar long hair and black evening gown amongst the crowds. He wondered why she was not heading back his way. Nathan watched her back disappear through the glass doors to the balcony.
The night was dark. There were no stars in sight. Even the moon was half hidden behind a mass of clouds. The wind rustled the wind chimes hanging nearby, as Nathan stepped out onto the balcony. His date had her back turned to him, looking out to the distance.
Nathan quietly walked up behind her, slipped his arms around her waist, and rested his chin on her shoulder.
“Aren’t you cold out here? Lucky I’m here to give you warmth.”
The body went rigid and the face whirled around abruptly. The woman immediately struggled out of his embrace and pushed him backwards. It wasn’t his date.
Leanne stumbled to one side, gaping in shock. “What are you trying to do?” she cried.
Nathan was taken aback. “I’m sorry, I thought you were my date. She was, she was wearing something similar to you. I’m really sorry.” He swept his eyes over Leanne’s evening dress. It was definitely the same colour, but completely different design.
Slowly Leanne retreated backwards, her expression reflecting a mixture of embarrassment and anger. Without another word she hurried back into the house.
Leanne searched the crowds for Dylan. She saw him near the stairways, and made her way towards him. She was still a bit flustered from the incident before.
“Dylan,” she beckoned.
Dylan excused himself from the circle and went to Leanne. “Where did you disappear to?”
Leanne was about to speak when a bespectacled old man barged between them.
“Dylan, how are you. We hadn’t a chance to catch up since, well forever.”
Dylan shook the man’s hand firmly. “Very good to see you. I hear you’re going to be a grandfather soon. Congratulations. ”
The man laughed heartily, and then turned to Leanne. “And this must be the mysterious lady of yours.” Leanne forced a smiled as Dylan introduced her.
The man recognized another friend from afar, but instead of leaving, he guided Dylan and Leanne towards them.
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Nathan stifled a yawn. The party was getting boring. He felt his date slip her arms around his. He crinkled a smile at her.
She looked at him mischievously. “You can’t be tired already. The night is still very young. There’s still so much to do.”
Nathan lifted a brow at her. “You’re always full of suggestions.”
“I know.” His date giggled and twirled her fingers around her long hair.
A man in his thirties patted Nathan on the back. “Oh, glad I found you again, Nathan. Come I want you to meet my father.” He gesturing him towards a nearby group.
“Dad, this is Nathan. He’s Donald’s son,” the man introduced Nathan to his father.
“How are you Mr Lau?” Nathan greeted.
“Ah, Donald’s son. A fine young man indeed,” the father praised him. “I guess with you and Dylan helping Donald out, he’ll finally have more time to play golf with me.”
Nathan became aware of Dylan standing among the group. He also noticed the woman standing beside him. She was the one on the balcony.
“Hey, Dylan, ” Nathan said. “Never thought this was your scene. Ah, I know, must be because of my dad’s advice. You are always getting the best seat in the house.”
The subtle mockery went amiss to everyone except Dylan. He looked at him coolly. “Good to see you too.”
“Sorry, you all have to excuse me. I have to go to the bathroom,” Mr Lau said. He turned to Nathan. “Maybe I’ll talk to you again later.”
Nathan smiled and nodded. The group dispersed as Mr Lau left, leaving the two couples behind.
Nathan glanced at Leanne, who was observing his date’s gown. She lifted her brown eyes and caught his gaze. Quickly she stared down at the floor.
“Oh my manners, nearly forgot the introductions. This is Kim.” Nathan pointed to his date. “Kim, this is Dylan and . . .” He waited for a response.
“Leanne,” Dylan said stiffly.
Nathan nodded and turned to Kim. “Dylan and I are colleagues. He’s been working for my dad for a long time now. He could probably tell you a story or two about his rise in ranks.”
Kim arched her eyebrows in interest. “Do tell.”
Dylan gave them an apologetic look. “Maybe next time. You have to excuse us. I did promise to catch up with Mr Yuen. Sorry.”
Dylan and Leanne weaved themselves between the other guests to the other side of the room. Dylan slightly furrowed his forehead. Nathan’s recent behaviour towards him was becoming increasingly disconcerting.
Leanne looked up at him. “Is there something wrong?”
“No, nothing’s wrong.” Dylan didn’t want to spoil Leanne’s evening with his problems. Leanne remained silent and didn’t pursue it further.