A STAR IS BORN

It had been a few weeks since the wedding, yet Shan Mei’s mind was still on honeymoon. If she continued like that, no work would get done.

Michael had informed her that Head Office had decided to increase the viewing hours from four to eight hours a day, once they began transmission through MBS.

In fact, Michael and his brother David really liked dealing with Xiang Zhe, rather than with those conservative decision makers at SGS. Of course for Michael and David, anything or anyone with Oxbridge connections was the best. So the four of them got on like a house on fire. Michael even hinted, at one time, there might be chance for one or two crossover programmes between CTN and MBS. He knew Shan Mei would like that very much.

CTN-KE would need more programmes to fill out the hours. Luckily for them, CTN had a very extensive resource library at their disposal. Shan Mei would need first rate dubbing or voice-over facilities. She would rely on MBS to provide this expertise.

She sent Michael an email outlining her thoughts. This would be the most cost-efficient method. She wanted Michael to send her 1 or 2 previous contracts CTN had with other dubbers of channel providers, for reference. She wanted to understand the terms, so when she approached MBS for negotiation, she didn’t want either CTN or MBS to hold the advantage.

Now that Michael considered himself as Xiang Zhe’s Senior, and Xiang Zhe was his Junior, they must give MBS a fair deal. Anyway, Michael was someone who abhorred unfair play. Wasn’t that the reason he took it upon himself to personally groom Shan Mei after he heard of her bad experience at MBS? Sometimes he couldn’t believe their good luck. Where were they going to find another gem like her?

Michael immediately faxed to her a couple of contracts, and in his email reply, gave her some parameters to work with, and the advice: Don’t be too hard on Junior

===

This morning, Xiang Zhe had just returned to his office after a morning meeting with his father. When MBS started out, it was private enterprise wholly owned by his grandfather and his mother. In its 10th year of operation, a few other television networks came onto the scene and competition was very stiff. In order to keep its position and competitive edge, MBS was forced to upgrade plant equipment and introduce new technology. MBS had to invite new shareholders who could inject cash into the company. Because of this, Yin Senior, although the majority shareholder of MBS still had to look to the BOD for consensus in implementing any changes.

When Xiang Zhe first joined MBS, the BOD gave him 3 years to turn the company around. Although it was a heavy responsibility for a young man tackling his first job, the BOD agreed he was the suitable candidate since his family founded the company.

Under his leadership, no great revenue improvement to the company was apparent, but a lot of money had been expended to upgrade plant facilities. Xiang Zhe was starting his fifth year with the Station, and the shareholders were beginning to grumble. Yin Senior regretted this sort of scenario. He realized the BOD would vote for showdown sooner or later. Father gave Son the behind-the-boardroom-scenes power wrangling so far.

Even though the BOD was very happy about the recent marriage of Xiang Zhe and Zhen Shan Mei, which brought a lot of publicity for the Station, and also an 8% rise in share price, they have yet to see the long term benefits.

Sitting down slowly at his chair, he felt an urgent need to talk to his wife. Her sweet voice had a calming effect on him. He was about to pick up his phone to call, when his handphone began ringing.

“Hello, Yin Xiang Zhe here.”

“Xue Zhang, it’s me”. Xiang Zhe was tingling. It’s only 11 in the morning and his dearest wife had called.

“Yes Shan Mei, missing me already?”

“Xue Zhang! Please be serious. I would like to see you to discuss the possibility of CTN using MBS’s dubbing facilities. Can a meeting be arranged for this afternoon?”

Xiang Zhe couldn’t believe his ears, his wife wanting to see him during office hours. “How about 2 this afternoon? Come to my office then we’ll go together to meet the controller from that department. Okay?”

“I’m rather pressed for time. I’d rather not drop by your office. Another time, okay? I can find my way to the conference room. What, Room A? See you at 2 then. Sorry for the short notice. Thanks, Xue Zhang.”

When the call ended, Xiang Zhe couldn’t hide a smile. “Want to play the big girl? Okay, I’d humour her.”

He called Mr. Ang, Controller of Dubbing Department, and told him to meet him at conference room A at 2 this afternoon for business meeting.

Xiang Zhe had no idea what to expect from Shan Mei from across the negotiation table. The contract for CTN channelling rights was negotiated directly with CTN-UK. He thought it would be fun if Zian Da was there too.

At the meeting, his wife addressed him as Mr. Yin, Zian Da was Mr. Kim, Dubbing Controller was Mr. Ang, and she of course was Miss Zhen. As the meeting progressed, Xiang Zhe suddenly realised it was serious matter she was proposing. After that, Xiang Zhe was quiet. She was able to elicit so much information about the dubbing department that he was not even aware of. She found many things not up to her expectation but she assured Mr. Ang that those things could easily be rectified. Not to worry. It wasn’t his fault.

At the end of the meeting, she made a thorough inspection of the dubbing department, asking many intelligent questions about the facilities, some of which his staff could not answer. She also left a brief demo tape for dubbing trial. Could she have it back in a week’s time? Mr. Ang was so charmed by her, he promised to return it in 3 days.

After Xiang Zhe arranged for MBS company car to send Shan Mei back to her office, he walked back to his own office, deep in thought. Zian Da was waiting for him.

“What happened to her in London? It’s only 2 years since she left MBS, yet at this afternoon’s meeting, she was carrying on about dubbing techniques and facilities that even Mr. Ang, with 15 years experience in the business, wasn’t even aware of.”

Xiang Zhe sat back in his chair, he gave Zian Da a long, hard stare. “Even if I tell you, you will not believe it. But I can tell you that she has suffered too much to come to this stage. Now, I need to clear my table, if you don’t mind. My wife Mrs. Yin may call any time. After this afternoon’s meeting, you will understand why I don’t want to upset her.”

Alone again in his office, Xiang Zhe began to understand the magic of Zhen Shan Mei. It was obvious she wanted to cooperate with MBS. She had her own set of standards and she wasn’t going to compromise. With her dazzling smile and charming tact Mr. Ang didn’t feel threatened at all by her and in fact was only too eager to cooperate.

She left a demo tape for Mr. Ang. Let’s see what the final dubbed version would be like. “Zhen Shan Mei” was all he could say in admiration as he rubbed at his habitual frown, his face breaking out in grins.

That night at home after dinner while sipping coffee, Shan Mei casually asked her husband his thoughts on this afternoon’s meeting. He looked at her, just smiled and said nothing. “Oh Xue Zhang, please say something.”

“My thoughts? I thought you looked so beautiful and adorable poor Mr. Ang fell instantly and completely under your spell” he laughed out.

“Xue Zhang, be serious please” she gave him a frown.

“Okay, okay, here’s what I think. I know whatever you decide, it won’t be because I’m your husband but because you’re Zhen Shan Mei, right?”

She nodded.

“And because you’re Zhen Shan Mei, I know you will make a very fair offer. Therefore, whatever it is, MBS will accept.”

“Thank you Xue Zhang for what you have just said” and, for the very first time, without any encouragement from him, she leant over and kissed him full on his lips. Xiang Zhe was stunned and immediately kissed her back hungrily. Shan Mei gently pulled away, and continued with the conversation.

“Because of what you’ve just said, you will know that I am acting out of character. I want to cooperate with MBS only because of my husband. I’ve decided to make a very good offer to MBS only because of my husband. And the contract will only be in force as long as my husband and his family have a controlling stake in MBS, because I love my husband very much.”

Xiang Zhe looked at his wife, his fingers running through his hair, not knowing whether to laugh or to cry.

In July, a week before their wedding when Michael was in town, CTN officially announced that MBS had been awarded the channelling rights for CTN-KE when their contract with SGS expired, the share price of MBS immediately rose. Now, if MBS held the exclusivity for dubbing all of CTN’s programmes for the Korean market, MBS share price should rise again. Was Shan Mei aware of this?

“Thank you, my dearest wife” he then pulled Shan Mei onto his lap, and began kissing her reverently.
==

Three days later, as soon as Mr. Ang, the Controller of MBS Dubbing Department brought the dubbed demo tape to Xiang Zhe, he called Shan Mei wanting to know whether she had time to review the tape that afternoon.

“Husband, really? Mr. Ang is really good with his word. I am now on my way to Pa’s noodle shop. I don’t think I want to get back to the office since I am taking the afternoon off.”

When Xiang Zhe heard this, he wanted to join her and told her to wait for him. He took the demo tape with him, told his secretary to cancel all afternoon appointments. He would be back in the office only the next morning.

Pa and Ma were so happy to see Shan Mei. She had bought some meat snacks from Lotte Department store, wanting to try them with their kimchi noodles. Xiang Zhe soon arrived. They appeared so in love, and it was obvious to any on-looker the man only had eyes for his wife.

When they were just about to leave, Shan Mei taking her rose with her, Ma told them, “Shan Mei, I’ve prepared several tasty dishes for you. These are all stored in the fridge at Pa’s house. Pick them up on your way home.

On hearing this, Xiang Zhe then told Shan Mei that he too had decided to take the afternoon off. He drove to Pa’s house, they then raided the fridge. When all the goodies were loaded into the car, she told him, “Let’s head for home!” Xiang Zhe liked the idea very much, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

At home, Shan Mei prepared some coffee, then asked Xue Zhang for the demo tape. “I want to watch the tape now. Maybe you should watch it together with me.”

She gave him some note paper for note taking. The tape was only 20 minutes long, yet Xiang Zhe noticed Shan Mei was furiously writing away during and after the review. Actually he did not make any notes, so he was curious to know what she had written. Had she found so many faults?

While she was in the kitchen storing away the food boxes, Xiang Zhe stole a look at her papers. She was so organised. Everything had a rating from 1 to 10, 10 being the best score. All four remarks on the Positive side scored 10 each, the first being “Xue Zhang”. He wondered why he was there, then “Reliable”, “Convenient”, “Cooperative.” All had nothing to do with the dubbing quality of the tape. He then reviewed the tape again to look out for the parts she had made remarks under the Negative side. She was so meticulous and observant. All her remarks were justified.

Later on when Xiang Zhe asked, “Darling, how come I’m first on your list?”, she simply smiled and said “because you are Xue Zhang” as if that was explanation enough. He couldn’t quite understand but he should be so happy with the fact that he scored a perfect 10.

The next day, Shan Mei was at MBS to review the demo tape with Mr. Ang. She praised him highly for the fast work. “Mr. Ang, everything seems to be alright except I feel somewhat uneasy about the voice matching. But if MBS had the talent, I shan’t worry too much. From now till the first transmission through MBS, barely 10 months away, CTN will need at least 10,000 – 20,000 hours of dubbed material. We can’t afford any mistakes. Can you let me have a detailed Equipment List so I can determine whether any item needs to be upgraded? Thank you,”

Xiang Zhe came to the Dubbing Department towards the end of the meeting to collect Shan Mei. He was so looking forward to enjoy coffee with her in the privacy of his office.

“So sorry, darling. Another time, okay? I’m running late for an appointment with a sponsor.”

“Shan Mei, take the company car. Where do you want to go?” Xiang Zhe asked as he walked his wife to the front lobby.

Shan Mei simply replied “Bansung Group Building. Thank you.”

He kept his feelings under control, not saying a thing. Before she climbed into the car, he gave her a kiss on her cheek telling her he would wait for her call later. He stood there watching as the car moved away. “What is this Mr. SD Sung up to? Still hasn’t given up on Shan Mei even though she is now a married woman – married to me, Yin Xiang Zhe, no less.”.

Chapter AW-2

That night, at home, Xiang Zhe was dying to ask Shan Mei about her meeting at Bansung, but he didn’t because that was her company’s business. He was hoping she would tell him, both being aware how interested Mr. Sung was in her before her marriage. He was getting so impatient, he began showing his displeasure over the slightest excuse.

“Xue Zhang” Shan Mei started in her sweetest voice, “are you so tired from your office work?”

He didn’t even look at her. He kept quiet. Shan Mei came to where he was sitting in the armchair and started gently massaging his neck and shoulders. He felt better but he was still waiting for some explanation about Mr. Sung.

“Xiang Jie is doing very well at his Assistant job. May be you should start grooming him to take over some of your responsibilities. Next year he will be going to university in England. After he graduates he can take over your responsibilites at MBS, when you move over to Wen Rong Group.”

The issue of Mr. Sung was at once forgotten. Coming was a more important battle. The conversation Xiang Zhe had with his father that morning was still very fresh in his mind. He knew his Step uncle was the one doing all the behind the scenes manueovering to oust him from the Station.

“No way! MBS belongs to my mother’s side of the family. The only person going to take over when I move to Wen Rong is you.” He gave her hand a hard squeeze. Shan Mei’s hands were by now smoothing the deep furrows on his forehead. He felt her soothing strokes releasing the tightness around his head.

“He can learn, may be head a small division, but I would prefer him to join Wen Rong after his graduation. When the time is right, I would like to delist MBS from Wen Rong. This station is going to you and our children.”

“Husband, don’t think so far ahead. We haven’t even got any children yet”

“Then we’d better start making some soon!” He pulled her over the arm of the chair, to land on his lap and gave her that special so-in-love-with-you look.

“I’m sure several major shareholders in MBS will help me because they are all family friends, and they don’t want MBS to fall into the wrong hands. If I’ve a choice, I’ll ask father to let me have all his shares in MBS. I won’t want any part of Wen Rong; he can leave that to Xiang Jie. I’ve several trust funds, from my mother, my grandfather, which I haven’t touched at all. If necessary, we’ll also sell this house, and move back to my old apartment.”

Shan Mei became very agitated all of a sudden, and burst out, “I don’t want to live in that apartment ever.” She got off her husband’s lap and faced him, sad shadows hidden behind her eyes.

“Why? You’ve grown used to living in fancy houses?” Xiang Zhe almost forced out the words, he didn’t want to believe it.

“Xue Zhang! How can you even think like that?” With that, Shan Mei ran sobbing to their bedroom upstairs and locked the door behind her. Xiang Zhe was getting quite impatient when the door wouldn’t yield. He had to go look for the spare keys. He wondered what was eating her. She had never ever done that.

He found her sobbing into his pillow on his side of the bed. The sight was so heart wrenching. He lay very gently down over her back, raining soft kisses along the spine of her back, her nape, apologising for his rash and hasty remarks, but asked her what was wrong? If she didn’t tell him how was he to know?

She wriggled round to face him “Because Ying Mei was always at that apartment. She made it out like she and you were on intimate terms.” Shan Mei began sobbing again “I don’t ever want to see that place.”

His thumbs were rubbing, his mouth was kissing away the tears, berating himself silently for his stupidity. “Okay, okay. I don’t even want to keep that place now. I’ll put it up for sale immediately. Please don’t cry. I can’t bear to see you cry. I swear nothing happened between her and me, okay? My heart only has room for Zhen Shan Mei, and no one else. She did try to seduce me, and told me you were the one who told her you had broken up with me. And that you still loved You Zhen, that was why he was in your hotel room one time when you were both away shooting Music Stage Show. And when you met up with You Zhen in the rain, after I saw him and Xu Ying Mei going off to a love motel, I thought I had lost you to him. Do you know how many sleepless nights I endured imagining you in his arms? I was so eaten up with such insane jealousy thinking you were playing me for a fool. Loving you really made me lose my senses. I didn’t care what went on between you and You Zhen, as long as you agreed to come walking straight back towards me, I was willing to play the lovesick fool!”

He smiled inside himself at a startling discovery. His wife was unwilling to share her precious Yin Xiang Zhe just like he was unwilling to share his precious Zhen Shan Mei with anybody else. This discovery was so sweet like honey coating around his heart.

Another thought struck him “Is there a reason why you are always reluctant to come up to my office?”

“Yes, that was the place you told me not to ever go to you with my personal problems, and even when I felt unwell, you ignored me. Like you didn’t care or want me anymore, because the night before when I was going to meet up with You Zhen, you told me you would give me up. Those were my darkest hours. I don’t want to be reminded of them ever again.” So sad. She buried her face into his pillow, wishing she could bury the unhappy memory just as easily.

Xiang Zhe was so grieved. He remembered that rainy night so well and hated himself for losing his senses. He couldn’t sleep at all that night, all he did was drink and smoke and seized with sexual jealousy thinking of Shan Mei and You Zhen cuddled up together at some motel. The next day when Shan Mei was late for production meeting, he had assumed she was late because she couldn’t bear to leave You Zhen’s arms, and had spent her time doing naughty things with You Zhen she didn’t even complete her assignment, he began venting his angry jealousy on her.

Love could really make a person lose his senses. Even though he had told her he would wait for her, no matter what, she was to go and do what needed to be done to help You Zhen, to go to him if she encountered problems. When it came to real facts, he simply couldn’t take it, becoming jealous and suspicious! The seeds of doubt being so deviously sown by Xu Ying Mei! After all, he was a man.

He smoothed her hair away from her forehead and curled it behind her ear. He trailed soft kisses along the lobe and murmured ever so tenderly into her ear “there is no one I care or want more in this world than my darling Shan Mei”. He drew her close to him and began to kiss her lips, her cheeks, her eyes, and her neck with soft fervent words of love.

“Darling, please forgive me” as he slid his hands lightly from her shoulders down her arms. With a sensuous smile, he asked his wife, “How about continuing with that lovely massage you were giving me downstairs just before you blew up? Ehm? How about it?” Not waiting for an answer from his wife, he joined her in bed, his clothes gone. After he lay down, to lie beside her, he slowly slipped her t-shirt over her head and took off her bra. His hands began to explore her body, slowly, sensuously. “Darlng, you feel simply wonderful” he said in a low, husky voice. “So soft, and warm, and smooth” as he carefully cupped her breasts in his big hands, and stroked her nipples with his thumbs. “Shan Mei, Shan Mei, I love you, I love you ….!” Xiang Zhe whispered the words like a litany until they became a breathless, hoarse chant against her tingling skin.

Tomorrow, he would bring in the ID people to immediately redo completely his office, leaving no trace of the old office, not even a tiny shred.

And he would get rid of the cars before she remembered that Ying Mei had ridden in them too. He would have the BMW people come over to arrange a trade-in for new cars in new colours. Yes, aqua blue for the smaller model and dark blue for the larger one.

The stormy weather had just cleared. The moon was shining through like her bright, radiant smile. “I love you, Zhen Shan Mei. Never doubt it”

Chapter AW-3

His office was finally ready. He went to have a good look and was satisfied with the results. The re-layout changed its look completely, nothing at all like the old set-up. Even his secretary was happy with the change.

They spent all morning moving their things back into place. He sat back in his very comfortable new office chair, and gave Shan Mei a call. On hearing her sweet voice, he suddenly forgot what he had called her for.

“Hello, Miss Zhen?” At the other end Shan Mei smiled lovingly into the handset.

“Yes, Mr. Yin?”

“Mr. Yin would like to make a date with you tomorrow.”

“Oh, another tape review ?”

He laughed under his breath, rubbing his eye with his knuckle, “No, no. Something more fun. A drive to the countryside, seafood dinner somewhere, then stop off some place for coffee?”

“Sounds delightful. Thank you Mr. Yin”

“I’ll collect you tomorrow afternoon at 4 at your office, okay? Bye.”

“Mr. Yin? Does Mrs. Yin know about this?”

“She’d better know. She’s the reason for all this!”

“Huh?”

“Bye” then quickly hung up. “Zhen Shan Mei, got you” he laughed satisfied with himself.

All night at home, Xiang Zhe was aware Shan Mei was eyeing him secretly with puzzled looks trying to fathom what he was up to. He acted normal. Neither of them mentioned anything about tomorrow’s date.

The next morning, Xiang Zhe took a long time in dressing carefully. He changed 4 times before he settled on a final choice. Shan Mei followed his cue. She saw him finally walking out of his dressing room. He matched his suit with a blue silk tie. That suit looked new, yes?

She decided to put on her new soft light blue 2-pc Chanel pant suit, to match his tie. She simply loved the cut of their pants. Always made her feel extra special. In fact Madam Kim, the boutique owner, asked her to buy a few more sets, one in each colour. She always gave Shan Mei very special deals, because she was good advertisement for her boutique.

Today, she was extra careful with her make up. She met Xiang Zhe in the kitchen where he had already prepared some toast and coffee. They ate in silence. He was stealing glances at her whenever he thought she was not looking. She looked simply breathtakingly beautiful.

The whole morning in her office, Shan Mei kept looking at her watch to see whether 4 o’clock was here yet. After lunch, her whole body was tingling with bated anticipation. She smiled to herself, “That Xue Zhang has finally learnt to loosen up. Engaging in suspense games, eh?”

Xiang Zhe’s call finally came through. “Darling, it’s me. I’m downstairs at the front of SGS building.”

She went downstairs, but she didn’t see Xue Zhang or his car. She bit her lower lip and frowned. What game was he playing?

Just then he appeared beside her, and told her she looked gorgeous. He pulled her along to a brand new aqua-coloured BMW parked at the side of the driveway. She looked at him, “Ours?”

He nodded his head, a rakish grin playing around his mouth. Then he opened the front door for her.

As Xiang Zhe made his way out to the highway and headed towards the nearest country town towards Incheon in a leisurely drive, Shan Mei kept repeating excitedly, “Xue Zhang, the colour of this car is so beautiful. I can’t believe you chose this colour.”

Looking at her, Xiang Zhe felt so blessed. Although she looked so poised and elegant most of the time, she was still that little girl at heart, the little girl who loved the simple pleasures of life and starry nights. Xiang Zhe hoped they would get their stars tonight.

They stopped for dinner at an open air food stall serving seafood. The air was clean and fresh, the food was simple yet delicious, the sky was clear and full of stars. The setting looked so magical. They were so reluctant to leave when dinner was over, but it was getting late and a bit chilly.

Before he started the car, Shan Mei caught hold of his hand and brought it up to her lips. Then pressing his palm to her cheek, she looked at him, tears swimming in her eyes, “Xue Zhang, you have made me the happiest woman in the world. I don’t want to be with anyone but you forever in this life, next life and eternity.”

Xiang Zhe was so choked up with emotion, he pulled her into his arms and held her tight. He breathed hoarsely into her hair “don’t you ever forget what you have just said, my dearest Mrs. Yin.”

By the time they were back in the city it was past 9. Xiang Zhe drove the car into MBS carpark. Shan Mei didn’t ask questions nor nag; she had learnt her lesson! When Xiang Zhe pressed on the button 7 in the elevator, she became apprehensive. Xiang Zhe held on to her hand tight. There was no way she could escape. At her enquiring look, he simply said “Coffee.”

“But I like the coffee at Coffee Express. Shouldn’t we be going there?”

He shook his head, smiled at her “this is better.”

Arriving at his office, he opened the door to his office and gently pushed her in. They were in the secretary’s area. Shan Mei remembered it wasn’t like this before. When Xiang Zhe led her through to his own office, it looked like another brand new office. She looked at him, her eyes all questioning. He circled his arms around her waist and looked indulgently into her eyes, “Anything, except me, that my wife doesn’t like must go”.

Shan Mei couldn’t contain those tears anymore, those tears which had been threatening to flow since dinner time. She wound her arms around his waist, her face sobbing quietly into his shirt, his tie.

He lifted up her face, to wipe away her tears. He then led her to the brand new sofa. After she sat down, Xiang Zhe asked, “Comfortable?” She nodded. He went into the newly added pantry to make coffee.

While waiting, he switched on all the TV screens for their entertainment pleasure. Shan Mei could see herself on one of the screens in a replay of this morning’s news. She suddenly felt shy – Xue Zhang watching her every day like that!

The coffee when it came was very good. They sat there watching MBS programmes. After watching awhile at a MBS drama series, Shan Mei went to sit at Xue Zhang’s desk, took some note paper from the paper tray and started making notes. Xiang Zhe gave a despairing look. Who was the workaholic now? She concentrated 100% on the task at hand.

When Xiang Zhe came around the desk to fill her cup with more coffee, she gave him an apologetic look. She waited to read the credit lines. She was always interested in credit lines. She liked to sieve through them waiting to discover a new talent.

When she had finished and just about to leave her chair, Xiang Zhe came over, lifted her up, sat on the chair himself, placed her back on his lap, gave her a light kiss on her cheek, then took the paper from her to see what she had written. She was after ‘voices’. She liked some of the voices from that drama. May be Xue Zhang could ask Mr. Ang to line up the talents that she had marked out so she could meet them? She would like to give Mr. Ang another short tape to try out the new voices. He shook his head in disbelief.

“Hard work has to be rewarded”. He pulled open a side drawer, took from it a small jewellery box. He snapped it open. In it was a simple pearl brooch, but there was nothing simple about the pearl. It was the most exquisite baroque Australian natural deep sea pearl. Shan Mei very delicately picked it up from the box to admire. It was so beautiful. Xiang Zhe took it from her and pinned it on her jacket.

Shan Mei looked into Xiang Zhe’s eyes now clouded with passion. She caught his face between her hands and gave him a slow sweet kiss. Xiang Zhe was gratified. His shy wife was learning to take the initiative. He put a hand under her chin, tilting her face up to hold her eyes with his, then slowly, his open mouth came down on hers. Her lips parted under his, and as his tongue filled the inside of her mouth, the taste of him, the feel of him sent every nerve in her body tingling, filling her with hot desire. When she straightened up, she avoided looking at him, her face was blushing profusely. “Xue Zhang, are we ready to go home now?”

“Can’t wait to get your claws into me?” he laughed teasingly at her.

“Xue Zhang!!!!” her blush had deepened, she began hitting his chest.

Laughing wickedly, he lifted her off his lap. She cleared away the coffee cups and tidied up his desk.

With his arm wrapped around her shoulders, he switched off the lights of the office as he led the way out. Outside the office, he pulled the door shut, then they walked towards the elevator, engulfed in each other’s love!

Starry, starry night

Star light, Love bright!

Will you be my Love tonight?

Chapter AW-4

This morning, Xiang Zhe arrived at the office very early. Last night, he couldn’t sleep well. His dearest wife was supposed to return from Sydney, instead, she had called to inform him she was delayed by one day.

As Xiang Zhe walked through MBS main lobby, he had a strange feeling all eyes were on him. In his office, while taking his coffee, he read the morning’s papers. After that, he found the coffee too bitter for his taste.

Xiang Zhe was furious as he threw down the morning’s newspapers on his desk. Irresponsible reporting or truth ?

He suddenly riveted his eyes to give Peter Rabbit a quizzical look. “What’s up with you again?”

World News Section: Big coloured photo of Shan Mei holding on to an award CTN-KE had just won for Best TV Documentary under 30 Minutes during the Asian-Pac Special Film and Television Documentary & Feature Festival. Next to her was Michael, of course! Who else? It was reported that immediately after the award ceremony both of them disappeared together for a secret rendezvous. From the photo, Xiang Zhe noticed that Shan Mei wasn’t wearing his rose pendant necklace. Hummpf! She’d better had a good explanation for this!

Shan Mei was supposed to leave Sydney last night immediately after the award ceremony, instead she had called to inform him her departure was delayed for one day. She didn’t mention anything at all about going off somewhere with Michael ?

He tried to call Shan Mei several times on her mobile, but there was no connection. She’d better have a good explanation, otherwise………. Just imagine a husband not knowing his wife’s whereabouts. He had tolerated her work with CTN. By sheer hard work and talent she had gotten to her present position. He was not going to deprive her of her rewards, but what about him? He wanted her to spend more time with him at home! Was that too much to ask for ?

Michael had confirmed to him that CTN-KE would increase their viewing hours from the current daily four hours to eight hours when they begin channelling through MBS. If that was the case she would find it harder to spare him more time. It was bad enough now, he was lucky if he could manage lunch with her once a week. And the workload she took home most nights was heavier than his!

Just then his mobile rang. It was Shan Mei calling from Brisbane airport. She was just about to board a flight for Seoul. She would be arriving around midnight. “No time to answer questions, just be at airport, o.k. Xue Zhang?”

He thought, served her right if he didn’t show up at the airport. Let her take a taxi. But inside, he was getting all excited, he was going to see his angel tonight. He had missed her so much. Should he go shop for some late-night snacks? Yes, he would fill the whole house with flowers. He immediately put a call through to their usual florist to put in an order for Shan Mei’s favourite roses. All his threats from a few minutes ago had vanished.

He arrived at the airport well before midnight. He was getting impatient, the time was passing by so slowly. He had in the fridge some avocado and salmon sushi rolls and a bottle of the best French white. The house was filled with roses, especially in their bedroom.

An hour later he saw her coming through customs, she too saw him at the same time. She only had a shopping bag, and no luggage. She ran towards him, straight into his arms, “My darling Xue Zhang, I’ve missed you so much. Can we go home now? I’m so tired.”

Xiang Zhe thought “Darling”? “Missing so much”?, from the shy baby in a public place? What got into her? Where was her luggage?

“If you were missing me so much, why did you take off the rose pendant necklace I put on you before you left for Sydney?”

“Oh Xue Zhang, what rubbish are you talking about? I wouldn’t NOT wear it for anything in the world! See?” And she rolled down her high-neck collar to reveal the diamond rose lying on the exact spot of her throat that he always loved sipping. “I thought being Spring in Sydney, the weather would be nippy and pleasant, but it was still very cold. I bought this turtle neck light wool dress in Sydney to keep me warm. The party dress I took with me from Seoul for the ceremony was not warm enough.”

“What have you and Michael been up to, that you’re so tired?” he hedged around delicately, although he had grudgingly accepted Shan Mei’s explanation about the pendant.

“Lots of things. Oh, Xue Zhang, I’m so happy. Things are going to be so different for us soon. That Michael is simply the best.”

He took the shopping bag from her as he led the way to where the car was parked. She didn’t notice he was suddenly quiet. She was hanging on to his arm. She really must be tired. He was not happy. Before, he was the best, now suddenly Michael was the best. When did this change occur?

At home, Shan Mei didn’t even notice the flowers. The shopping bag contained the award and the accompanying certification, etc. “Where’s your luggage?” Xiang Zhe asked irritably.

“Oh, that! It’s in Michael’s hotel room”. With that she ran upstairs claiming she needed a shower and hair wash really bad.

Xiang Zhe followed her into their bedroom. Her discarded clothes were strewn all over. He stopped just inside the bathroom, she was in the shower cubicle washing her hair. “Xue Zhang? Want to give my back a good scrub? I feel as if ants are crawling all over my back”

“Are you sure it’s not Michael’s hands you feel are crawling all over your back?" He tried biting back the words, alas, too late !

“Xue Zhang!” With that, Shan Mei turned off the shower faucet, and popped her head out of the cubicle, “What’s the matter with you again?” glaring at him angrily.

“The matter is very simple. The whole of Korea knows, from the newspapers, that my wife had a secret rendezvous with the director of CTN. They disappeared without a trace for one night and one day. Now my wife tells me she has left her luggage in the director’s hotel room?” He arched an eyebrow at her ?

Ignoring him, Shan Mei wrapped herself with a towel, then proceeded to run a hot water bath. She threw in a handful of bath salts. She stepped back into the cubicle to continue rinsing her hair. When the bathtub was almost full, she stepped into it. She let out a yelp, the water was really hot. Her skin was burnt, yet she endured the pain. The pain was nothing compared to the pain her husband had just inflicted upon her by his stinging words. She eased herself into the water, rested her head on the ledge, letting the heat from the water release the stress from her aching muscles. She closed her eyes, but she couldn’t stop the tears from streaming down her face.

He was not going to be taken in by her tears. He turned around and left the bathroom quietly. He picked up the clothes on the floor, bunched them up and angrily threw them into the laundry basket. He went to lie down on the bed. Didn’t he have a right to let off his anger? She had made him the laughing stock of Seoul. Where did they go to that she had to fly in from Brisbane and not Sydney?

He suddenly jerked himself up. It was more than half an hour since she went into the tub. He made his way stealthily to the bathroom and peeped in. She was still in the tub, not moving. Her eyes were shut, her lashes still wet with tears. Suddenly, he was gripped with guilt. Seeing her cry was the most heart-wrenching thing for him, yet he was the one inflicting the hurt.

He went to lie on the bed again. Tossing this side, then that side. He couldn’t stand it anymore. He went into the bathroom, removed his clothes, then stepped into the tub. He caught her to him cradling her tight in his arms. He began to kiss her all over: her hair, her face, her neck, her everywhere. He wanted to make things right between them. He kept murmuring, “Darling, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I made you cry. Please forgive me, I love you.”

She started to cry harder. He felt so helpless. He began stroking her back in soothing movements, hoping the calming strokes would ease away the pain. After that he scrubbed her back like she had wanted him to before his jealous rage. When she had tired herself out, he carried her out of the tub and laid her down on the bed, grabbing a towel to gently and tenderly wipe her dry.

When he was done, he caressed her face, willing her to open her eyes to look into his, so remorseful. When she finally did, she slowly sat up, circled her arms tightly around his neck, softly sobbed “I’m sorry, Xue Zhang”, her face buried into his chest.

He cradled her face against his, his fingers running through her hair “Darling, I was going frantic with worry. I couldn’t sleep all those nights you were away. What happened to the mobile? Why did you fly home from Brisbane? Weren’t you in Sydney?”

Finally, she looked at him, she smiled. ‘I’m hungry. Can you put my pyjamas on for me? I’m too tired to move.”

He quickly put some clothes on her and some on himself. He then carried her piggy-back style to the kitchen, sat her down, before taking the sushi from the fridge. Did his lady love want coffee too?

When they had finished, he carried her back to the bed. He took a hair dryer from the bathroom to dry out her hair. After that, he placed her head in the crook of his arm and hugged her tightly to him. Let her tell him in her own good time. Now that she was safely home in his arms, nothing else mattered.

After a while, Shan Mei raised her head up to his chin and whispered softly, “Xue Zhang?”

“Emm..?”

“I love you, love you so much”

He was very moved. He turned to look down at her. “I love you too”, he whispered back and then he bent down, his lips meeting hers, in a tender kiss. He felt her lips quiver, he kissed her deeper, his tongue slowly sought hers. But he was going to stop at that. She had been through too much tonight. “Go to sleep, you must be so tired” he murmured, planting a light kiss on her hair.

“I’m okay now, after the delicious sushi. The flowers in the room are beautiful. Thank you.” She planted a soft, tender kiss on his palm before she continued.

“Michael and I went to the tropical jungles of Queensland, to meet You Zhen Ge.” On hearing this, his body stiffened.

“As soon as I arrived Sydney I contacted him in New Zealand to try to arrange a meeting. He was just flying out to Brisbane with a film production crew for movie shooting. After the jungles they would be flying out to one of the islands to continue shooting. To catch him at his first stop we had to travel overland into the jungle. We left the award ceremony as soon as our Landrover came to collect us.

These past few weeks, Michael and I had been discussing and working out ways to lessen my workload, so I could spend more time with my husband,” she said shyly.

“I wanted to do a year-long series covering the whole Korean peninsula. I told Michael about You Zhen Ge. Remember how successful we were with our Music Stage Show at MBS? If he agrees to join CTN-KE, with his experience and local knowledge, I can entrust the whole project to him. For overseas projects, we have decided to put Uncle Jose in charge. He will now be based in Seoul assisted by Jun Mao. With them being my right and left hand, I’ll not need to travel unless absolutely necessary. I want to handle only programming, planning and production. Right now, we have more sponsors than shows. After You Zhen Ge gets his camera team into place. Uncle Jose will then return to London.

Brisbane was the closest airport to the place where You Zhen Ge was. I wanted to get home to you as quickly as possible. I was missing you too much.” By this time Xiang Zhe had eased his arm from under Shan Mei, and was lying on top of her, his mouth nuzzling that throbbing pulse in the hollow of her throat. Raining feathery kisses along the side of her face, murmuring words of love and apology, his lips trailing down to her breasts, his hands tenderly caressing, setting her entire body alight. She became very quiet. He stopped what he was doing to look up at her face. Her eyes were unfathomable dark pools, her face radiated with such passion, he couldn’t hold back his raging emotions anymore. “Shan Mei, I’ve missed you so much” he cried hoarsely and sought her mouth hungrily, forcing his tongue in, while his hands were busy unbuttoning her pyjama top.

Xiang Zhe awoke with the sun. He looked lovingly at the precious bundle now snuggled so trustingly in his arms. He simply couldn’t have enough of her. He was so tempted to wake her up and start loving her all over again.

He let off a sigh. So You Zhen was going to be back. Michael was another thorn. He must think of a way to stop hurting Shan Mei with his jealous seizures.

No wonder Shan Mei said Michael was the best. He was, wasn’t he? Understanding their newly married state, and going all out to ensure she could keep work and family life in equal balance. What a boss? He himself wouldn’t have been able to do that, but what if he had an employee like Shan Mei ? Apart from the huge revenue she was pulling in for CTN-KE from sponsorship deals and Internet subscription fees, she was also their biggest human resource asset.

Her weekly 1-hour Musical Postcard over MBS airwaves was now the most highly rated local radio show. The station had to arrange for 2 assistants, one of them being Xiang Jie at the insistence of Shan Mei, just to handle listeners’ letters and her personal fan mail. Fan mail?, he shook his head in disbelief and let off a short laugh. “This child?” But, wasn’t he her No. 1 fan? Maybe, he should start sending her fan mail too through email!

He had promised Michael that MBS would not sign up sponsors for Musical Postcard. But, Sponsors had been harrassing their radio programme controller for slots on Shan Mei’s programme. To appease the sponsors, the station finally sold 2 advertising slots, one before the hour and one after the hour of Musical Postcard, at unbelievable premium rates.

How would Shan Mei want him to handle his jealous outbursts? She had always behaved with great decorum. It was only his own crazy mind working over time, all the time!! She treated Michael, Jose, You Zhen and Xiang Jie as brothers and cared for them as such. Those she didn’t welcome into her inner sanctum, she avoided politely. That was it. Hadn’t he been doing the same? He treated Yong Xi as a sister, and Zian Da as a brother. If Shan Mei treated them as her beloved brothers, he would also look upon them as such, not as rivals.

Chapter AW-5

After 2-1/2 months of marriage, Xiang Zhe had changed completely his outlook of the world. He now always appeared happy, smiling all the time, and had a word of greeting or a friendly nod for his staff whenever he bumped into them, in the lifts, in the building corridors, in the canteen or in the carpark.

It was now nearing the third week of September.

Uncle Jose would be arriving in Seoul any one of these days, his main duty was to take care of filming further episodes of Korean Kinship, and assist in the backrooms whenever he had no out-of-town assignments.

They had prepared for him the company apartment that Shan Mei used to stay in. Unfortunately, the typhoon that swept through the peninsula three days ago had caused some damage. Several glass windows in the apartment were broken.

Shan Mei had missed Uncle Jose. He was not able to attend her wedding because of an urgent overseas assignment.

Shan Mei asked Xiang Zhe whether Uncle Jose could stay with them instead of in a hotel, until the windows in the apartment were repaired.

Xiang Zhe had no objection. The only time he met Jose was at Shan Mei’s mini concert in March. He wanted to get to know the man, who had become such an important part of Shan Mei’s professional life, better.

At the airport, Shan Mei and Jose fell automatically into each other’s arms, Jose carrying on in his Spanish and Shan Mei blushing to whatever he was saying. He gave Xiang Zhe a strong handshake saying “You’re so blessed to have such an enchanting wife”. Xiang Zhe smiled and nodded in agreement, wrapping his arm lovingly around Shan Mei’s shoulders as they made their way towards the carpark.

They stopped at a typical Korean restaurant for a traditional Korean dinner of BBQ meat, kimchi side dishes and ginseng chicken soup.

After the heavy meal, Jose couldn’t sleep at all. Shan Mei and Xiang Zhe didn’t mind staying up with Jose since tomorrow was Sunday.

They sat outside in the garden. The sky was clear, stars twinkling, very quiet and peaceful. Just their favourite kind of setting. Seeing the couple sitting there, so in love, Jose was inspired. He brought out his guitar and began serenading them.

After a while, Shan Mei went to the kitchen to prepare some snack dishes. Jose helped with the wine, wine glasses and ice bucket, just like old times when they were on shooting assignments.

Xiang Zhe sneaked upstairs to get their guitars. He had become inspired too. He had never played to Shan Mei, except that time on stage at the concert. Jose was happy to see two other guitars. Now, he had friends!

They sat there in the garden eating, drinking and playing until 3 in the morning. Jose was still into his music. He told the kids to go off to bed.

In the bedroom, while Xiang Zhe helped Shan Mei undressed, he agreed there really was something magical to the music coming from an old flamenco guitar. Shan Mei must play more often.

After taking warm shower together, they went to sleep. They were so tired.

===

Early the next morning, Shan Mei was on the phone with her Ma, then she was on the phone with Xiang Jie.

When Shan Mei hung up the phone, she noticed Xiang Zhe was looking at her through half slit eyes, his face expressionless, with just a trace of a smile on his mouth. He didn’t look like he was ready to get up from the bed yet.

“Xue Zhang, are you tired?” she asked anxiously across the room.

He had heard her inviting Xiang Jie and family over to the house this evening. Uncle Jose was in town. That kid must be having plenty to report to Shan Mei because she was laughing at something Xiang Jie was telling her. Them two partners-in-crime! He wasn’t going to indulge her just yet, suspecting her plan was to drag him off shopping for food for the BBQ tonight.

“Yes, very tired. So don’t think of dragging me off to the market.”

“Actually, I was thinking of something else, but never …” she broke off and gave him an enigmatic, hesitant look from under her lashes

“Yes?” Xiang Zhe fixing his eyes on her, not knowing what to expect, yet his heart was racing.

Her face now a deeper shade of pink, mumbling shyly “Mrs. Yin was thinking of asking Mr. Yin for some loving……...”

Before she could say more, Xiang Zhe leapt out of the bed, swooped her up into his arms and deposited her on their bed. As he bent down to take her quivering lips, he let off a triumphant laugh, adding Mr. Yin would never be too tired to make Mrs. Yin happy.

Fully sated and rested, Xiang Zhe turned onto his side, propped his head on his elbow on the bed, and looked adoringly into Shan Mei’s eyes. “What brought that on, Mrs. Yin?” as if she could read his mind then. Wasn’t he yearning for the same? Now, seeing her lying there, she appeared both childlike and bewitching at the same time. He couldn’t help himself but plant yet again another deep kiss on her luscious lips.

“I was still drowning in last night’s music. Uncle Jose was right when he insisted I learn the flamenco guitar. Only its music can touch our very souls. Xue Zhang, was yours touched?” She put out one hand shyly to caress his cheek in the special way he was always caressing hers.

He nodded in reply as he turned his head slightly to plant a tender kiss on her palm. His eyes glistened with joyous unshed tears, basking in the knowledge that his Shan Mei was slowly awakening to the passions of womanhood, and not afraid to show it. He caught her hand which had been caressing his cheek, and brought it down to place over his heart. They just lay there side by side on their bed, enjoying in silence the deep sharing of love surrrounding them.

Shan Mei snuggled up to Xiang Zhe. He caught her closer to him in a warm embrace. Very soon, they dozed off.

===

Shan Mei awoke to the rich aroma of coffee. Xiang Zhe was sitting next to her on her side of the bed, smiling at her as if they were sharing a secret. She pretended she didn’t understand. He laughed softly at her.

Suddenly she jerked up. “Uncle Jose?”

“It’s okay. Last time I checked he was still asleep. I left the coffee percolator on. What about food for him?”

“Don’t worry. All he needs is his coffee fix. And his favourite cereal which I have already bought. May be some fruits.”

“Do you want to go shopping now? May be have lunch at some place?”

“We’ll just need more fruits. Ma is bringing over the marinated BBQ meat. You’ll take care of the BBQ set, right? Let’s nip out before Uncle Jose wakes up.”

He suddenly caught her in his arms and asked curiously, “What was Xiang Jie telling you that made you laugh away so happily?”

“He said he had composed a love tune for us to commemorate our 3rd month of marriage. Isn’t that sweet? He was so excited, he thought I could read his mind when I asked him to bring over his guitar when he’s here later this evening. And you know, Uncle Jose and him got along so well last time they met. Oh, yes, please remember to take the love seat out to the patio. Xiang Jie wants to play his dedication when we are sitting in our love seat, those were his words.”

“My lap is your love seat! Tell him that”

“I know. That’s also my most favourite seat. But we are having guests, so we must behave with some semblance of propriety. Okay, darling?”

He pouted, and admitted grudgingly. That Shan Mei was always good at cajoling her way into everything, or out of everything, depending.

“Xue Zhang, may be you can polish up our guitars too. Xiang Jie is not the only one who has a new tune. I was working on one too. I’ll play for you tonight” and gave him such a look of love, he sucked in his breath.

He came close to her, caressing her, “Not tonight, darling. Play it when we have the house back to ourselves.” And he gave her a deep, meaningful look. Shan Mei nodded, eyes brimming with tears remembering the loving they shared this morning. The same thought was passing through Xiang Zhe’s mind. His arms went around her tight and he whispered softly, “Want me to help you change?”

“No thanks” she answered with a shy laugh suspecting her husband would have other bedroom games in mind, she shot off to the bathroom.

Xiang Zhe laughed softly, collected the empty coffee cups, and went back to the kitchen. He thought he’d better check on the electric BBQ grill to make sure it was working. This was only the 2nd time they would be using it, the first when he had a small informal gathering for his staff from the MBS News Department, soon after their wedding.

===

Everybody sitting around the large round table in the patio was either busy chatting, eating or drinking. The seniors were in a group, Xiang Jie was with Uncle Jose, Shan Mei was helping Xiang Zhe at the electric grill, a happy family gathering without a care in the world.

Later in the night, when it looked like there wouldn’t be rain, they moved out to the garden. The night breeze was cooling. Xiang Zhe was sitting on the grass. Just as Shan Mei turned to talk with Jose, Xiang Zhe let off a sigh of contentment. He looked up at the clear sky, wishing for his mother to appear. He was sending her a prayer of thanks for sending Shan Mei into his life. His father, sitting with the other seniors, noticed his look of contentment as well as regret, and understood his son’s feeling. Father felt pain too. He promised himself he would never ever again inflict suffering on his elder son, and if there was a way he could right the wrong, he would do it. Then Father’s eyes fell on Shan Mei. He too believed Shan Mei was a blessing from his former wife, not only to their son but to the entire Yin family. A sign that she had forgiven him?

Looking at how loving and caring the young couple was towards each other, he decided it was time for him to relinquish his post as MBS president. He would arrange for Xiang Zhe to officially take over the post at this year’s Company Christmas celebration.

Xiang Jie whispered something into Uncle Jose’s ear. They went off together and came back with their guitars. Jose had told Xiang Jie to play his piece, while he would support him in the background with a very soft refrain.

Xiang Jie asked his sister where the love seat was? She looked at Xiang Zhe, he laughed innocently then pulled her down onto the grass right next to him, his hand went around her waist hugging her close. Shan Mei was shy all at once and tried to beat him off. “Xue Zhang !!!” All the others started to laugh heartily and affectionately at the display.

Xiang Jie was really serious. He stood before the couple, wished them everlasting happiness, followed by a short ode of dedication. With cue from Uncle Jose they began playing. Shan Mei was so touched, tears were swimming in her eyes. She forgot where she was. She just clung on to her Xue Zhang and cried softly into his shirt. He was overwhelmed too, surprised at his own reaction. His arms circled Shan Mei softly stroking her hoping she would understand his silent message that he had finally accepted the boy as his blood brother. Shan Mei was right, Xiang Jie was the other innocent party. He shouldn’t have to bear the burden of the mistakes made by the adults, just like he himself was a victim too in the tragic triangle.

As soon as he finished playing, Xiang Jie ran up to his dad hugging him tightly, burying his face into his dad’s shoulders. He was weeping quietly too, as if he felt a momentous occasion had just passed. His dad’s eyes were red with unshed tears. Jose looked confused, the others kept quiet and didn’t move. Xiang Zhe was the first one to make a move. He pulled Shan Mei up to her feet, gave her a tender kiss and wiped away her tears with his thumbs, saying it was time for champagne. And to reward Xiang Jie for playing so beautifully, the boy would get 2 glasses, one from his sister and one from his elder brother, the first time he had openly declared himself as Xiang Jie’s elder brother.

Xiang Jie loosened his arms from his father, looked up at his brother, the significance of what his elder brother had just said was not lost on him. He ran towards Shan Mei and shyly hugged her at her waist. Xiang Zhe jokingly chided, “Look, I’m the one giving the reward, but she is the one getting the hug” and all laughed. Xiang Jie then ran up to Jose and gave him a tight hug too. Jose didn’t understand what went on, but the teenager’s hug spoke volumes. He patted Xiang Jie fondly on his back and was relieved it was happy ending all around.

Chapter AW-6

“Mr. Yin?” Shan Mei’s familiar dulcet voice came over the phone

“Yes, Miss Zhen ?”

And they both laughed so hard.

Shan Mei composed herself first and became serious again.

“Xue Zhang, free for lunch today?” Her voice sounded inviting.

“With my dearest wife, of course. Anything special?”

“This morning Uncle Jose and I had a long meeting regarding the new CTN office.

After lunch, Uncle Jose would like to see the plan for the construction of the new extension to house our CTN office and its facilities. He would like to familiarise himself with MBS facilities. It wouldn’t be wise to duplicate facilities. Resources could be utilised more sensibly in other areas.

While Uncle Jose look over the facilities, I would like to meet up with the talent I had previously marked out; remember the one who acted as the Prince, the heir to the throne in that MBS period drama?”

“Are you referring to me?” Xiang Zhe teased.

“I am if you’re interested to do the voice-over for the programme I have in mind. You’d be perfect.”

Xiang Zhe was still looking at the phone in his hand after Shan Mei had hung up. He shook his head, laughing softly to himself “this Zhen Shan Mei” as he replaced the instrument back on its cradle.

Soon, word got around the MBS studio. Miss Zhen from CTN would be visiting them that afternoon. An air of excitement pervaded the studio. Many of the MBS staff had seen Shan Mei on television when she collected her many awards at the Award Ceremony. In fact, many of them had voted for her through the Internet. She looked so beautiful then, they wondered whether she would look just as captivating in person and up close?

After lunch, they went straight to the conference room where Xiang Zhe had arranged for the project manager and engineers to be present. Two floors would be constructed on the top of the present MBS building to house the CTN Division. An outdoor bubble lift would be installed to give CTN-KE separate access to their two floors. Jose was more concerned with work flow, like easy access to the facilities they would be sharing, rather than going down one lift, then up another lift. They finally decided to interconnect on the 7th floor, access controlled by a tight security system.
The team to work on the constructive feasibility of this immediately, because work on the extension would be starting in a week’s time.

After that, Xiang Zhe’s assistant accompanied Jose to the Editing and other back rooms to check out the facilities, while Xiang Zhe himself accompanied Shan Mei to see Mr. Ang.

They sat down in the small conference room in the Dubbing Department. Shan Mei took out her notebook. The three of them made small talk while waiting for the actor. When he arrived, he apologised for being late. He had to reshoot some NG scenes. He was Mr. Han Jae Hoon. Dressed in his Armani suit, and not the gowns of traditional Korean dramas, he looked very handsome, very distinguished and was very tall.

Xiang Zhe became quiet, his hands interlocked and clasped over his mouth and a big frown appeared on his forehead. He was fuming inside. He couldn’t understand why Shan Mei always managed to get the best looking guys? He was praying this Mr. Han would croak like a frog as soon as he opened his mouth. Without looking at Xiang Zhe, Shan Mei could already read the signs too well. She was hoping Mr. Han’s voice wouldn’t sound as good as he looked, otherwise they would have no peace in the house if she decided to use Mr. Han for the voice over.

Shan Mei decided to move out of the conference room, and sit somewhere away from Mr. Han. He was to go into the recording studio, and read out a passage that she had earlier given to Mr. Ang. Just hearing the recorded voice, without looking at the face, the effect was perfect. She was very pleased with the outcome. They thanked Mr. Ang and Mr. Han, then left the studio, the recorded voice tape in Shan Mei’s handbag.

Xiang Zhe caught hold of Shan Mei’s hand possessively as they made their way back to his office. He didn’t say a word, neither did she. They went inside Xiang Zhe’s office to wait for Jose. Shan Mei made some coffee in the pantry. When she brought the coffee to Xiang Zhe, she whispered something into his ear. At last his glum look lifted. His face broke into a grin, and he then gave her derriere a smack!

“Ouch, that hurt!”

“Serves you right for making such suggestive remarks to your husband during work hours” and gave her a wink.

Shan Mei called Michael and gave him a run down of what was decided on secured direct access to the MBS building. They would interconnect on 7th floor, same floor where Xue Zhang’s office was located. Michael laughed and said now he knew where to hide to get away from her nagging.

After a while, Jose came into the office with a whole stack of papers and notes. He was satisfied with most of the set up at MBS, but there were certain things that needed changing, not immediately, but when they start sharing. He would study carefully the notes he had made, the equipment lists he had been given, and draw up the most efficient yet cost-saving plan. On the whole, this was a better set up than the one currently provided by SGS.

That evening they went to Yin Snr’s house for dinner. Xiang Jie was ecstatic to see Uncle Jose, and immediately took him to his room. He showed him the photos taken during his trip in London. Even though Uncle Jose was there with them in London, that time he was too shy to talk with him, because his English wasn’t good at all. Sister was the one who insisted he took extra English language tuition, after his return to Seoul.

During coffee, Jose told Shan Mei he would prefer to work during the next few days out of the MBS office. Xiang Zhe had no problem with the arrangement. Xiang Zhe would arrange for MBS company car and his assistant to collect him tomorrow morning from his apartment. Jose wanted to have everything settled soon because he wanted to start scouting for locations for Shan Mei’s other projects.

As soon they entered the house, Xiang Zhe rushed Shan Mei up the stairs.

She resisted. She wanted to first watch the disc which she had brought back.

He wanted to claim the reward which she had promised him in the office.

“Please?” in her sweetest voice plus her most dazzling smile, and he caved in.

Xiang Zhe was the one to set up the system. Shan Mei handed him the programme master copy disc and the taped recording of Mr. Han. He pursed his lips when he saw the tape. The disc was a documentary on natural formation of limestone caves.

Xiang Zhe was to forget the look of Mr. Han. He had to concentrate on the voice instead. After watching the programme, Shan Mei wanted him to give her his candid opinion. Then he had to answer a questionaire, the more careful and detailed his answers, the better the reward.

Xiang Zhe was getting excited and ready to go. Mr. Han’s voice came over the programme as the disc played. The tape recording was only 10 minutes long. So they stopped video disc at that. Xiang Zhe stole a look at Shan Mei. Surprisingly, she wasn’t making notes this time. He had to admit he was disappointed when the recording ended. He wanted to hear more. He replayed both the tape and disc. He had to agree Mr. Han’s voice was very pleasant, just the right intonation of confidence yet had an authoratitive ring to it. At the end of the second replay, he gave Shan Mei the thumbs up with both thumbs, and sat there waiting for the questionaire. She pulled him up from his seat, and told him “meeting adjourned to bath tub.” Grinning broadly, he scooped her into his arms and ran up the stairs to their bedroom.

Shan Mei felt there was an immense void in the availability of good quality educational yet entertaining programmes on local television. She could understand, because the purchase price for screening rights for such programmes was very exorbitant. Her idea was to launch the Natural World Phenomenon documentary as their first programme when CTN-KE tranmit through MBS channel. She believed this programme would be highly successful in Korea. CTN would be the first to screen the episodes, MBS six months later. Bansung Group had agreed to sponsor CTN for the entire year-long series. Bansung was paying top dollars to ensure CTN would not negotiate with another sponsor. It would be easy for MBS to sign up another major sponsor, because no other station would be able to offer something similar. Xiang Zhe had to ensure Mr. Han was locked in to a foolproof contract. He would become the voice of Phenomenon. They would get another voice for another documentary series, giving each documentary an individualistic character.

“Director Yin, what do you think?” Shan Mei asked her husband as she was scrubbing his back.

“All agreed and approved only if you remember Mr. Han is a voice without a face. I don’t want to see him anywhere near my wife, or my wife anywhere near him. Understand? Can we now start on second part of meeting in the bedroom?” as he stretched out his hand to grab hold of the large drying towel next to the tub, letting his wife know that bath time was over.

“And please remember, for the bedroom meeting, I’m the one chairing the meeting. I won’t need any comments from you unless I ask for them specifically. All I want is your 100% cooperation, okay, dearest wife?” Xiang Zhe laughed excitedly as he carried his wife to their bed.

Chapter AW-7

It was the last day of October; Michael Dutton had flown into Seoul last night. Michael was in town to meet with You Zhen, knowing he was officially starting with CTN-KE on 1st November.

Michael was watching MBS morning show while having breakfast in his hotel suite. This was the show he first saw Shan Mei on television almost 3 years ago, yet the standard of the show, according to him, had not improved all that much.

During one of their rare private conversations in London, Shan Mei had confided in him she would never want to think about this show, because during her last Morning of Eve production meeting at MBS, her Xue Zhang gave her a real dressing-down in front of her colleagues. He also said some very hurtful words to her. Were those the words that sent her running off to London? She nodded her head slowly, winced at some kind of bad recall.

Shan Mei and Junior had been married almost 4 months. Even though Michael wished Shan Mei had chosen him, he doted on her so much, he wished her to be happy. That was why he arranged for Jose and You Zhen to be based in Seoul to lighten Shan Mei’s load so she could spend more time at home with her husband. Knowing how much Shan Mei loved Junior, he wondered whether Junior realised the hurt that was buried so deep inside Shan Mei’s heart.

“Hello, Yin Xiang Zhe here”

“Junior, it’s me. How about meeting for lunch? At the Grill Room, my hotel at 12 noon. Shan Mei is not to know”

Xiang Zhe felt uneasy and guilty about not telling his wife of his luncheon date with Michael.

After lunch, while having coffee, Michael asked Junior about Morning of Eve show. He first saw Shan Mei on this programme almost 3 years ago, and decided then she was their girl for CTN Korea. Because of this, he extended his stay in Seoul by 4 days, wanting to catch her every morning on the show. At that time, he had found many production faults with the show. The two main presenters were wrong choices. He had wondered why Shan Mei was not made the main presenter. She had natural flair. Also the production was not up to standard. While he watched the show this morning on TV, he didn’t notice any improvement in production. The viewership rating % must be below expectation?

Xiang Zhe told Michael it would be great if Shan Mei could sit on the main presenter’s seat, but she was not ready at that time and they were secretly dating. People were already gossiping in the office.

Michael rebutted with an unbelieving guffaw. “Junior, believe me, she was ready but lacked confidence. This was some psychology game someone was playing on her. Obviously, that someone had recognised her talent. Instead of encouraging her to go for it, this someone kept passing disparaging remarks about her ability and looks. Sooner or later, of course she would fall. She was, after all, an innocent babe.”

Michael gave Xiang Zhe another exasperated look before continuing, “What is this nonsense about Shan Mei being your girlfriend, that’s why she couldn’t be made main presenter because of gossip? Anyone telling you this doesn’t want you to put Shan Mei in any presenter’s seat. Even if the whole of Korea is gossiping, let them. We are talking about big money here, sponsor’s money to keep the station afloat and not some childish game. If Shan Mei is my wife, and she is the one pulling in the viewers, I would put her in front of the camera regardless. That is the reason she is in the broadcasting business. Her sole business is to communicate with the viewers and sway the masses. I cannot believe you were thinking in that way, preventing Shan Mei from doing her job, robbing her of her chance to reach her true potential. If that is the way you think, then you shouldn’t be in this business.” When he made the statement, Michael emphasized he was serious.

Just looking how beautiful Shan Mei now was, Michael was sure Junior had been telling his wife she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Being imbued with such praise all hours of the day and night, no wonder she was radiating with such beauty all the time. Did Junior want to know the secret behind Shan Mei’s fast absorption of training and incredible performance at CTN?

Michael simply told her, his head was on the chopping board if she didn’t work out, because he was the one who insisted on signing her on without even a face interview.

For MOE, if Junior had told Shan Mei she could do it, and truly believed she could, and he would lose his job if she didn’t work out, he would be reaping great rewards by now. Michael then looked at Junior and laughingly told him, luckily for CTN, he didn’t otherwise Shan Mei would not now be running their CTN-KE operation.

“Junior, do you want Shan Mei to assist you in finding out where the problems lie with MOE? Shan Mei is very good with this sort of things. CTN will give release to Shan Mei to help MBS handle this problem. Better to do something this year while CTN-KE is delivering only 4 hours daily of entertainment. Next year when CTN is delivering 8 hours a day of entertainment, Shan Mei will have her hands full.”

Xiang Zhe looked at Michael silently, with very sad and sorrowful eyes. Xiang Zhe confessed he would be afraid to mention the words “Morning of Eve” to Shan Mei, in case it triggered bad memories in her. Three months ago, he sold his apartment, renovated his previous office and changed his cars, because of bad memories from her last day at MBS. Shan Mei was so grieved, she locked him out of their bedroom.

At the last production meeting Shan Mei had in MBS, he reprimanded her so harshly for arriving late for the meeting, not realising she was feeling unwell and had just finished broadcasting a programme at the radio station. Even if she was well, he was so blinded with insane jealousy he was not prepared to behave reasonably, because she was out the night before with You Zhen. Later that night before she could finish recording Musical Postcard, she fainted and was admitted to hospital. She remained unconscious for one whole night. Three days later she flew off to London.

“Junior, relax. I’ll talk to Shan Mei about Morning of Eve, only if you’re willing to give her free hand to revamp the show. The first person to go, if Shan Mei is really doing her job, would be the producer, and may be some of the other presenters.”

That night at home, during dinner, Xiang Zhe hedged around and asked Shan Mei whether she ever watched MBS programmes while she was in her office. She nodded her head and when asked to be specific, “I like the children’s and educational programmes, as well as the drama series.”

“What about the morning show?”
“I only like parts of it.”
“What’s wrong with the show?”
“After 3 years, if a show is not receiving good ratings, the first step to freshen up the image, is to give a new name to the show. But knowing the people at MOE production team, no one will dare suggest such a thing. The show is the Director of Planning’s baby, isn’t it?”

Xiang Zhe very hesitantly asked, “Do you have any recommendations?”

Shan Mei answered flippantly, “I wouldn’t dare touch it. Who am I anyway? The Director of Planning has criticised me in front of the MOE team that I was someone who shouldn’t be in the industry at all because I was not serious enough about my work and I couldn’t even keep punctual time.”

Something clicked in her mind. She suddenly turned around to face Xiang Zhe, her eyes flashing with confused rage, her brows knotted.

“What am I doing here? I don’t want to be married to you! I was right, you are hypocritical. Telling me I was doing all right by my own efforts, then turn around cutting me down in front of my colleagues who were already thinking I was slow, forgetful and blurry. Telling me you would be waiting for me no matter what, even though time and again I had told you not to. And to go to you if ever I encountered problems, then turn around telling me you’re letting go of me, and never to go to you with my personal problems. I was a fool believing you. You really did a good job, cutting me down in front of my colleagues especially in front of that Ying Mei (she remembered Ying Mei’s gloating smirk over her misfortune), cutting my segment out of the show, then cutting me out of your life”.

With that, she ran sobbing out of the kitchen, grabbed her handbag that was lying on a side table, and ran out of the house. Xiang Zhe was stunned by Shan Mei’s sudden outburst. By the time he was at the door, Shan Mei was nowhere around. He took the car out of the garage and drove frantically around the area where they lived, searching for her.

After half an hour getting nowhere, he parked the car by a roadside. Cupping his head that was resting on the steering wheel, tears falling, he wondered whether Shan Mei really meant what she said about not wanting to be married to him. She had made him so happy; she was the perfect wife in every way. Since their marriage, he had grown to love Shan Mei even more. Swayed by Xu Ying Mei’s devious talks, he had sometimes wondered whether Shan Mei had been intimate with You Zhen. On their wedding night, he had found her pure, innocent and shy, she was simply too adorable and irresistable. They had only been married hardly 4 months, yet there were already 2 major bust-ups, through his fault.

During their time apart when she ran off to London, he had dwelled constantly on their times at MBS. He learnt to try to see things from other’s points of view, not only from his own. His step uncle was not wrong when he insisted he was a spoilt brat. He would do whatever he liked, because since the time his father left, his mother was in no way able to control him. If she was not moping at home, she would be at Wen Rong or MBS office working. Whatever he wanted, he got. Especially when in London, he lived within his own world and did what he liked. No one was there to deny him anything. He didn’t have to consider anybody else’s feelings, because there was no one. He was king of his own little world.

Shan Mei was right too. He was a hypocrite. When Shan Mei so much as looked at another man, he would become jealous. Yet he never considered You Zhen’s feelings or position, when he took Ying Mei out or allowed her to visit him at his apartment. Ying Mei was supposed to have been with You Zhen several years. In the eyes of Shan Mei’s innocent world, Ying Mei was considered wife of You Zhen. How could he have allowed his employee’s wife into his apartment, or took her out, and expected You Zhen to stand by and watch silently without making a scene? He should have stopped her the first time she came calling, telling her not convenient to visit him at his apartment, knowing she was up to no good. If Ying Mei wanted to go out, he should have invited You Zhen along, to make sure there was no misunderstanding. Even if others in the company didn’t know Ying Mei and You Zhen was a pair, this fact was not a secret to him. He already knew the fact the first time Shan Mei was in London.

He should have told that Zian Da to stop arranging dinner dates with Xu Ying Mei. All office work should be conducted in the office. He realised every time Zian Da arranged something like that, he would always run off saying something had cropped up in the office, leaving him alone with Ying Mei. Wasn’t this the age-old match-making trick? If it was really office work, shouldn’t the meeting be in the office? He began hitting his head hard. And that Zian Da was a rascal. Why was he trying to push that Ying Mei down his throat? Zian Da already knew he was interested in Shan Mei. He had staked his claim so boldly at the MBS 20th Anniversary luncheon, although Shan Mei had thought it was a huge joke. If he didn’t make it sound like a joke, he knew Shan Mei wouldn’t play ball. Xiang Zhe smiled wryly remembering Shan Mei’s perplexed look. If he had mentioned the word ‘engagement’ to some other girl, he was sure he would be held hostage to his word and be led to the marriage altar without delay. But not his Shan Mei. How ironic! The only girl he wanted and she had been non-committal.

“Shan Mei, where are you? Don’t scare me. I love you, love you. I am so, so very sorry for my bad attitude and harsh words. That morning, seeing how tired you looked when you walked into the meeting room, I was so sure you had spent the night with You Zhen. I was so crazed, I had to lash out at you. I didn’t care about all those other people sitting around the conference table. As soon as you appeared, in that conference room, there were only 2 people who mattered, you and me. If I didn’t lash out at you, I would have gone out of control and tore the whole place down.”

Xiang Zhe decided to get out of the car and make his search on foot. It would not be possible for her to catch a taxi so quickly. Very few taxis cruised around the area where they lived. All the residents had at least one car at their disposal.

Soon, he came to a children’s playground. On a bench in a dark corner, he was so relieved to see Shan Mei’s tired hunched-up body. He knew she had been crying. He was so heart broken seeing her like that, he actually thought of killing himself, so he could stop causing pain to the one person he loved the most in the world. He walked up quietly to sit beside her on the bench. Without a word, he cradled her tightly in his arms, no chance for her to run. She must have sobbed her heart out, because there were no more tears except hiccups coming from her.

The night was getting cold. He didn’t want to rouse her, afraid to face another rage from her. He eased her slowly onto his back and carried her back to their car. Very slowly and as quietly as possible, he drove back to their house. They spent that night in the back seat of their car, with Shan Mei in his arms, her head resting against his shoulder. He lifted a hand and brushed a stray tendril of hair behind her ear with incredible gentleness.

Early the next morning, Xiang Zhe called Michael, letting him know what happened last night. It was obvious to Michael, Shan Mei had to get MOE out of her system. He could help them resolve some of their misunderstandings, but for how long? Michael knew this other girl, whatever her name was, was the cause of Shan Mei’s inane misery and fears. Not so much that Shan Mei harboured jealousy towards her, but for the very reason that Shan Mei had looked upon her as someone who had saved her from a group of hooligans when in fact she was the one who had sent the hooligans. She was possessed with such obsessive ambitions, she was prepared to use fatal malice to reach her objective. Just the thought of this girl was enough to give Shan Mei the shivers.

As long as MOE was around to serve as reminder to Shan Mei, the hurt and fear would not go away. Michael let off a deep sigh. He didn’t understand what Junior had said or done to hurt Shan Mei so deep.

“Junior, are you prepared to give Shan Mei free hand in revamping MOE?”

“Shan Mei can have free hand in running the whole MBS Station, as long as it will make her happy.”

On hearing this, Michael told him not to worry. Just behave like normal. He would be at their house in about 2 hours’ time. Junior told him MBS car would be at his hotel to collect him.

Chapter AW-8

After Xiang Zhe phoned Zian Da that he would not be in the office that day, he went to the kitchen to clear away the mess from last night.

He had heard Shan Mei making her way up the stairs to their bedroom. He went outside in the garden to clear his head. He had felt so guilty.

When Michael arrived, Junior served him coffee in the patio. Michael told him to answer truthfully to the questions he was going to ask the two of them afterwards. Regardless of how Shan Mei answered to the questions, he has to be truthful with his. That was how misunderstandings were usually resolved. Michael would spin a story, Junior would back up according to the drift of the scenario. Understood? Junior smiled and nodded his head.

Out of curiosity, Michael asked Junior whether he knew Shan Mei’s one weakness. Xiang Zhe was surprised. As far as he knew, Shan Mei had no weakness. Michael threw his head back and laughed until tears came to his eyes, murmuring the two of them were perfect for each other, each unaware of the other’s power. Shan Mei’s weakness was her husband, just like his weakness was his wife, got it? Xiang Zhe’s eyes rolled about big and unbelieving. Michael patted him on his back in a fond manner. They were really his most favourite couple!

A little while later, Shan Mei came down, and they all sat down in the living room. Michael apologised for causing misunderstanding between husband and wife last night. Actually, he was the one who asked Junior to get her opinion about MBS on the whole.

Michael wanted to help them resolve their differences so he told them to answer honestly to his questions. He asked them whether they could live without one another, whether they wanted the best for the other, and so forth and so forth. Their answers were similar, which meant they truly loved each other, so no more tantrums from either of them.

“Princess, you have to understand Junior’s position. He is under constant and immense pressure from his step uncle who is out to make mischief. When the share price of MBS rose because of CTN channelling through MBS, he insisted it had nothing to do with competence of Junior. (Apparently Step uncle had forgotten very conveniently who initiated the channelling rights talk and who negotiated the contract.) That Mr. Jin insisted the share price rose because of the reputation of CTN. Then his step uncle started attacking Junior through Morning of Eve programme saying it didn’t bring in the viewership % and revenue as expected, apart from the first few shows.”

Michael heaved a sigh. “I’ve heard that if ratings for the MOE show do not improve by next season, Step uncle has persuaded MBS directors not only to axe the show, but to remove Junior as Director of Planning. Yin Snr’s hands are tied. He can do nothing but to agree.”

After a slight pause, waiting to ensure the fact has sunk into Shan Mei’s head, Michael continued, “I am anxious because I don’t want Mr. Jin to become DoP of MBS. Mr. Jin made his move very stealthily, knowing very well when CTN channels through MBS, CTN will bring many benefits to MBS. It will then seem like he is very competently managing the station.”

Shan Mei was fuming. This Step uncle was always playing dirty tricks on Xue Zhang, though she had, since their marriage, advised him to keep the peace and leave his Step uncle alone and not think of retaliation. Though MBS was by birth right Xue Zhang’s inheritance, the pie was big enough to share around so each one in the family could have a comfortable living. It looked like he wanted to steal the whole thing from Xue Zhang.

Her protective instinct immediately came to the fore. She looked at her husband, her eyes apologising for not being an understanding wife, asked softly: “What’s the deadline and minimum numbers they are talking about? What’s the rating now?”

Michael was smiling, Xiang Zhe’s heart was in 7th heaven, but he answered soulfully “by March next year they want to see at least 30% viewership and enough sponsorship deals to self finance the show. Current rating is hovering around 18% - 20% to a high of 25% once in a while. There is sponsorship money coming in but we’re still working at 15% loss per show”

Shan Mei looked at Michael, and asked what he thought of the situation.

Michael smiled at her, pinched her cheek playfully “I think you can pull it off, princess.” Michael wanted to know, since the two of them had been discussing it last night, what would be her first course of action.

“To refresh the image completely, I suggest changing the name of the show and revamp its contents.”

Shan Mei stole a look at Xiang Zhe from under her eyelashes when she said that to gauge his reaction. His face was inscrutable. “When we have our first meeting, I want to see what fresh concept the producer can come up with. If nothing is up to my expectation, he will have to be removed.” Michael thought both were the right moves.

Shan Mei told Michael when she first started off with the show, she noticed this producer was led through the nose by the main host, Ying Mei, who always favoured sad family stories, trying to elicit sympathy from Xue Zhang, thinking broken family themes were his favourites. This Ying Mei did a lot of research on Xue Zhang, telling anyone who would listen in the office, their lives were so similar.

Shan Mei gave a soft laugh. She gave Michael a look, asking him whether he would like to wake up a few mornings each week, to be faced with sad stories, as if the world was not a sad enough place. Michael laughed and said if that station kept running along that kind of concept, he would switch to another channel asap.

“Someone once told me presenting a show was like keeping a date with the viewer. If I was the viewer, I wouldn’t want to keep such a date with the TV station.” Xiang Zhe kept very quiet. Astute Michael immediately caught on and knew what Shan Mei was driving at. Of course, he helped Shan Mei rubbed salt into the wound. “Was there really such a station that would let their planning team do something like that, running sad stories first thing in the mornings? The whole lot should have been fired!” Michael further asked whether this station was any of MBS’s competitors. If it was, Shan Mei would have an easy walk.

Michael wanted to know what concepts she had in mind.
“I’ve loads. I favour one that is finance-related seeing how the disposal income in the average family has shrunk over the past few years, and inflation has gone way out of control. I’ll decide after the first meeting with the MOE production team.”

Shan Mei also wondered whether Michael could ask David to introduce her to a local law firm that could explain legal terminology or offer legal advice gratis to their viewers. Maybe, the legal advisor could be at the studio once a week.

Anyway, she had to be sure none of Stepuncle Jin’s spies was part of the new team. Because the first season was very crucial to Xue Zhang’s position, she only wanted to work with a team she could trust.

Xiang Zhe had been keeping quiet all this time while Shan Mei was carrying on conversation with Michael. He wondered whether they remembered he was still there. Shan Mei also wanted to know whether CTN-KE could issue the Letter of Release for Michael to sign. She didn’t want step uncle to have chance to kick up a fuss with the media that she was doing something behind CTN’s back, if he found out she was in charge of MOE revamp. He never liked her. Finally, Xiang Zhe got his chance. “Of course he wouldn’t like you. You’re my dearest wife.”

Shan Mei laughed softly, giving Xiang Zhe’s hand a gentle pat. “In that case, he wouldn’t like you too, because you’re my dearest husband,” leaning over to kiss him on his cheek.

Michael was very happy. The air had cleared. Xiang Zhe told Shan Mei to go freshen up, he would treat them to lunch. Before running upstairs, Shan Mei threw her arms around Michael’s neck, gave him a kiss on his cheek, followed by a very sincere ‘thank you’. Michael patted her hands still clasped around his neck, sending her along to change. Getting such treatment from Shan Mei in front of her husband, his day was made. Michael gave Junior a wink and a wicked laugh, whispering “step uncle better watch out. Our Shan Mei has put on her gauntlets, ready for a fight with anybody out to attack her husband.” Xiang Zhe responded with a shy smile and a soft ‘thanks’.

After lunch, Michael told Shan Mei to take rest of the day off. He would go back to CTN office to get the Letter of Release ready and signed and see how You Zhen was getting along. He was leaving for Tokyo that evening. Xiang Zhe told him MBS car would be at hotel to collect him for airport. Junior’s firm handshake, at the hotel entrance, conveyed to Michael a whole lot of meaning and gratitude.

Xiang Zhe decided to stop by the park to drop in at the noodle shop, hoping the visit would put his wife in good mood. Shan Mei always loved seeing her Pa. Sure enough, she was all in giggles and went to sit at another table with Ma, wanting her advice about a new programme for television.

By the time Shan Mei and Ma finished their ‘top-secret’ discussion, it was almost closing hour for the noodle shop. They all packed up, and went back to Pa’s house. Xiang Zhe wanted to take them for seafood dinner at the seafood stall where he took Shan Mei to 3 months ago. While the parents took their shower, Xiang Zhe and his wife rested in Shan Mei’s room.

Back in their own house, after a wonderful dinner which earned high praises from Pa for the deliciously fresh seafood, Xiang Zhe was trying to gauge the mood of his wife. Seeing Xue Zhang sitting in front of the television set waiting for 9 o’clock News, Shan Mei went to get some coffee ready for him.

When Shan Mei snuggled up next to Xue Zhang on the sofa in front of the television, he was so happy, knowing his wife had really forgiven him. He whispered “I’m so sorry” into Shan Mei’s ears.

He reminded his wife, he had told her on the eve of their wedding, he was not used to living with someone since he was 17 years old when he left for London, he had been afraid he might somehow unintentionally upset her, he had asked her to bear with him patiently. Not like her, even though she grew up without a mother, she had so much love surrounding her, from her Pa, Ma, Gugu and You Zhen. She wouldn’t understand what it felt like to be growing up unloved, neglected and all by himself, not knowing who was a true friend, whether he was appreciated for himself or for being heir to some fortune.

Shan Mei behaved differently towards him, right from the beginning. She never once delved into his family background. She was very concerned for his welfare, asking whether he managed to find a job when he returned from London, even suggesting he worked at her Pa’s construction site until he found a suitable job. Never letting him pay all the time for drinks when they were out assuming, he was still unemployed, she chipped in her share sometimes. He appreciated her understanding and valued their friendship. She was his one true friend. He wouldn’t be able to bear it if she left him.

All this time, Shan Mei was lying down, her head on her husband’s thigh, silently weeping, angry with herself for her stupid outburst about not wanting to be married to him. Of course she didn’t mean any of it. He was her perfect husband. She must let go of MOE bad memories; she must let go, or else she would never be able to go forward. She truly loved Xue Zhang, there was no doubt about that. Her husband was himself a bundle of insecurities. She had got to be caring, understanding and loving towards him, no matter what, to help him through. Right now, she didn’t want him to see her tears. She didn’t want to distress him further. He was her precious treasure.

Shan Mei brought his hand that was stroking her hair to her lips and gave it a tender kiss. She then clasped the hand safely and lovingly within her own hand and placed both their hands against her heart. Xiang Zhe, with his other hand smoothed her hair from her forehead, then bent down and gave his wife a tender, loving kiss on her cheek.

No further words of apology were necessary. Silently, they promised each other love, patience and understanding.

Xiang Zhe freed his hand from Shan Mei’s clasp. He put the hand under her chin, tilting her face up to hold her eyes with his, then, slowly, his open mouth came down on hers, and she kissed him back, warmth radiating through her at the taste and feel of him.

When the hand under her chin moved downwards, to the base of her throat, past the opening of her blouse, to settle on her breast, she closed her eyes and breathed a deep sigh of pure contentment. “Xue Zhang, I’m blessed to have you for my husband. I love you, oh so much!”

Chapter AW-9

At her first MOE production meeting a few days later at MBS, when Shan Mei walked in, Xiang Zhe introduced her as Miss Zhen Shan Mei to the team and revealed that she would be responsible for revamp of MOE. She had felt a little apprehensive since this was the first time after her departure from MBS, that she was back sitting around a conference table with the MOE team, supposedly in an official capacity.

She noticed the meeting was now being held in a different conference room. Shan Mei smiled secretly to herself. Her husband was trying to avoid at all costs anything that reminded her of that dreadful morning 28 months back, and she appreciated his thoughtfulness.

The team consisted of many of the old faces. Xu Ying Mei had gone, a new scriptwriter was included, and a graphic designer who designed the visuals.

Shan Mei’s secretary handed out some questionaires. She wanted the papers back in 15 minutes. Senior Zian Da was to ensure no one compared answers. They were to answer as much as they could. She didn’t expect them to be able to answer all questions.

Then Shan Mei went with Xue Zhang to his office for some coffee. As soon as they were alone in his office, Xiang Zhe drew his wife into his arms for an embrace and a kiss, murmuring into her ear that he loved her so much. She couldn’t begin to understand the depth of his love for her. Xiang Zhe then sat down on the sofa pulling his wife onto his lap, to give her a deeper kiss. Soon Shan Mei’s mobile rang. It was her secretary telling her that the girl in apple green sweater, maybe scriptwriter, had been calling out on her mobile to someone several times. Shan Mei thanked her for the message.

Back in the conference room, Shan Mei looked over the questionaires that were returned. After glancing through them, she thanked them. She asked the producer for some fresh ideas for the new show. Mr. Producer thought Shan Mei was responsible for the revamp, so he didn’t think of anything new. Xiang Zhe on hearing this fumed inwardly. It was obvious the man was being blatantly rude and uncooperative.

“Okay, how about sequence placement of segments so I can have some idea to work from.”
“Sorry Miss Zhen, I don’t understand your question.”
“Like from start of show till the finish, who should we target with first segment, so on and so on.”
“I feel the present format is good enough.”

Shan Mei looked at the answers on the producer’s questionaire. The target market for the morning show, according to him, was between 30 to 50 years old. Shan Mei asked her secretary for MOE File Lifestyle No. 3. Shan Mei flipped through the big binder, and took out a page with information showing the latest haute couture designer fashion shows in Paris on the MOE. Did Mr. MOE producer think this film chosen for the Lifestyle segment benefited his target market against the kind of disposal income he had indicated for his target market? She didn’t want his answer now, she wanted a short written note explaining his choice, and the sequence of appearance he recommended.

In fact, she wanted the production team members to write about their current segment, according to their target market, and the sequence in the show they would like the segment to appear. The scriptwriters and the designer did not have to undergo the exercise. Also, it would not be necessary for them to sit in on her future meetings, because depending on the others’ written notes, it might not even be necessary to revamp the show. However, they would continue to sit in on Mr. MOE Producer’s normal production meetings.

Thanking them for their time, she hoped Director Yin would receive their written notes in 2 days’ time. Xiang Zhe told his assistant to help Mrs. Yin’s secretary take the binders to his car. He would drive Mrs. Yin back to her office.

After Xiang Zhe dropped the secretary back at SGS Building, Shan Mei wanted to go home. From the look on her face, Xiang Zhe knew something was not quite right. After he brought the MOE files into the house, he flipped through them. Shan Mei had done her homework thoroughly. No wonder Michael said she was very good at such things.

Shan Mei sat down opposite her husband on the sofa after she came back from the kitchen with coffee. She showed Xue Zhang the completed questionnaires. From the answers given on the questionnaires, it would appear the team did not have the foggiest idea what they were trying to achieve on MOE. Even though the segment hosts knew what they were responsible for, there wasn’t a cohesive theme of sorts for any one show. No wonder the viewers were confused.

Shan Mei then gave Xiang Zhe a blank questionaire to fill out. He looked at her dumb founded. He sighed. She must have her reason, so he sat down at the dining table to try to complete the questionaire as best as he could.

She looked at Xue Zhang’s completed questionaire. She had expected him to do better, since he had access to the financial statements every month, at least he would know better the situation in MBS. Apparently not. If MBS was controlled by Michael, at least 10 of these 14 who answered the questionaires would have been fired, otherwise the head of the programme would get the axe. None seemed to know much about MBS except a bit of its history, or what it was that made the morning programmes shown by their rival stations so acceptable to TV viewers, so how could they identify their target market for their show? No wonder they had been offering a potpurri of nonsense on the show that the viewers could not relate to.

From another binder, Shan Mei took out a chart that she had summarised the data she had collected at MBS when she first worked there. She personally interviewed the staff at Kitchen, Housekeeping, Radio station, Security, and Library. Another chart showed summary of very recent data collected at Kitchen, Housekeeping, Radio Station, Security, Library, Dubbing and Drama. This already represented about 130 members of MBS staff. This was a no-cost market survey research. The data collected gave a pretty good idea of the average Korean family and some idea of each household’s disposal income.

For the new revamped version, the producer must go not because he was rude to her earlier, but because he was not capable of doing his job. He didn’t even know how to plan sequence of appearance properly. She suspected step uncle Jin had planted a spy in their midst. She was not sure which one, that was why she didn’t want to talk too much at the meeting.

Shan Mei then looked at Xiang Zhe. She was not angry with the producer for being rude to her earlier in the day. It was not his fault. It was Xue Zhang’s fault. He once criticised her so harshly in front of them, of course he had no respect for her. Next time, if he wanted to yell at her and put on his stern Director Yin’s look, please wait till they were home. Xiang Zhe went to sit next to her, begging for forgiveness and asking her not to remain angry with him.

“Who’s angry with you? Silly goose.” Seeing a trace of a smile on her face, he quickly planted several kisses on her cheek and neck. He laughed when she tried to push him away. He refused to budge, instead clung closer to her.

The new team would consist of the old faces: Li Qing Xi,Yong Xi Xian Da, Shen Qi Tong, Chen Siu, new face Han Jae Hoon and a few invited guests. There would be no scriptwriters, and they would meet in Mr. Ang’s conference room, in the evenings. The segment hosts to make their own brief scripting notes. Xiang Zhe was not happy hearing Han Jae Hoon’s name. He would wait to see what role Han would play in the revamped show. Her present top concern was to cut down on production costs.

By the end of the month, the team had met secretly 4 times and the duties clearly defined for each individual. Not all would be appearing in front of the screen. The behind the screen work was more important, otherwise the show wouldn’t work. Shan Mei didn’t want to waste time asking them to go research for an appropriate name and theme. Her concept was to concentrate heavily on researching the best bargains for the predominately female viewers of the show. “The Price Is Right” would be the new show. There would be no scriptwriters, all to make their notes, there would be very little for them to say, nothing that they wouldn’t be able to handle with their experience.

Five major segments: What’s best and fresh at the market, Travel Bargains for the whole family, Banking made easy for women, Understanding the Law, Shocking Prices at Bargain Corner. Li Qing Xi was responsible for Market, Chen Siu responsible for Travel, Yong Xi responsible for Banking, Zian Da responsible for Bargain Corner. Shen Xi Tong to give support to the team, mainly to Zian Da.

At the end of the meeting, Shan Mei introduced Han Jae Hoon, who had been sitting in for the last 5 minutes at the meeting, to the team. He would be responsible for Law. To demonstrate to the team what Shan Mei wanted from them, Shan Mei and Jae Hoon carried on intelligent interview naturally without script. They would work from questions from the viewers. Shan Mei believed there would be plenty of questions to keep tight momentum. Apart from Zian Da, partners for the other hosts had already accepted invitations to appear on the show. After the meeting, Shan Mei treated the entire team to supper at a popular all-night eatery.

While enjoying his supper, Xiang Zhe looked on, fascinated by his wife as she was telling the team members not to worry. Just be natural and believe in wanting the best bargains for the viewers. She believed rating for the first show would pass 40% if they were doing their job right, but to be on the safe side, make it 30%. She suddenly turned to her husband and smilingly asked him softly, “Director Yin, will you be happy with 30%.viewership rating?” He was caught unawares. He had actually been staring at her, his eyes so full of love for her; he became flustered at being caught, and could only nod his head. But the shy, happy look on his face said it all. The others were caught up in the excitement too. The concept for the show was very fresh. There would be no main host. The hosts would have to work out their segments with the producer at their own convenient time.

Xiang Zhe realised Shan Mei could move around MBS easily because she was very popular with MBS employees. They would do anything for her, especially the teams in the production department. He was sure they were planning something very secret with her. Whatever she didn’t know, they would surely tell her where to get it. No wonder her shows at CTN were so successful. They made it their business to make special and extra efforts for her.

Chapter AW-10

An air of excitement pervaded the MBS Christmas Party venue. Rumours had been rife at MBS for the past 2 weeks that their young and dashing Director of Planning was going to become President of MBS. Step Uncle Jin had heard of the rumours too, and he was patiently sitting at his place, thinking the DoP position would surely be given to him, who else?

It all started well at the MBS annual Christmas Party, when Yin Senior officially announced that his elder son would, from the start of the New Year, take over as President of MBS, and also remain as DoP. Shan Mei was introduced as the First Lady. She got a resounding round of applause from the floor. Of course she would. She captivated everybody with her charm, beauty and dazzling smile. Many of the employees knew she was the brains behind Korean Kinship, their current favourite television programme.

Stepuncle put up a brave front, but he was silently seething, thinking his brother-in-law was getting senile, giving such heavy responsibility and power to that immature kid. He had to be patient to bide his time. Surely one of these days that kid would fall.

When the new batch of trainee newscasters dragged Xiang Zhe over to their table and made him drink with each one of them in rotation, and wouldn’t let him leave; that was what got him into trouble.

As soon as he was away from his seat, that Han Jae Hoon immediately made his move on Shan Mei. When Xiang Jie came to extricate his elder brother from those girls, and told him Shan Mei was upset, Xiang Zhe thought he would go and make peace with her, but she was not at their table. Xiang Jie indicated with his head towards the dance floor.

Shan Mei and Han Jae Hoon made such an attractive couple gliding across the dance floor. Looking at them, Xiang Zhe had to admit they were very good dancers, dancing with such natural grace, enjoying themselves executing intricate steps as they danced along. He fumed.

He turned to Xiang Jie berating him for not coming sooner to rescue him. Xiang Jie gave him a cold stare “you shouldn’t have gone over there in the first place. Those girls looked and acted disgusting!”

Mr. Han escorted Shan Mei back to her seat. He acknowledged Xiang Zhe with a polite nod and thanked him for giving him the pleasure to enjoy a dance with Mrs. Yin. He then thanked Shan Mei and returned to his table.

Xiang Zhe gave Shan Mei a dark look, she smiled sweetly at him and commented that Mr. Han was a great dancer. Xiang Jie became excited too and said when he grew up, he wanted to learn to dance like that. Then Shan Mei turned to her father-in-law and told him Mr. Han was the one doing the voice over for their new documentary series, an episode of which she showed him 2 weeks ago. He was going to host the Law segment on the forthcoming morning show, Price Is Right.

“Oh, that’s him? He not only has a beautiful voice but look so handsome and cultured. And by watching the pair of you dance, I can see he is also an accomplished dancer.”

Xiang Zhe wished he could stop his father from making more favourable comments on that ‘frog’. Shan Mei continued, “he’s got a major in history and is really into Korean history. Father, do you think there is a sizeable percentage of TV viewers interested in Korean history? I think it will make a very interesting theme for a TV documentary.” If Shan Mei thought she was making him jealous, she was succeeding, ably supported by his father and younger brother. Traitors!

“Xue Zhang, aren’t you drinking a bit too much? I don’t like you getting a headache later. How many girls did you drink with just now at that table?”

Before he could react, Xiang Jie answered for him “6”. He glared at his younger brother, couldn’t he keep his mouth shut?

Shan Mei gave him such a look of deep concern, he immediately felt guilty. What to do, he was sure she was still paying him back. He caught hold of her hand under the table, and started writing on her palm with his finger S O R R Y a few times. She continued carrying on her conversation with Mr. Jin of Wen Rong Heavy Industries as if nothing was happening.

When it was time to leave, Xiang Zhe avoided the girls like the plague. Shan Mei was right. He shouldn’t give any one of them even the slightest bit of encouragement otherwise he would be misunderstood and invite another Xu Ying Mei situation. For him, it was all in pure innocence, but for the other party, one could never tell what was in their mind.

On their way out, he noticed Han Jae Hoon was trying to catch Shan Mei’s eye. As soon as Shan Mei saw him, he gave her a nod of his head together with the most charming smile, while she gave him a little wave of her hand in acknowledgement.

In the car he couldn’t help asking her “What was all that about?”

“Huh?”

“That little wave to Han Jae Hoon”

“Just a ‘thank you’ wave for keeping me company while my husband was away making other girls happy.” Shan Mei sounded extra smooth and sweet.

Xiang Zhe was silent. She was jealous? So was he. And that Father and Xiang Jie were not helping him at all; they were on her side.

Looked as if this time she was not so forgiving!

“Didn’t we have an understanding he wasn’t to be near you or you near him, outside of PIR activities?” he gritted.

“Didn’t you promise you would not look at another girl?” she countered back.

He was again silent. In his mind, that Xiang Jie was right, he shouldn’t have gone over to those girls’ table in the first place. Even a 16 year old boy could see that they were up to no good, why couldn’t he?

“I don’t care how good he is for the NWP documentary series and PIR. If he doesn’t behave, he’ll get the sack.” His mood was dark.

“Good. CTN will sign him up immediately.” Shan Mei shot back at once.

The car screeched to a halt. They were about 5 minutes away from their house. Xiang Zhe applied the hand brake, turned around to look at his wife

“Shan Mei, please????…..do we have to fight? It’s Christmas!”

“No one is fighting with you. You are the one bringing personal feeling into a commercial deal. Mr. Han is doing great work for the documentary and PIR. Just because you think he likes being around me, you dismiss him. This doesn’t make sense. He is a fanatical history student, and I appreciate his knowledge in this area. He’s a talent that CTN can use, if MBS doesn’t appreciate him, simple as that! Besides, he is a very good dancer!”

“Shan Mei!!!!” He grabbed her into his arms, and kissed her hard and deep.
She was fighting to get loose, he tightened his embrace. She was struggling for air, finally he let go of her mouth, but not her. He could see her eyes glistening with unshed tears. He held her face to the crook of his neck on his shoulder, stroking her hair lovingly, murmuring “Darling, I’m sorry, so sorry.”

All her pent up emotions went loose. Her tears came down in buckets. She had been so afraid of losing him again. She saw the looks on those girls tonight. They reminded her so much of Ying Mei. She shuddered.

Xiang Zhe thought she was cold. He pulled her coat tighter around the collar. He gave her another reassuring kiss, rubbing the wetness from her cheeks, before speeding off for home.

After a quick shower, Shan Mei said she was tired, and crept into bed. When he joined her in bed a little while later, he saw that she was already asleep. He sighed; he was not getting his special Christmas goodnight kiss. And what would his younger brother have said to him “Serves you right!”
==

Christmas morning.
Pa and Ma welcomed Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei in, and were beaming from ear to ear because they didn’t expect them so early. You Zhen had gone with Minnie very early this morning to check on a location which he found on the internet, for the series he was shooting. Ma again was hugging and hugging and hugging Shan Mei for convincing You Zhen to return to Seoul. Not just that, but seeing how happy he was now since he began working at CTN!

Xiang Zhe brought in presents for them. The seniors were very happy, saying that they had a present for them too, but You Zhen said to wait for him before they hand over the present. They should be back home by tomorrow.

While her husband was sharing a Christmas drink with Pa, Shan Mei went up to her room wanting to go through some of her stuff. She took her mother’s diary from out of her desk drawer. She ran her hand lovingly over its cover, and softly breathed “Merry Christmas my dearest mama” into it.

When Xiang Zhe came looking for her, he found her in bed reading a book. Bending down to give his wife a sweet kiss, he shoved her gently over so he could sit next to her on the bed and read the book together with her. In it were such profound thoughts, he began to understand a bit why Zhen Shan Mei was Zhen Shan Mei. He felt envious. If only his mother had done something similar for him, his outlook on life, on love would have been different

All the food boxes prepared by Ma were loaded in to their cars. They should be leaving for home to prepare for the Christmas Day BBQ party Shan Mei was throwing for selected media personnel to give them more details on the morning show she had been approached to produce for MBS.

Before starting the car for home, Xiang Zhe caught Shan Mei’s hand in his, gave it a kiss then looked at Shan Mei telling her he loved her very much. She caressed his cheek with the back of her hand lovingly, and smiled at him, not trusting herself to say anything. She was ready to cry all over again, recalling some of the words of wisdom from her mother’s diary.

Yin Snr, stepmother and Xiang Jie soon arrived with tubs of ice cream and special Japanese sweet cakes. All assisted in setting up the tables and stove in one part of the garden of the Yins’ residence.

The reporters at the party were told the new MBS morning show would be launched on 1st January. To thank the viewers who would be tuning in, great bargains would be offered by MBS at 70% discount from normal retail price, e.g. Italian sofas, 42” screen television sets, Jacuzzi sets with multi function spray jets, home use sauna rooms suitable for installation using very little space, etc. When asked whether there would be conflict of interest as CTN-KE also had their morning show. Shan Mei was very specific: CTN’s show concentrated on topics of interest from around the world. A very high percentage of their viewers subscribed to their internet service to catch their programmes on internet, at all hours of the day, so the ‘conflict’ issue was not important at this point.

Shan Mei also used the opportunity to introduce the morning show’s production team, in front of the screen and behind the cameras, to the press. The food was prepared entirely by Aunt Shu who would front the Marketing segment with MBS’ popular presenter, Li Qing Xi. Han Jae Hoon, with his good looks, soon caught the eyes of the reporters. He looked even more impressive in casual wear since he had this very natural grace about him. When asked, he said he would host the Legal segment and went on to elaborate more of what that segment would bring to viewers.

Shan Mei, being very popular with the press, of course received a lot of support from the press. The reporters assured her their newspapers would give daily press coverage on Zhen Shan Mei’s new production “The Price Is Right” for MBS. They were told the telephone number for the show’s Bargain Corner Hotline would be changed on daily basis. First bargain on offer would be imported Italian pure leather bound sofa, normally retailing for 1,000,000 Won, would go for 300,000 Won to the first 50 callers.

By 4 p.m. the crowd had thinned out. Seeing how tired Shan Mei was, those who remained helped clean up. After that, they left. Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei sat down out in the patio for a cup of coffee before doing anything further. They happily agreed the BBQ party was a huge success, and looked at each other, thinking of Mr. MOE Producer and step uncle’s faces, when they read about the new morning show in tomorrow’s newspapers. Shan Mei went to sit on her husband’s lap, circling her arms around his neck. Still staring at each other, they burst out laughing uncontrollably.

They had just finished storing the food boxes left by Ma, in the fridge, when Xiang Zhe noticed Shan Mei’s face had gone pale. As she was standing up she held on to him, almost going limp against him. He caught her before she slid to the ground. “Shan Mei? Shan Mei?” he called out at her frantically. He shook her but she was not responding. He called Dr. Kim telling him that his wife had fainted and he was now taking her to the hospital. “Dr. Kim, please meet us there. Sorry for Christmas interruption but this is an emergency. Thank you.”

Xiang Zhe was scared. His mind went back to one night 2-1/2 years ago. That night she remained unconscious for a whole night in the hospital.
Two hours passed. Dr. Kim came into the room beaming. “Xiang Zhe, nothing to worry about. Prelim tests show your wife is 5 weeks pregnant. Congratulations. You can take her home now. Bring her back to see me in 2 weeks’ time at my clinic. Meanwhile, make sure she maintains a healthy diet. This note contains some guidelines. No coffee and no smoking.”

Xiang Zhe was ecstatic. He punched his fist into the air. What a wonderful Christmas present his wife had just given him. He looked at her on the hospital bed still asleep; he was filled with such love, such tenderness, such possessiveness. He clasped Shan Mei’s hand within his big hands, hoping the flow of love from his heart was being transmitted through their joined hands to her heart, pure and blissful.

With his baby now growing inside of her, Shan Mei was now truly, completely, totally, utterly all his, no one could take her away from him!
What a wonderful day!
[tbc]

Chapter AW-11

When they arrived home from the hospital, Shan Mei had no idea why she had fainted. Xiang Zhe carried her up to their bedroom, and wouldn’t allow her to move about in the bed. Whatever she wanted, she needed only to call out to him. He brought her some warm milk. And told her doctor’s orders were, “no coffee and cigarettes”.

“Does that mean Xue Zhang is going to throw out his cigarettes?” his wife asked teasingly.

“Haven’t you noticed, darling? I have been trying to curtail my smoking for a few months now, except for the occasional cigarette with the boys at the canteen. I’ve noticed no one at CTN smokes. Since I’m going to work so closely with them, I’d have to cut out the bad habit.”

“You’d better substitute your cigarettes with something else to stay awake when you’re dealing with David and Michael. They are not known in the industry as DDM (Double Dutton Missile) for nothing. Everything you get, you get double dosage of, the bad together with the good.”

“What about you?” Xiang Zhe asked anxiously.

“I’ve got my secret weapon when dealing with them singly or doubly.
Xue Zhang, what did the doctor say? I’ve been feeling so tired lately. Thank goodness PIR will be launched in a few days’ time.”

Xiang Zhe couldn’t suppress his excitemene as he sat on the bed and pulled Shan Mei onto his lap, hugged her close to him, then whispered something into her ear. She let off a loud shriek “You’re going to be a father? That means, that means I’m going to be a mother?” He nodded.

She clung on to his neck, rubbed the tip of his nose with hers, then stared directly into his eyes, “Is it really true?” He nodded again, grinning broadly. “How far along?” He put out one hand with all five digits outstretched. Before she could jump out of his lap, he held her back tightly and smothered her with hard kisses. A moment later they became soft nibbles, and finally he grinned broadly at her.

He told her both their families would be at their house tomorrow afternoon. They would then make the announcement, okay? She nodded shyly. There was a look of disbelief in her eyes, at the same time full of excitement.

They couldn’t love each other more that night
==

The next day.
After lunch You Zhen’s Landrover arrived. Pa and company followed behind in his 4WD.

There was a lot of excited commotion in the driveway. They were trying to get their Christmas present out of the Landrover. Xiang Zhe went around the vehicle to see how he could help.

The 3 men started assembling a kind of structure. It was a big portable greenhouse specially imported from New Zealand with temperature and climatic control suitable for the cultivation of rare roses. They unloaded pots and pots of the most fragrant and rarest roses also from New Zealand and Australia. You Zhen took one bloom and presented it to Shan Mei. He gave her a big hug and a deep kiss, then meaningfully added “Thank you, my darling sister.” Minnie ran up to hug and kiss her too. You Zhen gave Xiang Zhe a firm handshake, the undercurrent very strong, “Thank you for everything. You’re the best brother ever.”

Just a whiff of the fragrance from that particular bloom was enough to send one’s senses reeling. You Zhen told Shan Mei of course they couldn’t find a variety with the name Shan Mei, the closest they could match was ‘Charmaine’ and this variety was known as “Sweet Charmaine’. The greenhouse would be filled with this variety in different colours, plus other rare varieties of old roses. Tears of happiness were rolling down her cheeks, she loved her instant greenhouse. Even Xiang Zhe was profoundly touched. His sweet Shan Mei could from now onwards have her Sweet Charmaine every morning.

The Yin family soon arrived. The women went into the kitchen to prepare dinner. Shan Mei was sitting with the men, listening to them talk, like she was holding court.

During dinner, Yin Snr asked why You Zhen decided to come back after 2 years in New Zealand ? Then, to join CTN and not MBS?

You Zhen told them the funny incident when Shan Mei visited him in the Queensland jungle with Michael.

“Both of them were in their fancy clothes because they came straight from some kind of function. They arrived dishevelled due to 7 hours of rough travelling. They had to leave their mobiles off because they must not disturb the crocodiles we were filming at that time.

Shan Mei was okay, she had only one phone. But Michael was different. He had about 4 or 5. He became very disoriented, at one stage, without his phones. The location was most uncomfortable for city dwellers; there were all sorts of creatures crawling around, on the ground, along tree branches, just about everywhere.

Soon my baby sister was bawling for her Xue Zhang non stop. I thought the easiest way to shut her up was to let her call Xiang Zhe before she frightened all the crocs away. But we were too deep in the jungle. She couldn’t get a connection, yet she clutched on to that phone like some kind of life line. In order to shut her up, I simply told her I would return to Seoul if she stopped crying, right that instant. She did!”

You Zhen was deeply touched by their sincerity. For someone like Michael going into the jungle, simply based on the recommendation of Shan Mei, was not easy. He had to return, not only to handle Shan Mei’s project but to prove to Michael his efforts were not in vain. Ma went around the table to give Shan Mei a grateful kiss. Xiang Jie ran up to her next. He hooked an arm around her neck and gave her a kiss on her cheek, declaring “Sister, you’re my idol.”

Every one sounded concerned and began to ask Shan Mei a lot of questions about the overland drive. But she made it like she wasn’t the least scared, all that was related by You Zhen was a figment of his imagination. Xiang Zhe kept looking at Shan Mei quietly from under his lashes. He had really hurt her that night she flew in from Brisbane, yet she was so generous in her forgiving. [ “Yin Xiang Zhe, never ever doubt her love again!”]

It was getting to be too cold out on the patio, so they went into the living room for fruits and dessert. Soon coffee was served. Everybody was sitting around with Christmas cheer.

Shan Mei and Xiang Zhe exchanged deliberate glances. He went to pull her up from her seat and stood there with his arm around her waist. The others looked up at them, curious. Very shyly, Xiang Zhe announced that Shan Mei had yesterday given him the best Christmas present ever. He was going to be a father. Suddenly the room was filled with excited chatter after the fact had sunk in. Ma immediately asked how far along? They answered, “5 weeks.” Shan Mei had to go back to Dr. Kim in 2 weeks’ time for follow up check. The grandparents suddenly asked Xiang Zhe to bring out the cognac for celebratory toasts, all laughing and talking of a summer baby.

Xiang Jie was quiet and did not look at all happy; he said he didn’t want to go to university in London next year. He would miss the baby. Shan Mei laughed, pulling him down to sit next to her. “How about returning during the Christmas holidays to babysit the little baby nephew so your elder brother and sister can go for romantic holiday?” His face lit up again.

Shan Mei gave him another surprise. Knowing he was a whiz at the computer, she asked him, “Will you be interested to help out with the morning show? You can go in and help with data entry. Chen Sui has a lot on his hands. One data entry clerk is not enough.”

Xiang Jie clapped his hands excitedly. He went over to his dad, and told him he wanted to be at the station to help out Brother Chen Sui, and he didn’t want to hear a No from his dad. Shan Mei laughed, again thinking how alike he was to Xue Zhang.

They wanted to guess the gender of the baby, asking Shan Mei to walk this way and that way, never mind the fact her figure was just as slim as ever, her stomach still flat without the slightest trace of a bump. It was getting very late. Xiang Zhe reminded them his wife needed to rest. They got the hint. They cleaned up then left. The house became very quiet again.

Xiang Zhe carried his wife up to their bedroom. He wanted to help her undress, but she refused. She became shy imagining her tummy might look strange. Xiang Zhe got upset. “From tonight onwards I will need to check on your stomach at least 4 times a day, twice in the morning: once before and once after bath, and twice at night: once before and once after bath. Shan Mei couldn’t fob him off. They eventually ended up in the tub together, her husband ever so attentive.

In bed that night, he told her how very sorry he was for his hurtful words the night she returned from Brisbane. Shan Mei kissed him quiet.

“Xue Zhang, please stop saying you’re sorry all the time like a little boy. You’re going to be a father soon, you have big responsibilities, so remember to do or say things you won’t be sorry for, okay?”

He felt humbled at her good sense and by her love. He cupped her cheeks with exquisite tenderness, fingers moving over her face, into her hair, down to her neck. He would never get enough of touching her. Finally, he buried his face into her breasts, “Oh Shan Mei, you really are the best.”

Chapter AW-12

If an order had been placed, the weather this morning couldn’t have been more perfect!

“What a beautiful morning”, Xiang Zhe thought as he stood out in the garden doing some stretching exercises !

Xiang Zhe was out and about in the garden very early. He wanted to check on the roses in the greenhouse. As he inspected, he realized these were really special strains. The blooms were huge, their petals thick and velvety, their scent pervasive.

Xiang Zhe cut the biggest and most radiant bloom, put it in water on the breakfast table in the patio. The fresh air would be good for Shan Mei.

When he returned to the bedroom, he found her waiting for him in bed. “Xue Zhang, I want to take a shower. Do you want to do your checking now?” He smiled at her obedience.

He came to rest on his haunches by the bed, flipped away the quilt to reveal Shan Mei in all her glory. He ran his big hand reverently over her flat stomach, his fingers shaking slightly with the knowledge that a new life was growing within. He placed his lips to her stomach, hoping the ‘fruit of their love’ could feel a father’s love and protection.

“You’re sure you want shower and not bath?” Shan Mei nodded. Xiang Zhe went into the bathroom to turn on the shower faucet. After testing the water temperature was right, he took a robe out to his angel. She protested when he wanted to carry her to the bathroom. She didn’t want to be mollycoddled. Just be normal. He let her be, and told her not to take too long; breakfast would be ready in 5 minutes out in the patio.

After a solid breakfast of toast, eggs, cereals and milk, both of them cleared the table together. Shan Mei didn’t want to be treated like an invalid.

Shan Mei decided to lie down on their love-lounge in the patio to enjoy the refreshing morning air and the faint scent of Sweet Charmaine wafting throughout. Xiang Zhe was at the table with his stack of Sunday papers. After going through the headlines, he threw the papers aside and decided to join Shan Mei on the lounger. She cuddled up to him for his warmth and his hug.

“Do you want to let Michael know about the baby?” he asked softly as his lips brushed Shan Mei’s jawline.

“Of course, but only after the next visit to Dr. Kim” and she tried to cuddle closer to her husband, if it was at all possible.
==

Shan Mei’s mobile began ringing. After she answered, she started talking in riddles into it, sometimes smiling and at one point laughing quite wickedly. After that, she called You Zhen asking him to be at their house this afternoon for meeting. Xiang Zhe frowned at all this flurry of activities. “What’s up?”

“Mr. Han Jae Hoon would be at our house this afternoon for meeting.” Xiang Zhe arched his brow?

“You Zhen Ge has a brilliant idea for the new series. But he will need a knowledgeable partner with a good voice. Mr. Han has a student who just completed his post graduate studies, and would love to stay on in Korea indefinitely, before returning to the States, if there is something interesting for him to do.”

If they managed to pull this idea off, Michael would surely love You Zhen to bits. Xiang Zhe sat there, thinking, “CTN-KE is a small unit. They don’t mind who is overstepping into whose territory, as long as they get the job done. They are always bouncing ideas off each other. No wonder CTN has the cutting edge.”

“What was so happy about the conversation?” his voice was dangerously soft.

“Mr. Han said Director Yin was well known at the station for his hot temper and razor sharp stares. Did I get hung on the cross after we arrived home that night after the party?” she answered, then laughed softly with an impish glint in her eyes, recalling that night; how she was pretended to be fast asleep when her husband got into bed.

“And, Xue Zhang, please be civil,” Shan Mei reminded her husband remembering how he purposely ignored Han Jae Hoon at yesterday’s BBQ party for media to meet the PIR team.”

Again, Xiang Zhe was left to set up the stereo system. They would want to test Mr. Han’s friend’s voice through a microphone. After lunch, Shan Mei prepared some English style finger sandwiches. She also took out her special English Minton afternoon high tea service.

Xiang Zhe was rattled when he saw this and asked her why she was going all out to impress Mr. Han.

“Darling, it’s his friend I’m trying to impress. Mr. Han won’t recommend just any body. This friend must have all the prerequisites that I want. This time it isn’t simply a voice. I want someone who is articulate, friendly, presentable in an open kind of way, knowledgeable, conversant with the internet, good researcher, good writing skills, around 30 years of age.”

Xiang Zhe shook his head, amused. His angel was again asking for the moon. “Good luck” he whispered into her ear.

If she told him what CTN-KE was getting from the Korean Tourism Board for this project against the minimal outlay incurred by CTN-KE, he would want to do the same and more, if it was a MBS project. When Shan Mei showed two sample trailers to KTB in October, they immediately accepted CTN’s proposal. The 50% deposit from KTB had been received just before Christmas.
==

All enjoyed their tea and sandwiches. Mr. Han’s friend and pupil, Mr. Patrick Lee, from their extra curricular classes, looked very much like that Hong Kong movie star Tony Leung. In fact, on casual sight, one could mistake Patrick for Tony. He had that kind of expressive handsome face with boyish charm. He was simply oozing with charisma. He had the same kind of smile as Shan Mei, sometimes shy, sometimes wavering, at times bequiling, most times brilliant. As soon as he was introduced to Shan Mei, Patrick was dazzled by her smile.

All afternoon, he only had eyes for her. Shan Mei could already visualise him in front of the television screen. Looking at them, Xiang Zhe thought, they made a dynamic duo. Put them on stage together, they would blow apart any auditorium. Suddenly, he decided he would follow Shan Mei’s plan of action. Instead of getting all hacked up with jealousy, he would think positive. Where could he put them together on stage? Anything would surely be a sell-out.

Both You Zhen and Shan Mei were very happy with the outcome. Shan Mei asked Patrick, “Can you come by CTN office tomorrow at 10 so we can go over contract terms?” Meanwhile, You Zhen went with Patrick to Shan Mei’s office to access Internet to extract some notes, so Patrick could prepare some script for their shooting. You Zhen was planning to leave for location in the next two days.

The remaining three went out to sit under the warm winter sun. Xiang Zhe helped Shan Mei bring out lemonade for herself and 2 beers for the men. Xiang Zhe immediately pulled her chair next to his, holding on to her hand, while they chatted away about PIR and most other things, but not MBS Christmas eve party.

Xiang Zhe was so relieved after You Zhen, Han Jae Hoon and Patrick Lee left. Finally he could have his wife all back to himself. Shan Mei wanted a lie down. “Xue Zhang, want to join me?”

He thought she wasn’t going to ask. He lay down beside her; his hand went to her stomach. “Can’t you take a couple more days off? I don’t like you to tire yourself. Don’t worry about PIR. I’ll take care of it.”

“Please don’t worry about me. I’ll be alright. I’ll never let harm come to our baby. Just like when I felt my husband needed me, we brought in Jose and You Zhen. Let them carry on the work. In the future, if my family needs me, I will give up CTN.”

Xiang Zhe immediately turned around, bent over Shan Mei and looked into her eyes, “You would, really?” A hint of disbelief crept into his voice.

“Of course!” She lifted her hand to his cheek and gave him a tender caress. “Remember? You’re my treasure. Nothing will be more important than you and our family. You are all I want and will ever need.”

“Oh Shan Mei”, he breathed hoarsely into her hair, his eyes having gone misty. He held her face, his mouth slowly descending down to hers, and tenderly caressed hers. Soft moans were coming from her throat. His tongue slipped through her slightly parted lips and began to work its magic. Very slowly and gently he covered her entire body with his. He moulded his body to her every curve. Without moving, just lying there, she became aware of his every inch. She responded. Her arms encircled him, her hands pressing into his back, drawing him closer.

He untangled her arms from around him. He lifted himself, and very slowly pulled her light wool sweater over her body, over her head and out of her arms trailing kisses as he moved along. He unhooked her bra. His mouth sought the erect buds one after another and sucked at them hungrily ….…soon, Shan Mei’s feverish moans were sending him spiralling out of control; he groaning away as he began to seek release.

Chapter AW-13

“The Price Is Right” D-Day approached. At 6 a.m. that morning, Li Qing Xi in MBS roving van painted with Sponsor’s logo, was at wet market. Li Qing Xi introduced her helper as Aunt Shu [Shan Mei’s Ma]. After a walk around the market, Aunt Shu recommended the day’s best buy and the freshest buy. She gave suggestions on ways to prepare her choice for the day. She demonstrated how to prepare one dish, after which a true costing for the dish was computed. Meanwhile, at the studio, the first segment would be detailed weather report for the entire day in Seoul, followed by the latest news headlines. Followed by delayed transmission of complete Marketing segment with Li Qing Xi informing the viewers she and Aunt Shu would be at another wet market tomorrow, naming the market. For more details on other recipes, visit MBS website.

Chen Sui came on to show places of interest around Seoul that would be good for 1 or 2 day visits. A chart showing costings was shown, for single, couple or a family of 4. He also included some interesting events going on for free in the city during the week. Tomorrow, he would continue to show more. Details available on MBS website.

Yong Xi came on, talking with NSK Bank manager introducing their newly offered banking services for female customers and what benefits were available. The bank’s financial advisor came on giving some advice to viewers on how to invest their money. Tomorrow, the bank would continue with their investment portfolio. For viewers interested to keep track of the investment recommendations, they could get print out performance chart from MBS website, or from the bank.

Han Jae Hoon came on to introduce Madam Kang Ching Ching, a lawyer, graduated from Harvard Law School and had been practising law in Seoul for the past 10 years. He pointed out to Madam Kang that most people became uneasy when confronted with lawsuits or when they had to deal with lawyers. Was there anywhere to seek advice? Madam Kang advised viewers that during the next 12 weeks, she would try to explain certain legal terminologies in layman’s language, and dispense some advice on real cases. She would also advise where to seek proper and free legal advice. If viewers had anything particular they wanted to know, send email or write in to MBS.

Highlight of the show, Shocking Prices from Bargain Corner. Today Bargain Corner would be offering 50 genuine leather bound Italian made sofas at the normal retail price less 70%. Only one sofa to one caller, the first 50 callers to get through their Bargain Corner hotline would get to buy.
Zian Da went on to explain the terms and conditions of purchase. The phone line would open to accept calls in 5 minutes’ time. Meanwhile, the sofa was shown at close up, how it was made at the factory, and the actual retail outlet for the sofas. Tomorrow, Bargain Corner would be offering 50 television sets newest models from Bansung at normal price less 70%.

At the end of the show, only credit lines appeared, first showing the sponsors’ name in extra big fonts, second part showing production team. Shan Mei had insisted Xue Zhang to be credited as Producer of the show, because she would be busy preparing for CTN’s daily 8 hours of televised contents beginning 1 July, and could spare only little time for PIR.

Of course, Shan Mei expected good viewership response. The press had gone out of their way to be extra supportive. She was so grateful.

Xiang Zhe, at the Bargain Corner Hotline desk, was grinning from ear to ear. The phones hadn’t stopped ringing since the lines were opened for order taking. Within 30 minutes, the 50 sofas had been sold. Xian Da was given the info, he announced to the viewers the 50 sofas at 70% discount had all been sold. Due to fantastic response, MBS management had agreed to offer another 50 sofas, this time at 50% discount. The phones were still ringing. Xiang Zhe was shaking his head, in disbelief, “That imp! She had it all planned.”

Morale was very high at MBS. “Shocking Prices” was hot topic for the day at staff canteen. The staff members had been trying to phone in to the hotline to try to buy the sofa. Only two managed to get through for the first batch and they were excitedly telling the others at the canteen of their good luck. One managed to get at 50% discount. Soon they were discussing tomorrow’s bargain of television sets.

By that night, MBS website had been bombarded with hits for more details on their tour packages. KTB’s website was getting similar activity. The viewers were asked to visit KTB’s website directly. If they visited MBS’s website, they would be re-routed to KTB. KTB general manager, Mr. Lee, was on the phone with Shan Mei, informing her the 2 day economy tour packages were very popular. Their offices had been inundated by calls since this morning, wanting more information. They would try to prepare more packages within this price range, and pass them on to Chen Sui. At a meeting that afternoon KTB management was considering sponsoring MBS with a KTB van Chen Sui and Zian Da could use for their errands around Seoul. Shan Mei thanked Mr. Lee profusely.

Step uncle Jin was deeply shocked. He had read about the revamped show in the newspapers. When he approached the MOE producer for details, the producer simply laughed telling Mr. Jin, Zhen Shan Mei was not capable of conceptualising or producing a complete morning’s show, 5 mornings a week. She thought it was so easy, aah? He couldn’t wait to see the chaos on the first day of the run. Anyway, Director Yin had pulled him off MOE and placed him in Drama starting from 1 January. Step uncle wondered how could this be? He never saw them planning anything in the studio? So it seemed that Shan Mei was not as stupid as she appeared to be. To cut the immature kid down, he would need to get rid of that girl. He would have to re-plan his strategy.
==

Yin Snr was smiling and nodding his head, deeply impressed and gratified. Xiang Zhe was grinning broadly with a smug look on his face. The 3 of them were sitting in Yin Snr’s private sitting room, talking about the show. Confirmed rating figure just came in from Zian Da. The show garnered 63%, the best among all local stations for that day, and an all time high for a morning show, during the past 36 months.

Yin Snr brought out his best whisky to celebrate. Xiang Zhe wanted only a little bit, because Shan Mei didn’t like him to drink when he had to drive. His father looked at him, and nodded his head in understanding. That Shan Mei was a good wife, taking such good care of Xiang Zhe’s health. And Xiang Zhe, understanding his wife’s concern, didn’t want to upset her.

Father hid a secret smile, recalling the time Xiang Zhe was drunk after sharing a meal with him, and how Shan Mei and he managed to get Xiang Zhe to move in to the family home. He nodded his head to himself. He didn’t have to worry about Xiang Zhe any more. He was sure these two, being so in love with one another, would make it together to old age. He said a silent prayer of thanks to his dead wife, thanking her for her protection of their son.

The following few days, the press was reporting daily on MBS morning show, even pictures showing themselves at the Bargain Corner Hotline desk monitoring the situation, to ensure all was fair and no queue jumping when answering the phone. For those viewers who had not managed to BUY IT, simply keep trying to phone in.

The reporters also roasted the previous producer of Morning of Eve. In his 3-1/2 years of producing Morning of Eve, there was not even one episode that came even remotely close to Zhen Shan Mei’s “Price Is Right” in ratings and sponsors’ acceptance.

In fact, a reporter wrote, 2-1/2 years ago when she noticed Shan Mei’s absence from MOE, she had asked the producer what happened. Did Shan Mei leave because she was unhappy? She had liked Shan Mei best in the show and she had been voted Most Popular Newcomer. MOE Producer had laughed and said Shan Mei would never have the talent to make it far in the broadcasting industry, not like their main host, Miss Xu Ying Mei who was very beautiful, talented and hard working.

“Why was Shan Mei so popular on radio if she had no talent?” Mr. Producer had indicated her listeners were most probably uniformed boys or listeners with nowhere to go.

“And why was she so popular on TV?” Just a mere fluke of luck, replied the producer.

The reporter further wrote that every episode of MOE received mediocre ratings, well below MBS’ expectations.

One and a half years ago during launch of CTN-KE and introduction of Zhen Shan Mei back into the Korean broadcasting scene, this reporter knew Shan Mei would go far. In fact, she interviewed many of Shan Mei’s mates from university days, and they pledged their total support for her. They knew she would go far in the television industry. She was very popular at university and she always knew which topics were close to their hearts.

“What about Xu Ying Mei being main host for Morning of Eve? She also came from same university and was in same class as Shan Mei?” The class mates laughed. Zhen Shan Mei should have been the main host. She hosted several programmes at university. She was great. To be the host of a show in their university was not decided by the lecturers but openly selected by the university students. In fact that Xu Ying Mei lost out all the time to Zhen Shan Mei. She was a bad loser and so ambitious in an aggressive manner, she was not popular at all, especially coming with all her big talk, snobbish airs and unreliable claims. She really rubbed them the wrong way. The classmates were not surprised MOE didn’t gel with the viewers. It was the same during her university days. Ying Mei always thought she was too good for them, she chose topics the students couldn’t relate to.

This reporter then looked up those classmates again and interviewed them regarding MBS’ Price Is Right conceptualised by Zhen Shan Mei. What were their thoughts? “How would you compare MOE with PIR?”

“There’s no comparison. PIR is superb. I work in the medical field during night shift so I sleep most of the day. My husband stays home, his job, as an IT consultant, is home based. Before, he never liked watching MOE. Just the name ‘Eve’ reminded him uncomfortably he was doing a woman’s job at home and they were always carrying on silly talk. With PIR, it is completely different, not so gender-conscious. He likes everything about PIR. He doesn’t have to break his head deciding what to buy from the fresh market. He simply follows the daily recommendations. Weekdays, we eat in. Weekends we eat out if we are not visiting our parents. He has now also gained some legal knowledge that has helped him a lot in his home-based business. If there are any good bargains from the bank, he will simply get the necessary forms for me to sign to get the extra pivileges. And planning holidays and planning our financial position is now very easy. My husband never gives up calling Bargain Corner every weekday. At present, my husband tapes on VCR the day’s marketing and law segments. Yes, we will surely subscribe for access to PIR via internet once the scheme is open for registration. No need to record on VCR anymore.”
==

MBS website had never been so jammed with hits, except those times when Shan Mei made impromtu censor of those scoundrel kdnappers, the mobile fiasco in the News Room, and when the viewers realised Shan Mei had left MBS, they emailed in their support. MBS would start charging a small subscriber’s fee for access to Price Is Right, to weed out non-genuine interested viewers. 5000 Won per month per Internet connection point, to start from 2nd month of PIR. Payments made through NSK Bank by Female account holders, would be entitled to special discounted fee: 4500 Won; for a year’s advance payment, the monthly fees would work out to 4,000 Won. The reporter thought the idea was good and the fee extremely reasonable. She herself would register 2 accounts, one at home and one in the office.

Xiang Zhe, sitting in his office, wondered whether Shan Mei really had a magic touch. For the past 3-1/2 years, MOE not only lost money, they had sat down 2 times a week to production meetings, yet the ratings were not encouraging.

With PIR, the hosts’ duties were clearly defined and they planned on their own for their segment. The only people they liaised with were their segment partners and the production assistants. They only needed to email their weekly planning chart to the producer. Everything was so time- and cost-efficient, yet the results obtained were amazing.

Xiang Zhe stared at his cup of coffee as he sat at his table deep in thought, slowly stroking at his chin. He wondered whether two of the reporters who reported favourably daily on PIR were fans of Shan Mei? Since the first day of PIR, they had each devoted a quarter page of reporting on PIR in their newspapers. He must get their contact numbers and invite them over to lunch at CTN dining room, making sure his wife would also be present. He also noticed everyone on the team was suddenly working with inspired energy, and spilling over with ideas for their own segment. Even he himself kept a little notepad with him in his pocket. Every time he thought of something that would be interesting for sale at Bargain Corner, he would write it down to discuss with Zian Da later.

Today was 5th day of PIR, already the show had created media frenzy, the catch phrases coined by the media were ‘BUY IT’ and ‘GOT IT’. Next month when the show would start to receive Internet subscribers’ fees, it would seem like a dream.
==

KTB arranged for a few reporters to go on their 2-day economy package to one of the places of interest on the outskirts of Seoul as researched by MBS morning show. When they returned, they handed some photos to Chen Sui so he could include them in his travel segment or post on website. The reporters gave glowing reports on their trips, declaring it was really top value for money.

One day when Shan Mei heard Ma was going to visit the next morning a wet market near her house, she decided to pay the team a surprise visit. Of course, she asked her favourite reporter to come collect her because she didn’t want to wake her husband up. At the market, Ma was surprised to see her when she approached them. “Good morning, Aunt Shu. Can you recommend something I can cook and have ready within half an hour? My husband doesn’t like the cold weather, and would prefer eating at home with a warm quilt over his legs. He’s not particularly choosy about food, but he doesn’t like to be kept waiting. Usually when we arrive home after work, he’s hungry and wants something piping hot fairly quickly.”

Aunt Shu immediately suggested chicken that was a nutritious meat for winter. Today’s fresh vegetables she would highly recommend would be mushrooms and tomatoes. She suggested Hot Ricepot Chicken. Put marinated chicken pieces, sausages into ricepot of just boiled rice. 5 minutes later throw in sliced mushrooms. Close lid of ricepot for further 5 minutes. During this time, prepare fresh tomatoes, small servings of various kimchi dishes. All these would be ready on the dinner table within 20-25 minutes.

Shan Mei gave Aunt Shu a kiss on her cheek. Then went shopping for the exact ingredients, while the camera crew went around the market with her, and after she finished her marketing, a total was given on how much she had spent. Aunt Shu told her she could substitute chicken with other meats. For beef and mutton, she was to use more black pepper in her marinating sauce.

Later that morning, when Xiang Zhe was watching re-run of the show, he was surprised to see his wife on the screen. How did she manage to sneak out of the house without him knowing? He had better warned her not to do it again. She was now in the early stages of pregnancy. Didn’t Dr.Kim advise her to be careful during her first trimester? And there she was visiting a wet market! That imp was a natural in PR, especially when she faced the camera directly and gave her dazzling smile “Dearest Husband, now you know what you’re getting for dinner? Don’t join your drinking buddies after work tonight; hurry home.” Lifting up the packages for him to see, she gave him her special smile. He shook his head, grinning happily and rubbed at his forehead, then his eyes. He wondered how many other working couples would be having Hot Ricepot Chicken for dinner that night. It sounded so easy, he could make it too. He would surprise his wife one of these evenings when she had to record her Musical Postcard.

Again, that week, MBS website was flooded with emails requesting Aunt Shu to suggest more recipes like Hot Ricepot Chicken, easy to understand and easy to make using minimum number of kitchen equipment, making cleaning up afterwards so simple. MBS also began to receive emails and faxes from viewers telling them what they were interested in buying. Could MBS source these items and offer at special discounted price?

During Michael’s recent New Year holiday stopover in Seoul before flying off to Japan, he spent an entire morning watching MBS morning show. There was nothing he could fault with it except that the show was not available in English. The weather report was superbly planned. CTN-KE weather report segment was carrying the same design. He wanted the same thing for CTN’s other offices. Without understanding the language, the icons showed him what to expect, weatherwise, for the entire day.

Shan Mei was getting better at her job. He had often wondered when she was going to reach her peak. He knew Shan Mei had been unfairly treated at MBS before she ran off to London. He hoped this exercise would show those fools at MBS what his little princess was capable of producing.

He had discussed with Shan Mei and Junior the idea of a CTN/MBS crossover programme. MBS had a large market reach for free line viewers, especially after this revamped morning show. At least Shan Mei should be reaping some of the rewards. With MBS’s viewerbase and CTN’s subscribed viewers for cable and Internet, CTN-KE would be in top position where foreign-owned service providers were concerned.

Chapter AW-14

After accompanying Shan Mei for check up at Dr. Kim, Xiang Zhe took her back to his office. The progress report was good, Dr.Kim confirmed baby would be due in mid August.

Shan Mei sms’d Michael asking him where he was, to please call her back immediately, as she had some V.I. news for him.

Xiang Zhe wanted his wife to rest on the sofa, telling her he was worried today’s outing might have tired her. He brought her milk from his pantry.

Since he took over the presidency post, he went to office very early every morning. Shan Mei didn’t want to use company car and preferred to leave the house same time with him. He tried to cut down on business engagements after office hours. But, if he didn’t go, his step uncle would only be too happy to go in his place. Xiang Zhe didn’t like this at all. Shan Mei insisted he attend to his MBS duties seriously. “Xue Zhang, please do not be MBS president and DoP in name only.”

Xiang Zhe showed Shan Mei a stack of papers on his office table. They were all emails from potential sponsors wanting to have more information regarding advertising on PIR. Shan Mei told her husband to continue the good work. Their capable production assistant already was working within the production team, giving him excellent support.

While Xiang Zhe attended to other matters, Shan Mei called her office to check all was well. “Miss Zhen, your brother Xiang Jie dropped by the office, but left when he found that you were not in.”

Shan Mei immediately called Xiang Jie on his mobile. He was now in MBS building to collect her fan mail. All those that came through via email had been answered, except one. “I have printed it out and want to show it to you. But I don’t want to go to Elder Brother’s office. I’ll rather meet you in the staff canteen.”

After Shan Mei finished reading the fan email, she laughed. Both of them exchanged conspiratorial glances.

“So I was right. I guessed it was him right away,” Xiang Jie exclaimed triumphantly.

Reading over again the email, her eyes misted. What did she ever do to be blessed with such a loving husband? The silly goose. Of course he wanted her to know it was him, with hints like ‘telepathy’, loyal fan Y. He just wasn’t sure the email would reach her.

“Xiang Jie, I want to make a secret date with him. Somewhere romantic. You think it’s a good idea?” Xiang Jie nodded, totally agreeing. “How about the Westin Chosun Hotel.? Romantic dinner down in its main dining restaurant, then spend a romantic night in one of its honeymoon suites?”

Xiang Jie was clapping at the romantic expectation and was enjoying the game. “Please reply him, the dinner date on 16th January, 7 p.m. You’ll be able to come on that day to the house to pick up a fresh change of clothes for us?” Xiang Jie simply nodded in agreement to whatever plan his sister was hatching.

“I’ll leave the bag of clothes in the first spare bedroom. Then you go and get a bunch of those exquisite roses from the greenhouse. Be careful of those thorns. They are big and nasty and can hurt very much. In the fridge, I will leave a box of your brother’s favourite sushi rolls. You will have no problem getting your father’s chauffeur?”

Little brother laughed, thinking they were playing out a movie plot “Dad will be more excited than me when he hears of this game. He’d surely send the chauffeur to help.”

Shan Mei then went with Xiang Jie back to PIR team’s office. She asked Chen Sui how Xiang Jie was doing. Chen Sui was nervous facing Shan Mei. Before, she was his colleague, now she was the boss’s wife. He didn’t know how to react to the situation, face to face with her. Shan Mei gave him a pat and told him to relax. He was going to be the country’s most famous travel agent! Ha-ha all around.

As Shan Mei was walking back into Xiang Zhe’s office, her phone rang.

“Hello, Shan Mei here”

“Shan Mei, is everything okay? You had me really worried when you said it was very important news.” It was Michael and he sounded anxious because Shan Mei seldom called telling him something was very important unless the matter was really, really very important.

“Hi Michael. Your Junior has something to tell you.” Shan Mei passed her phone to Xiang Zhe.

“Hi Senior.” Michael thought Junior didn’t sound concerned; his tone was light and breezy.

“Hi Junior, something wrong with the channelling?”

“Are you sitting down? Okay? The doctor told us today you are going to be a godfather by mid August.”

Shan Mei could hear a loud shriek coming through the phone. Xue Zhang held the phone away from his ear, his eyes all crinkled up; and Shan Mei could hear his throaty laugh. Michael was ecstatic. The soonest he could find the time to fly into Seoul would be another month. By that time Shan Mei better had some proof to show him, at least a little baby bump, because Junior told him her stomach was still as flat as ever. Like he had always maintained, that Shan Mei was a good, diligent worker.

They were laughing over some secret jokes, exchanged some small talk, then Xiang Zhe hung up, smiling secretly to himself. He looked over at Shan Mei, smiling indulgently. “You have just made Michael the happiest man. His brother promised to make him an uncle before you made him a godparent. It seems he is going to collect big from his brother, and he is giving us half his winnings for our good work.” Xiang Zhe couldn’t help shaking his head in amusement.

Chapter AW-15

The whole scenario was like when Xiang Zhe wanted to surprise Shan Mei with the new car and the new office, repeated itself. Except this morning Shan Mei didn’t care how careful Xiang Zhe was with his dressing, she already had other plans. He really looked so handsome when he walked into the kitchen. She was sitting at the table having her breakfast. Xue Zhang’s toast and coffee were waiting for him. Xiang Zhe glanced over her, and was puzzled.

She had on a 2-pc pant suit, not something he would think special for such an important dinner date tonight at one of the most exclusive hotels in the city. Suddenly, he had his doubts. Did Shan Mei know she was inviting him to dinner? If it wasn’t her, who was it that sent that email reply to him?

It was 6 p.m. Shan Mei was already in the hotel’s honeymoon suite, hanging up Xiang Zhe’s suit in the wardrobe. She held up his shirt and sniffed at it; she loved the familiar scent of his cologne still clinging faintly to his laundered shirt – so very him, before laying it in the drawer. Her blouse was laid out in the same drawer. In another drawer, she put his socks and underclothes on one side while on the other side her own change of underwear. They looked so intimate side by side. She laid out a new negligee and his set of silk robe with pyjama shorts on the chaise in the large bathroom.

Looking at the double jacuzzi overlooking the city of Seoul through double glazed glass windows was enough to send a tingling sensation flooding through her veins. “Ehmm, heavenly,” as she inspected the large choice of bottled bath salts; lavender, tea rose, lily, orchid and ylang-ylang. Shan Mei held the ylang-ylang bottle up for closer scrutiny. “Isn’t this the flower in a recent write-up on Essential Oils that claims it produces a very seductive kind of scent that sends lovers grabbing for each other within minutes? Oooh, very naughty!” she chuckled with sensuous overtones as she put the bottle back in its place.

Very soon Xiang Zhe’s call came through, “Darling, what time do you want me to collect you?”

“Xue Zhang, it’s not necessary to wait for me tonight. I have to meet someone for dinner. Sorry I forgot to mention this to you earlier.”

“Are you going somewhere near the Westin Chosun? I am supposed to meet someone there at 7, so I may as well give you a lift.”

“Darling, it’s not necessary”, and she quickly hung up. She covered her mouth to hide a mischievous smile.

She checked on the champagne. Oh, her father-in-law was generous! Two extra bottles were in the fridge, so were her sushi rolls. When she checked in an hour ago, the receptionist had told her the billing was to go to Wen Rong Group account.

At 5 minutes to 7, Shan Mei was already in the hotel’s main dining restaurant, being seated in a very secluded corner. A bottle of champagne was iced perfectly in a silver antique ice bucket. Tonight, Shan Mei had on a black lacy midi Chanel cocktail dress that Madam Kim had specially reserved and gifted her. She looked so beautiful, elegant and so delicate in lace.

Ever since it was known among Seoul’s high society ladies that the very beautiful and elegant Miss Zhen Shan Mei was dressed exclusively by Madam Kim, business at her boutique had increased 5-fold. Madam made it a point to reserve one or two pieces of clothing item from new collections as gifts for Shan Mei to show her appreciation. Whenever Shan Mei insisted on paying, she only asked for a nominal sum.

Xiang Zhe walked up to the hotel’s main dining room, when he emerged from the hotel lift, and told the receptionist a Miss Zhen Shan Mei was expecting him. Since his earlier call to Shan Mei, he had been wondering what that imp was up to. If it was not her but an imposter inviting him to dinner, he would know soon enough. If it was her, he was going to make her pay tonight when they got home, for putting pins and needles through him that he was unable to concentrate on a thing in the office the entire day.

He was led to a quiet corner of the restaurant, tastefully and discreetly partitioned off from the rest of the room. Shan Mei stood up on seeing him enter. She took his breath away. Her complexion had a certain radiant glow. No words could come readily to his mind to describe her exquisiteness. Shan Mei became bashful under his keen scrutiny and gave him a shy smile. Xiang Zhe smiled back. He was so ravished by her beauty; he wanted to gobble her up. As they sat down, he grabbed her hand that was lying on her lap and gave it a gentle squeeze. With his other hand, he turned the pages of the menu. He was suddenly in high spirits. He turned to Shan Mei asking whether he should order for her. She nodded. He didn’t let go of her hand until the food arrived. They both enjoyed the next two hours eating, sipping champagne and delighting in each other’s company like any young, deeply in love couple.

Xiang Zhe asked Shan Mei whether she was ready to go home, then asked for the bill. She insisted on signing for it, saying it was her special treat for her first and most loyal fan. She owed her everything to this fan’s unwavering support. He let her, and gave her a ‘thank you’ peck on her cheek.

Holding her hand, they entered the elevator to get to the car park. Shan Mei pulled him back when the doors opened at the carpark level, and pressed Floor 10. She placed a finger to his mouth to stop him from asking questions. Shan Mei gave him the key to Room 1058. He was all excited, his head buzzing with the number 1058; it sounded so very familiar. Where had he seen it before? As soon as he opened the door of the suite, Xiang Zhe scooped his wife into his arms and carried her in. With one foot, he kicked the door shut. He carried her through to the bedroom and deposited her on the super large 8’ wide bed. After hurriedly divesting of his jacket and tie, he began raining frenzied kisses on her hair, her face, her neck, her breasts then finally her lips. He had been dying to kiss her ever since he saw her standing there by their table in her stunning little black lacy dress in the restaurant. Something hit him as he suddenly realised, there was something about lace on his wife that drove him crazy.

After a while, he rolled over on the bed. He berated himself. He should have sent that fanmail sooner, and he turned to look at Shan Mei with dark, narrow eyes. They both laughed so joyfully. He wanted to kiss her all over again. She pushed him gently away and made for the bathroom. He followed. He was completely floored by the view. Shan Mei ran water into the jacuzzi and turned around for Xiang Zhe to help her undress. He brought in the ice bucket with champagne into the bathroom, placed it by the window, and joined Shan Mei in the tub.

“Want some bath salts?” his wife asked.
“Okay, what’s a good choice?” as Xiang Zhe checked the row of bottles.
“You choose.”
“What’s this? Ylang-ylang? Sounds like grass. Nah, no good at all ! Lavendar is not bad, eh? What do you think, darling? Should we have this?”
“Anything you find soothing is okay with me.” Shan Mei hid a smile.
“In that case, I need these.” As the words rolled from his mouth, Xiang Zhe took hold of Shan Mei’s hands, planted them on his chest, and moved them across his front in gentle strokes. “Darling, I find this the most soothing” he moaned.

After a while of quiet, companionable respite, they gave each other scrubs and massages, and the jets in the jacuzzi hit into their tired muscles. Shan Mei leant back against Xiang Zhe’s chest, his hands were roaming the front of her body stroking gently; they murmured words of love to each other, watching the lit-up city below going about its business. So beautiful !

Xiang Zhe suggested may be they should get out of the water. They had been in the tub a long time. He took a large towel to wipe Shan Mei dry.
He saw her negligee, then his usual thigh length silk robe and pyjama shorts. After he dressed, he slipped the silky lacy negligee over her head. As he glided the negligee up and down her legs, he gave her a heady caress as he pressed her close to his full body length. “Shan Mei…darling….” His voice was thick with desire. His wife had other ideas and led the way out to the sitting room.

“There’s sushi in the fridge if you’re hungry.” Shan Mei told her husband.

“I haven’t started anything yet so how can I be hungry?”

“Because you didn’t eat much during dinner. You were too busy looking at me. It was so embarrassing.”

They brought the bottle of champagne into the bedroom. Xiang Zhe tested the big bed. “Ehmm, this feels good. Do you want to change our bed at home for this model?”

“No way, this bed is too big. Our bed at home is just the right size and holds too many special and loving memories.” They then lay in each other’s arms on the huge bed, just reminiscing about those ‘special memories’. They also talked about You Zhen Ge, now making their Zhen family unit complete. CTN would soar to new heights with him on board.

And how Shan Mei loved her Xue Zhang even more for his generous acceptance of his younger brother. In fact, this evening’s date would not have been possible without his help. He was a very good assistant. A person whose life had been touched by genuine love would change. The proof was before their very eyes. They felt blessed. They felt contentment. They felt love. So much love. They shared a deep kiss.

Xiang Zhe suddenly placed his hand on her stomach and rubbed it with light circular movements. It still looked flat. He looked at her with arched brow?
“Two months”. He lowered his head down and placed his ear on it. Shan Mei combed her fingers lovingly through his hair, hoping each stroke will release a further unhappy memory, very soon all unhappiness could be forgotten, if it was possible at all to forget all the hurt he had suffered.

When he straightened up, Shan Mei cupped his face between her hands and looked into his eyes full on, “you are the most wonderful husband. I love you so much, really!” He was so overjoyed. “And you’re the most wonderful wife. I cannot imagine my life without my beloved Shan Mei.”

He bit her luscious lips and slowly delved his tongue into her mouth, they soon tired themselves out nibbling here and there at each other. They fell asleep locked in each other’s arms, sweet smiles on their faces.

Xiang Zhe awoke. The bedside clock showed 5 in the morning. He looked at Shan Mei curled up beside him, and his heart overflowed with love for her. He tenderly smoothed her hair away from her forehead and looked deeply into her. Lying there she was so childlike and trusting.

Was she ready to be a mother? He had been nagged by this thought ever since Dr. Kim informed him Shan Mei was expecting. She had not suffered any of the normal symptoms associated with pregnancy except sporadic attacks of lethargy during her first six weeks. She was back to her old self now.

“Does she realise what motherhood really entails?”
“Will she be able to cope?”
What about him?
Was he ready to share his Shan Mei, even if it meant sharing her with their baby?
Would he be a responsible father?
No matter what, or whatever came, he must never let Shan Mei down, he promised.

He got out of bed. Seeing his jacket and tie on the floor, smiling wickedly he shook his head in disbelief, remembering how they got there in the first place. He turned his head slightly to look again at his sleeping wife, muttering softly to himself, “temptress!”

He picked the clothing items up from the floor, went to the wardrobe to hang up the jacket. Another of his suit and her suit were hanging up in there neat and fresh. He pulled open the dresser drawer, he saw his shirt and her blouse, another drawer revealed a fresh change of his and her underclothes. What a wife, thinking of everything. He thanked his lucky stars, this wife was his and no one else’s.

He went into the sitting room. He sent a SMS to Zian Da informing him to reschedule all meetings for the afternoon, starting from 2. He would be in office after lunch, and to inform his secretary accordingly. And meanwhile, remember DO NOT DISTURB, not even messaging. President’s orders!

He went back to bed, cuddled up to his precious, safe in her love. Soon he dozed off.

Xiang Zhe felt something ticklish on his chest. He woke up. It was his angel lying on top of him, making little circles on his chest with her finger. He brought his arms around her back catching her in a tight vise. “What’s up?” he laughed, asking.

“Giving you my autograph before sending you off.” Shan said as she directed a sensuous pout his way, letting him know it was past 9 a.m.
==

That afternoon, at Conference Room No. 2 in MBS Building.
The meeting was for next quarter’s planning programmes. Xiang Zhe shook his head several times and constantly rubbed at his eyes and his forehead to clear his mind, yet it kept wandering.

He was thinking of the bite on his back when Zian Da asked him what he thought. He didn’t even know where they were. Zian Da looked at him perplexed, then quietly prompted, “ Page 13 of the proposal in front of you.” Xiang Zhe looked embarrassed before turning to the proposal. “What was the question again?” He grinned sheepishly at Zian Da.

“Engineering wants to know whether any special pre-arrangements necessary in June since CTN’s first transmission going out on 1st July?”

“That? Oh, that. Yes. CTN will be sending in their specialist team to handle the technical aspects one week before 1st July. More details later.”

He needed to talk to his wife to get her off his mind. He also needed a cup of very strong coffee and may be a cigarette. He gave a 30 minutes break, and said the meeting to continue again at 4.

Zian Da wouldn’t let up and followed him to his office. He pressured Xiang Zhe for an explanation for his distracted mind, after he sat down.

“Last night, Shan Mei organised a ‘Meet The Fans’ overnight party.” Xiang Zhe admitted but gave no other details.

Zian Da asked “you still in party mood?”

Xiang Zhe nodded, guilt written all over his face.

“How many fans were there?”

Xiang Zhe looked at him from under his lashes, rolled a notepaper into a ball and smiling playfully threw it at Zian Da. “Don’t you have to contact your manufacturers for Bargain Corner merchandising?” Xiang Zhe took on that dreamy look again.

Zian Da left, shaking his head. “Unbelievable; these 2 kids act as if on perpetual honeymoon!”

Xiang Zhe was smiling inside himself, recalling Shan Mei’s astounded look this morning in bed when he wouldn’t release her, demanding a love bite next to her imaginary autograph. She felt shy when he insisted she bit him. Every one of her bites he rejected because they were too light, leaving no mark. She tried increasing the pressure each time, still no good. She became tired, she lay down to rest.

He started kissing her, squeezing her, caressing her, tugging at her, running his hot lips all over her body. As she moaned and writhed under his body, he continued with his onslaught of deep kisses and gentle caresses, until she cried out for his love. He unleashed the fire that had been simmering in his groins with frightening force. He left many love bites on her body in discreet places. He laughed roguishly when he caught her glaring at him, after their shower.

She finished dressing and was on her way out to the sitting room. He was putting on his shirt. Very quickly she dipped her head under his shirt, and gave his back a very hard bite. He cried out in tingling pain. By the time he regained his senses, he stepped out of the bedroom after her and when he caught up with her, she was sitting demurely at the dining table drinking her glass of milk, a bowl of cereals in front of her, looking innocently up at him, smilingly said “Baby needs his breakfast!”

“Breakfast? It’s almost noon now. Are you trying to deprive our baby of his food?” He wagged a finger at her!
==

He missed her sweet voice. He called her, “Hi, it’s me. Feeling okay?”

“Yes, what about you?” she sweetly enquired.

“I’m missing you so much. I can’t think of anything else but you. Can you take a taxi and come over to MBS Conference Room No. 2 and sit on my lap while I yawn through the rest of next quarter’s Planning meeting?” He spoke softly into the phone, his tone full of playfulness.

Shan Mei frowned at her husband’s teasing mood, although he, at the other side of the line, was unable to see her knitted brows and compressed lips. She thought to herself, [“Can this be the same man? Our DirectorYin ? Whose expression when sitting around MBS conference rooms is always frightening for its inscrutability, blankess and formality?”]

His wife reproached him mildly, “Xue Zhang, behave yourself; concentrate on your job, please! We’re in the office. I’ve got a lot of work to catch up with. We’ll follow up later tonight at home, okay?”

“You promise? Okay, Bye.”

He looked at his watch. It was 5 minutes to 4. He told his secretary to arrange to have a cup of strong coffee delivered to him at Conference Room No. 2. He left his office to continue the meeting with Dept of Planning, smiling to himself as he walked along, his head in the clouds.

He was certain he had shocked his wife with his foolery. He kept smiling; knowing full well he would get ‘it’ from her tonight, for sure. “It’s okay” he thought. She looked so pretty and adorable when she flashed her angry eyes about. He was looking forward to seeing that pretty, angry look!

And, it would be fun trying to find a way to wheedle round her soft heart after that, to get back into her loving books. So simple !

Chapter AW-16

It was the Sunday Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei were expected home for dinner with Father.

Shan Mei brought for Auntie a huge bunch of their special roses in assorted colours from their garden. Auntie was so pleased. No one had ever given her flowers.

For Father, she made her special crabmeat/lobster and avocado sushi rolls, using a recipe she had recently improved on.

For Xiang Jie, they gifted him with an electric guitar and a set of amps, and some tablatures on tunes by The Shadows. Father, on seeing these, commented the house would soon tumble down with the racket. Xiang Zhe suggested his brother used his apartment as his music room.

“Just remember, not to turn the amps on full. The apartment is not too near to the main house, Father won’t be disturbed.”

Xiang Jie ran up to his elder brother, hesitated for a second, then gave him a tight hug. Xiang Zhe was surprised, but quickly recovered to give his younger brother a ruffle of his hair. Shan Mei and Father exchanged glances and smiled knowingly.

Dinner was ready. Before sitting down, Shan Mei wrapped her arms around Father and whispered ‘thank you’ into his ear and gave him a kiss on his cheek. Father had seen how close Shan Mei and her Pa were, and had often wondered whether Shan Mei would one day treat him just as affectionately. He squeezed her hands with a grateful and understanding look.

Xiang Zhe looked at them, wondering why he couldn’t be so natural like her. He could, but only with her and in private. During dinner, their conversation centred around their ‘summer’ baby. Father simply couldn’t wait to be a grandparent, and was grinning throughout dinner. They didn’t want to know the gender of the baby. Xue Zhang wanted a girl, Shan Mei wanted a boy, but whatever, this baby would be the most loved. Father couldn’t agree more.

Xiang Zhe and Father decided to take coffee in his private study. He gave his father the latest update on PIR and the many sponsors wanting to come in. Shan Mei had put him in the Producer’s chair. He was excited over new developments with CTN. They had another project in mind. They wanted MBS to produce a chat show for Shan Mei, to fill in their afternoon slot when CTN had no viewing. This arrangement was only possible due to CTN being foreign-owned and had paid premium fees for local broadcasting rights that came with special privileges.

Because of Shan Mei’s current popularity, Michael hoped that MBS might get nominated for an award in this category. For this show, they would be bringing in their big sponsors from USA and UK. The sponsorship revenue would be split 55/45. CTN believed this show with its assured quality and fresh concept would be the most highly rated TV chat show once MBS pushed it out. Michael said it would surely be in a class by itself, and create more buzz than PIR. Father nodded in agreement. He was full of pride his son was handling the MBS business so well, and Shan Mei supporting him so ably. Father wondered what the shareholders would say now?

Outside in the sitting room, Shan Mei regaled Xiang Jie with juicy goss on the romantic date at Westin Chosun. Their game plan was executed so well, his elder brother had doubts whether it was really her or an imposter who had invited him. But it was truly so romantic. The date was only possible because of assistance from younger brother. In the future when it was his turn for such a romantic date, she would definitely return the favour.

Shan Mei reassured him about going to London. Her friends were expecting to welcome Xiang Zhe’s younger brother. Vicky & Co would ensure he would get lots of practice on his guitar. If they knew he could play the electric guitar and Shadows, they would simply love him to bits. Xiang Jie blushed, saying he was not ready for love! Shan Mei pinched his cheek.

Back in Yin Senior’s private study, when Xiang Zhe was getting up to leave the room at the end of the meeting, his father brought out an envelope from his desk drawer. In it were his 40 % share certificates of MBS. Fifty % were transferred to Xiang Zhe’s name, the remaining fifty % to Shan Mei. Xiang Zhe told his father Shan Mei could not hold shares in another television station according to her contract terms with CTN. Father then suggested she hold the shares in trust for the baby. He would arrange for the change.

That night in bed, Xiang Zhe related to Shan Mei what transpired in his father’s study. She was so very happy for him, pleading with him to let go of what was remaining of his bitterness. “Darling, look at the situation this way, as if your father is the custodian for your legacy of the Station. If your father did not do his part to keep the Station afloat, there might be no MBS today.”

Xiang Zhe pulled her into his arms, burying his head into her hair, crying into her “I’m trying, trying so very hard.” He was quiet for a long time, then in a faltering voice he murmured, “Darling, it still hurts.”

“I know” Shan Mei consoled him, her voice gentle and understanding, as she brushed her lips tenderly along the line of his cheek, one hand lovingly stroking her husband’s head.

“Xue Zhang, let’s drive out to visit your mother, tomorrow lunch time, and tell her the good news, okay? We can also bring her our special roses.”

Xiang Zhe held Shan Mei tighter to him. This time, his tears did finally flow. Her heart felt deeply for him. In her soft, sweet voice “Come. Come tell mummy where it still hurts. I’ll kiss it better.” Without moving, he pointed to his heart. Shan Mei placed her lips against his heart, as she felt a wave of fierce maternal protectiveness surged through her. She wanted to shelter and protect him from all harm and unhappiness forever. With his hand he cupped her head close against his heart, not letting her go, hoping she could really kiss away all the hurt and pain.

After a while, she felt a slight easing in his painfully knotted muscles. “I love you” Xiang Zhe said unevenly, as he kissed the top of Shan Mei’s head. His arms tightened around her again, “God, how I love you!” his thick voice sounded like something between a sigh and a cry, his bright eyes rimmed with tears.
==

The next morning Shan Mei woke up bright and early to prepare a packed lunch. When she took coffee up to their room for Xue Zhang, he was still in bed. Usually on Monday mornings he liked to be at his office early. She went to him, placed her hand against his forehead to check. There was no temperature but he did look tired.

She slipped her hand under the quilt and stroked his back gently, then gave him a gentle kiss on his face.

He opened his eyes when he felt her kiss. He didn’t want to go to work; he felt the workload at the station too much for him to bear alone. Since he got a taste of them both working together on PIR, everything so simply and efficiently run, he now felt tiresome spending every day just attending meetings, going over proposals, hearing petty squabbles from the various departments.

Shan Mei crept back into bed and cradled him to her, trying to tell him he had many helpers at the station to assist him, like Seniors Zian Da and Yong Xi. Xiang Zhe kept quiet. In his mind, this Zian Da wouldn’t dare take a step without a nod from him, how to expect him to make any decisions of his own initiative. He seldom saw Zian Da last November and December when they were preparing for PIR. That time, Xiang Zhe simply told Zian Da to talk to Shan Mei, and his load immediately lightened by half. Now that Shan Mei was back at CTN, all his worries seemed to return.

She started to give him a good head, neck and shoulder massage. He turned on his stomach wanting a back massage too. His tight muscles began to relax and he was in a better frame of mind.

“Something bothering you at the station?” she softly enquired casually.
After a while he opened his eyes and turned to lie on his back. “Zian Da has arranged to meet with some starlets this afternoon and want me to sit in at the meeting. And if I know Zian Da correctly, his meetings usually carry over to lunches, or dinners. I wonder why he can’t handle this on his own?”

So, this was it. Apart from News, Zian Da should be concentrating on Bargain Corner, shouldn’t he? She hoped he wasn’t going to let his good work at Bargain Corner go to waste.

“Xue Zhang, when your father was President of MBS, did he have to attend to such matters?”

“No, the controllers of the various departments handle their own matters and then send a report of their decisions to him. After reading their reports, if they were good, he would say so, if some needed changing, he would comment accordingly. My father was only interested in the bottom line”

“Xue Zhang, look at me. I mean really look at me, from the Shan Mei at MBS to the Shan Mei now at CTN. You see big difference, yes? To be honest with you, I’m still the cry baby, I’m still argumentative, I still like to have things my way. I haven’t changed but I’ve grown. I’m all those things only with you because I know you dote on me, but I now realize I can’t win all the time. But I can’t insist on winning all the time in the office. And can you imagine me crying in front of the sponsors every time I can’t have my way? I’ve to grow within my job to bring CTN forward. Michael helped me a lot in this.

I know you are such a perfectionist and have such high expectations, you have to be in total control of everything. Try delegating down the line, and you will see the burdens slip away. You can use your time more fruitfully by dropping once in a while on the various departments. This will keep them on their toes as well as give them a sense of pride that their president cares enough about them to drop by to visit them personally.

And I know you, for some reason or other, you find it difficult to come right out and say ‘no’ on some issues. From now onwards, whatever you want done, for whatever changes you feel are necessary, send out office memos.

Xue Zhang, when CTN channels through MBS, your station will be the talk of the town with the super chat show I am conceptualising for you. I mean it when I say conceptualising specially for you. We want MBS to take all the credit. With the current PIR and the chat show, your station will receive viewership rating % never before attained by MBS.

That’s when you show Senior Zian Da what the real job of the president and DoP of MBS is; making Miss Zhen Shan Mei happy [she winked at him when she said that and he laughed], making the shareholders happy, and attracting further investments for the station, not sitting down to meetings with some pretty girls. Tell him the nature of his job has changed. He should pass the starlets to Drama Department, and concentrate on Bargain Corner and News. I also suggest giving the team some bonuses so they realise it would be worth their while to concentrate on PIR.”

Xiang Zhe was sitting there in bed, listening attentively to his angel dispensing her wise, simple logic. She was right. Michael had thrown her into the deep end of the sea and left her swimming back to shore. She not only made it but was standing firmly and successfully on her own two feet. He kissed and thanked her for showing him the light at the end of the tunnel.

“And, darling, sometimes you need to take a day or two off, to recharge your batteries. You’ve given too much of yourself to the company since you started work at MBS, you must learn to relax. Give yourself some time off.”

Shan Mei had already called in to the office, telling Zian Da that Xiang Zhe was not feeling well and taking the day off; she also called her secretary she would not be in the office that day.

They drove out to visit Xiang Zhe’s mother grave. Shan Mei took the packed lunch along with hot coffee in Thermos flask. The scent from the roses seemed to pervade the surrounding air. Before they sat down for lunch, Xiang Zhe told his mother about the MBS shares Father had given back to him. Other good news was Shan Mei’s pregnancy hadn’t given her any problems and the new morning show PIR was getting rave reviews. Shan Mei promised Mother she would make Xiang Zhe her top priority. She would take good care of him and needed her guidance to do a proper job!

Afterwards, they browsed around a few flea markets nearby. Shan Mei bought two big, old flower pots she saw, to plant some small branches she had earlier plucked from the tree growing on his mother’s burial plot. She also bought a set of old photograph developing Leica trays with clippers for You Zhen Ge. He was a Leica collector.

They drove back to town to visit Pa and Ma at the noodle shop. Even though it was Monday, the shop was full with customers. When Shan Mei told Ma she wanted to drop off a small present for You Zhen Ge, Ma asked her to help tidy up the unit. She hadn’t been there a week because of PIR.

This was first time Xiang Zhe was in Ma’s house. Both of them cleaned up the place and put their present on the dining table. Xiang Zhe saw the happy family photograph taken on Shan Mei’s first day at university, as well as many other photos of You Zhen and Shan Mei taken together during their growing up years. There were even several cartoon drawings of the two of them. [ “What’s the matter with this You Zhen? He has Minnie, why are the photos of Shan Mei still up? Is he regretting he passed over Shan Mei?” Xiang Zhe muttered to himself silently.]

He remembered the crumbled up photo with just You Zhen and Shan Mei. That time, holding the photo in his hand while Shan Mei had gone off to get some beer, he felt so jealous seeing Shan Mei smiling so happily and sweetly beside You Zhen. Now, Shan Mei was his wife. He suddenly had the urge to hold her in his arms, his wife never looked more desirable; he began to kiss her passionately slipping one hand under her blouse to cup her breast. Shan Mei felt his arousal. She wriggled free and gave her husband a startled look, her eyes grown mindful, “Xue Zhang. Stop it! We are at You Zhen Ge’s house.”

“I know” he laughed cheekily, “I want to make sure you know you’re mine, all mine.” Softly murmuring as he nuzzled into the hollow at her throat. He wanted her reassurance. “Agree you’re mine?”

Shan Mei nodded her head.

“How much?” he asked as he searched her eyes for an honest answer.

She broke away from his stare and hoarsely murmured into his ear, “as much as you can handle.”

He became excited; he took the damp wiping cloth away from her, a soft wicked laugh gurgling at the back of his throat. “Oh, I can handle quite a lot today, Mrs. Yin.” He carried her off to the kitchen and sat her on the work counter, rinsed her hands, smoothed a stray lock of hair from her forehead to tuck it behind her ear and murmured softly, “we’re going home now” as he caught her lips in a swift kiss.

He carried her on his back, picked up her coat and handbag on the way out, put her in the car, and helped put on her seat belt, taking advantage of the moment to kiss her again. “Do you have any idea how much I want you now?” he breathed hoarsely, his eyes narrowing hotly upon her. Shan Mei simply stared at him, unable to say a word.

Xiang Zhe sped off home. He was smiling as he stole sideway glances at his wife. She looked flustered and shy, her cheeks turning a deep rosy hue.

Chapter AW-17

Mid February.
TV Viewers sitting next to their television sets were gripped by Award fever. A new computerised scoring system was installed at this year’s Annual Broadcasting Industry Award Ceremony to prove that voting was fair; 50% of the score from Internet and viewers, 50% from the Union.
Viewers could see the voting score directly on their TV screen as the votes came in from viewers and netizens.

Last year when Miss Zhen Shan Mei walked away with 7 awards, there were whispers of ‘fixing’. Since the last award ceremony, Shan Mei had become Mrs. Yin Xiang Zhe whose husband also happened to sit on the nomination committee of the Broadcasting Industry Union. Xiang Zhe voluntarily abstained from all nomination and voting. Shan Mei wasn’t really into all this. Knowing that she had done her best was good enough for her.

At the event, Michael invited Junior to join the CTN group, but Xiang Zhe preferred to stay with the MBS group since they had also been nominated for 5 awards, one of which was in direct competition with Shan Mei.

This evening, Shan Mei was in a vintage Mr. V very light gold lace floor length evening gown, reminiscent of old time Hollywood glamour. Madam Kim told Shan Mei most of the glamour queens at the event this evening opted for the hanbok because Shan Mei looked simply too divine in hers last year.

Shan Mei decided on the Mr. V gown from the photo selection Madam Kim had shown her in December. Madam Kim negotiated a deal with Mr. V on behalf of Shan Mei. The haute couture designer was prepared to gift her the gown if Shan Mei would agree to model his new Spring & Summer collection a week after the Award Ceremony in Seoul. Madam Kim highly recommended her to accept the offer. But Shan Mei was too nervous to agree; she had never before in her life modeled anything. She would be too shy and embarrassed.

Shan Mei looked simply sensational when she arrived with her CTN entourage. One look at her, Xiang Zhe went soft in his knees. Did the imp discover his little secret? He simply couldn’t resist her in lace? Michael was beaming from ear to ear. Never mind if Shan Mei didn’t take home any awards tonight, she was already the undisputed winner in the fashion stakes.
The whole night for CTN was a repeat of last year’s performance when they won in all their nominated categories.

Later on in the night Xiang Zhe joined Shan Mei at CTN’s celebratory party. He simply couldn’t take his eyes off his wife. She was looking more beautiful by the minute. Michael, at the other side of the room was thinking the same, every time he laid eyes on her. That Junior was a lucky dog he thought. Shan Mei was supposed to be 3 months pregnant, yet she still exuded that innocent childlike allure, which had become her trademark.

Senior and Junior were sitting down, sipping champagne and talking about the progress made so far with the channelling project and PIR, when Junior asked him, “Senior, why don’t you invite Shan Mei for a dance? Better hurry, because I’m thinking of giving her a last twirl around the ballroom before twirling her home for her beauty rest?”

Michael was surprised because he had heard how possessive Xiang Zhe was when it came to Shan Mei. He didn’t need a second prompting. He shot off to where Shan Mei was sitting now, deep in conversation with Mr. Sung of Bansung Group.

Xiang Zhe smirked to himself. That took care of Mr. Sung! If he thought by offering 200 Bansung laptops at heavily discounted prices to Bargain Corner would entitle him to full monopoly of Shan Mei’s time, he was grossly mistaken!

Xiang Zhe had heard from Zian Da, Bansung was ready to offer 200 units of laptops at the usual 70/50/30 discounts to PIR. Zian Da even heard Mr. Sung suggesting to Shan Mei, how about offering 3 Bansung cars at 70% discounts, to mark successful PIR 1st season, at the start of the 2nd season?

As soon as they arrived home and walked through their front door, Xiang Zhe pulled Shan Mei into his arms and gave her a long and tender kiss. He told her again how exquisite she looked. When he saw her as she walked into the auditorium, he wanted to grab her and make love to her right there and then. He said he was terrified, at that moment, because such feelings and thoughts were so alien to him.

Shan Mei giggled at him, reminding him the first time they met in the park when he returned from England, he had told her to behave because they were in a public place. All she did that time was talked loud as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She didn’t believe one word of what he was now telling her.

“Yes, you’re so right because I didn’t believe it too.” He cursed silently “Zhen Shan Mei, what have you done to me?”

He made her sit down on the sofa in the living room. He brought her a glass of warm milk. While she drank her milk, he put his ear to her stomach to see how baby was doing. Then he whispered into the stomach, as he feathered loving kisses on it, to tell baby that his mother was queen of the night.

After he put on a very old Nat King Cole record, they slowly danced around the room encircled tightly in each other’s arms, completely lost in the magic of the love songs. After a while, Shan Mei lifted her head to look up at Xiang Zhe in the eyes, “Xue Zhang, you’re the best” and gave him a heart-stopping smile. Xiang Zhe smiled back at her with such tender love “so are you.” They continued their slow dancing, Xiang Zhe softly singing into her ear, following the lyrics from the songs.
==

The next morning, Xiang Zhe was still in bed when Shan Mei walked into their bedroom.

Shan Mei had brought coffee to Xiang Zhe. She gave him a soft kiss and a brilliant ‘good morning’ smile. “May be Xue Zhang wants to lie in? There’s no reason to get up yet. Michael has left early this morning for Japan. He would be back this Friday to meet with you regarding the CTN progress work. Last night he asked me to apologise to you on his behalf.”

“Is my wife going to reward me if I promise to stay in bed and rest?”

“Of course. I’ll serve you breakfast in bed”

“Like what kind?” he looked up expectantly into her face

“French toast, bacon, special coffee?” she bribed in her sweetest tone

“That’s not the kind of breakfast I have in mind,” he mimicked her pout.

“Okay, then you go make your own breakfast” she walked off pretending to be angry.

He leapt out of bed, ran after her, scooped her into his arms and brought her back to bed, telling his wife he needed to cuddle up to her in order to sleep. Shan Mei lovingly obliged. Xue Zhang needed his rest. He had been working so hard lately. Sometimes she marveled at his energy and the capacity of his brain. He had effortlessly and seamlessly merged the president and DoP positions into one, leaving no loopholes or space where his step uncle could manoeuvre himself into. She would make him delicious ginseng chicken soup tonight with a special recipe given to her by a Korean family in the Aleutian Islands.

It was way past lunch time when they awoke. Xiang Zhe saw that Shan Mei had already dressed and was simply lying next to him the way he wanted. He embraced her, gave her a kiss on her cheek and murmured into her ear “now, I’m ready for the French toast, bacon and special coffee you promised” and gently gave her derriere a smack, while he went to wash up.

That afternoon they worked in their His and Her offices respectively [the top floor of their house where their private offices His on one side and Hers on the other side were. In the centre was the common sitting area]. There was a lot of paperwork to catch up. Just as he was stretching out in his chair after having worked non stop for 3 hours, and rubbing out his brows now knotted in a deep frown, Shan Mei appeared with his coffee. Though he was busy working, he had missed her.

“Want to sit in your most favourite seat?” he insinuated guilelessly.

She went round his table to where he was sitting, “thought you’d never ask”, then nestled herself down on his lap. She planted several kisses on his forehead, and trailed her lips along each worry line. He felt his worries melting away.

After a few sips of the heavenly coffee, he asked Shan Mei whether she was almost through with her office work, he wanted to take her out for dinner. He had just received a call from Xiang Jie, PIR Internet subscribers had, an hour ago, reached the 40,000 mark. Shan Mei was ecstatic. Now, they could pay their guests a reasonable token fee for their appearances. The team should also be getting quarterly bonuses for their hard work. They could even begin to import directly from overseas manufacturers. Yippee!

“Xue Zhang, for your good work, your wife is going to reward you with special ginseng soup tonight.”

“Does my wife also expect special performance from me tonight?” Xiang Zhe gave his wife a wicked grin.

Ignoring his innuendo, Shan Mei continued, “The special soup is for you so you can concentrate on your planning of my chat show, making sure it will become your second best production for CTN.”

“Second best? Which is my best, may I know, my dearest wife?” Xiang Zhe’s happy tone was full of curiosity. She took his hand and rubbed it against her stomach. Oh, his darling wife! She always managed to bring out the sunshine in him. He locked his arms around her. Their lips met. They kissed long and slow. His Shan Mei was really the most fantastic wife in the world. He was more in love than ever with her. He didn’t want to ever let her go!
==

A week after the Award Ceremony in Seoul.
When he dropped her off at work, before Shan Mei let herself out of the car, she kissed Xiang Zhe on the cheek, then handed him an envelope. With a “See you tonight, husband” she laughed sweetly and ran off towards the building entrance.

Holding the envelope, he smiled secretly to himself. “Another invitation to a surprise party?” He couldn’t wait, he was tingling with excitement. As soon as he was in the privacy of his office, he pulled the card out. [“ What ? An invitation to a fashion preview of Mr. V’s haute couture collection as well as his new Ready-To-Wear Spring & Summer Collection?”] A notation on the bottom left hand corner of the card read “VIP – CTN Table”

He immediately called Shan Mei.

“Darling, you know such scenes are not my thing. But, if you want to go, I’ll accompany you. Shall I collect you this evening?”

Shan Mei told him, “There’s no need to collect me because I’m going with Michael. He has a meeting with Mr. V. We’ll see you there. Xue Zhang, love you.” He was tingling.

The preview was an ‘Invitations Only’ event. Apart from the press, the whole place was jam-packed with society’s female population from Seoul’s crème de la crème. He recognised many faces, especially those mothers who were forever trying to match him up with their daughters. Their daughters were also present. They tried to catch his eye, must be wondering what Xiang Zhe was doing at the function, all alone. He felt uncomfortable sitting at the table on his own. Soon Michael joined him. The open interest from the ladies present was unmistakeable. Michael laughed under his breath. He whispered to Xiang Zhe, “Wow! The vultures are out in full force!”

Xiang Zhe smiled and looked around the room. Mr. Sung of Bansung was there too with his mother and 2 sisters. Xiang Zhe was getting a headache. Where was Shan Mei? He wanted his wife at his side, so those curious eyes could look elsewhere. The two handsome and impressive men sitting by themselves were really attracting too much attention.

Xiang Zhe was not interested in Mr. V’s haute couture collection as the models sashayed up and down the catwalk. Where was Shan Mei?

An announcement came through the microphone. Mr. V’s Ready-to-Wear Spring & Summer Collection was launched for the first time in Seoul. There was a change in background music and the stage setting. On the catwalk out walked a couple. Xiang Zhe choked on the champagne he was sipping, his eyes nearly popping out. He managed to hold in a mild expletive before it escaped his mouth.

There was Patrick Lee and Shan Mei sashaying down the catwalk. The couple on stage attracted a lot of attention with their carefree walk and dazzling smiles. They were in a playful mood, yet Shan Mei managed to show off the clothes to their best advantage. Most of the people present recognised Shan Mei, but who was the deliciously gorgeous man with her? Throughout, Shan Mei had about 20 changes of outfits. The place was suddenly very quiet. The grand finale was expected. All lights off, except for the spotlights above the catwalk. Shan Mei glided out in the breathtakingly beautiful lace creation she wore to last week’s award ceremony. Cameras flashed all over the place. After gliding around the catwalk two times, Mr. V joined Shan Mei. Both of them took a final bow, Mr. V gave Shan Mei a big kiss on her lips, took her hand in his, they went backstage. Thunderous applause erupted.

Xiang Zhe was shocked. Never in his wildest dreams did he expect something like this. Michael was standing up, laughing, shaking his head in disbelief and clapping his hands off. After tonight’s performance, no one would ever dare question Junior’s choice of bride. She was superb. He looked at Xiang Zhe, he kept repeating: “Super, Fantastic Show.”

Xiang Zhe, looking glum, didn’t think there was anything super about it. The only thing ‘super’ would be the scolding Shan Mei was going to get from him that night.

Chapter AW-18

This Sunday morning, Michael was meeting up with Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei. They were meeting in one of MBS’s smaller meeting rooms. The table had 6 chairs around it. Shan Mei hesitated at one of the chairs.

“Looking for your most favourite seat?” Xiang Zhe asked innocently, giving her a look full of innuendoes. Shan Mei glowered at him.

He pulled out a chair next to him for her. She ignored him and took a seat between 2 empty chairs. They were so engrossed in their little duelling match of exchanging looks, they were oblivious of Michael.

“Junior?”

Xiang Zhe embarrassed at being caught unawares, turned to Michael “Yes? Sorry, I didn’t get what you were saying?”

Michael gave him a sly grin, “I didn’t say anything”

Xiang Zhe suddenly appeared all flustered. He gave Michael his shy look, appealing to him to please stop his teasing.

Michael shook his head in silent mirth. He looked at Xiang Zhe, then at Shan Mei, back to Xiang Zhe, and laughed out loud “you two.”

“Being married to Shan Mei must be very tiring?” Michael asked, directing the question to Xiang Zhe.

“You bet,” Xiang Zhe’s hand was at his forehead, he was smiling sheepishly, his eyes on his wife.

“Xue Zhang!!!, what are you saying?” Shan Mei’s cheeks became pink, her eyes glaring at him.

“Isn’t it true? Last night you decided to be a model, but later at home, you refused to model for me. Don’t forget, in December you were this great dancer? January, you were this great party hostess. Who knows what you want to be, next month? I don’t want to end up with heart attack,” he gave her a broad grin and a mischievous wink.

The two men laughed hard in unison, so hard Xiang Zhe had to rub away the tears that were threatening to flow from his eyes.

Shan Mei gave each of them a furious stare, for making her the object of their banter. She was busy working out a plan of attack.

She began to flip through her note papers; the men took the hint and looked at theirs. When she spoke, she looked up at them with her most dazzling smile, and, in her most dulcet tone, asked them, “Any ideas for the new chat show?”

“Let’s hear your opinion first, since you did so well for PIR.” Michael suggested.

“I want Patrick Lee to co-host. He has that kind of easy charm that most people fall for; he has those good looks that really impressed me the first time I saw him, and his personality matches very well with mine.”

Michael immediately agreed. He sat back against his chair, one arm resting over the backrest, his mind already with visions of the two of them together. “I had felt the same when I saw you two together on stage at last night’s fashion show.”

Xiang Zhe was silent. This was the first time Shan Mei had ever openly admitted she was impressed with a man’s good looks. The only time she had alluded to his good looks was that time in London when he mentioned it was easy to hide one’s unhappiness behind the drab English weather. She had casually remarked that with his good looks and good command of English how could he be unhappy? That was just a general comment, not like the praises she was now heaping on Patrick. He clasped his hands over his mouth, lost in thought, a deep frown appearing on his forehead.

Shan Mei secretly smiled with satisfaction. “Got you!”

Michael, unaware of the undercurrent, became excited, agreeing with Shan Mei they must make this the best locally produced chat show, in quality and contents. Due to the big sponsors being signed up, they anticipated large audience participation. They wanted MBS to provide a ‘live’ audience studio that could sit at least 200 instead of their current 50 seat max capacity.

Shan Mei was making notes furiously. She knew her husband wasn’t digesting what was being discussed. His mind was somewhere else, most probably dissecting every part of Patrick Lee. Michael immediately called CTN-UK, asking his technical director to fly out to MBS next week with his best technical team. He wanted them to design a top class set for chat show.

Shan Mei suggested to Michael, “Why don’t you continue the meeting with Xue Zhang after lunch? Lunch’s on me.”

She hooked her arm around Michael’s, leading the way to Cream House. Xiang Zhe followed sullenly behind. Suddenly he realised he had been played out by his wife. “That imp,” he muttered under his breath. He felt relieved. He ran up to catch up with them. He hooked his arm on her other arm. When Shan Mei looked up to him adoringly with her sweetest smile, he smiled back at her just as sweetly, but his eyes were promising her a night of reckoning, TONIGHT !

Michael was happy with the progress when Xiang Zhe showed him around the new extension. The two floors were almost ready, after which furniture and equipment to be installed. Many of the facilities that they would be sharing had been upgraded. Xiang Zhe also took Michael to inspect their canteen. A dining area exclusively for CTN had been demarcated. After running all over the place for almost 2 hours, they had had enough and decided to return to Xiang Zhe’s office for some coffee.

“What did you think of the show last night” Michael asked out of the blue.

Xiang Zhe didn’t have any opinion, because he had never been to one. But he thought models needed training. How could Shan Mei just walk up there and decided to do her thing, and Mr. V the big man himself letting her?

Michael laughingly said, “After one look at them, Mr. V had insisted to the choreographer, ‘no rehearsal for them’. Patrick and Shan Mei were told to be natural, and being natural is what Shan Mei does best. I’ve had my fair share of attending these boring affairs. That’s why it’s so refreshing to see Shan Mei walking around so naturally. Didn’t you notice? The two of them were carrying on like they were in the office having some kind of office repartee, especially that part when Shan Mei took her clip board and hit Patrick on his head, before walking off, her mouth in a pout?”

Xiang Zhe smiled crookedly at the recollection, but not at the ‘carrying on’. Michael had talked Mr. V into repeating the same strategy in Tokyo, using Akiko Kobayashi, CTN’s top anchor in Tokyo, to model Mr. V’s collection this coming Saturday in Tokyo.

“Come on, Junior, take that frown as well as that jealous look off your face. They just happen to enjoy a certain kind of chemistry. Very rare, you know.
Those two are going to bring to us accolades and big moneyed sponsors.”
Michael tried to console Xiang Zhe when he noticed his unease.

“Senior, you don’t understand. She’s my life! I almost lost her thrice. She has given me such happiness and fulfilment I never knew existed. I can’t lose her,” he looked at Michael with pain and forebearance at the memory.

Michael patted the poor man on his back, nodding his head in understanding.
Changing the subject “How’s the baby coming along?”

Xiang Zhe shook his head in exasperation, “You saw what happened last night? I tried to get her to slow down, but she isn’t listening. Until a little baby bump appears, I don’t think the fact that she is going to be a mother will sink in. When I asked her what about the nursery, she told me to handle that saying I was good with this sort of thing, citing this offic as example. The old office was renovated beyond recognition. Now, she loves coming here in the evening for her coffee, before Musical Postcard.”

“Yes, what about Musical Postcard? I hear that it is the highest rated local radio show even though aired once a week. Shouldn’t she have been nominated for Radio DJ award?”

“The nomination committee argued that it was not a sponsored show, so not eligible. Anyway, Shan Mei isn’t concerned with all this award fracas. She always maintains, what matters most is knowing she has done her job well.”

“If that’s the case, start accepting sponsors beginning July. I will give MBS clearance officially in writing. No point in letting a good show go to waste. CTN won’t accept a cent from advertising deals. Just take a 10% cut and give that to Shan Mei.”

Xiang Zhe thought he was the one who always doted on Shan Mei. Michael was worse. What kind of a husband would Michael make if Shan Mei had chosen to marry him? Michael was always so carefree and easy-going and came with no emotional baggage. He had also so easily embraced all types of cultures. No doubt Shan Mei would be so loved by him. Xiang Zhe assured himself he was loving her more.

Michael was so pleased to know PIR was doing so well, and wanted to know who was running the show. “Me, officially. But Shan Mei still sits in on meetings” laughed Junior. The actual work was supervised by the producer from 7 o’clock News and a recently promoted production assistant specially vetted by Shan Mei, knowing how paranoid she is about step uncle’s spies. The previous producer for MOE resigned, after the press gave him such a roasting.” Michael looked pleased, commenting the chap should have long been gone. PIR had its own Internet subscribers. Xiang Zhe reported to Michael MBS was making quite a bit in subscription fees. Michael laughed and told Junior CTN-KE’s income from Internet subscription fees alone would reach the 500 Million Won mark per month once transmission was 8 hours daily from July.

Contents of programmes must be attractive enough to entice subscribers. Realising Bargain Corner was the real moving force behind PIR’s popularity, Michael would ask David’s wife to source for quality products from CTN-Europe’s advertisers. She was the Sales Director of CTN-Europe.

Shan Mei phoned to let them know You Zhen Ge was about to drop her off at MBS building. If they were finished with their meeting, he would like to buy them dinner at this new place serving the most heavenly dumplings. Xiang Zhe was always okay with food. Michael didn’t mind too. Better for him, he could sleep on the plane tonight, and not worry about food.

The place really did serve the most delicious dumplings and special side dishes. Only drawback was it was located in some off beaten track not easy to find. You Zhen informed Michael this small eatery place was featured in their new “5-minute Korea” series for Korean Tourism Board. During their filming around the country and enjoying such fantastic food all over, they decided to dedicate about 100-120 episodes to food. Michael agreed totally.

Xiang Zhe was enjoying his meal thoroughly. His wife was serving him the dumplings pre-dipped with the sauces that he liked, and picking up little bite sizes of his favourite side dishes and feeding them to him, at intermittent intervals. Shan Mei wanted to be so attentive because she regretted the bed of thorns she had made him sit on during the morning meeting, and wanted to show real penitence. Her husband felt so pampered.

No wonder KTB was such a big supporter of Shan Mei, CTN-KE doing hundreds of 5 minute shots, these shots to be shown on CTN worldwide networks, bringing awareness of Korea to international tourists and travelers, Xiang Zhe thought to himself as he looked at Shan Mei, unaware his eyes hadn’t strayed from her face since they sat down for dinner. KTB even sponsored a van for PIR use.

After dinner, Xiang Zhe concentrated on driving carefully home; all thoughts of CTN, KTB, Patrick Lee were banished from his mind. He smiled as he stole a sideway glance at his wife. Last night was still very much in his mind. What about hers?
==
( last night )

“Did you enjoy Mr. V’s fashion preview?” Shan Mei asked sweetly testing rough waters as they were walking towards the hotel carpark

“Only the parts with you modelling.” Xiang Zhe grunted.

Shan Mei then held out to him Madam Kim’s boutique shopping bag with a big box inside. Madam Kim was extremely happy with this evening’s show. All the clothes shown had already been reserved. She gave Shan Mei the gift suggesting she could give her husband a private preview. Madam Kim had noticed Xiang Zhe sitting out in the audience; his unsmiling face was all dark. Looked like a storm was slowly, silently, and dangerously brewing.

After their shower, Xiang Zhe felt much better. So much better, that he got out a bottle of champagne, 2 flutes, sat down on their love seat and told his wife he was waiting for the show to begin. Shan Mei was in her dressing room. Suddenly she let out a loud piercing scream. Xiang Zhe immediately ran into her dressing room. She was holding up in one hand a skimpy chiffon see-through baby doll nightie, trimmed with faux fur. In her other hand, she looked in horror at the barest bit of chiffon known as G-string, the crotch of which was lined with the same faux fur. His eyes sparkled. He rubbed his hands together with devilish glee.

Xiang Zhe was tickled with excitement. He insisted she had to do the private preview. He was waiting. After a while, he grew impatient. He told her she had a choice. Either she wore it or nothing. Finally Shan Mei said she was ready to come out, but he had to switch off all the lights. He complained the room was too dark. “Draw the curtains to let the moonlight in.” He realised it was not so easy, like old MBS days, to fool his little wife.

He was at the window drawing the curtains. He heard some quick running steps and then a giggle.

She had sneaked into bed, completely covered by the quilt. He was not letting her off. He went under the quilt and started feeling around. When he tried to tickle her, she complained he was hurting her. When he tried to kiss her, she complained that made her ticklish. That imp! He was so overwrought with excitement, he turned her around, and bit her on one side of her derriere. She got so mad, she jumped out from under the quilt.

“Hey, that’s not fair. I want to bite you back. Turn around and lie down here” pointing to a space on the bed very near to her. He let her, to appease her, when he noticed her angry look. Then he carried his baby doll to their love seat, where they enjoyed the rest of the night finishing up their bottle of champagne, and he was still trying to cajole his wife to sashay a few rounds in front of him in her baby doll nightie!

Chapter AW-19

Shan Mei was up very early this morning, busy in the kitchen preparing a lot of delicious food.

During breakfast, Shan Mei appeared a bit anxious. Xiang Zhe was enjoying his breakfast because Shan Mei had made special seaweed soup, abalone congee and several kimchi dishes. She had put aside a small plate of thinly sliced abalone, and told her husband to eat up all the slices, because abalone was nutritious food for body build-up.

Shan Mei seldom made so many dishes at one go for breakfast unless she was expecting guests. Maybe, Shan Mei needed something substantial because she would not have time for lunch or something later in the day? Xiang Zhe thought as he ate away.

“Darling, take another bowl of this congee. It’s so delicious.” He placed the bowl of congee on the table in front of Shan Mei. Xiang Zhe noticed there was quite a bit of congee left in the crockpot cooker. He scooped what was left into a food container, telling his wife he would ask Canteen to heat it up for his lunch at the office.

Later this morning, at MBS studio, there would be a closed door mock run of Two Sides To A Coin, the chat show that Shan Mei had conceptualised and this would kick off when CTN transmit through MBS in July. This would be a crossover show, control of concept and content to be held by CTN, produced by Yin Xiang Zhe using MBS facilities.

With this show and PIR, Shan Mei hoped to propel the profile of MBS beyond its present limit, bringing with it increased viewership % for MBS. Hopefully, more sponsorship deals would ensue. Most of Xue Zhang’s headaches with ratings would be taken care of. No more pressures from shareholders once they realised CTN/MBS would become a formidable team.

Today’s guests and audience would be college students selected for participation from the top four universities in Seoul; and the theme for discussion would be “Open Book Exams or Traditional Testing Methods”. The kids were excited because each of them had to sign a confidentiality clause before they could participate in the show. It made them seem like conspirators together with Zhen Shan Mei. This mock run was organized to give the station some idea whether this kind of concept would work. If not, there would be ample time to change the format.

The producer in the control room and the production crew in the studio were using this mock run as a rehearsal to position their cameras and lighting, control the flow of the show, and actually work from the props that the technical team from CTN UK had designed for this show.

Because today’s show consisted of students, and with a topic very close to their hearts, the pace was very fast, and the banter virtually non stop. Even the audiences couldn’t control their excitement. The atmosphere in the studio was electric. Xiang Zhe too was carried away by the flow when various favourable comments were made about Open Book Exams. He had felt very strongly about this subject when he was himself a collegiate.

The invited guests were divided into 2 groups, first hour For Open Book, and 2nd hour for Traditional. As the show progressed, there was a lot of support for both groups from the audience. Shan Mei and Patrick Lee moderated very well in that there was no ill feeling at all.

After the show, Shan Mei thanked all the participants and invited them to MBS canteen for refreshments. They were also asked to fill out questionaires to give the producer of the show some ideas which areas could be improved and what topics would be interesting for the community in general.

One area of the canteen was partitioned off for this batch of special guests.
Today’s topic and debates were very fresh and there were a lot of opinions. In the end, the students would like Shan Mei to come up with more chat shows dedicated to education, especially in the areas of employment. The kids wanted to get first hand opinions of potential employers, whether the degrees obtained from local universities were taken in the same light as overseas-obtained degrees? Shan Mei thought this was a very interesting topic and promised to plan something along such lines. She asked her assistant to liaise directly with the student leader who suggested this theme for more information so they could plan an ideal time to introduce this interesting debate.

Shan Mei, Patrick and their assistants returned to their office at SGS for CTN internal meeting, while production meeting with MBS was confirmed for the next day.

Xiang Zhe, back in his office, was going over this morning’s mock run in his mind. Shan Mei and Patrick moderated the pace very well, otherwise there would have been complete mayhem, with the guests and studio audience all wanting to say their piece. No wonder the actual show had to be separated into 2 days, otherwise there would surely be fist fights.

The concept was fresh and simple, the execution smooth and the masses were totally involved. The allocated 2 hours passed by very quickly, the speakers wanted to say more but, alas, time was up. It was stressed by the moderators there was no right or wrong answers. It was a gathering of opinions. Why couldn’t his planning and programming teams come up with something so simple?

He had seen Shan Mei’s proposal when she was drafting it for Michael’s review. That was simple too. She simply gave numbers: the population segments this show would target, through MBS, through CTN; number of viewers expected; suitable for what kind of sponsors. Based on the anticipated viewership %, she gave an indication of sponsorship money she was looking at. The broader the base, the more valuable the programme.

Xiang Zhe smiled secretly to himself. His wife had worked this out very nicely for herself. All her shows were targeted to the masses that could easily relate to the themes, that was why sponsors were willing to pay top dollars because they would be getting maximum exposure. Didn’t she tell him once not to waste money on unnecessary packaging? Simply give an honest show that audiences want – did one need analytical mind to work that out?

Later on, Xiang Zhe realised it was selection of topics, the type of guests invited and the timing of the topics that would made 2STAC so successful.

It was easy for CTN because to them everything had a value, e.g. Shan Mei had a value, Patrick had a value, so it was a multiplication of known factors. MBS didn’t have that kind of known factor because they didn’t have any presenter who could harnass a substantial base of loyal fans. Their profitable staples were dramas, sports, children’s programmes and the newly launched PIR. But these would be nothing compared to 2STAC. With negligible outlay and minimum manpower efforts by MBS, the chat show would bring in more profits than their staples grouped together.

His phone rang. It was his angel telling him she was ready to go home and that she would wait for him at the front of SGS building. On the drive home, she didn’t say anything, and he didn’t want to remind her it was his birthday. Before he met Shan Mei, Xiang Zhe never bothered about birthdays. Since the special treat she gave him on his last birthday, he had been eagerly looking forward to this day.

He wanted to help prepare dinner but Shan Mei told him everything was prepared. He went to TV room. Later she called him on his mobile. She was on the top floor. “Darling, sorry to interrupt your TV viewing; can you come up for a minute? I need you to help me with something. Thanks.”

As soon as he reached the top of the stairs, he heard music and his senses were assailed by the fragrance of roses, and mouth watering aroma of roast meat. On the large coffee table in the centre of the room was a sumptuous spread of food, champagne in ice bucket. He was grinning broadly “that imp”! "Shan Mei? ” he called out happily, “where are you? ”

The door to her office opened. She stood there. She had on the exquisite blue chiffon lacey nightgown. She looked so ethereal and sexy, that lethal combination which brought his memories back to Brighton. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. In one hand, she was carrying a tape record player. He walked slowly up to her, pulled her into his arms and gave her a lingering kiss. “What’s up, Mrs. Yin?”

“Just an angel in blue come bearing birthday goodies for the world’s most adorable birthday boy.”

He choked down tears. He thought she had forgotten. He pulled her into his arms, murmuring, “you’re so beautiful, it’s not even funny” and started to bite into her creamy white shoulders.

“If you’re that famished, please finish first the food on the table”. Shan Mei was in giggles as she pulled Xue Zhang towards the table, being aware his eyes were still on her.

As they sat down to begin their meal, Shan Mei pressed the Play button of the tape recorder. Her voice came on: “Happy birthday, my dearest husband. Thank you for making me the happiest woman in the world. I don’t want to be with anybody except you in this life, the next and eternity. I love you, and I dedicate this composition to you…(Shan Mei playing her flamenco guitar.. smooth romantic music).” Continuous play.

Xiang Zhe was so overwhelmed. He felt so blessed, his heart was bursting. Shan Mei told him to bring up another bottle of champagne that she’d left chilled in the fridge. He was gettting really drunk on happiness and champagne. “What’s for dessert?” he gave her a wicked wink, and tried to feel under her gown. Shan Mei smacked his hand away.

They were so full with food, they didn’t want to move away from the sofa, but remained there cuddled in each other’s arms, serenaded by Shan Mei’s music. After what seemed like a long, long time, Shan Mei asked Xiang Zhe to go make some coffee. She’d stay to clear the dishes into the container for the housekeeper to wash when she came in tomorrow.

With high expectation of a romantic ending to such an unforgettable evening, he immediately went off.

When he came back, Shan Mei had a little birthday cake waiting for him.
After he blew out the candle, the first one he had ever had the chance to blow out, so far in his life, because during his young days, it was not tradition for his parents to give him birthday cake, he was almost in tears. “Dearest wife, I got to celebrate my birthday in such a beautiful way only because of you. Thank you”, he then pulled Shan Mei onto his lap, and began kissing her, his eyes silently seeking for a present of another kind.

The next day, he arranged for a mini hifi system to be installed in his office, and a special version of Shan Mei’s music pressed onto CD. He had this playing softly and continuously in his office. He smiled blissfully to himself; Peter Rabbit and Shan Mei’s music were all he needed to combat his daily battles!

Chapter AW-20

CTN-UK’s technical team had worked in the MBS studio for one week the first time they arrived Seoul. Then they flew off to Tokyo to take care of some technical matters in CTN’s Tokyo studio. This 2nd trip to Seoul they would stay another week after CTN’s mock run a few days back. Today, Shan Mei and Patrick Lee were asked to be present at the studio for dress rehearsal, to finalise colour coordination for the set. Armani won out in their bid to dress the hosts.

Xiang Zhe cancelled all appointments for the day. He wanted to be at their rehearsal. They had 6 colour changes in clothes, plus several more changes in background colouring before the team finally decided on a coordinated colour scheme. MBS crew in charge of backdrop design was also present for briefing. They must remember never to deviate from the colour scheme. Every little bit mattered. A master plan was drawn up and given to MBS. If they wanted to make change, no matter how slight, they must get okay from CTN.

By the time Shan Mei and Patrick finished their part, it was almost 3 in the afternoon. Han Jae Hoon called Patrick on mobile, and they decided to meet up at Cream House for afternoon tea. Xiang Zhe had no choice but to go along although he would prefer to have Shan Mei to himself. And Shan Mei did look in need of refreshment. Xiang Zhe was quiet most of the time, when the three chatted away like there was no tomorrow. Even when they tried to include him, he was happy just sitting there looking at his wife and listening to her talk.

Looking at him, Shan Mei guessed he must have gotten another ‘insecurity’ attack again. She told Patrick and Mr. Han to enjoy their tea, she had to take her husband shopping. They said they would be leaving soon to meet up with You Zhen. Xiang Zhe looked surprised about the shopping. He asked the waitress to debit the bill to his account; he was so relieved to leave.

As they walked out hand in hand, he asked his wife what she wanted to buy. Shan Mei wanted to buy new underwear. She felt her present undergarments were getting a bit tight, and she wanted him to make the selection. He felt so happy, his wife was entrusting such an important task to him.

“Darling, how about trying out this new place on Fashion Row? I saw their advertisement in the papers announcing their opening. It is supposed to carry one of the most famous French lingerie brand names, Perla or Perlie something?”

In the shop Shan Mei felt shy, her husband going through such intimate ladies items. But he was different. He felt like a little boy let loose in a toyshop. He whispered to Shan Mei, he thought he saw something similar to that furry thing Madam Kim had given her in another colour. May be she would allow him to buy it for her? She blushed deeply and gave him a dark look as well as a little discouraging tweak of his pinkie.

Apart from underwear, he bought many fine lace lingerie items suitable for mothers-to-be. He was looking forward to seeing her in them. After they finished shopping for mother-to-be necessities, Xiang Zhe was back in good mood. They went back to his office. That night, Shan Mei had to record her radio show.

“Why didn’t you allow me to get you the matching panties?” he wanted to know.

“Because they would be too tight for me in the coming months. I don’t like them clinging to my stomach which will start to show soon. The nurse at Dr. Kim’s clinic advised me to start applying the olive oil to keep away stretch marks.”

“My dearest wife, don’t forget to let me apply the oil on you. Do you want to lie down and rest a bit?” He brought her a glass of warm milk and made sure she was comfortable on the sofa.

Just then, Zian Da burst into the office without warning. He apologised for interrupting Shan Mei’s rest. Shan Mei sat up at once.

Zian Da was highly excited as he passed the information to Ziang Zhe. “The military has just found the hideout for those illegals sneaking into the country. It’s one huge underground maze. They also caught the mastermind behind the human smuggling racket. They are now clearing out the area, and it will be closed off in 2 hours time. There is no MBS news roving team near that area to make it there in time within the 2 hours. We will miss out on this scoop. Anyway, maybe you can arrange with the military unit in charge, to give MBS special clearance tomorrow to enter the cordoned off area?”

Xiang Zhe was rubbing his forehead, not knowing how to go about this, reluctant to take advantage of some obscure family connection. He never understood how the connection with the military and his grandfather came about. His mother had been vague. It seemed his grandfather had received some kind of official exemption from the Military that his descendents did not have to serve Military Service ever. Yes, they did build a lot of housing for army veterans, and the Wen Rong Hospital gave special care to military personnel, but that didn’t mean they should be accorded special privileges. Several other big construction firms were building a lot for the military.

When Shan Mei heard this, she immediately called You Zhen Ge asking him to go immediately to the location Senior Zian Da had just mentioned. She remembered Patrick telling her they would be somewhere near there to check up on some locations, right? She gave him a gist of what happened. He had Patrick with him, right?

“Patrick is to do the interview and the reporting. He has to do one version in English, one version in Korean, then hurry back to MBS for editing. CTN will share with MBS this scoop, the thread coming from them. The area would be closed off in 2 hours time.”

Shan Mei looked at Zian Da, with her sweet smile. “Senior, don’t worry. You will have your scoop for your 9 p.m. news tonight.” Zian Da looked at Xiang Zhe. Xiang Zhe arched an eyebrow at him with a subtle shrug of his shoulders, like, any more problems?

Before Zian Da left, he heard Patrick calling Shan Mei back. “Get ready internet connection as soon as possible. We found the place and You Zhen is already down in the underground network of maze. I’ll email something back within 20 minutes. MBS can start editing and preparing the footage.”

When Xiang Zhe heard this, he was getting excited too. Orders were given that the operators handling the computer network must stay back and not leave. Shan Mei alerted CTN’s news team to assist MBS about the scoop, she then left her mobile with her husband, gave him a kiss, and went to the recording studio.

That night after the 9 pm news both CTN and MBS were deluged with requests from the press for main story and photos. The Military could not provide any information or photos. For security reasons, the Military had to cordon off the area, and no one was allowed in for the time being.

By the time the Yins got home that night, it was almost midnight. They had met up with You Zhen and Patrick for supper. Zian Da was very impressed with Patrick and when he was told Patrick would be Shan Mei’s partner in her new chat show, he sneaked a glance at Xiang Zhe. His face was blank. For him to allow someone as smart and handsome as Patrick to be this near to his wife was definitely not his idea, Zian Da could tell. Zian Da quickly left saying he had to make last minute preparations for tomorrow’s Bargain Corner.

After their shower, Shan Mei went through the items Xiang Zhe had bought. He wouldn’t show her his purchases when they were at the boutique saying ‘secret’ to almost every item. The lingerie nightgowns were beautiful, so were the bras which came with front clasps. She decided to try on one in the faintest shade of pink French lace. Xiang Zhe immediately snatched it away from her hands. “Not allowed”, unless he was the one to put it on for her. She nodded shyly. The bra cupped her breasts perfectly, the thin lacy effect added to the delicacy of her glowing complexion. And that was all she was allowed to wear because she had refused to take the matching panties.

“Darling, please be a little bit more understanding. I had ‘comfort’ in mind when I decided not the take the panties. I would have to get maternity briefs from a specialty store. For home, I was going to borrow your pyjama shorts when I become big.”

He laughed when he heard that. He went into his dressing room, and came back with one. He helped her into it. The waistband was slipping past her hips. One look and he couldn’t help laughing. She looked so adorable. He scooped her up and carried her off to bed, giving her soft kisses along the way.

After he got into bed beside her, he turned her to face him, and in a velvety voice, reminded her, “Michael can be your boss, Patrick can be your co-host, Han Jae Hoon can be your dance partner, but only I can be your husband, understand?” She nodded her head in agreement, giving him a delicious smile.

Xiang Zhe continued, “And only a husband can do this” [he kissed her on forehead], “and this” [he kissed the tip of her nose]. “and this” [he kissed her on her lips], “and this” [his hand kneading her breasts], “and this” [he began teasing her nipples].”

By now she was softly sighing. “Do you want your husband to do more?” he murmured hoarsely, his voice tinged with raw emotions, seeing the desire and passion in her eyes. She nodded her head slowly as she circled her arms around his neck, her hands gently massaging the back of his head and his neck as her fingers curled into his hair. He bent to kiss her deeply as his hands began caressing tenderly all over her soft, warm body.
==

The next morning, in his office, Xiang Zhe was sipping his cup of coffee, preparing to read the morning newspapers.

When Xiang Zhe saw the headlines in the morning’s papers, he was aghast. “Most Powerful Husband + Wife Team in Local Broadcasting” and underneath the headlines was an irresponsibly written article on how CTN and MBS shared news reporting and were very covetous with their information. They were not prepared to give any information to the press when they were approached, especially their supposedly ‘scoop’ on the hideout of illegals in their 9 pm news last night both on CTN and MBS channels. May be that was why CTN was rumoured to be raking in huge profits. CTN did not need to maintain a roving reporting team. Miss Zhen Shan Mei would use her influence as wife of Mr. Yin Xiang Zhe to pressure MBS to provide the news reporting service. If this was the case, weren’t MBS shareholders losing out, MBS having to bear extra costs?

Again, Zhen Shan Mei used the influence of her husband and the finances of her lover, Sir Michael Dutton, to bankroll behind the scene vote buying to win her awards. She was a money and power hungry schemer. There was nothing special about her as a broadcaster to garner such accolades.

Xiang Zhe called his father. Yin Senior confirmed that he was shocked over the news reporting when he read it earlier in the morning. All the other newspapers carried news and photos of the illegal hideout. He had spoken to a few editors earlier that morning and they had confirmed to him they received the information from MBS and CTN. They too condemned the news reporting from one of Seoul’s leading news publishers as very irresponsible. Xiang Zhe said he would most probably sue the newspapers. Father must not mention this to step uncle or step mother. He hadn’t spoken to Shan Mei yet. He would wait to speak to Michael first and see what he would do.

He cradled his head between his hands, deep frowns appearing on his forehead, a massive headache thumping away in his head.

Just this morning, their world seemed so perfect. Shan Mei had walked into their kitchen, went up behind him while he was at the table buttering his toast. She threw her arms around his neck and whispered softly into his ears “Good morning, my dearest husband. Thank you for a most unforgettable night” and gave him such a meaningful look and playful nips at both his ear lobes. The word ‘Husband’ never sounded more sweet or important. He laughed joyfully, one arm going around behind his chair to give her a loving smack on her bottom, “Is that my dearest wife talking?” She nodded, they looked into each other’s eyes, their lips met, and locked in a tender, lingering kiss. If Shan Mei didn’t have to be at her office for an important morning meeting, he would surely have carried her upstairs back to their bedroom.

Over at CTN-KE, as soon as Patrick saw the news, he immediately translated the article, ready to have it faxed to Michael. He thought this was character assassination at its most despicable. He had known the Yin couple now a few months, and he could safely vouch he had never met a more loving, charming, friendly honourable couple. This was what happened when people become jealous of someone else’s success or happiness.

Xiang Zhe sent email to Michael, giving him a web address to go to.
After visiting, please call Junior back. His mobile rang. Shan Mei’s secretary called, informing him his wife had fainted in the office. You Zhen and Patrick were just taking her to Wen Rong hospital. Xiang Zhe asked his secretary to order company car for him immediately. He called Zian Da to let him know what had happened to Shan Mei. Most probably she had read the newspaper report.

At the hospital, Xiang Zhe was pacing the floor, he was fraught with anxiety. If anything should happen to Shan Mei and their baby, someone would have to pay, and pay dearly. Dr. Kim came looking for him. Shan Mei and the baby were okay. But she had to stay overnight in hospital for observation. She appeared very distressed. Xiang Zhe arranged with the hospital to cordon off one section of one floor to ensure total privacy for his wife. Extra security measures were taken to keep out paparazzi. Only vetted and approved hospital personnel could move around the area. Dr. Kim understood. This morning’s headlines had him scratching his head too. The young couple wasn’t anything like what the news report made them out to be. They were such wonderful people.

Patrick was surprised. This was the first he knew Shan Mei was pregnant, and she was going onto 4 months. No wonder Xiang Zhe looked like he was ready to blow the world apart.

Chapter AW-21

Xiang Zhe was raging furiously because his wife could not protect herself against the outrageous slander that was being hurled at her. If there was one person who didn’t know how to grab money, it was her.

When they were students at Cambridge, she would bring extra portions of sushi rolls to share with him during lunch break. And when he took her out to celebrate her last night in London, she told him he shouldn’t have spent all that money eating out at a fancy restaurant; a burger and Coke would have been just as fine. When he returned to Seoul, she thought he still hadn’t found employment; she would sometimes pay her share for drinks. When she found out later that he was her boss and the son of MBS chairman, she wanted to have nothing more to do with him.

After they married, he gave her two credit cards that she never used, according to the statements that came in monthly from the bank. He was sure the monthly allowance he gave her was just sitting in her bank account.

“Don’t you need money to pay for the beautiful clothes you have been wearing?” he asked. Apparently, she received a clothing allowance from CTN-KE, and Madam Kim gave her great bargainss because she brought in so much business for her boutique, her allowance was always more than adequate.

“And shouldn’t we be paying some money to your parents for always making us food?” He thought of all the boxes of delicious food Ma had been preparing for them.

“That’s okay. Business at the noodle shop is bringing in more profits than we can ever spend. In fact Pa has also given me a credit card, and he also banks into my account my share of the profits from the shop, even though I tell him to keep the money for himself. Why don’t you have a talk with Pa and tell him to save the money for himself ?”

Shan Mei told her husband to stop buying her fancy jewellery. She never looked good with fancy, chunky jewelry on her. Pearls and peridots were okay. He had to agree with her. His angel looked more beautiful without rather than with big, showy jewelry. Her anklet, the engagement ring and wedding band were all she needed and treasured.

One time he asked her for her income statement to complete their joint income tax assessment, she told him to ask Michael. “He is the one who arranges for my income and share dividents to be paid to some off shore account in the Bahamas making it tax free. I never bother myself with such matters.”

She then gave him her banking statements of the account she still maintained in London. “See what you can make of these? Maybe they can help you. In future, you better handle all the banking statements for me.” How could a shy, innocent baby like her be a money grabbing schemer?

She had come to him in total innocence. Totally pure and innocent in their marriage bed, and totally innocent of her husband’s worth. They could attack him but not someone as innocent as she.

Michael came on the phone wanting to know what the whole thing was about. He saw Shan Mei’s, Junior’s and his pictures in the newspapers. Xiang Zhe told him, “Shan Mei is now in hospital. She has fainted. The baby is okay. Patrick has prepared a translation. We want to fax to you. Where are you now, Michael? In the Sydney office? Read the report then call me back immediately.” Michael was worried when talking to Junior; he sounded terse and his words had come in a monotonous drone.

Patrick called the office secretary, instructing her to fax the English translation he had done on that stupid news article to Michael immediately. Michael was waiting for it in the Sydney office.

The whole afternoon, Xiang Zhe and Michael were on the phone almost non stop with each other and with their legal teams. Michael told Xiang Zhe to forget Shan Mei for the time being, the two of them should sue the publishers for defamation. Michael’s team was now preparing a defamation claim + costs lawsuit. He advised Junior to prepare something similar. Shan Mei’s suit to follow, all for hefty amounts. His brother David was a barrister, who would hold the watching brief. They would arrive Seoul tomorrow to see his legal associates. Michael told Junior not to accept apology from the newspaper. This kind of mischief reporting would never end. They had to be taught a lesson. This exercise would surely smoke out who was behind all this mischief.

Mr. Jin Jun Hao from Wen Rong Heavy Industries invited Chairman Yin for afternoon tea. He was of the opinion some one was out to make mischief. He had his suspicions. He suggested Chairman Yin transfer all his shares in Wen Rong to Shan Mei, then bide his time.

With his Wen Rong shares in Shan Mei’s hands, his MBS shares in Xiang Zhe’s hands, a showdown of power brokers would emerge. The biggest mistake was dragging that English man into the plot. That English man surely would not let such irresponsible reporting go unpunished. These foreigners normally like to sue people left, right and centre. From what he once read about this man in a trade magazine, he had big guns behind him.

Mr. Jin Jun Hao was faintly amused at the belligerent drama, he was sure, would soon unfurl before them. The Morning Star’s publisher, Chosoon Publishing, didn’t realise the hornet’s nest they had stirred. Most probably Mr. Cho of Chosoon believed the stories he was being fed!

Before they went their separate ways, Mr. Jin looked worriedly at Chairman Yin. Would he be able to bear the strain of the outcome of this power struggle? They had been bosom friends from way back since their army days. He wouldn’t want to see anybody get hurt, especially not Shan Mei, the most innocent and helpless from the whole lot.
==

“Darling, you can’t go home yet. May be tomorrow, okay? Dr. Kim’s orders. Think of our baby.”

“But, Xue Zhang, today is already the fifth day. How much longer do I have to stay here?” She was sobbing into her husband’s shirt. His heart ached.

Xiang Zhe soothed Shan Mei with soft, reassuring words and tender kisses. “Darling, I’m here every night, keeping you company. Isn’t this enough?”

Shan Mei shook her head, holding on to her husband’s hand, looking utterly miserable. “Xue Zhang, I want to be with you at home. I want to sleep in our own bed. I’m not sleeping well, and I know you’re not sleeping well too. I want to go home” she cried into him.

“Alright, alright.” He promised as he soothed her back. “I’ll talk to Dr. Kim later and see what he says, okay? Now, be a good girl and go to sleep.”

Xiang Zhe was having a hard time convincing his wife to remain in the hospital. Just watching these two embroiled in such an ugly mess not of their own doing was heart wrenching for Michael standing near by, just because they were too good, too successful, too beautiful, too capable, too lovable for someone’s jealous ego to stomach.

Xiang Zhe answered his phone when it rang.

“Xiang Zhe, it’s Jin Jun Hao here.”

“Yes, Uncle Jin?”

Shan Mei heard snippets of the conversation. She heard Step uncle Jin Enqi’s name mentioned a few times. Xiang Zhe wrote down a name and phone number.

He was leaving the room with Michael, when Shan Mei called him back. Catching hold of Xiang Zhe’s hands, she pleaded with him “Xue Zhang, whatever you do, promise you won’t hurt your father or Xiang Jie”.

Xiang Zhe looked at his wife, nodded his head, “I promise” in a serious tone. His mind was disturbed. He never uttered a word after his conversation with Jin Jun Hao, how could Shan Mei make him promise something like that? Did Shan Mei know of something that he did not ?

The man Xiang Zhe met up with was the young son of one of their retired company chauffeurs. He drove for both Wen Rong and MBS on part time basis. He had driven for Mr. Jin Enqi on several occasions. He always drove him to an address downtown; every time Mr. Jin would elicit his promise of total secrecy, and the boy had felt uneasy. Xiang Zhe thanked him for his time and the information. The young man said it was his duty because Madam Yin, Xiang Zhe’s mother, when she was alive, had been very benevolent to their family.

Michael passed the information on hand to their lawyers, asking them to immediately investigate on Jin Enqi using the lead.

Shan Mei was back at home, at last. Xiang Zhe set up a work station for her on the ground floor of their house. Patrick and the chat show team were there every Monday for meeting with Shan Mei, to prepare for the show. One evening a week, the PIR team would meet up with her to give her an update. Shan Mei enjoyed the PIR evening meetings, because they could share dinner together.

Before Michael left for Japan, he told Shan Mei to only concentrate on the chat show. Jose had been recalled to Seoul office to help out. You Zhen not only handled the camera crew, but with his experience, he tried to help in all other CTN backroom departments as best as he could. Shan Mei was in much better spirits. With such an elite task force, no wonder CTN could continue their operations without a hitch.

Patrick was indispensable. After the wonderful reporting he did on the illegal’s hideout, Shan Mei had put him on as news anchor too. Patrick was so happy to be accepted into the CTN family. During his previous time in Seoul doing his post graduate studies, Han Jae Hoon was the only friend he made. Now, it was different, You Zhen and Shen Mei’s family accepted him like a son, Xiang Zhe treated him like a brother, Jose as a confidante.

After the second court hearing, Chosoon Publishing, sent their lawyers to negotiate an out-of-court settlement. When all 3 parties rejected, they were asked to produce evidence to substantiate their claims for such astronomical sums.

This was anticipated; Michael’s and Xiang Zhe’s financial papers showed they were asking damages only a fraction of what they were worth. And for Shan Mei, a fraction of her worth and potential earning capacity. The 12 months she came to Korea aboard CTN-KE, she managed to sign up more than a few multi billion Won sponsorship deals, not to mention the 7 awards she won out of the the many handed out each year by the Broadcasting Union in recognition of excellence in work two years running. Not to mention her share of income from Internet revenue. She was also the major shareholder of Wen Rong Group. All three defendants had immense international standing.

Mr. Cho of Chosoon called a number. “Jin, it’s me. What was all that nonsense you have been telling me about? I now have in my hands their financial statements, all notarised by their auditors. The boy holds 40% share in MBS, the girl 45% share in Wen Rong. I thought you said the shares are as good as in your hands when the old man transfers them to your nephew, or that he’ll surrender his share to our demands, when we threaten to expose his beloved daughter-in-law’s indiscretion. The old man holds no shares in the companies.”

“Brother Cho, you can still do that. My mole has concrete evidence that Shan Mei spent a night at the Westin Chosun Hotel with a man, on the night of 16 January. She was blatant enough to take the Honeymoon suite. Can you imagine? That stupid boy must have thought she went on a business trip or something. Don’t let their fancy lawyers bully you into submission. I thought we would work together for control of Wen Rong and MBS?”

“This is the final round I am going to follow your bull talk. Sales of Morning Star had plummeted. We have received notice from the Government if our claims were all unfounded, our publishing licence would be revoked. I would have no choice but to out your name. My company cannot afford to pay out billions in compensation. I have the minutes of our meetings regarding your take-over plan of Wen Rong and MBS. If your sister wasn’t married to that old man, I wouldn’t have bet on you.”

“Brother Cho, don’t worry. I have planned this for 20 years. Success is finally within my grasp. Just you see, when that immature kid hears his wife has been spending nights with some other man, he will go berserk and in no condition to run the station. I’ll take over then.” He-he, someone sniggered with such evil intent, after he put his phone down.
==

“Sister, come quick. Dad and Mum are having big argument” Xiang Jie was sobbing down the phone line.

Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei immediately rushed over. Xiang Jie looked frightened. He had been waiting for Shan Mei near the front door of their house. Shan Mei took him to Xiang Zhe’s private apartment. He was crying that Mum was screaming and hurling abuses at Dad about shares, property deeds, all of which he didn’t understand. And Dad was cursing about Uncle.

Xiang Zhe could see his father was dazed and in deep shock. He was afraid his father would suffer another heart attack. He sat him down then told his stepmother, “Shut up. Can’t you see Father is under tremendous shock?”

He poured a cup of tea and brought it to his father. Father and son looked at each other, silently acknowledging this was the first time Xiang Zhe had poured tea for him. For Xiang Zhe, it felt as if a knot had been undone. Seeing his father in this state was heart wrenching for him. Tears rolled down his father’s face. Xiang Zhe wiped them off with his hankie, and left the hankie in his father’s hand.

He went to look for Shan Mei in the private apartment and told her they would spend the night at Father’s place.

“Elder Brother, I want to stay with you in your apartment. I’m afraid maybe they’ll start screaming at each other again.”

“Xiang Jie, don’t worry. I’m here; I won’t let anything happen. You take Father into your own room, let him spend the night there with you, and to give him all the comfort and love that he needs.”

After Xiang Jie left their apartment, Xiang Zhe could see his wife was confused and worried too.

“Dearest wife, I want to stay here with Father until Xiang Jie leaves for London. His mother goes with him. What do you think?” Shan Mei looked at her husband, her eyes dark with compassionate understanding and unshed tears. She nodded her head, before falling into his arms, embracing him tightly and giving him all the emotional support that he would need.

Even though Yin Snr was carrying some kind of cold war with his wife, they maintained some semblance of conversation in front of the kids. While Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei were staying with Father, Xiang Zhe didn’t want to take food prepared by his Stepmother.

For mornings, he asked Shan Mei to help the maid prepare the daily breakfast; congee which could be cooked overnight in the slow cooker. Shan Mei taught the maid to make scrambled eggs just the way her husband liked, so they could occasionally have Western style breakfast of toast, eggs, sausages and bacon. Every evening, they would order take out, unless on those evenings when Pa and Ma came to visit. They brought with them plenty of good, delicious food and tubs of kimchi.

Shan Mei recruited Patrick to help out. Patrick became a regular visitor to the Yin’s family home. Uncle Yin liked playing chess with him. They also liked antiques. Patrick taught him how to gain more knowledge on the subject of antiques and collectibles through the Net. That kept him busy.

Chapter AW-22

The date for the huge court battle was fast approaching. Xiang Zhe wanted to get Xiang Jie out of the country before then. He bought a house similar to Gugu’s near Cambridge for Xiang Jie, and with Michael’s help, the University sent them a letter stating that Xiang Jie had to attend a course at the end of May to prepare him for entrance into university in September.

Xiang Jie of course was very reluctant to leave; he would miss Sister’s 1st wedding anniversary in July and the baby’s birth in August. They told him they wouldn’t be celebrating their wedding anniversary anyway; they would be too busy with CTN’s inaugural channelling with MBS. They would email him all the photos. Michael had already installed in his new house the most complete and up-to-date stereo, television and computer system, so that he could view anything. If he liked he could invite Vicky and the gang over to his place for company.

Michael was also going to arrange for him to take driving lessons. Elder Brother would buy him a car, but he had to promise never to drive fast.

“Of course I wouldn’t. I don’t want to run over my own special ‘angel’ when she appears from heaven!” He let out a shy laugh.

Meanwhile, Michael’s lawyer’s investigators found out that Jin Enqi through various nominee companies owned 10% share in Wen Rong and 20% in MBS. They also managed to get hold of copies of minutes of meetings linking Mr. Jin to Chosoon Publishing, outlining their plans to take over Wen Rong and MBS, and how the spoils of their takeover were to be divided between the two parties.

When Xiang Zhe showed his father the copies of their findings, Yin Snr was very sad and disappointed, finally acknowledging his brother-in-law had betrayed him. Xiang Zhe assured his father, the evidence collected would not be made public unless it was absolutely necessary. He had to consider the adverse publicity this disclosure would bring to Wen Rong, MBS and the Yin family.

Of course their allegation that Shan Mei was a woman of loose morals backfired when it was proved the man with her on the 16th January at Westin Chosun was her husband. Besides the General Manager of Westin who was called to the witness box; Chairman Yin, his personal chauffer and Xiang Zhe were also called in as witnesses.

Xiang Zhe was so furious that his wife’s morals were sullied, knowing full well who was behind this dirty allegation. He advised his father he had lost his patience with Jin Enqi. He wasn’t going to close his eyes anymore and be tolerant, he would advise his legal team to start making arrangements to repossess the property that was his mother’s and which Jin Enqi had been staying in since his mother’s death. “Father, how could you let him stay in my mother’s house, in the first place? And rent-free too! I grew up in it. To me, that place is sacred.” He didn’t mince his words when he threw them at his father, although he had struggled in vain to keep his temper down.

Yin Snr simply gave his son a hapless look, said nothing, and lamely sank back into his chair; suddenly, he looked very old.
==

Michael would only negotiate with Chosoon, if he was given the 10% Wen Rong shares and 20% MBS shares. Of course Michael got what he wanted, these shares to be held in trust for him by Shan Mei.

The other terms were settled out of court. No compensation sum was disclosed. Chosoon’s publishing licence was revoked by the government for 3 years. Morning Star went into receivership. Mr. Jin Enqi was dismissed from Wen Rong and MBS, his cronies went with him. It was rumoured Mr. Cho of Chosoon Publishing had put out a contract on him.
==

Finally, Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei were back in their own house.

“Darling, did you know something about Jin and Stepmother? Please tell me.” Xiang Zhe tried to cajole his wife into telling him. Shan Mei knew if she didn’t tell him, he wouldn’t let her sleep until he got what he wanted. Sometimes, he was worse than her when it came to wanting to have things his way.

“If you really want to know, you must promise me a few things. You must learn to forgive from your heart. Keep this from Father, and let bygones be bygones.”

“Okay. I promise.”

“Your Stepmother and your Step uncle are not really blood siblings. It was her mother’s second marriage to his father. Remember the first project I was given by MBS to do interview for a morning show segment? I interviewed this kind lady doing charity work distributing bags of rice to those less fortunate than her? That morning when I tried to convince this angel without wings to appear on television to tell her story, I waited at her doorstep the whole morning. A lady went into the cottage next to hers. I noticed her because of her beautiful complexion and she was very well dressed. Later on, a man came by and entered that cottage too. He walked past me. I didn’t know whether he saw me. I recognised him as Mr. Jin Enqi of MBS. I didn’t know the lady was your stepmother until the first time I saw her when we visited your father after our dinner with Michael.

Upon my enquiry, the kind lady in the village told me about their dubious relationship, that they acted more like husband and wife, rather than brother and sister. About 20 years ago when he was drunk one night, he walked around the neighbourhood, screaming he was going to be one of the most powerful men in Korea because his woman had managed to wheedle her way into this millionaire’s bed and she was going to wrest control of his companies from him. Observing her from afar, I found it hard to believe she was this kind of woman. She was always so unassuming.

Darling Husband, from now onwards, we are not going to mention this any more. I know my husband’s heart is big and generous enough to let bygones be bygones. He will love and honour his father like a filial son, and love and protect Xiang Jie as his true brother.” She then smiled in the way she knew her husband could never refuse her anything.

He shot out his hand and ruffled her hair, admonishing her tenderly as “you imp”, then pulled her into his arms and kissed her long and hard. “My life has truly been touched by an angel.”

“Let’s go visit Mother tomorrow, okay? I want to show her my tummy, and also bring her our special roses. Then we go to your Father’s place and make him and Patrick special sushi. Haven’t you noticed how happy and relaxed Father now is, with Patrick staying there to keep him company? Don’t forget, Patrick is your other angel. Since Patrick taught him how to send and retrieve email and ICQ, he has been stuck to the computer just chatting with and emailing to Xiang Jie.”

Xiang Zhe’s eyes lit up. Taking his wife’s hand, he pulled her up the stairs.

“Let’s do our chatting too over the Net.” There was much laughter coming from their offices, each making more outrageous remarks or demands than the last, until some time later Xiang Zhe walked into his wife’s office. Leaning against the frame of her office door, he wanted to claim on the promise his wife had just sent him.

They didn’t bother to turn off the machines, but walked off to their bedroom engrossed in their own private chatter that only lovers deeply in tune with one another could understand.
===

One evening in July after a very relaxing dinner, at the Yin’s residence.
Husband and Wife sat down, in their living room, finally getting some private time to themselves. Xiang Zhe apologised to his wife, they weren’t able to celebrate her birthday, they were so preoccupied with the court case against Chosoon Publishing. Even their 1st wedding anniversary had to take back seat to CTN-KE anniversary party and 1st channelling through MBS.
==

CTN’s 2 Sides To A Coin with hosts Shan Mei and Patrick Lee was the talk of the town with its first show. The media gave unprecedented coverage. The co-hosts looked perfect together. The first theme introduced at 2STAC: Sex before Marriage, or After Marriage was almost a taboo subject not discussed openly in Korea’s conservative Confucian society. Suddenly, this controversial subject was openly discussed in the markets, in coffee shops, in the press, making it one of the hottest topics open to debate. The hosts themselves became the focal points for the media.

Patrick being brought up in such a free society like USA; Shan Mei lived alone for almost a year in London. Her husband lived alone for more than 10 years in London. When Patrick and Shan Mei were being interviewed by the press, Xiang Zhe made it his business to be present. Firstly, he wanted to hear what his wife had to reveal about her life that time she was in London. Secondly, his wife was in advanced stage of pregnancy.

Sex before marriage? Patrick confessed he was not really active on the Dating front and he never favoured casual sex. When he was not home, he was usually at the state library doing research. He was a history buff. Girls found him a complete bore. “I’m not condoning anything; this sort of thing is really a very personal issue.”

What about the dating scene in Seoul? The girls were very beautiful, but he was simply too preoccupied with his work and his books, to have time for anything else.

Miss Zhen? Shan Mei admitted she was not only old fashioned in thinking, but was very shy. Sex was something she never had time to think about. Her days in London were preoccupied with work, work and more work, from 5 a.m. to midnight every day. Frequently, she worked 3, 4 days without sleep, especially for a new programme about Higher Education in U.K. that CTN-KE would begin screening from October. This show was shot back-to-back with Korean Kinship, when she was in London.

What about the good looking men around London? She never noticed them. She had promised her Xue Zhang she wouldn’t look at another man.

What about the good looking men around Seoul? “A promise is a promise.”
Xiang Zhe hid a secret smile when he heard this.

What about the girls in London? They were all beautiful and very friendly.

Did she think her husband could resist such beautiful, friendly girls during his 11 or 12-year stay in London? She never concerned herself with what her husband did before he declared his love for her. It was his life and it was all in his past. All along, her husband behaved like the perfect gentleman with her, during their courting days.

What was the one thing she found most constant about her husband during their courting days? His roses. In Seoul, after he joined MBS, he would deliver a rose to her house on the nights when they didn’t meet. He would always be the first one to make peace with his rose, whenever they had arguments. On looking back, she sometimes wondered how he could tolerate such unreasonable behaviour from her.

When she was in London, he would send her a rose every morning via email. When she was back in Seoul with CTN-KE, he arranged for a rose to be delivered to their special meeting place every morning. This delivery only stopped after last Christmas when they planted special imported rose bushes in their garden. He would cut a whole bunch of roses every morning and place them all over the house. Smiling shyly, Shan Mei admitted her husband was truly a very remarkable man.

The reporter suddenly turned to Mr. Yin Xiang Zhe who was sitting near by, engrossed in Shan Mei’s interview.

“Only one rose? Isn’t Mr. Yin too stingy?”

Shan Mei laughed softly, noticing that Xue Zhang was caught unawares. But he happily replied, “Yes, I’m so stingy. So stingy with my love. To me, one long stemmed rose means One and Only Love. I am prepared to give that only to Zhen Shan Mei, no one else.”

“Mr. Yin, many experts claim that husbands or boyfriends who have done something wrong usually buy their wives or girlfriends presents, to assuage their guilt. Have you done something wrong when you gave your wife the first rose?”

Xiang Zhe slowly uncrossed his legs and planted his feet firmly on the ground as he mulled over his words carefully, his hands dangling between his knees. He leaned forward, his voice sounded quite serious.

“Firstly, I want to clarify, experts can sometimes be wrong. My wife is an innocent and very gullible. I don’t want her to ever think that I’ve done something wrong every time I want to give her a present. An unexpected present from me means I want to indulge my wife, and if I can have my way, I want to indulge her every minute of the day.

That first rose was really a declaration of love and a confession. That time Shan Mei had not really accepted me, and I wanted to convince her inspite of my inexperience in the dating scene, I’m ready for her. I’ve read from somewhere on the Internet, and learnt from movies that giving a girl a red long stemmed rose was considered a subtle declaration of love.”

“Confession? So, you did do something wrong.”

“Shan Mei didn’t know I was the DoP of MBS. In her mind, I was this newly-returned-to Seoul-university graduate, still unemployed. I wanted to confess. When I started out that night with the rose, I was so full of confidence. I waited outside her house while she was inside doing her assignments. Later that night, I wanted to phone her to let her know I was waiting outside her house, but could not muster enough courage. The longer I waited, the less confident I became. Afraid to see her reaction to my confession, I left, leaving the rose at her front gate.”

“And did Miss Zhen accept you after she learned the truth?”

“You’re kidding? She became angry and rejected me outright. I was both mad and rued, but I couldn’t leave it at that, every time I recalled her angry face. It took all my sincerity, patience and coaxing to get her to agree to go back to being friends with me.”

And he gave his wife such a look of undisguised love, Shan Mei became flustered and shy. The photographers happily clicked away.
==

Things were simply too hectic, foregoing even a simple wedding anniversary celebration. Now baby’s due date was barely three weeks away. How was Shan Mei bearing up?

Shan Mei kept reminding her husband celebrating these events was not that important. What was really important was that they were still together, still loved each other and still be there for each other. They didn’t need a special date to remind them how very special they were to one another.

Xiang Zhe smiled softly. His angel dispensing her wise, simple logic. In the past, the days held no meaning for him. Now, like his angel said, everyday should be a special day for them. He loved her for her simplicity. He bent to kiss her stomach tenderly, and ran his fingers lightly over it. “Uncomfortable?”

“How can it be uncomfortable when I am carrying such an important load?” she bravely answered in her dulcet voice, not wanting to worry him.

Just then the baby kicked. Xiang Zhe immediately put his lips to gently caress the spot, his face marveled at the miracle of new life through their loving. He couldn’t wait for baby’s arrival, yet dreading the pain he knew his dearest wife would have to endure during childbirth. Shan Mei ran her fingers through his hair, sensing his misgivings. “Husband, everything will be alright” and gave him her most reassuring smile.

“Are you sure you want to continue with the show until one week before due date? Why don’t you let Patrick take over on his own ? I know Patrick had said he didn’t want anybody else substituting you, so just let him do it! I feel so helpless, not being able to do much.”

“Dearest Husband, you are doing wonderfully fine. Just make sure PIR keeps it momentum and 2STAC maintains its high standard. Korean television has never experienced anything quite like this, a show with simultaneous translation in English. You see, even the expat community wants to join in the fun. With the headphones provided, Michael and the sponsors understood everything.”

“All thanks to the brilliant idea of my dearest wife.”

Xiang Zhe shook his head and laughed under his breath, as he gave his wife a fleeting glance. Shan Mei wanted to know what was so funny.

“When I first started out with MBS, I was told it was difficult to get guests to appear on our chat shows. Zian Da always arranged for me to meet up with starlets for dinner dates to get them to make guest appearance on MBS shows. I hated that kind of socialising so much. “Two Sides to a Coin” has only completed its 3rd week, yet guests are phoning us, clamouring for appearance invitations from MBS. When we told them we only had guest spots available on our other chat shows, not 2STAC, they readily agreed to appear on those. People!”

The guests didn’t realise it was not up to MBS to decide who could be invited for 2STAC. The theme and show content were controlled by CTN. Shan Mei wanted the show to touch on controversial topics, but discussion within government broadcasting guidelines the TV Regulators could not fault. Following this concept, the shows had generated huge public interest. Applications from audiences wanting to participate came from as far south as Cheju Island, as far east as P’ohong, as far west as Kunsan, and as far north as Kumhwa. CTN wanted real people, guests from a broad spectrum of society, not only the super glam crust of society. CTN gave a set of criteria for guests, MBS to do follow up with invitations. CTN-KE Internet subscribers would get first priority.
==

Xiang Zhe took his wife into the nursery to see whether there was anything she felt was needed. “Everything is simply perfect, like the baby’s father.” One such praise from his beloved wife was worth more than the gold in Fort Knox. He grinned from ear to ear. Shan Mei seemed to be in very good mood tonight, may be he could get her to wear that very sheer French lace nightgown he bought her. She had refused when he first showed it to her, maintaining it made her stomach looked big and clumsy. How could he make her believe, to him, she has never looked lovelier?

After their bath, Xiang Zhe tried to persuade Shan Mei to put on the new nightgown, saying if she did, he would send his brother an email. This got her. They went upstairs to His office. She sat on his lap. He dictated and she typed. Many things, Shan Mei said, were mere exaggeration on his part, and wanted to type in her version. The whole night they bantered playfully about, until Xiang Zhe decided it was bedtime. She’d better hurry or else Xiang Jie wouldn’t get his fun for the day. Since her 7th month, Xiang Zhe hadn’t carried his wife around, afraid he might drop her. But he had his arm protectively around her shoulders as they walked down the stairs.

While in bed, they were thankful for their happiness, and prayed for blessings for all those near and dear to them. They specially prayed harder for Father. Xiang Zhe switched off the bedside lights, they snuggled up to each other and very soon they fell fast asleep, he dreaming of his little baby princess exactly like her mother, with her radiant smile; she dreaming of her little baby prince. If he was as handsome as his father, she would have a hard time keeping an eye on him.

===

Shan Mei, Patrick and their team had just finished their luncheon meeting in the office, when Shan Mei felt her first pain. Patrick immediately phoned Brother Xiang Zhe. The expectant father ran to take the lift, from 7th to 9th floor. On the way he called Dr. Kim. Seven hours later, he heard his baby’s first cry. Dr. Kim congratulated them on their big, healthy and handsome baby boy!

Xiang Zhe had been too overwrought by feelings of utter helplessness as he stood by and watched his wife in labour. It was both a unique and unnerving experience. He had almost fainted. The sight of his beautiful, delicate wife enduring such agonies caused him the most penitent feelings of guilt.

Shan Mei was just emerging from her anaesthetic grogginess. Xiang Zhe wanted to scoop his wife into his arms, hoping to soothe away the pain and tiredness.

Back in her room, he held on tightly to his wife, begging her not to scare him again.

“What about the next baby? Don’t you want your baby princess?” she asked in a coaxing tone.

No, not if his beloved wife had to go through all that pain. “You’re more important to me than all the babies in the world !”

Michael was at his London club with his brother and some friends just sitting down to an early luncheon meeting when Junior’s call came through. He was ecstatic –- his first godson and CTN’s first baby. He handed out cigars and accepted congratulations as if he was the actual father. Throughout lunch, he kept laughing to himself, giving his brother several slaps on his back, reminding David to make him an uncle before his second godchild came along.

That night, the grandparents came to visit. Yin Snr was gushing as happy tears came to his eyes. He never thought he would see the day when Xiang Zhe would present him with a grandchild. The baby looked exactly like Xiang Zhe when he was just born,Yin Snr kept repeating, elated beyond description. Ma brought special confinement soup and food.

The next day when Shan Mei was resting, Xiang Zhe was out busy shopping. Xiang Zhe had wanted to go with pink, while Shan Mei wanted blue, so they decided to wait until baby was born before buying any clothes. When he brought the shopping home, he told the nanny Madam would be home with baby in five days’ time.

Shan Mei was still in awe of the baby. She was now a mother, while the wonderful man sitting next to her on the bed was now a father. She looked at her husband shyly, “Hello Daddy”. Those words sounded like ambrosia to Xiang Zhe’s ears. He was so full of pride yet still in awe. He hadn’t stopped kissing his wife since she came out of the delivery room. They checked baby’s tiny hands, baby’s tiny feet and baby’s everywhere several times. Still in a state of disbelief, he had asked his wife several times, “Darling, did we really make this?” Shan Mei let him kissed the baby all over a few times, so he could reassure himself.

By the third day, Daddy was getting jealous of all the attention Baby was getting from Shan Mei and whispered into his wife’s ear. “Husband!!” Shan Mei sounded shocked. He pouted. “Alright” she waved him over, then caressed his cheek “when we are home.”

“Promise?” and he smiled again, taking renewed interest in his son. He must watch them carefully, anything his son got, he wanted too. Since his son’s birth, he dreaded the ancient Confucian teaching: the 3 most important men in a woman’s life would be, Father, Husband and Son. He was afraid his son would soon replace him as the most important man in Shan Mei’s world, as he himself had displaced Pa as Shan Mei’s No. 1 man after their marriage.

After discharge from the hospital, Shan Mei adjusted and organised her new responsibilties very quickly. She worked from home, and was only in the studio when taping the Chat Show and Musical Postcard. Xiang Zhe wanted to spend more time at home with his wife. It was at times like these that he wished he had taken Shan Mei’s advice to groom his younger brother to take on some responsibilities at MBS. “Let’s wait and see.”

Xiang Zhe had to admit Xiang Jie was way sharper than Zian Da. He would be back for the Christmas and New Year holidays. If he didn’t let Xiang Jie try something at MBS, Shan Mei would definitely take him on at CTN. Shan Mei was always aware of new talent. If Shan Mei signed on Xiang Jie, where would she put him? She always found the perfect niche for her talents. He would ask her. She doted on Xiang Jie so much because he was like the younger brother she never had.

Very soon the baby was 8 weeks old and looking more like his father with each passing day. Michael passed through town to see his godson. Xiang Zhe threw an informal family gathering at their house. Michael couldn’t get enough of the baby. “Handsome devil,” he laughed and asked You Zhen to take a CTN family shot, of course with him holding the baby. This photo would be circulated to CTN Asia/Pacific offices as “Best Production of The Year”.

In London, CTN had shown samples of “Two Sides To a Coin” to potential sponsors. Now a big sponsor with diversified business interests wanted a show along similar lines. Could Shan Mei and Junior come up with something interesting? Their products weren’t available locally in Korea yet; they wanted to create brand awareness then come in later. This account would bring in big bucks because CTN-KE would be some kind of one-stop for them, handling the advertising and photo shoot, everything. They also wanted to sponsor something else from CTN’s library, like the current mini series movies CTN-KE was showing and very popular with viewers.

Chapter AW-23

Michael had flown into Seoul yesterday and was now enjoying a cup of coffee in Junior’s office. A knock on the office door interrupted their talk.

“Come in” Xiang Zhe called out, in answer to the knock. It was Mr. Woo, MBS manager from the Engineering department. He had with him Miss Camilla Fox, the representative from BBS whom he had just collected from the airport. Miss Fox was sent by BBS to help them install BBS Toyland Fair ground to be ready one month prior to the Christmas holidays, to promote the BBS children’s programmes MBS was currently showing.

“Hello Camilla” a greeting came from Michael who was sitting in one corner of Xiang Zhe’s office. Camilla’s eyes shot to him then to Xiang Zhe. Camilla thought to herself, “Ooh, Father Christmas has come calling early for me.” Hot, sensual vibrations were oozing from her every pore. Two rich and gorgeous men in one room, how lucky can a girl get?

“Hello Michael. Fancy meeting you here. Hi Xiang Zhe, remember me? One year after you at Cambridge.”

Xiang Zhe stood up and nodded in acknowledgement. “Camilla, Mr. Woo will introduce you to the crew you will be working with. After that, we’ll meet for lunch.”

Xiang Zhe gave some instructions to Mr. Woo, after that Camilla left Xiang Zhe’s office with him. Once outside the office, Camilla was fuming. She had expected Xiang Zhe to show her around the studio, not dumping her on Mr. Woo whom she found boring and beneath her.

Michael gave Xiang Zhe a long, hard stare, and decided to dispense some brotherly advice: “Junior, you better watch that woman. She is known as a man eater in our circle back in London. That was what happened to David last year. She clung on to him like a leech, Cassie got so angry she ran off to the States and stayed there 3 months, even though David hadn’t done anything wrong. This Camilla was out to make mischief. David practically had to go down on his knees to get Cassie to come home. I think this was ‘the’ reason she is in no hurry to start a family with him.”

“What about you? Did she try to eat you too?” Xiang Zhe laughed back.

“Years ago she tried her hardest but got nowhere. Now, she goes for married men. She knows she wouldn’t even get past 1st base with me. If I was that easy, I would have been married many times over, by now. I’m not that stupid. You make sure you are never alone with her, no matter how innocent your intentions are. She’s crazed. I’m giving you this advice because I don’t want to see Shan Mei hurt again.”

Xiang Zhe looked at the letter opener that he was twirling around with his fingers. “She tried to make a move on me a few times while at Cambridge. Each time I told her I wasn’t interested.”

“Yes, but that was years ago. Now you’re married and president of one of the four largest broadcasing stations in Korea, the stakes have gone much, much higher. And you’re bloody good looking. She would have done her homework. And she is one of those who wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. I’m sure she was the one who passed word around that I fancy men.” Michael was shaking his head in amusement.

“I don’t understand why BBS sent her.” Xiang Zhe was asking himself aloud.

“Most probably wangled the job through John’s couch” Michael guessed.

Xiang Zhe looked at Michael, after which he picked up his mobile to call his wife. Upon hearing Shan Mei’s sweet voice, he felt as though the world was not such a scary place after all.

“Hi, it’s me. Free for lunch today?” Shan Mei actually had a luncheon appointment with Mr. Sung of Bansung, but there was something in Xue Zhang’s voice that she couldn’t quite pin point; a little bit apprehensive? She’d better go and see what was bothering him.

“With my dearest husband, of course, anytime. Is Michael with you? Meet you in CTN executive dining in half an hour, alright?”

Michael raised a brow at Xiang Zhe? He nodded. “She said to meet in half an hour.” Michael was relieved. At least with Shan Mei next to Junior, that Camilla would see she was not Junior’s cup of tea at all.

When Mr. Woo called Xiang Zhe on the office extension, he was told to go to the CTN dining hall with Miss Camilla Fox. They would be having lunch together. Xiang Zhe and Michael met up with them.

Michael could see Miss Fox was pulling out all the stops to try to make an impression on Junior. She had on an outfit that screamed ‘look at me’ and so inappropriate for working environment. Her affected air and mannerisms made Shan Mei’s naturalness a welcomed breath of fresh air. One look at Shan Mei, Camilla couldn’t understand what was wrong with all these gorgeous men.

That Cassandra Dutton, wife of David, looked cool and collected like a cucumber. How did she manage to snare someone like David? And this Zhen Shan Mei looked like a little mousy child although she had on a gorgeous outfit. Yet throughout lunch, it was obvious Yin Xiang Zhe had eyes only for his wife. That Michael who was supposed to be immune to a woman’s charms was fawning over her too.

After lunch, Xiang Zhe asked Mr. Woo to send Camilla back to her hotel, and to collect her tomorrow morning at 9 for work. Back at the hotel, Camilla spent all afternoon not thinking of the installation project, but how to snare Yin Xiang Zhe. She stood in front of the full length mirror admiring her own voluptuous figure. How could that mousy child compete with her? Once she got him into her bed and worked her charms on him, Yin Xiang Zhe was as good as hers.

Camilla was getting very frustrated and began losing her temper with the MBS installation crew. She was supposed to stay 2 weeks to supervise the installation. A week had already gone by and there was no way she could get to see Xiang Zhe privately. The crew handling the installation was a bunch of idiots and not cooperating well with her. She wanted to use this as an excuse to see Xiang Zhe to lodge a complaint. May be use another crew?

In fact, Mr. Woo from Engineering had already complained to Xiang Zhe. This Miss Fox was not familiar at all with the installation of the playground equipment. From the plans she had on hand, they could find many faults with her supervision. Mr. Woo was worried if the crew had to follow her instructions, many mechanical faults would result, making the equipment unsafe to use. Besides that, she always came to work dressed in those tight fitting clothes. Mr. Woo gave her a worker’s overall and a safety helmet to wear, both of which she had refused to put on, flaunting company dress code and safety regulations. She was distracting the workers.

Xiang Zhe called Edward Cartin of BBS. Edward was surprised London had sent Camilla. She was nowhere qualified to handle supervision for such an important installation. Xiang Zhe asked for a fax from Edward so he could show her that BBS London wanted her to return to London to handle another more important project. She was to leave by the next available flight.

Xiang Zhe felt agitated and waited in the office until the fax came in. As soon as his secretary handed him the fax, he went to the hotel where Camilla was staying. He phoned up to her room to inform her he wanted to meet her for a drink in the hotel lobby. He tried to use as much tact as possible to break the news to her. Camilla had other ideas. She never let him finish any of his sentences.

After two drinks, she said she felt ill, most probably because of the lunch she was not used to. And wanted to go back to her room. Her medication was there. She looked really ill. Xiang Zhe helped her to the lift.

Just then a group of people came out of one of the hotel’s function rooms. Michael, Shan Mei and Patrick were in that group. Michael saw Junior and wondered what the hell was going on. He didn’t know whether Shan Mei saw Junior. That kind of comprising situation never looked good. Michael steered the group to the front door, excused himself, then went after Junior. Xiang Zhe had seen them, and was waiting near the lift lobby for Michael to come to his rescue.

Michael suspected that Camilla was up to no good. They took her up to her room, after which she miraculously felt better. Xiang Zhe showed her the fax from Edward Cartin and said his secretary had made flight reservation for her on tomorrow’s mid-morning flight to London. Camilla was furious and started spitting venom about Mr. Woo and his team of imbeciles. Xiang Zhe and Michael stood there quietly, listening to her ranting. After which Xiang Zhe told her someone from MBS would collect her tomorrow from hotel to send her to the airport. In the presence of Michael, Xiang Zhe thanked for her kind support with a firm handshake.

The two men went back downstairs to share a drink. Junior’s frown had appeared. He was worried. If Shan Mei had seen him, what would she think? Michael patted him on his back and told him not to worry. The worst Shan Mei could do was divorced him, Michael would then marry her and whisk her off to London. This way Junior didn’t have to worry about her welfare. He would ensure she lived the life of a true princess. Xiang Zhe glowered at him, concealing his anger.

“Relax, Junior. Just joking,” Michael teased him.

“This kind of matter too serious to joke about” Xiang Zhe chided.

Michael advised him to go home, and just tell her the truth. She wouldn’t be home now, they were taking some potential sponsors out to dinner.

Xiang Zhe took his time in the bath. After that he dressed in the pyjama set, that his angel once commented didn’t look bad at all. He then chilled a few bottles of champagne. If he was lucky tonight, he might get her drunk hoping he could get away without an inquisition. He filled the bedroom with roses from the greenhouse. He put on sweet, soothing music through out the house.

The phone rang. He ran to it. It was Patrick looking for Shan Mei.

“Wasn’t she with you having dinner with some sponsors?”

“She left me at the restaurant to entertain the sponsors. She had another important appointment to go to.”

Xiang Zhe tried calling Shan Mei a few times on her mobile. Each time he got the same reply. Out of range. He called Pa, no one answered. He began to panic. After that time, when almost overnight, she ran off to London without a word to anyone, he was afraid she would pull the same stunt again. He couldn’t bear the thought of losing her again.

“Is she meeting up with Han Jae Hoon to cry on his shoulders? That man always makes himself useful whenever she needs help.” Xiang Zhe was always wary of him. His voice captivated his wife before she even knew what he really looked like. And he had held her in his arms, dancing. That image was indelibly embedded in his mind. Oh, that hurt! Where was she?

He was downstairs in the living room, his head between his hands. He was sobbing “Shan Mei, it wasn’t like what you think? Please believe me. I was doing my best to send this Camilla away. Please, don’t run out on me again. I need you!” He kept repeating this like it was some kind of mantra.
Soon he fell into a disturbed sleep.

Shan Mei walked through the front door quietly. She knew Xue Zhang was home, she saw his car outside. He must have been very tired. He didn’t even bother to park the car in the garage.

She heard music coming from the TV room. She saw Xue Zhang asleep on the sofa. She tiptoed up to him. His face looked so drawn out. Wet eye lashes? He had been crying? Not possible. She made her way quietly upstairs. She was enjoying her hot shower, when Xiang Zhe burst into the cubicle. He clung onto her and sobbed he was sorry over and over again. She turned off the shower faucet, and turned his face to her. He looked so distressed. She didn’t ask him what was bothering him, but held on tight to him, her hand stroking him murmuring everything was alright. She got him to change out of his wet clothes; she dried his hair for him while he chided her for going off and not telling him.

Later on, he told her about Camilla. Shan Mei laughed softly.

“What is so funny?” He wanted to know.

“Cassie had emailed me when she found out Camilla managed to wangle her way to MBS, the target naturally is Yin Xiang Zhe. I replied back to Cassie telling her not to worry, nothing will happen because I’ve met this Camilla the first day she arrived. Although she tried her best to attract you, I let Cassie know she just wasn’t your type. Darling, I’m not sure what type you like, but brazen ones, definitely not, right?” her smiling eyes challenging her husband to disagree.

Xiang Zhe thanked his wife for believing in him. “Oh, no. I believe in myself. I believe I made the best choice for a husband. If my husband has such poor taste in women, then he deserves Camilla ! I’m not going to stay to fight with her for him. I’ll only stay for a worthy opponent. Hopefully, this situation will never arise, didn’t my husband promise me everlasting love and happiness, not only this lifetime, but the next, and the next, and eternity? In’t this the reason I’ve never taken off the anklet after he has so lovingly put it on for me, ensuring we’ll meet in every lifetime, if there is really such a thing? I believe my husband is a man of his words!”

“You bet, I am” Xiang Zhe answered emphatically, and gave her a hard kiss on her lips, as if to re-emphasize the fact.

“Darling, where were you? I was so worried when I couldn’t get you on your mobile?” asked Xiang Zhe as he led her to their love seat.

“We attended Minnie’s confirmation at church. You’ve been so busy lately with so many meetings, You Zhen Ge asked me not to bother you. As soon as it’s possible, You Zhen Ge and Minnie will apply for their marriage banns. I’m so happy for them. Finally, You Zhen Ge has found his soulmate. Oh, they wanted to keep Bao Bao with them tonight.”

Shan Mei kissed her husband lightly on his cheek. He didn’t look as if he was fully convinced she did something as simple as going to church.

“Xue Zhang, you have dinner already?”

He shook his head, looking so rueful. Shan Mei pulled him along to the kitchen. She was hungry too. They went about preparing dinner, very soon they were laughing and giving each other swift kisses in between. The noodles were incredible! The kimchi heavenly!

Xiang Zhe remembered the champagne he had put in the fridge. With glasses raised, Mr. & Mrs. Yin toasted to the future happiness of You Zhen and Minnie, meaning Ma could finally put to rest the unhappiness of the past, and to their own everlasting love.

Their own lips met in a deep kiss. Xiang Zhe whispered to his wife, “may be if we work hard tonight, I’ll get my baby princess?”

His wife wrinkled her nose at him, “finish cleaning up, then we’ll negotiate.”

She stuck her tongue out at him and ran off to their room. He left the dishes in the sink and went after her. Joyous laughter was soon coming from the master bedroom.

Chapter AW-24

Xiang Zhe just walked into his office, after a morning of tiresome meetings.
As soon as his secretary told him Mrs. Yin had left word that she was at the canteen having lunch, Xiang Zhe decided to join her.

As he approached the CTN dining area, he heard Shan Mei in conversation with someone who sounded unmistakably like Han Jae Hoon. He was telling her the best place to watch stars with the clearest sky was atop Mt. Seorak. He camped there once for two weeks instead of the two nights he had originally planned.

Xiang Zhe gave Han a nod of acknowledgement, and slid into the chair next to his wife, placing his hand over hers which was lying on her lap. With his own fingers, he began playing with her fingers, lovingly caressing each finger in turn, trying to impart on her by telepathy how much he had missed her.

“Xue Zhang” Shan Mei greeeted him sweetly, giving him an indulgent smile, her thumb under the table rubbing lovingly against the wrist of his hand that was holding hers, “I thought you were still at the directors’ meeting.”

[“So you thought you could have lunch with your handsome academe”] he accused silently in his heart.

“The meeting was adjourned to 3 this afternoon. What’s happening?” he asked his wife softly, ignoring Han Jae Hoon deliberately.

“I specially asked Kitchen to prepare your favourite spaghetti dish and was so disappointed when your secretary told me you were still at the directors’ meeting. I had to call in reinforcements to help finish off the food.”

Han Jae Hoon noticed Xiang Zhe looking over his plate to see what he ate. “Don’t look at me. I wouldn’t dare touch our President’s food.”

At that juncture, Patrick and Xiang Jie were walking back towards the table, each with a plateful of spaghetti.

“Xiang Jie, be a good boy and let your brother have your spaghetti, okay?”

“Sure, I’ll go get another plate.”

“Hmm, this tastes great.” He gave his wife such an appreciative look as he dug into his spaghetti.

“I was thinking of having coffee with you in your office, before rushing back to office. Would you like that?”

He nodded his head immediately, his mouth full with food. Suddenly, a frown appeared. His wife seldom dropped by his office during office hours. She had something to complain?

Han Jae Hoon smiled silently inside himself. So, this was how the adorable Zhen Shan Mei defused her husband’s jealous moods?

When Shan Mei brought her husband his cup of coffee in his office, he waited for her verbal bombardment. None came. He arched a brow at her and waited.

She gave him an enchanting smile, and went to sit on his lap, “I’ve missed you so much. You’ve been working so hard and coming home so late” and she gave him a swift kiss on his lips.

“Trying to buy your way out now that your husband caught you with your handsome historian?” he accused lightly as his arms wrapped around her waist. Secretly, he was tingling with sublime happiness; his wife had been missing him.

“What’s in that busy head of yours, always thinking nonsense?” she pouted.

“Weren’t you going to run off with him to Mt. Seorak?” he teased.

“I thought I’d surprise you with a camping trip to Mt. Seorak. Since you now know about it, so no more surprise. Trip cancelled.”

“Darling, I’d love to go camping with you. I’ve never been on a camping trip. But we’re right in the middle of winter. I’d rather be loved to death by
my wife rather than be frozen to death somewhere high up a mountain” and he laughed uncontrollably at the thought.

“Never been on a camping trip? Not even a camping field trip with school? My darling, mind telling me where you hid yourself during your teens?”

With a mournful look, and a soft soulful voice, he confessed, “Closeted at home. I’ve always wanted a close, loving family, but it never happened. When Father left home, Mother could in no way be left on her own in the house, so I never participated in any school outing. Anyway, except for Zian Da, I never mixed with my other school- and classmates. I was so afraid they would know my father had abandoned my mother and me for another woman. I was too ashamed. That was one of the reasons I ran off to London at 17 when Zian Da went off to university and left me coping by myself with my school work. I didn’t want my classmates looking down on me; I was under such tremendous pressure to excel at my school work to cover up my low self esteem; life was hell. I didn’t want Yong Xi around too because she knew. I wanted to rid myself of the piano teacher too.”

His eyes had a sad, distant look in them. After a while, he decided to reel off more. “Haven’t you noticed? You were the only one I dared or wanted to look straight in the eye? I wanted to show you the suffering I have hidden in my heart, hoping that you’d one day be able to erase the hurt completely and replace it with your tender loving care, the perfect love I’ve been seeking so desperately. I’ve always loved your soft and generous heart, your dazzling smile and your naturalness. Darling, I don’t ever want to go back to the way it was before. I was so lonely.”

Shan Mei wrapped her arms around his neck, as she felt the tears stinging her eyes. This rare admission from Xue Zhang must be very difficult for him, after having kept these dark secrets hidden for almost 20 years.

Shan Mei’s heart ached and twisted. The man was starved for love. She unbuttoned the top 3 buttons of his shirt, slipped her hand under his shirt and fanned it across his chest, as if giving him a soothing chest rub to assuage the pain she suspected was now pinching at his heart. At least she felt somewhat relieved. Her husband was slowly but surely becoming more open in releasing one secret torment after another to her.

But Xue Zhang wasn’t a child in need of nurturing; he was a man in need of reassuring. Most of all, he was a man in need of loving. The 100% loving she could give, for her heart was irretrievably wrapped up with his, his needs, his wants. Loving him truly, this she would do – for the rest of her life. His happiness was very important to her. She gently squeezed his hand, and brought it up to her lips so she could cover his palm with tender nibbles.

“While you’re at the directors’ meeting, I’ll go home and prepare a fine supper for you to show you how much I love and want you.”

“Why don’t you sit in at the meeting too?” Xiang Zhe asked as he held on to Shan Mei’s hand, rubbing at her palm with his thumb, trying to get her to agree. He had discovered quite by accident, while he was massaging her hands during one of their baths together, that the palm was one of her sensitive spots. She would grow soft when he stroked her palm, and very rarely refused him anything as a result.

Shan Mei gave him another kiss. “You go alone. It’s enough for the most powerful member of the family to be present at the meeting. We don’t want to scare off the other directors, do we? Hurry home after the meeting. I promise you good things.”

“Sure your promise any good?”

“Honest,” and dazzled him with a sweet smile, then slid off his lap, giving him time to prepare for the 3 o’clock directors’ meeting, after she buttoned back his shirt and straightened his tie.
==

He really wanted so much to spend some romantic time alone with his wife, knowing how hard they had both been working. The grandparents were so understanding, promising to take the baby for two weeks. They couldn’t go off far and for long, with that brat always crying out for his mother’s milk. Shan Mei only had to deliver two bottles of mother’s milk every morning, rest of the time the baby would be fed on formula.
==

“Patrick” Xiang Zhe’s voice came through the phone, “what’s this thing about watching stars from Mt. Seorak with Shan Mei?”

“You know your wife. Once she’s got an idea, no one can talk her out of it. She’s planning something, but I can’t tell you what. All I can say is you are the luckiest man on this planet. To Shan Mei one star represents one blessing, and since meeting you, her stars have been countless. She wants to share the brightest stars with you. Man, the only advice I can give you is to go learn your celestial charts in the galaxy!”

The week before Christmas, Patrick’s mother arrived from America. Instead of staying in their apartment, Yin Snr invited her to stay with them in his house so Patrick didn’t have to move back to his apartment. Gugu had flown in earlier with Xiang Jie and she was invited to stay at the Yin’s residence, too.

Xiang Jie’s mother had decided to stay back in London, and volunteered to look after the restaurant while Gugu took a break. She had been helping out at the restaurant every lunch time since her arrival in London and was happy she had something to do while Xiang Jie was at school. Yin Snr didn’t say anything about his wife; no one dared ask a thing. Even Xiang Zhe felt it wiser to let his father decide his own course of action. Most probably he didn’t ask her to return for Christmas, so she didn’t.

Shan Mei’s parents were there too. Baby Bao Bao had many doting grand parents and grand aunties and uncles to spoil him rotten. That house had never had so many people living in it at one time. Spirit of Christmas and New Year was all around. Xiang Zhe gave them a Christmas tree, loaded with lots of presents.

Zian Da and his assistant were put in charge of planning for company Christmas party. This year the party would be very informal. The food would be provided by three wonderful chefs: Shan Mei’s Ma, Shan Mei’s Gugu and Patrick’s mum. Entertainment to be provided by staff members. Each department must be responsible for at least 3 acts, no maximum limit. Zian Da was to ensure the night’s dancing only to begin after Shan Mei left the party, giving Han Jae Hoon no chance.

The food was laid out buffet style. The BBQ area was very busy. Every one was saying how delicious the food was. This year, the major prize was a car donated by Bansung. KTB donated fully paid 6-day trips to 5 different destinations. Their big sponsors from U.K. donated gift packs. Xiang Zhe, to celebrate the birth of his first son Yin Bao Bao gave each MBS and CTN employee a cash token in appreciation of the many well wishes Shan Mei and he had received.

The talent quest was very entertaining. Most were singing; the drama department put on a few short skits, which every one enjoyed. From the president’s family, they sent 3 representatives. The President put in a song, Xiang Jie performed on his guitar and Shan Mei on her flamenco guitar. The directors made up the panel of judges. They really had a hard time deciding. Drama Department carried off three KTB prizes, Engineering and News departments one each KTB prize. Shan Mei was surprised she was declared winner for the car.

She decided to donate the car out, the winner decided by a raffle draw. Uncle Jose was to draw the lucky winner, not now, but after she had left the party. Everyone included Uncle Jose had their names thrown into a big box. Very soon Shan Mei and Xiang Zhe sneaked away quietly. Excitement was mounting on the floor. The name was to be drawn at midnight. Meanwhile, eating, merry making and dancing continued.

Once outside the MBS hall, the sky was very clear. The air was very crisp and cold. Xiang Zhe wrapped his wife tightly in her coat. “I wish you all the stars in heaven” he murmured, his lips against hers, the puffs of his breath mingling with hers in the cold atmosphere.

“Thank you and I wish to share them with my husband.” This time they locked lips. Xiang Zhe raised his head and looked adoringly into his wife. “Let’s go home.” He said hoarsely.

As soon as they arrived home, Xiang Zhe rushed up the stairs. His wife pulled him back. “We are going camping.”

“What do you mean? I’m not prepared to travel all the way to Mt. Seorak in this awful weather.” He had been dreading this.

“Camping means doing without home comforts. Since this will be your first time, we will make it easy for you. We have the downstairs shower room for washing. We have home toilet. We only use basic kitchen cooking implements. But no bedroom comfort.”

Shan Mei took him to the store room next to their larder. Their casual camping clothes and shoes were all in there. They could move around the ground floor and garden only, and they were not allowed to answer house phone. Shan Mei took her husband to their love-lounge, now under a large marquee. This marquee was special type with clear plastic roofing, and zipped up flaps. Their lounge bed was now covered with bedding and underneath all, an electric blanket. One look and Xiang Zhe was grinning broadly. He didn’t mind camping like this.

He carried his wife into the house. They undressed each other and went under the hot shower. Shan Mei had prepared two Thermo flasks of hot coffee. With their thick overcoats thrown loosely over their shoulders, they crept onto their lounge bed. All above them they could see the stars. Xiang Zhe didn’t like the cold, but it felt so warm inside that marquee, warmth from the blanket, warmth from the quilt, and heat from their love.

Shan Mei’s head was resting in the crook of Xiang Zhe’s arm. They were assailed with heavily perfumed roses. They were thinking of moonlight, tender caresses and gentle murmurings of love. They looked up and started counting stars, playing the ‘I love you’, ‘I love you not’ game. Xiang Zhe with his control stretched to the limit, quickly pointed to the largest star he could find and with a ‘I love you forever’, he turned to Shan Mei, his lips blazing a trial of hot, fiery kisses on her fragrant hair, her smooth forehead, her soft rosy cheeks, her graceful neck, finally settling on her luscious lips. He caressed her lips, tugged at them, bit tenderly into them, until she was softly moaning. His hand roamed under her T-shirt. He began to undress her slowly, sensuously, tenderly.

Holding Shan Mei’s soft, warm pliant body in his hands, he wondered how he could have ever considered a celibate existence. If Shan Mei had rejected him, could he have settled for some one else? Before he took Shan Mei to scale the heights of passion, he knew he couldn’t and wouldn’t. There had been no one before her, and there wouldn’t be anyone ever after her!

Peter Rabbit, sitting on his office desk, would ensure there would be no other, reminding him ‘it’s the thought that counts’ and every minute of the day when he was in the office, his mind was imbibed with thoughts of Shan Mei.

When they woke up very early in the morning, the stars had not yet disappeared. Shan Mei reached up and put an arm round her husband’s neck. He smiled with contentment and dipped his mouth to give her a sweet kiss. He had often heard of people wanting to sleep in the open air under the stars. Now that he has experienced it, he was hooked. He had never felt so free and abandoned. He propped himself up on his elbow and looked down at his wife. “My dearest wife, thank you for sharing your blessings with me. I really feel so blessed and so loved. You are my special Christmas angel” and gave her another deep and tender kiss.

They snuggled against each other and went back to sleep. By the time they awoke, the sun was up. Xiang Zhe thought it was so hilarious. With all their fancy kitchenware, his wife said they must prepare their food and eat from basic camping utensils out in the patio, using their electric grill. Nevertheless, he enjoyed every bit of it. Plain fried eggs, grilled sausages and baked beans never tasted so delicious. They were full of excitement planning their programme for the day. They couldn’t wait for the day to pass quickly so that the night would be upon them once again.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I am getting fed-up with some nasty people, hiding themselves behind alphabets abfghijkm, and trying to sandwich my ASIB between their unsavoury postings. I never visit their postings, knowing by their titles the kind of trash to expect.
Starting with this ASIB posting, I will ‘sandwich’ my ASIB, too. When I post and the preceding posting is from Alphabets, I’ll post a BUFFER, which means there’s nothing appearing in this posting, except the word BUFFER.
If there’s no Alphabets posting when I post, I’ll post ASIB after which I’ll include some BUFFER zones. Please don’t waste time and visit these BUFFER zones; there’s nothing in them. I’ll try out this method and see whether we can manage to discourage those Alphabets from squatting at the site at regular weekly intervals.

To break their rhythm, I cannot now stick regularly to Tuesdays. ASIB may be posted on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. It seems a group (of don’t what elements) is trying to discourage me from posting further episodes. Remember one time I did mention that I would discontinue to post when I encountered virus problems. I now realize Trojans have been planted all over the site. Before, there were other viruses, but not Trojans.
The Administrator of Chaerim’s Paradise had been very good already, cleaning the site of these nasty postings as they appeared, albeit after some delay. Cannot the Administrator delegate someone to erase these postings as soon as they appear?

GENUINE CHAERIM FANS: Don’t visit these dubious postings. I’ve been advised that their main purpose is to try to zap our personal data, like credit card numbers, banking details, etc., for their database.

Chapter AW-25

The country was again gripped by this year’s annual Broadcasting award ceremony.

Since last summer’s slander by Morning Star, the public was 100% behind Zhen Shan Mei and her husband Yin Xiang Zhe. Everything they did, the public fully supported.

Even though Shan Mei was not competing in Best Director and Best Scripting categories, she made up with others like Best Radio Deejay and Best Chat Show Host. Others in the TV industry were so caught up in the frenzy that they came up with more awards like: The Sponsor’s Choice Award. This prize included not just a trophy designed by the prestigious French crystal house of Lalique, but a substantial cash reward. Another two new awards were added:- Viewers’ Choice, and Critic’s Choice.

Madam Kim again arranged for a gown from Mr. V for Shan Mei. Shan Mei had returned last year’s gown after some socialite wanted to buy it at special high price after seeing Shan Mei in it at Mr. V’s fashion preview. Mr. V didn’t mind designing another gown for her. She looked good enough to eat in his designs. Once his designs got flashed around the globe via CTN last year, his fashion house was inundated with orders.

This year the seating was arranged that both CTN and MBS were in one section. Xiang Zhe was so proud of Shan Mei walking down the red carpet with her beside him. He was in an Armani black dinner suit, with a snow-white starched shirt-front and black bow tie, looking so handsome and debonair; and she was in a stunning Mr. V gown, which made her look like an angel. Seeing them together so happy and in such winning form, Michael hoped those vindictive tongues from last summer would be put to rest once and for all.

He had no doubt CTN and MBS’ joint production Two Sides To A Coin would walk it, this year. Patrick Lee, beside him, was scoring thunderous applause from the side lines. He was sure to walk away with Best Newcomer of The Year Award. According to the Internet & Viewers’ score no other celebrity newcomer was even remotely close. Michael was pleased. CTN’s trinity of Shan Mei, Patrick and You Zhen was such a winning formula. He knew CTN would do well tonight. He wanted MBS to do well too, now that he had a 20% stake in the station.

Because MBS walked off with 5 awards for Two Sides To A Coin, and MBS’ other production, PIR, being bridesmaid to 2STAC, Xiang Zhe was getting a lot of attention. Shan Mei and Patrick together with Michael were elsewhere talking to the press at the after-ceremony cocktail party. Shan Mei won the Sponsors’ Choice Award, apart from 6 other major awards. She was in tears.

So many established movie stars and starlets went up to Xiang Zhe, wanting to visit MBS and see what projects they could cooperate in. Xiang Zhe tried to palm these people off to Zian Da and Yong Xi, but they wanted to befriend the handsome and charming President of MBS, insinuating themselves into his midst waiting for photographers to catch them in a pose.

Xiang Zhe saw his wife so overwhelmed with tears at one stage of an interview, he felt both protective and possessive of her. He was making his way towards her, when she saw him approaching. She ran into his outstretched arms and sobbed into his chest. He stroked her hair letting her run dry her emotional outpouring. He lifted up her face and dried her teary face with his hankie, after which he kissed her very tenderly on her forehead. These few private moments caught by a photographer on camera were splashed across front pages of local newspapers the next day. They caught the couple looking at one another with such love and devotion. The public couldn’t adore them more. Michael shook his head in disbelief. He couldn’t have engineered a more endearing publicity ploy.

Before the evening ended, Shan Mei’s favourite reporter from SK Daily, managed to get the couple to sit down for a brief interview. When asked, President Yin Xiang Zhe of MBS admitted the concept for 2STAC came from Shan Mei. On being questioned, Shan Mei said her husband was the inspiration behind the concept. Xiang Zhe was surprised. His wife had never told him anything about it. The reporter wanted more details.

“Well, my husband is always asking me for the right answers. Eventually, I realised there is no right and no wrong answer in any given situation. By hearing two sides of the story, one would learn to understand and tolerate the other’s behaviour, no matter how unreasonable it might seem, and how far one is prepared to go to reach some kind of compromise.”

How would Miss Zhen handle everyday life situations? “I try to be reasonable most of the time” answered Shan Mei with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, sticking the tip of her little tongue out at her husband’s unbelievable look and silent question, “try to be reasonable?”

“And Mr. Yin?” Hooking her arm around her husband’s, a big radiant smile on her face, Shan Mei shyly told the reporter, “Mr. Yin is the most indulgent and loving husband in the world. He is also the most important person in my life.” With his other hand, he caught on to his wife’s hand, laughing happily at her answer. The reporter thanked them profusely for the ‘scoop’, and walked off, leaving the loving couple alone.

And the newspaper made a special report on Zhen Shan Mei’s Review on Higher Education in U.K. This was a year-long 52 episode series that gave in-depth reporting on the top and best educational institutions in U.K., touching on the financial, beneficial, living and environmental aspects of the various insitutions to interest the Korean students in making U.K. their destination of choice for higher education. This series was entirely sponsored by U.K. Education Foundation and was so informative and popular, CTN-KE had promised its viewers more series would be coming for other countries.

The newspapers lamented due to the fact the series made late entry for the year, it was not eligible for nominations. Hopefully, the series and Zhen Shan Mei would reap awards from next year’s voting. Shan Mei was not that concerned with awards; this series had already gained them a database of 120,000 dedicated internet subscribers, most probably due to its comprehensive information. The subscribers registered were not only from Korea, but came from China, Taiwan, Japan, Australia and other different parts of the world.

Sponsors were buzzing all week long, wanting MBS to produce something similar to 2STAC for them. It was difficult to make them understand the concept and theme belonged to CTN, and only worked so well with Zhen Shan Mei and Patrick Lee as hosts. Xiang Zhe had meeting with Controller of Programming and his team, requesting them to come up with other creative concepts. He wanted to see their proposals on his desk in a week’s time.

That night at dinner Xiang Zhe told Shan Mei he had planned a camping trip to celebrate his birthday. He now loved the idea of camping where they could slum around, requiring only basic necessities. All she had to do was arrange for the nanny and baby to be at Father’s place, and enough mother’s milk to last the weekend. Pa and Ma would be at Father’s place on Sunday. Shan Mei loved the idea and couldn’t wait for weekend to come.

Saturday morning, as Xiang Zhe drove along after dropping baby off at Father’s house, Shan Mei was getting confused because Xue Zhang was taking the homeward route. She had learnt to curb her nagging and questioning. She was getting excited. Xiang Zhe was laughing too, seeing his wife sitting on edge in the passenger seat, trying so hard to hold her tongue. He appreciated her patience.

They bypassed their house; just a little while later, Xue Zhang turned into a side lane which Shan Mei hadn’t noticed before. He stopped in front of a compound, which looked like it was newly built. He came around the car to open the car door, got hold of her hand, and they entered through a small side gate. Once through the gate, they came to a small garden.

Almost separating the garden in half was a slate-tiled curved path that led to a sizeable cabin built, raised from the ground, out of very good timber. A short flight of thick wooden steps led them up to the cabin, its door opened to a big room (Korean ondol style), with minimal furniture. Running one hand along the chests, Xiang Zhe told his wife, “These came from Mother’s house.”

Husband took wife through the room. An open side door along one wall of the room, led them down some steps which took them, along a short covered walkway. to an adjacent building housing very basic toilet, shower unit and kitchen. Another door opposite the main entrance to the cabin, down another flight of steps led them to a courtyard. An open Jacuzzi was installed sunken in the ground. Only furniture in the courtyard was a round wooden table with 2 deck chairs varnished in special weather-proof veneer. Their design and craftsmanship seemed to be very rare; must again be antique pieces from her mother-in-law’s house.

Back inside the cabin again, Xiang Zhe went to a wall-mounted panel. He pushed one button, the wooden roof rolled away, showing skylight. Pushed another button, wooden shutters protecting the wall glass window on the wall with full panoramic view, slid to one side. Switched on a special control, the skylight panelling folded away, leaving open space. Complaining it was hot, he pushed the button for wooden roof to slide back into place, to block out the sun.

Shan Mei looked at her husband in utter amazement, then jumped up to wrap her arms and legs around him tight and planted kisses all over him. She was so lost for words. She could only cling on to him. Xiang Zhe was laughing and held on tight to her. He whispered softly into her ear, “like your present?” He was giving her this present to celebrate his brithday. She was nodding her head, and crying at the same time.

She got so excited she unbuttoned the first few buttons of his shirt, then bit hard into his chest. He let off a loud painful cry, and retaliated by smacking her hard on her derriere. She liked that; if she could feel the pain it meant she wasn’t dreaming. He carried her out to the courtyard and gave her a tender kiss before placing her on one of the deck chairs.

He went out to the car to get the groceries that they had bought in the morning at the supermarket, into the kitchen. Shan Mei followed him. The kitchen was compact and came with a 2 burner gas stove, a fridge, a toaster, a microwave oven and basic cooking and eating utensils. Xiang Zhe rolled out the awning in the courtyard that gave shade to the table and chairs. He rolled away the cover for the Jacuzzi, and filled it with water, setting the water at the right temperature his wife liked. “Simply perfect”, Shan Mei oohed and aahed delightfully at every new discovery.

He took out from one of the low-standing antique chests some old long-sleeved Ts and pants to change into. Some of Shan Mei’s old clothes were in there too. They had their first shower together in the tiny shower cubicle, just roomy enough for two. It felt so fantastic. He showed her the little vegetable and herb patch in the front garden he was working on and a rose bush he’d try to nurture. She hadn’t stopped smiling since she walked through the front gate this morning.

They sat down and enjoyed coffee. From their little ‘shangri-la’, they had a panoramic view of the valley below, yet were assured of their privacy, by strategic positioning of shade-giving trees. “Husband, you have done such a marvellous job here. I give it to you. You are not the Director of Planning for nothing.”

Xiang Zhe smiled back at her. “Now, we can go camping whenever we feel like it. No need to involve the boys in helping you set up the marquee. Patrick and that Han Jae Hoon must love the outdoor life. I couldn’t believe they each own such a marquee.”

“You Zhen Ge also camped a lot outdoors when he was in New Zealand. One time, he and Minnie spent an entire month travelling around the South Island, sleeping out in the open in their bags under the stars. They had such glorious weather down there. But you are not to tell anybody about this place, okay? I am willing to share many of my things, but not my Xue Zhang and this place.”

Xiang Zhe was delirious with happiness. His angel just admitted she was not prepared to share him with anybody. He looked into her eyes, his dark and smouldering, murmured “this haven is our little secret, right?” She nodded.

They prepared light lunch of bread, cheese and fruits. They spent some time reading. Shan Mei took a little note book from her hand bag and started making notes, declaring this place gave her a lot of inspiration.

Sometime in the afternoon, they went into the Jacuzzi. “Oh, Xue Zhang, this is simply incredible, having an outdoor jacuzzi.” Shan Mei sat in the water in the embrace of Xue Zhang. They felt so free. They ended up splashing water at one another, frolicking and laughing about, like two kids.

For afternoon nap, Xiang Zhe spread out a new quilted mat that was folded up in one corner of the cabin and spread it out on the floor. Surprisingly it was cool in the cabin. They fell asleep easily, in each other’s arms.

By the time they awoke, night was upon them. Shan Mei quickly reached the control buttons before Xue Zhang did. First button, the wooden roof rolled away. Another control, the skylight panelling folded away. And there, in all its wondrous and majestic splendour was the clear night sky, like a blanket of myriad stars twinkling above. While still staring at the stars above, Shan Mei slowly made her way into Xue Zhang’s arms. Her eyes wet with unshed tears. She looked at him, her eloquent had eyes said it all. After a while, she cried silently into his chest “My dearest husband, you have made me the happiest woman in the world. My blessings are too many to enumerate. I pass them onto you, so your life is just as blessed.”

They stood there, arms wrapped around each other, and kissed deeply. “Want to help prepare dinner?” Xiang Zhe asked his wife. She nodded her head; they went to the kitchen together. They had a satisfying dinner of pan fried steaks, kimchi, washed down by a light red wine. Shan Mei said she had never experienced truly the term ‘romantic’. The only near-experience of ‘romantic’ was their celebration of her 26th birthday at the open air restaurant at the pier. Now, she not only understood it exactly, but she felt it so deep inside of her, she could hardly breathe.

Truly so romantic, sharing her dinner with her husband under such a beautiful sky. Xiang Zhe smiled and nodded in total agreement. Sitting there, enjoying each other’s company in silence. Suddenly Shan Mei asked her husband “Are you feeling bored?” seeing he was sitting quietly in his chair, slowly sipping the remaining drops of his wine. He shook his head, caught her hand to his lips, he looked into her eyes, “I feel so loved and blessed. You have enriched my life in so many ways.”

Shan Mei gave him one of her smirks “this Xue Zhang exaggerating again,” but inside, she was giddy with happiness. At long last, they lay down on their new bedding, snuggled up in each other’s arms, looking at the stars above. Shan Mei couldn’t get over their little ‘secret’, saying this seemed like their honeymoon in heaven.

“Say that again” Xiang Zhe murmured huskily, drawing his wife close to him, against his chest, where she could hear the steady hammering of his heart. “And tell me that you love me, over and over”

She turned on her side, and ran her hands along his body, finger resting then circling the little mark she had earlier left on his chest. He became aroused. He found it difficult to restrain his emotions, raging since the afternoon. His hands moved over her, over every inch of her body. When he bent to caress her breasts with his mouth the sensation was so powerfully erotic she felt she might explode. She moaned, gasping, as his tongue played with the throbbing peaks. He then kissed her mouth deeply, his tongue working magic around hers, heat slowly rising. Their movements were now becoming hungrier, more urgent. She held on to his back, her fingers digging into him, pulling him closer, as she arched her body instinctively to meet his. He moved against her and together they built up a steadily increasing rhythm until neither could hold on any longer. The release was long, shuddering, overwhelming. It seemed to last forever.

When he finally lay next to her, she tilted her face to his and moaned softly as his lips covered hers, a deep, warm, gloriously fulfilling kiss that carried the promise of eternity. His arms drawing her so tight and close to him, there seemed no chance of escape for her.

Chapter AW-26

Xiang Zhe awoke because the sun was shining into his eyes. He got up to slide the wooden roof back into place, then went back to sleep beside his sweet angel. She must be tired and sore all over with all the loving they shared last night. As he very tenderly smoothed her hair back so as not to disturb her, he looked at her with such love. He had always wondered if she ever dreamt of him the way he was constantly dreaming of her. He got his answer last night and it just blew his mind away.

Shan Mei had fallen asleep. He was still too emotionally overwrought to sleep. He had rolled over and cuddled up to Shan Mei. Just as he was dozing off, he heard a slight giggle coming from her. He propped himself up to look at her. She was asleep. Must be some dream she was having. She was smiling. Her tongue appeared, licking slowly around her lips. He very quickly caught the tip of her tongue. He sucked on it slowly. Slowly, he stuck his tongue into her mouth and began kissing her very gently. He couldn’t help himself. What was she dreaming of? Something delicious?

He gently touched her breasts that had become tender, her peaks now taut. She kissed him back. Very slowly and gently his tongue continued to feel around the inside of her mouth, tasting her sweetness. He became so aroused, he wanted her. “Xue Zhang” she moaned still in her sleep. He was hanging on the edge knowing his wife was dreaming of him, and he so desperately wanted to be part of her dream. “Shan Mei, Shan Mei, it’s me” he murmured very softly against her ear, her face, his hands caressing her body very gently. Finally, Shan Mei opened her sleepy eyes, dark pools of passion swimming within, to look sleepily at him. She moaned huskily, “Xue Zhang, I love you” as she stretched out her arms to encircle his neck.
===

He had already watered the vegetable plot and the rose bush. A pot of coffee was sitting on the table. The Jacuzzi was filled with water heated to the temperature that his wife liked.

Just then, Shan Mei awoke, called out to him, and was surprised to know it was way past lunch. She looked flustered, when she realised Xiang Zhe hadn’t eaten at all, and hurriedly tried to get up. He laughed and carried her off to the jacuzzi.

He had prepared a cheese platter with the cheese they had left over from yesterday. While soaking in the tub, they fed each other cheese and fruits. “Still feeling sore?” her husband asked softly, full of concern. She shook her head. “Feeling rested?” she nodded, wondering what her husband was getting up to.

He was giving her a good back rub. When his hands went to soap the front, Shan Mei told him to be gentle with the breasts, now sore most probably full with the milk. He turned her around, and sucked gently at the nipples. Tiny drops of milk appeared. He became so excited he started sucking harder. His wife was horrified and told him to stop it. He looked sheepishly at her and, with a roguish smile, commented the milk tasted good! After a while, Xiang Zhe whispered into her ears “rested enough for another marathon?”

“Husband, rested enough to clean up and pack up. We have to be at Father’s place for the dinner to celebrate your recent win. Don’t forget we also have a baby to collect.”

“Didn’t you say this place was heaven? When we are in heaven, we think of heavenly pleasures. Only when we are back on earth, do we think of earthly chores.”

“It’s about time we get back to earth, right? But I would like to come back any time we feel like it, since it is so near to our house. I want you to promise you’d take me here the first time it rains. Lying here in my husband’s arms and being lulled to sleep by the sound of rain would be so idyllic.” Xiang Zhe noticed her mind was already there, somewhere with the rain. He’d better remember to ask the ID company to build a covered garage, covered walkway from garage to cabin, and pave the path with thicker stone slates otherwise they would be sloshing in mud when they came. Knowing his angel, they would definitely be here. Thinking about it, he was getting excited too. What would the feeling be like, sleeping this close to nature?

They sat down in the courtyard, their chairs side by side, enjoying their coffee and the scenery. Xiang Zhe was holding on to his wife’s hand. Life was so blissful.

Soon, Shan Mei went off to tidy up the cabin, Xiang Zhe was left with his cup of coffee at the table to ruminate on his own.

He recalled that morning when Shan Mei and he were going to visit his mother’s burial plot to show her the MBS shares Father had given to him. Seeing how tired he was, Shan Mei asked whether everything was going smooth with Senior Zian Da. He had looked at her, smiled and said nothing.

She got it; Xian Da was still reliant, not self-sufficient enough. “I think Senior Li Qing Xi has good planning sense. If she is promoted to be co-manager along side Senior Zian Da she can help him a lot? I feel she has a lot of good ideas and how some things ought to be done but because she is not in that kind of position where she has the authority to make decision, she keeps quiet most of the time. ”

“Wasn’t she the one you were championing when MBS wanted to retrench its staff, in order to hire well known broadcasters?” Xiang Zhe asked. Of course he remembered her. She was the one who saw the potential in Shan Mei. He really had been a fool relying on Zian Da. His angel, back in those days, could already tell who the well performing staff members were, but like she just said, when in a position of no authority, no one would listen.

Didn’t he give her an earful when she questioned his decision to use big bucks to hire a superstar broadcaster instead of using the money to train in house talent? He rebuked her, telling her not to be so childish and to broaden her outlook. Because of that, they went on cold war path. If it weren’t for the mobile phone fiasco in the Newsroom, he didn’t know when Shan Mei would speak to him again. Yes, she had broadened her outlook so much MBS was able to pick up 5 awards for 2STAC only because of her! She had picked the producer from 7 o’clock News to assist him for PIR and 2STAC. They worked very well together, and the producer was 100% reliable. He only needed to talk to this producer on a one-to-one when they discussed PIR.

The funny part of the whole situation was Michael Dutton when he was in Seoul to head hunt, he was not impressed at all by any of those so-called big-named star broadcasters. Instead, he was impressed by relatively unknown Zhen Shan Mei, who was well-known in MBS News Department offices for always making mistakes. How ironic, the whole situation!

Last month, Michael had told him he was not worried in the least of competition coming from the other stations. It would be difficult for them to find someone like Shan Mei. He was not concerned about media reports that Shan Mei was not the most experienced or knowledgeable in the TV industry. Michael laughed. Shan Mei had the best brains, from UK and America, behind her; he and his brother David being two of these brains. These brains would steer her through any problems or crisises. What she had that none of the others could duplicate were her benign honesty, captivating megawatt smiles and naturalness. “Junior, weren’t we caught by these very qualities, too?” Michael asked Xiang Zhe, looking at him with a knowing smile.

Xiang Zhe thought of Zian Da. He was totally loyal to him, and his mother’s legacy. Now that Shan Mei had put him in charge of PIR’s Bargain Corner, he was in his element. P.R. Dept was also under control of Zian Da. Shan Mei insisted of having a relaxed atmosphere at Bargain Corner to relieve the excitement of Shocking Prices. Sometimes Zian Da invited the suppliers on to his show to explain about the special offers going for the day. With quarterly bonuses being given out to everyone on the team, the quality and productivity of work seemed to have miraculously improved. Self-governance was the order for the day. Xiang Zhe or Shan Mei was only consulted in cases of extreme emergencies.

Apart from PIR, Li Qing Xi was appointed manager of Daily Planning to assist Xiang Zhe; Shen Qi Tong to work in D. Planning to assist Li Qing Xi. He was also responsible for sports programmes with Chen Sui.

When Yong Xi was offered the position of Co-manager of Planning to assist Li Qing Xi, the other manager of Planning, she refused saying apart from presenting the 9 o’clock news and PIR, she preferred helping out at Bargain Centre. Since hosting the Banking Segment, she was in the position to meet many people who could supply interesting items for Bargain Corner based on PIR’s special terms and conditions.

Now, things appeared to take care of themselves, Li Qingxi, Shen Qi Tong, Chen Sui and the others chipping in to help one another, to ensure smooth coordination.

That time, when he first joined MBS, if he had not relied so much on Zian Da, instead had chosen Li Qing Xi to assist him in Planning, would Shan Mei have remained in MBS? Anyway, everything had turned out wonderfully for his wife. He looked over his shoulder to glance at her as she was scrubbing out the Jacuzzi, a contented smile on his face. Was his wife really born under a lucky star, bringing luck and happiness to those nearest and dearest to her too?
==

Shan Mei took great pains to clean up the cabin and the other utensils, packing together the dirty laundry. She made notes of what she could bring the next time they come. Oh yes, Peter Rabbit coffee mugs and towels.

They went back home, to drop off the stuff for cleaning. After they showered and changed, they went to the garden to cut some roses. They also watered Mother’s plants which were growing so well from tiny stems Shan Mei had broken off from the main bush at mother’s burial plot. They had placed the potted plants, one on each side of the main entrance, like sentinels guarding their house.

When they arrived at Father’s place, Xiang Zhe immediately placed the champagne they brought into the wine cooler. Baby Bao Bao (BB) heard his parents’ voices and started crying for them. They had missed him so much.

“Hello, Bao Bao? Did you miss Daddy and Mummy? Come, give Daddy a kiss.” Daddy burrowed his face into BB’s little tummy, rubbing his face back and forth, nibbling him gently all over. After a while, baby started crying, most probably for mummy.

When Shan Mei carried him in her arms, his little mouth immediately went for her breast. She went to Xiang Zhe’s apartment to give him his milk. Daddy went along as well, so he could be near the two beings he loved best in the whole world. When he saw baby’s mouth suckling hungrily at his mother’s breast, a flash of guilt zipped through him; wasn’t he trying to steal some of baby’s food this afternoon?

The dinner prepared by Ma and Auntie Lee (Patrick’s mother) was simply delicious. Yin Snr was so happy with CTN and MBS’ successful cooperation. It was just like a family affair, with Shan Mei and Patrick walking away with so many awards. With her glass of juice, Shan Mei stood up and toasted with sincere thanks to all of them. Without their 100% support, she wouldn’t be enjoying such success. She was sorry You Zhen Ge and Minnie were not there to share in the celebration, yet happy because they were on their honeymoon. After all, he did win awards for CTN in Best Photography and Best Editing – Local Documentary category.

During dinner, Shan Mei asked,

“Father, will you be visiting Xiang Jie in London during Easter?”

Father thought it over, “I’ll rather be in Seoul. If I go anywhere, I’m going to miss my little grandson, right BB?” Little grandson gurgled when he heard his grandpa mentioning his name.

“If that’s the case, I’d like to have Xiang Jie home for Easter. I’ll find out his Easter plans as soon as possible.” Shan Mei looked at her baby in his high chair, and lovingly told him “your uncle who dotes on you like crazy will be home for Easter holidays. Wouldn’t you like that?” and when baby gurgled as if he understood, everyone around the dinner table broke into laughter.

From the bed, Xiang Zhe was watching his wife as she was preparing for bed. She came by his side of the bed, gave him a kiss, and told him to go to sleep. She wanted to finish up something while she was in the mood. Before he could react, she was already out of the room.

Out of the bedroom and looking down from the landing, downstairs was in darkness. She must be upstairs in her Office, he surmised. He went upstairs. She was typing away something, at her computer. After she printed her notes out, she was going to send an email off to Xiang Jie.

Xiang Zhe went to her desk and took the printed paper. “So late and so secret; writing love letter to your secret admirer?” he teased.

“Love letter to lover,” his wife corrected him.

“What’s this?”, he asked, smiling after reading it.

“This is a letter I just received from one of my listeners. She wanted to thank her loving husband for giving her such a unique present and an unsurpassable weekend experience. And she had specially dedicated the song “I give My All” to her husband. “Acoustic or Flamenco?” she asked.

Xiang Zhe looked at his wife. “Both” he replied. She always did things in the nicest of ways. Shan Mei was jumping with excitement. She was sure all the airwaves would be jammed if the listeners knew the president of MBS would be playing his guitar, live. He smiled. Anything to indulge her. “It has been a tiring weekend for my wife. She needs her beauty rest now.” With that, he began switching off all the machines and lights.

They went into the nursery to steal a look at baby. In his sleeping pose, he looked so much like his father. Shan Mei commented on this. “Of course, I’m his father, no?” He arched a brow. His wife started hitting him in a playful way, and accused him teasingly, “trying to disown us now that you’re a famous television producer?” She laughed, then ran off to their bedroom. He shook his head in amusement, “you imp!” then hurried after her.

Chapter AW-27

Xiang Zhe had just finished a 3-hour long meeting with a Japanese television producer who was in Seoul to discuss ways of cooperation between MBS and NOTV. This Japanese television producer had been negotiating with SGS and KGTV for the past 2 days. MBS was the last call of the day on his Appointment Card. After this morning’s meeting with Xiang Zhe, he would return to Tokyo.

The secretary was on the intercom with Xiang Zhe. “Mr. Yin, the chauffeur said he had been booked by Mrs. Yin this morning. In fact he is supposed to collect Mrs.Yin at the main lobby in 10 minutes’ time,” Miss Lee, his secretary informed him when he had asked her to get company car to send his guest, Mr. Nakamura to the airport.

“Okay, tell him to send Mr. Nakamura to the airport. I’ll drive Mrs. Yin personally.” Xiang Zhe wondered where his wife was going; she didn’t mention anything this morning when he kissed her goodbye at CTN’s main entrance?

When he drove up towards the MBS main lobby, he saw Shan Mei and Xiang Jie waiting on the curb outside the main entrance. What was Xiang Jie doing here? Xiang Zhe thought? He just returned from London last night for the Easter holidays and was supposed to start work at MBS tomorrow morning assisting Li Qing Xi in the Daily Planning Department during the holidays.

She looked flustered and guilty when she saw him. He gave her a kiss then opened car door for her. After he started up the car, he raiseded his eyebrow at her, she told him to go home first. Xiang Jie was getting nervous too, and kept very quiet in the back seat.

When they arrived home, Xiang Jie shot out of the car, and went off towards the garden. Shan Mei led the way into the house, still remaining silent. Only when she picked baby up did she start to coo baby talk. Baby was all dressed up ready to go somewhere. The nanny brought out a packed basket from the kitchen. Shan Mei asked Xiang Zhe to put that in the car. As she was walking out, she told nanny they would be back later in the afternoon.

When they got into the car, in answer to his questioning big eyes, his wife told him they were visiting Mother. He relaxed a bit; he thought they had intended going off somewhere romantic without him, especially when he saw his brother holding a bunch of freshly cut roses from their greenhouse. Inside his heart, he was still feeling a little bit peeved with Shan Mei for keeping this outing a secret from him.

After they arrived at the burial plot, Xiang Jie went about putting the roses in the flower vase, and began trimming patches of overgrown grass. Shan Mei told Mother baby was growing very well, and the young man with them was Xiang Zhe’s half brother Xiang Jie who wanted to come and pay his respects hoping that Mother would accept him as her other son. Of course, his love for her could not compare with Elder brother, but he would learn to love her no less.

After this, he took out from his pocket a little ‘I love you’ crystal heart that he had bought in London, and buried it deep in one corner of the plot. He also asked for forgiveness for his own mother.

Shan Mei was so moved by the whole scene, she stood there sobbing, with baby in her arms. Xiang Zhe was affected too. He took the baby from Shan Mei’s arms, and drew her into his arms, embracing her tightly, soothing her, kissing her hair, whispering into her ear, telling her everything was going to be alright, the first words he had spoken since he met them outside the MBS main lobby.

He released his wife, then went up to Xiang Jie, giving him a gentle pat on his shoulder, telling him everything was okay. Xiang Jie looked at his brother ruefully, and very simply said “I’m sorry.” Elder Brother gave him a smile then ruffled his hair. Softly and solemnly he told him, “It’s not your fault.”

Xiang Jie took Bao Bao from Elder Brother’s arm, tossing baby up and down, swinging here and there. Baby gurgled away happily and noisily.

Shan Mei spread out the food from the basket. Both husband and wife sat down and watched baby play. Xiang Jie found baby’s sunhat in the car and put it on baby, before bringing him back to mummy. Hot coffee was in Thermos flask, a few cans of Coke were in ice-packed bag. Baby tried to grab on to uncle’s can of Coke when Xiang Jie drank from it, or his sushi when he was eating it. Xiang Zhe shook his head while laughing at baby’s antics. Shan Mei felt so blessed watching them. Her husband’s earlier silent anger seemed to have dissipated. She silently said a prayer of thanks to her mother-in-law.

Xiang Jie asked permission to take baby home. Auntie Lee would love that. She was just saying this morning that it was time for Bao Bao to start on solids. Next time when Bao Bao was there she would make him the softest porridge. Seeing that Xiang Jie would start work tomorrow, Shan Mei looked at her husband and when she detected no angry vibes from him, she agreed.

As they were driving back to town, she asked her husband to drop her at home, before sending nanny and baby to Father’s house; Xiang Jie to go back to CTN. “Xiang Jie, you watch those technicians at work to make sure they are doing the right thing. Our new show ‘Higher Education’ is getting too many visitors. It needs a dedicated line. It’s now being downloaded almost non-stop, it’s jamming up the station’s main line.”

Xiang Zhe was stunned when his wife told him CTN was getting about 600 million Won a month in dedicated internet subscribers’ fees alone for this programme. They had to speed up down load time. Apart from 4 system managers for the whole system, CTN had 8 data entry clerks to specially follow up and update information for the various institutions on UK Higher Education. Professor Higgins was in charge of Questions & Answers for this programme. His contacts in the UK were exceptionally helpful, giving him answers to his questions in record time.

“I didn’t realise so many people are interested in higher education in U.K.?” Xiang Zhe asked his wife.

“Xue Zhang, the subscribers come from all over the Asian-Pacific regions. Because the programmes offer such comprehensive information, the people going to the site not only get to know about education, they also get a pretty good idea about tourist travel, job opportunities and approximate costs for going around the country for back-packers. Many of the young subscribers have asked us to help them get more information on certain aspects of travel around UK, because they were planning to spend 1 or 2 years to roam around UK. Due to this kind of response, later on, after H.E. in U.K. is completed, CTN will have similar series for H.E. in Australia, U.S.A., Japan, Europe, China and other countries. We’ll then employ more data entry clerks.”

Apart from the top few key positions in CTN-KE, Shan Mei always tried to recruit all other CTN positions locally, MBS connections would be given first priority. Circulars sent to the various MBS departments informing the staff of available vacancies in CTN, hoping their children or relatives would be interested in applying. Of course only qualified applicants would be considered. Because of this kind of recruitment drive, many 2nd generation members of present MBS staff would write to Shan Mei directly, seeking her advice in job selection, etc., etc. These job vacancies were also advertised on CTN website, available only to their service subscribers.

Most times, when Shan Mei showed her husband such letters and asked for his advice, he wondered why his own employees did not seek him out. They would rather go to Shan Mei. Was he so unapproachable? Was his staff still wary of the way he used to handle matters, like, making decisions based on recommendations from Zian Da, many of these recommendations came via Yong Xi? He heaved a sigh. What could he do?
==

When Xiang Zhe got back to his office, he called Patrick to find out what Shan Mei had planned for the afternoon and was told she had taken the afternoon off. What was she up to? He checked his appointment book, then told his secretary to inform the production department to carry on their meeting without him. He wanted their reports on his table tomorrow morning. He took the rest of the day off, and went off home to see what his beautiful wife was up to.

Shan Mei was nowhere around the house. He called her on her mobile “Hi, it’s me. Where are you?” he sounded a little bit impatient.

“Yes, darling? Missing me already? I’m home.” She was sweet as usual.

“What do you mean you’re home. I’m home right now and can’t find you.” Xiang Zhe sounded very upset with his wife, assuming she was lying to him.

Laughing in a slightly offended way, “I’m at our ‘secret’ home, Mr. Short Temper!”

He apologised and immediately went into their room and changed out of his suit into something comfortable, then zoomed off to their secret retreat.

He found her hanging up framed photos of him, her, and baby. He was upset she carried the heavy load on her own when she told him she had walked over. A CGI photo of the 3 of them with Mother’s image in the background was also framed and hung up very nicely.

“Why didn’t you invite me to your afternoon photo-hanging ceremony? You don’t want to involve me?”

She laughed sweetly at him, saying, “Doesn’t the President of MBS have more important things to do?”

Xiang Zhe only smiled and didn’t say anything. He packed away the tool kit. He came back from the kitchen with two glasses of juice.

After placing her on his lap, he gave her a long, deep kiss. He looked deep into her eyes and asked simply, “Why wasn’t I told of this morning’s outing with Xiang Jie?”

She looked away from his eyes. Instead she was looking and playing with the pendant he always wore, the chain necklace he never took off.

“Since Xiang Jie is going to start work at MBS, even for a short while, I thought it would be right for him to know some facts. Better I let him hear from me, than for him to hear hurtful and malicious office gossip. I was afraid to let you know because I don’t know how you’re going to accept it. Are you angry with me?” She sounded apologetically sedate.

“How can I? Isn’t this so like Zhen Shan Mei ? My wife helping every one! In the future, whatever it is you have done or want to do, you must always let me know, understand?” She gave him an understanding smile, as she nodded her head obediently like a little girl being chided after having been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

Xiang Zhe smiled and ruffled her hair, then asked, “Now, how about helping your husband?” His eyes had become soft.

Her face broke into a dazzling smile, she asked sweetly “like?”

“Like a back massage? The morning’s meeting with a Japanese visitor for almost 3 hours and all that driving around afterwards really gave me a backache.” He lay out the quilted mat on the floor, pulled off his T-shirt and lay down on the mat on his stomach, and waited.

She had been working hard, kneading her husband’s tired muscles for the past 1-1/2 hours. She took a peep. He was already asleep. She covered his back with a large bath towel. She sat there contentedly, looking at her husband in slumber. The frown was gone, the lines around his mouth had softened. He looked so relaxed. She knew his job, being president and DoP, was not an easy one. She only hoped Xiang Jie would finish his studies soon, so he could help his elder brother in running the station. After this afternoon, she could see Xue Zhang was ready to accept Xiang Jie into the MBS fold.

She went to cut some overgrown scallions and celery from the vegetable plot. The cabbages that Xue Zhang grew were coming along very well. Also the chilli plants. She couldn’t resist plucking some big ripe chillies.

Grey clouds were forming in the sky. It was almost 7 and Xue Zhang was still sleeping. Shan Mei put a call through to Xiang Jie telling him they would let baby sleep over, and only collect him when they drop by Father’s place for dinner tomorrow night. Xiang Jie was ecstatic.

Light drizzle was falling. Since there was nothing else to do, Shan Mei decided to give her husband some more massage. This time, she worked on the shoulders, the two arms; then the back again, the lower back, behind the knees, the calves. By now, the drizzle had turned to rain. Shan Mei sat against the glass window watching the rain drops in fascination. She was so engrossed she didn’t hear her husband waking up. He crept quietly behind her. As his arms encircled her waist in a tight embrace he kissed her nape, then the hollow behind her ear tenderly. She turned around and placed her head on Xue Zhang’s chest, her arms went around his waist.

Xiang Zhe didn’t even realise it was raining. He was having such a restful sleep, that when he awoke and saw his angel by the window, all he wanted to do was cuddle up to her. “What are you doing sitting in the dark, with only lighting coming from the walkway?” he sounded worried.

“I didn’t want to disturb you since you were sleeping so soundly. Xue Zhang, can you hear the unique music made by the falling rain?” she asked excitedly. She shut her eyes, concentrating on the rhythm.

Xiang Zhe kept staring at her, her childlike allure captivated him completely. Suddenly he remembered their baby “What about Bao Bao?” Eyes still closed, she told him they would collect him tomorrow night when they were home at Father’s for dinner.

Talking of dinner, her eyes flew open. “Husband, are you hungry?”

“Depends on what you mean” he teased. Shan Mei noticed the naughty glints in his eyes.

“I mean, hungry in the stomach, of course. We have got fresh vegetables.”

“Oh yeah? Show me.” They ran off to the kitchen, where Shan Mei showed him the scallions, celery and chillies that he had successfully grown. The only pre-packed food they had were packets of ramen. Xiang Zhe was in charge of cooking the noodles, while Shan Mei was responsible for cutting up the vegetables. She placed them very nicely on a steel plate. They pulled the table close to the steps. They couldn’t use the chairs because they were slightly wet, so they decided to sit on the steps. They picked at their vegetables bit by bit savouring the taste. This was the first time Xiang Zhe had ever grown anything in his life. Nothing was more satisfying than to have food grown by one’s own toil.

After cleaning up, they enjoyed a long, hot shower together. Shan Mei wanted to spend the night there. Xiang Zhe was wide awake, not ready to sleep. His wife told him, “Darling, close your eyes, let your mind and heart follow the rhythm of the falling rain, and you would fall into the most beautiful sleep. When I was young and my father was away working, that was how I put myself to sleep.”

Her husband was being uncooperative. His mind and heart were following the rhythm of something else, he told his wife. Shan Mei gave him a sweet kiss, and wished him a good night!

Shan Mei lay there with the quilt over them up to their necks, their hands clasped together under the quilt. She closed her eyes. Xiang Zhe gave up. He was never to get anywhere with her tonight. She had that oblivious look, oblivious to anything or anyone around her.

Just like that time on Musical Postcard when posing as a listener, she wrote in to thank her husband for special present and weekend, she dedicated ‘I Give My All’ to her husband. Very soon the staff on night duty heard that Shan Mei was going to play her flamenco at the end of the programme, they thronged outside the recording studio. Other employees who lived near by also came. They got really excited when they saw their president had a guitar strapped to him too. She was shy but once she was into her music, she wasn’t aware of anyone. They were totally mesmerized. Even Xiang Zhe himself was completely drowned in the way Shan Mei was playing.

That night, their employees wouldn’t let them leave, all of them came toasting with cups of coffee, or Coke or whatever was handy, and with the President, the sound engineers offered him beer. Not enough space in the recording studio, they eventually moved to the canteen. The President and First Lady gained another legion of fans. Xiang Zhe didn’t truly realise what a trump card he had in his hands until that night.

Soon they fell into a deep sleep, snuggled in each other’s arms, lulled by the rhythm and coolness of the rain!

Chapter AW-28

3.30 a.m. Shan Mei’s mobile rang. Aileen Chung, the morning anchor had just been admitted to hospital with appendicitis. Xiang Zhe immediately woke up too. He grabbed the robes lying around on the floor. He draped hers on her shoulders; then he slipped into his. The air was feeling quite nippy so early in the morning.

Newsroom also informed Shan Mei CTN Australia had been transmitting footages of a fire now raging through sugar cane plantations in the northern part of Queensland. Professor Higgins who was normally in the studio early in the morning to assist the morning anchor, had a brief discussion with Shan Mei who told him she would want to interview Australia directly, and asked Professor to please prepare some suitable questions.

Looking at Shan Mei’s taut face and knitted brows, and having caught bits here and there of her conversation with Professor, Xiang Zhe knew it was an emergency. They didn’t bother to stop by home to change from their sleepwear of Ts and loose pants, but shot straight off to MBS, 4th floor where the CTN news centre was located, next to MBS’s. There was no time to waste.

The morning anchor, who normally reported to work at 3 a.m., would go over the news clips from the latest international and local updates coming in, and organize her sequence accordingly. She handled local English News & Infofile 6 – 8 a.m., for the CTN-KE English Channel, then right away did the Korean language morning news and show 8 a.m. to 12 noon.

Shan Mei, Xiang Zhe, and Professor Higgins looked through the footages coming through from CTN Australia. While doing make up and hair, she conferred with the translator re Korean translation. She also alerted Australia that she would want direct telephone interview, because many of the plantations affected were Korean owned.

Shan Mei put on a jacket, then sat behind the news desk, ready to broadcast, Xiang Zhe watched her through the camera, a feeling of dejavu of those times when Shan Mei first started off at MBS.

Soon, she was connected to Lina Barrett, CTN Australia’s roving reporter giving latest update at the scene of disaster in Queensland. The area was too large making it impossible at this time to give an account of cost of damages and lives lost. This segment was quickly translated and put on hold for Shan Mei when she did the 8 a.m. Korean news, then this Korean news segment to be passed on to MBS for the morning’s News Roundup before Bargain Corner began. Xiang Zhe saw how well this arrangement worked.

Xiang Zhe went to his office on the 7th floor for some coffee. He saw many reports on his table. He switched on the TV screens for MBS and CTN. While sipping his coffee he watched his wife on the CTN screen. She looked so fresh and somehow different. Was it because of getting up close and personal with nature? When the weather was permissible, they liked leaving the doors of the cabin open whenever they were there. They didn’t need aircon or heating. For him it was marathon sleep yesterday. He must have slept five hours in the afternoon, after Shan Mei’s wonderful massage. Taking Shan Mei’s advice, he was fast asleep again before midnight.

He went through the reports on his table. He made several comments, after which he placed the reports on his secretary’s desk. When his secretary came in at 9, he told her for this week, arrange appointments for mornings only. He would be in office during the afternoons until 4 only. Anyone who wanted anything, must put all requests on paper. By mid morning, he was through with all the reports from yesterday.

He buzzed for Xiang Jie to see him at his office. When Xiang Jie arrived at his office, Xiang Zhe could see the boy was nervous in front of him. He himself was feeling a little uneasy without Shan Mei there. He told his younger brother Li Qing Xi was very well experienced in this industry and his sister’s favourite senior, so he must try to learn as best from her as possible. This was just a tester to see whether he liked working in the broadcasting industry. If he did, his sister would arrange for him to work at CTN during the weekends when he was back in London. Because they would definitely want him back at MBS during the summer holidays.

Xiang Zhe then asked his brother to get him and Shan Mei some food from the canteen. He couldn’t leave his office dressed the way he was. Xiang Zhe explained to him what happened this morning. CTN’s two other anchors were on leave, and Patrick was away with You Zhen, that was why Shan Mei had to handle the morning’s duties. And Master Chef from CTN Kitchen was to prepare take-out dinner for them when they leave at 4 on normal days, and 5 on Thursday and Friday. Shan Mei would be too tired to cook at home. He also asked his younger brother to keep BB at father’s place until Sunday.
==

The MBS office floor was quiet this Sunday morning whereas the CTN main lobby on the 9th floor of MBS Building was a different story. It had been crowded with many visitors since Tuesday, when news of the fire in Queensland broke out through CTN. Mr. Sung of Bansung immediately arranged for 8 units of their Bansung computers to be set up in the lobby. For anybody wanting to read the latest news or view the detailed footages, they simply had to drop by CTN to access the computers on the main lobby floor. The images, on a large video screen put up at one corner of the lobby, were updated when new footages or news were received from CTN Australia.

Mr. Sung arranged for a few of their promoters to be on site to offer assistance and to hand out flyers on their range of computers. Shan Mei was grateful for his assistance when CTN couldn’t cope with the incoming calls jamming their switchboard. A representative from NSK Bank was also on duty to offer loans at 0% for purchase of computers, to viewers interested in subscribing to CTN-KE internet services.

Shan Mei had to come in early this Sunday morning until Aileen Chung, their morning anchor, came back to work tomorrow morning.

Xiang Zhe was thinking; was he being too protective? Last night Shan Mei had asked him whether she could take driving lessons. This way, she could drive herself; she needn’t disturb his schedule should another emergency arise at CTN. He vetoed the idea immediately and told her in no uncertain terms never to raise the issue again.

“Xue Zhang,” Shan Mei pleaded, giving him that special sorrowful look.

“No way,” he emphasized again. “It will be too dangerous!”

“You don’t trust me to take care?”

“Darling, not you. I don’t trust those crazy drivers around town! Haven’t you noticed how they court death by weaving in and out of traffic and at reckless speed?”

She gave him a beguiling look accompanied by a sweet smile. He stood firm, reminding himself not to lose his senses to her. “No, no, NO!” There was finality to his refusal. She conceded, for the time being.

How to make her understand he loved being disturbed by her, especially in bed. He would have no peace of mind, if Shan Mei was driving around Seoul on her own. She simply had no idea how chaotic the traffic jams in the city were. He scratched his head worriedly, knowing his wife would rake up the matter soon. He couldn’t decide whether to take the offensive or the defensive stand in this argument?

This morning Shan Mei had to stay only up to 9. Their other broadcaster would be coming in later in the morning to continue the Sunday show from 9 to 12 noon. He went to the 4th floor to collect his wife. She was very happy to see him and gave him a kiss and held on to his hand,

“Hi, darling, thank you for forsaking your sleep, to drive me to the studio. I’m going to treat you to your favourite breakfast at Westin.” She then whispered tenderly into his ear, “I love you.”

Xiang Zhe grinned broadly at the treat his dearest wife was going to give him, and silently mused to himself, “the imp, already formulating her own plan of action, huh? I will enjoy all this attention while it lasts.” He smiled secretly inside himself.

After breakfast he wanted to stay home to watch a DVD that Zian Da had passed on to him, saying it was very good. While he was watching it, Shan Mei brought him a cup of coffee. She curled up to him, after noticing a very cute baby girl in the movie.

As the movie progressed, the story was about a mother and her baby going to supermarket. On the way, they were hit by a truck on a rampage and were taken off the main road by the heavily drunkard truck driver who killed the baby and raped the mother. Their car was shoved over a cliff, the driver jumped after them. How gruesome. By then, Xiang Zhe had fallen asleep.
Shan Mei switched off the machine, put the disc back into its sleeve, and went off quietly to her office to catch up with some paper work. Xiang Zhe hid a sly smile on his face, cocked one eye slightly open after his wife had exited the TV room, then eased back comfortably on the sofa to continue his morning nap.

A little while later, he went looking for his wife. “Darling, want to join me in the bath, before we go to Father’s place for dinner?” In the bath, his wife gave him a delicious back scrub with a new type of natural sea sponge Michael had given her on his last trip. They spent half their bath time kissing each other silly. Xiang Zhe controlled his urge. He wanted to save for dessert in bed tonight.

When they saw Bao Bao, they realised how much they had missed him. Shan Mei couldn’t kiss him enough. It didn’t appear he had missed his parents much. All night he kept wanting to be carried by his uncle. During dinner, Shan Mei asked little brother whether he had started his driving lessons in London. He did and it was pleasant driving around the house, but he didn’t think he would want to drive in Seoul, even if he had his licence. The traffic appeared chaotic and the drivers crazy, after placid Cambridge. Shan Mei darted a furtive glance towards her husband who pretended he was oblivious to everything in the room, except his dinner.

The nanny then asked whether she could go home in the country side for a few days since Bao Bao was so happy staying with his grandfather, and there was 2nd Master Xiang Jie and Auntie Lee to look after him. She agreed to be back by Sunday. Of course, nanny! When arrangements were made for Bao Bao, Shan Mei gave Nanny some extra money, in case she wanted to buy gifts home.

When they arrived home that night, Xiang Zhe went into the greenhouse to cut some roses and placed them in their bedroom. As an afterthought, he went up to Shan Mei and suggested, “Since you don’t have to be at your office early tomorrow morning, do you want to spend the night at our ‘secret’ home?”

“What about you? Don’t you want to be at the office early, tomorrow being Monday?”

Her husband gave her his crooked grin and raiseded his brow at her.

She lifted her lips to give him a soft kiss on his jawline. “Of course”, then went to kitchen to pack up some breakfast items, all other thoughts out of her mind.

Xiang Zhe opened the bottle of champagne that he had earlier left chilled in the fridge at home. Xiang Zhe lay out the quilted mat on the floor. They went outside in the yard and pulled the table and chairs closer to the cabin.
They sat there side by side enjoying the air, the starry sky and the silence, while sipping their champagne slowly. The fragrance from the one rose bloom that Xiang Zhe brought over from the house completely pervaded the space of the cabin. When they were half way through the bottle, Shan Mei suddenly corked up the bottle, and said “enough alcohol for tonight.”

“But, darling, it won’t taste good without the bubbles at later date.”

“It will. I’ll use it on the grilled chicken I’m going to give you for dinner tomorrow night. Ever tried Champagne gravy with grilled chicken?” she laughed softly at him.

After shower they went under the quilt, looking at the beautiful stars up in the sky. Shan Mei was lying in the crook of her husband’s arms. She could feel his strength, so protective; his love, so deep and warm. When she stole a peep at him, his eyes were not shut but his face was an inscrutable mask.

After a while, she inched closer to him and shyly murmured she wanted to disturb him. “Ehmm? You want me to drive you to MBS now?” he asked, wondering what she was going to do at CTN office this late.

Very softly she whispered “No, I want you to drive me crazy with love.” And laughed quietly under her breath, at her sudden forwardness.

He immediately propped himself up, looked deep into her eyes now dark pools of passion. His were the same. He laughed triumphantly and began raining frenzied kisses all over her.

“My dearest wife, your wish is my command,” and began disrobing her.

Chapter AW-29

As soon as they waved Xiang Jie through the departure gate at the airport, they were missing him already. Baby Bao Bao kept looking back towards the gate where his uncle had just passed through, his chubby little fingers were wriggling about with one index finger pointing crookedly towards that direction, as if he wanted to go too. He was crying. Shan Mei tried her best to pacify him.

Even Daddy was finding it taxing consoling him, until he copied one of Xiang Jie’s tricks, swinging Bao Bao from side to side, then up and down. The crying abated, baby looked at him curiously, and very soon he was gurgling happily and noisily. Xiang Zhe laughed along with him and asked, “Is that why you’re giving love and loyalty to your Uncle? Come, Daddy wants a hug and kiss too!” Baby was soon hugging and kissing daddy all over, and daddy was laughing and kissing him back.

===

At MBS, Planning Dept was busy helping PR Dept churn out P.R. and organise Founding Day anniversary celebration. Several important new guests were invited, namely Sir Michael Dutton of CTN-UK and CTN-Asia/Pacific, not because he recently came into 20% share of MBS, but as the owner of dubbed material, the Natural World Phenomenon, allowing MBS to screen this series without screening fees. This programme received very high viewer % rating and was sponsored entirely by IT Mountain Bike Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sunyang Motor Corporation. Both cooperations with CTN-KE were highly successful, with Two Sides To A Coin monopolising afternoon viewing.

This year the format was little bit different from previous years. Four large video screens were mounted on walls to show award winning programmes:

Natural World Phenomenon Best Documentary, Foreign (CTN)
(dubbed Korean)

Two Sides To A Coin Best Producer (MBS)
Best Live Entertainment (MBS)
Best Chat Show (MBS)
Viewers Choice (MBS)
Critics Choice (MBS)
Best Chat Show Host (CTN)
Best Chat Show Host (CTN)
Best Newcomer (CTN)
Sponsors Choice (CTN)
Most Popular TV Personality (CTN)

BBS Children’s Programme Best Children’s Program (BBS/MBS)
Never Look Back Best Afternoon Drama W/D) MBS
Musical Postcard, radio Most Popular Radio Show (MBS)
Most Popular Deejay (Zhen Shan Mei)
When it came to the Cake cutting ceremony to commemorate the charity and bursary foundations which the Wen Rong Group sponsored, the First Lady of MBS Miss Zhen Shan Mei was invited on stage to present the cheque to the invited guest, the head of Liu Yi University. Together they cut the cake.
All present could see how proud their president was of his wife. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Throughout, he was trying to catch her eye, as if wanting to pass on some secret message only the two of them understood.

Xiang Zhe was trying to tell his wife she was right about Zian Da. He knew everything that went on in the station. The video clip screening on Musical Postcard showed her behind the mic and next to her carousel on the night, husband and wife played their guitars, and the small gathering in the canteen afterwards. He didn’t see anybody filming anything that night, yet there they were up on the video screen. Must be one of the production assistants. That Senior Zian Da managed to keep this secret from him.

Michael enjoyed this video clip the best, and asked for a copy to bring back to London.

===

“Hi, it’s me. Are you busy?” Shan Mei’s sweet voice came over the phone.

“Depends on what you want,” his soft voice was full of innuendo.

“I know how you always want to make my birthday special. This year, I want to spend it at our little cabin. That would be the most special. Okay?”

“What about food? Everything is so basic there”

“The cabbage you grew should be ready for plucking around that time. I’ll make something with it. Just thought I’ll let you know before I forget about it. See you later. Love you, bye”

He was smiling into the phone. “Love you?” She must be reading something or watching some romantic movie? She must be feeling romantic. He must remember to put some fresh roses in their room tonight, to put her in better romantic mood. Maybe he would get some reward?

He had been out late the past 3 nights, out with Uncle Jin entertaining a party of Chinese contractors visiting Seoul and they were interested in buying some Wen Rong heavy machineries. By the time he got home, his precious little wife had long been asleep. He had missed her so much.
==

Meanwhile, Shan Mei had finished a session of beauty treatment for her skin. She wanted to tone up her skin to perfection in time for her birthday special with her husband. With one more session to go, her skin was looking and feeling fabulous. She browsed around the shops to see what kind of interesting goodies she could get for that day. She already had a theme in mind.

She shoved the shopping bag into her briefcase not wanting her husband to see. Her mobile rang. It was Ma asking them home for dinner. They managed to get some special crabs. Shan agreed at once, knowing how much Xue Zhang loved crabs though he was too lazy to pick the meat off their shells. She arranged a time with her husband. They went home to shower, then took baby with them. They took a great French white that was supposed to go very well with shellfish.

While Shan Mei was picking out the crab meat for her husband, she teased Ma about crabs being ‘best and fresh from the market today?’ Ma shyly answered, the stall owner insisted on giving her 4 of the biggest crabs when Ma stopped by his stall and recommended the crabs.

The men were drinking and eating and they all had a great time. Suddenly she remembered that horrid movie about drunken driving, and reminded Xue Zhang she was afraid to sit in a car driven by a drunken driver. Xiang Zhe understood her worry. He had felt guilty about the movie, but at that time he needed it as a means to an end. Ever since, she had not mentioned about ‘driving lessons’ again. Pa also understood, especially now they had a baby on board.

As Pa played with Bao Bao, he hinted it was about time for them to start on Baby No. 2. Xiang Zhe gave his wife a funny look like “I told you so.” “Aiyo, Pa. Have you asked You Zhen Ge and Minnie for their contribution to the family? I’m under tremendous stress from Xue Zhang. He wants a baby girl. I’m afraid if we have another boy, he will send me away from the house.”

As she finished talking, she noticed her husband getting up from his seat and eyeing her with a threatening look. She tried to run off when he chased after her, and tickled her silly after he caught up with her. Shan Mei was laughing away like crazy. Baby saw his mother laughing. He sat there looking at his parents playing some kind of new game, he began to make cooing sounds too. Pa said not to worry. “Princess, if that happens, just return home with the baby, and I’ll give him surname Zhen, and he’ll be our family’s little prince.” Ha-ha, Pa laughed happily away. The idea was not bad at all.

When they left, it was very late. Baby was already fast asleep. Before Xiang Zhe drove off, he gave his wife a tweak of her nose, chastising her for trying to give their babies away.
==

Today was Shan Mei’s birthday. Xiang Zhe had scheduled the morning for meetings. He kept the afternoon for paperwork and internal staff meeting. When the last bit of paper had been cleared from his desk and handed over to his secretary for handling, he stretched out his arms in his chair and let off a satisfied sigh. He checked the time on his wrist watch. It was already 4.30. He called his wife on her mobile.

“Dearest wife, I’ve cleared all paper work. Do you want me to collect you now?”

“I’m at the cabin already. Come when you’re ready. The cabbage you grew looks simply incredible. I’m waiting for you to see it before cutting it up.”

What was she doing? It was such a hot day, why couldn’t she wait for him?
He didn’t drop by home but drove straight to the cabin. He called out to her as he walked through the front gate. “Over here in the courtyard,” his wife called back to him.

His eyes nearly popped out when he saw her. She was in the skimpiest of bikinis. Large beach towel was laid out on a beach mat. On the table were iced coolers in champagne flutes, decorated on the top with little paper umbrellas and orange slices. She looked sensational.

His spirits soared dizzily. He was grinning widely after he got over his initial shock! She walked into his outstretched arms. He hugged her tight to him and gave her a very sensual kiss to match her sensual look. “You vamp, you’re driving me crazy!” he hissed huskily, squeezing her derriere hard.

As Shan Mei laughed softly, she took a small packet from the chair, and told him his beach wear was in it. He laughed and ran off excitedly to change. Xiang Zhe came out in his tight fitting Speedo trunks looking tall, lean and gorgeous. One look at him, Shan Mei said she was never ever going to let him loose on a beach. He laughed, telling her not to worry, he would be too shy to appear in public. He normally wore loose surfer shorts at the pool.

And he would definitely not let her out of the house, forget about beach, if she wore something like that. He loved the way she was dressed, but for his eyes only. He began to run his fingers over her silky smooth, creamy white skin, and began to kiss her bare back, her bare shoulders, her flat stomach, her thighs all the way down to her feet. He didn’t want food, he wanted something else now, urgently. When he kissed her mouth hungrily, his hands found their way into her bikini top, busy caressing her mounds. He was groaning and moaning, as his groin moved against her.

They lay side by side on the beach mat exhausted. Xiang Zhe turned on his side, still not getting enough kissing his wife. He never expected her to be dressed as such. It blew him away. He wanted another beach party soon before summer was over. She had to come in another new bikini outfit. Surprise him like today.

Shan Mei passed him the champagne. It was champagne with peach juice added. He loved it. As soon as he finished it, he wanted another glass. Shan Mei took him to the kitchen to look at his cabbage. It was beautiful, he admitted. But he tried to make his wife understand, food was the last thing on his mind, that minute. He was still too overwrought seeing his wife in a bikini to want anything except her!

They went into the Jacuzzi. He couldn’t keep his hands off her. He was smiling roguishly every time he caught her eye, and started kissing her all over again. He lay in the warm water, happily accepting the fact that he was completely enchanted by his wife. If being enchanted by his wife gave him this euphoria, he begged to be enchanted by her forever!

Shan Mei tried to get up quietly from the water. Her husband shot out his arm to deter her, “Not allowed.” He opened his eyes and arched his brow. Shan Mei told him, “to prepare dinner.”

Her husband told her he wasn’t hungry. “Darling, if only you truly realise the way you have affected me this afternoon, you’d offer me something else.”

“I’ve got a little cheese cake in the fridge, will that do?” He looked at her in exasperation, she trying to play dumb, or what?

He suddenly got out of the tub, carried her off to have a hot shower, slowly stripping off her bikini, and he divesting of his trunks. They soaped and rinsed off each other clean, then he carried her off to their cabin. When he lay Shan Mei down on the quilted mat, his lips began blazing a trail of hot kisses starting from her head of hair. Shan Mei wondered what had gotten into him?

By the time they awoke it was almost midnight. They put on their beach robes which Shan Mei had ready, then went to pack up nicely their beach mat in a plastic case and store it under the cabin. Beach towels, dirty laundry packed away in laundry bag to take home for washing.

After the wife cleaned out the Jacuzzi, she brought out vegetable salad; later the cake, cut into half. They sat under the star-lit sky, slowly having cake with their champagne. Xiang Zhe leant over to his wife, gave her a big slurpy kiss and told her, “I love you so much, so very much, birthday girl. Thank you for inviting me to your most fabulous party. How about planning another beach party for August?”

Shan Mei gave her husband a beguiling smile, indicating to him to finish his cake. She was very happy, the birthday party was an unqualified success; her Xue Zhang hadn’t stopped smiling, since he arrived at the cabin.

Chapter AW-30

The big function room was abuzz with excitement, to celebrate CTN-KE’s milestones in Korea. Completion of 4th year since CTN first arrived in Korea with its English service; 3rd year CTN-KE offered Korean language services; 1st year CTN-MBS cooperation.

On large video screens on two opposite walls of the room were shown CTN’s achievements in Korea, the highlights of which were the 3 years in which Shan Mei swept away all the major awards. “Two Sides To A Coin” was shown on one dedicated screen. The sponsors had gathered before the screen, talking animatedly with their local sole representatives of their products. None of CTN’s other regional offices had a show this successful.

Xiang Zhe was quietly standing in one corner watching the screens. He never tired of watching his wife wearing her beautiful hanbok the 1st year, then that golden exquisite creation the 2nd year, and the stunning gold/white lace gown she wore earlier this year to the award ceremony. She looked simply so beautiful. Her radiant smiles were being flashed all over the screens. He wanted so badly to go up to her and kiss those luscious lips.

Several representatives from CTN’s regional and world wide offices were present at the cocktail party. Tonight, Shan Mei was wearing the little black lacy Chanel number, which brought a devilish grin to Xiang Zhe’s mouth when he remembered how his wife bit him hard on his back, after which he could think of nothing else but her for the rest of the day.

Some sophisticated looking ladies introducing themselves as CTN’s Tokyo and Sydney offices’ representatives engaged him in their conversations. He entertained them politely, although he would rather be watching the video screens and his wife who was at that time being introduced by David Dutton to some aristocratic looking men, most probably CTN-UK’s shareholders.

“Hello girls. I hope you realise who you are trying to flirt with?” Michael’s smooth voice came across, Xiang Zhe was so relieved.

“The President of MBS?” cooed the girls in unison, one of them trying to hold on to Xiang Zhe’s arm. The man looked so gorgeous, the two girls were wondering how to hijack him for themselves after the function.

“The husband of your future boss!” came Michael’s swift retort

“But you’re our boss” the girls giggled.

“Not when I move up!” Michael laughed, and walked away with Xiang Zhe.

“Junior, you better watch out. Those girls are trouble makers. They love the smell of money and power. They have been making a play for me since Day 1 of CTN start-up. As long as they do their job properly, they can stay. I don’t encourage them one bit. Take them out for a coffee, the next minute, they think they are Mrs. Michael Dutton. You see that Akiko from Tokyo office and that Laura from Sydney office, they look like they want to kill every good looking woman in this room. Shan Mei is the only one who is totally unaware of the competition going around, that’s why she’s so natural and looking the most beautiful.”

“What did you mean about ‘future boss’?” Xiang Zhe asked Michael, a frown already appearing on his forehead.

“David has proposed I take over chairmanship of CTN-UK from next year. I’ll be based in London, travelling mostly between UK and USA. We’d like Shan Mei to take over directorship of CTN Asia/Pac. We have made her an offer last week. She told me you and baby were her top priority and she didn’t think it would be fair on you. She hasn’t mentioned it to you?”

Xiang Zhe shook his head, he was deep in thought. Would she want to take up the challenge? He was the deterrent, no?

Seeing his confusion, Michael further added

“It’s only Tokyo, Sydney, Hongkong and Singapore. She only needs to spend 1 or 2 days a week in one place, one month will cover the entire territory. You’re my two most favourite people. We are like family. She’s going to be the most powerful woman in the broadcasting industry in Asia. You look at her over there. The men are simply hanging on to her every word. You think about it, you don’t give her the okay, she’s going to reject the offer.”

“So, who’s going to guarantee someone won’t come along one day and take my wife away?” This was foremost in his mind.

“If she was so easily tempted and swayed, Junior, I’d have tried my darnest to make her Lady Michael Dutton long before she married you. That’s the very reason why we love her. She’s absolutely rock solid. You stop worrying about her and better start teaching yourself on how to say ‘no’ whenever those hotties come up and flirt with you. When I’m back in London, I won’t be around to rescue you. You’re the only one who can guarantee your wife stays happy. You hurt her, she goes.”

Michael then fished his mobile out of his pocket. “This is your rescue device. Girl tells you she is sick, call the doctor; girl tells you she needs help, call your secretary; girl tells you her car has broken down, call AA; girl tells you she wants a lift, call taxi; girl tells you she wants to buy you a drink, tell her you’ve to rush off for an appointment. Never, ever fall into their trap to get you alone with them. I’ve spent 20 years evading their wiles. Don’t use your mobile to only call up your wife.”

A little while later, Xiang Zhe left the function room and went to the hotel lobby, sat down by himself in a quiet corner and ordered a drink. While smoking a cigarette, he mulled over what Michael had said.

There was some kind of innate chemistry between Michael and Shan Mei, like it was pre-destined. Otherwise, how could Michael on seeing Shan Mei on television simply decided she was to be CTN girl, and had her image on big video screen in their London office Conference Room, even before meeting her in person? Now, they wanted her to cover entire Asia/Pacific region.

Like himself, who never bothered with girls before and lived like a monk. He couldn’t get her out of his mind after sending her to hospital the first time they met. He let her go, but that night at home, he became so worried he couldn’t sleep at all. He kept berating himself, he should have insisted on sending her home, to make sure she arrived home safe. He had never taken the initiative, and wouldn’t know how or was simply not interested to meet girls, yet where she was concerned, he was trying to find all sorts of plausible excuses to meet up with her. Now, she was his wife and mother of their baby. Their meeting was pre-destined too, yes?

He wanted to spend his every waking and every sleeping hour with her. Could he bear to let her be away from him 2 days, sometimes 2 nights, a week? Michael was prepared to groom Xiang Jie the way he groomed Shan Mei to ensure CTN and MBS had strong continuity. Michael had a point, he was now shareholder of MBS and Wen Rong; of course he wanted to see all three going forward in the right direction. Shan Mei hadn’t mentioned any thing to him. Was she going to reject the offer outright, without even seeking his opinion?

He heard her drying her hair, and went into the bathroom to help her. Now that her hand was free of the hair dryer, she circled her arms around his waist, her face resting against his stomach. She began lightly nibbling at his belly button, sending tingling sensations right up to his nerve’s end. After task completed he carried his wife to bed. He pulled her into his embrace, whispering into her ear that she had had a tiring day, being hostess at CTN’s anniversary function, “be good girl, go to sleep”. She puckered up her lips for a kiss.

He bent down to give her a kiss, but he simply couldn’t make it brief, once his lips touched hers, he kissed her deep and long and slow. His hand went off on its own tangent, caressing her tenderly all over. All evening he had wanted to kiss her, now he couldn’t stop.
==

Deep in the night when he stretched out his hand, all he felt was empty space on Shan Mei’s side of the bed. He propped himself up. There was no light coming from the bathroom. He went outside, no light on except the landing light. He went upstairs to their office. She was not there. Nursery door was open. He went in and saw his wife leaning against baby’s cot, staring down at Bao Bao. He joined her. She leant her face against his shoulder, and they remained there, staring at their beautiful baby. After a long while, he carried her back to their room. He sat down on the bed and placed her on his lap. He looked at her. “Something bothering you?” he asked very softly. She shook her head, and attempted to crawl back to her side of the bed. He wouldn’t let her. “Is it the directorship offer? Want to talk about it?”

She shot a look at him, her eyes big and round in surprise. “Michael told you about it?” He nodded.

“It’s a challenge. You should take it. It’s good for CTN and MBS.”

“I don’t care about the company. I only care about you and the baby.”

“Then take it. MBS is about me, you and the baby. Why else do you think I stay on in Korea? If not, I would have moved us a long time ago to London. I remember you once said my main responsibility was to continue the legacy of my mother by making MBS the premier broadcasting station in Korea. I cannot do that on my own. I need you. Meanwhile, Michael will groom Xiang Jie to help you, when I move over to Wen Rong. ”

Shan Mei sobbed into his chest saying she couldn’t bear to leave them, even if it was for one or two days out of a week. She would miss her husband too much.

“For Tokyo, you leave very early in the morning, and return same day on last flight. For Hongkong, Singapore, and Sydney leave by last flight of the day, arrive first thing the next morning, then return by last flight the same evening. Sometimes, I could come with you for a short romantic break.”

She suddenly jerked her head up, smiling at her husband, “you would?” He nodded his head, giving her his besotted look, then tweaked her nose playfully.

Promising to think the whole thing over, she cuddled up to her husband, ready to go to sleep. But he had other ideas. He pulled her up close to him, started raining feathery kisses on her face, her neck, her shouders, his hand under her nightgown caressing her in all the right spots, until she was writhing with pleasure.

The next morning at the office, Xiang Zhe buzzed his secretary “Miss Lee, can you please ask accounts to bring to me my mobile phone bills for the last three months? Thanks”

When the phone bills arrived, Xiang Zhe looked through them. The bill for last month showed all calls were made to Shan Mei’s mobile, or the house or her office. The other two bills showed the same pattern, except for a few calls interspersed in between made to Father, Patrick and Zian Da. He leant back in his chair and laughed. Rubbing at the happy wrinkle on his forehead, he cursed silently “this Michael”. He wasn’t aware that was what he did; apparently observant Michael was.

Chapter AW-31

Michael was so relieved to hear from Junior that he had advised Shan Mei to accept CTN’s offer. However, she hadn’t said anything to him yet. He would let the matter ride for a week, then approach her again. After all, the job would start only in January, giving her enough time to put her planning and other schedules into place. Before that, he would go with Shan Mei one or 2 times to visit the other four regional offices.

According to Michael, JJ – Junior Jie (Xiang Jie) was a good worker. When he returned to Seoul for his summer holidays, he would have already spent 10 weekends at CTN London office. When Xiang Zhe told him they would most probably put him back in Planning Department, Michael agreed that was good thinking. That boy was very smart and would be a great help to Shan Mei in the future.

It was obvious JJ idolised the ground Shan Mei walked on. Michael told Junior to take that dark jealous look off his face, and gave out a loud laugh. That Shan Mei knew how to choose her men. This JJ was going to be one hell of a good looker. He would be another Patrick; except more handsome, but he wouldn’t have Patrick’s ease of speech, because he was too shy. Michael would work on this shortcoming so when JJ finished his studies and returned to Seoul, he would be great asset to CTN and MBS.

Junior thought may be JJ should go work at Wen Rong after he graduated. Michael thought otherwise. Junior should be the one at Wen Rong. As MBS became more popular with viewers, more starlets and actresses would be floating in and out of it, wanting to meet the dashing DoP; Junior wouldn’t know how to defend himself. Whereas JJ would be different, he knew how to say ‘no’ firmly. In London, the girls were always asking him out, but he always refused them politely saying he had a lot of school work to follow through. No matter how hard they tried to make him change his mind, he was firm. In fact he’d stay back at Production Unit to see what he could learn or help with. “Reminded me so much of Shan Mei when she first started out at CTN. I’d like to see whether this lad would be as lucky as his elder brother, landing himself a Shan Mei!” Michael commented.

Xiang Zhe wanted to call Shan Mei to hear her sweet voice, recalling that time in London, when he waited for her at her apartment building; it was heart wrenching for him to watch her go to work at 5.30 in the morning. Then stopped himself just in time. That Michael would surely tease him again about only knowing how to call Shan Mei.
==

July was always a busy month for Shan Mei, especially since CTN was bringing in a lot a material to be dubbed. She was always at Mr. Ang’s office, going over voice samples. CTN’s mini-series programmes were very popular with viewers, especially their 5-episodes per series. These didn’t drag on like Korean dramas. Over 5 evenings, all 5 episodes were shown. Shan Mei wanted voices as close to the original voices as possible, with Korean subtitles. She still thought Han Jae Hoon’s voice was the best, and wanted his voice for many of the main roles.

Over dinner in their kitchen, Shan Mei very subtlely brought up the delicate issue of dubbing and Han Jae Hoon. Xiang Zhe knew where she was going and waited patiently for her to finish her explanation. She simply wanted to know whether it was possible to pull Han Jae Hoon completely out of Drama Department and put him into dubbing. She had selected at least 100 mini series from CTN’s library in USA. All these needed dubbing. It would also help her in planning for next year’s schedule. They would need 52 series for the entire year. This arrangement was also good for MBS, because they could use 28 of these dubbed series without screening fees, an unbelievable advantage for MBS. She felt, with Han Jae Hoon’s voice, the quality of the dubbing would be assured. She had asked Xiang Jie to learn as many dubbing tricks as possible from CTN London’s dubbing room, and when he was back during summer, he could assist Mr. Ang and Han Jae Hoon in the evenings after he finished his day job at Planning Dept. Her sponsors had been harrassing her for good programmes.

Xiang Zhe ate his dinner in silence, his mind wondering. Did Shan Mei want Han Jae Hoon’s voice for the good of the Mini-drama series, or did she want Jae Hoon close by her side? He didn’t even notice his wife was filling his glass with champage mixed with peach juice. He was already on his third glass. When they had finished, they went to TV room. Shan Mei took the small jug of mixed juice with her. Xiang Zhe was following the mini series CTN was screening this week. Tonight was the 4th episode. She left him on his own, to return to the kitchen to clean up, smiling cheerfully to herself. After which she checked on Bao Bao. Few weeks ago, he acted up with his teething problems. Now he was back to his happy good self. How she loved him, and his daddy!

After a hot shower, she went back to the TV room. She smiled secretly to herself when she saw the jug empty. She decided to make some hot coffee for her husband. When she brought him his coffee, she curled up to him on the sofa without disturbing him. He was too engrossed following the plot of tonight’s episode.

By the time she opened her sleepy eyes, her husband had already put her in their bed, and was easing into bed himself. “Movie finished?” she asked softly and sleepily. He nodded and smiled at her. She snuggled up to him. He put his arm around her shoulders and drew her close. He gave her a lingering kiss on her cheek. When she wound her arm around his neck, he took her hand, kissed the palm, and placed it against his beating heart. She looked at him lovingly.

“Tomorrow, I’ll have a talk with Han Jae Hoon and see what he thinks. If he doesn’t mind, we’ll re-negotiate another contract and put him in charge of dubbing the mini series and NWP. You’re right, there is something lacking in the dubbing, something not quite right. Happy now?” he looked at his wife. She nodded her head, giving him her special smile reserved only for him, and simply stated “some of the voices do not match the characters.”

Of course, Han Jae Hoon agreed to be in charge of dubbing for CTN’s mini series. Shan Mei met up with him at the CTN dining hall, to pass some notes to him. She also mentioned that Xiang Jie would be returning in a couple of days to work at MBS during his summer holidays. He would only be able to assist in his dubbing work during the evenings. Shan Mei wanted Xiang Jie to learn in as many MBS departments as possible, and for Jae Hoon to treat him like a younger brother.

Xiang Zhe happened to pass by with his assistant and Zian Da. He waved them on, and invited himself to sit in on the meeting. Actually, the meeting was over. Han Jae Hoon acknowledged them, then left, taking with him the notes Shan Mei had given him. Xiang Zhe gave Shan Mei a curious look. She ignored the look. Instead she took one of his hands now resting on the table, brought it under the table and held on to it, giving it a gentle squeeze. She folded her file at the same time.

Tonight she would be working late, as she had Musical Postcard. He was going to watch CTN’s mini series final episode in his office? He nodded. Shan Mei could sense his silent displeasure. Jealous again? She hoped with her notes and Xiang Jie’s return, she did not have to meet up with Han Jae Hoon, until he finished the first episode dubbing under his charge. They got up to leave; the president was holding on to the hand of his wife possessively in a loving way.

That evening Shan Mei ordered take-out from a famous Japanese restaurant, two types of sushi rolls, lobster meat with avocado salad; crabmeat with asparagus salad, and some delicious chestnut sweets which just arrived that afternoon from Japan. At 7, she called down to Xue Zhang to see whether he was through for the day, and told him she was on the way down to his office.

When he saw his wife bringing him dinner, he was in much better mood, especially when his wife told him to sample which type of sushi roll he prefered. She would make them for the August party that he had planned? And while he was watching TV later, she had dessert for him. She brought coffee to him. She sat on his lap and fed him the lobster meat roll. Good? He nodded. After a little pause, she fed him the crabmeat roll. Good? He nodded again. He then puckered up his lips wanting a kiss. She kissed him. He kissed her back long and deep. Then laughingly said that tasted the best! When she wanted to move away, he held her back. “Okay, okay, the other two tasted very good too.” She flicked at his nose, softly chiding him for being a “naughty boy.”

“Xue Zhang, you want to have both varieties?” she asked sweetly.

He shook his head and smiled teasingly. “I want to have all 3. A little bit of the first two, massive doses of the third.”
==

This year, they wouldn’t be celebrating their wedding anniversary again. He was complaining that it appeared she didn’t want to be reminded she was married to him, recalling what she had said a few months after their wedding; that time she ran out of their house, and away from him. When she heard his complaint, she laughed out so hard her cheeks hurt, then ran up to their bedroom to take shower. He followed her into the room; he wanted to know, “what’s so funny?”

“Dearest husband, I don’t need a celebration to remind me I’m married to you. We’ve got Bao Bao, right? You’re his father, and I’m his mother, right?”

She stuck out her ring finger with wedding band at him. “All that matters to me is to make sure Yin Xiang Zhe is beside me in bed every night and giving me all his love. Only this will show I’m truly Mrs. Yin Xiang Zhe. What is the point of celebrating all for show like some famous couples we have heard of? The husbands are out some where in somebody else’s bed every night? For a start to show we’re married, how about joining me in the shower to give me a good back scrub, to show your love?” she coaxed.

“Alright, at least something is better than nothing,” he grumbled, not completely satisfied with her answer.

He undressed then went inside the cubicle. He loved touching her skin. He began by gently and tenderly scrubbing her back. As he was carrying on, he thought to himself, she had a point there. Their marriage was their own business and nobody else’s. If he was not her husband, he wouldn’t be in this shower cubicle scrubbing her back, or sleeping next to her in their bed, or making love to her. Nurture and treasure their love for each other every day, which was the way Shan Mei wanted.

Soon Shan Mei was scrubbing his back. She then decided to write him a short note on his back and he had to tell her what she had written. All unhappy thoughts were banished from his mind, as he concentrated 100% on the task at hand, and that was, trying to decipher her message. It was “I love you so much.” He laughed happily when he got it right, and caught Shan Mei to him, both of them standing and kissing under the shower, letting the water rinsed them clean. He then carried her off to their bed, and began to kiss her dry.

“Hey husband, don’t start anything. Remember, we have to be at the airport. Xiang Jie’s flight is going to touch down in an hour’s time and we’re running late already. Father said he would meet us at the airport. I’ll go get Bao Bao ready while you dress.”

He tore his mouth from her body, looked up into her face, and cursed softly.

“Not now?” he ground out, again burying his face against her body. “Shan Mei, please don’t do this to me; not now!” he whimpered as he guided her hand to the pulsating thickness between his legs. “Feel me?” his voice was deceptively soft and cajoling.

“Later,” Shan Mei breathed hoarsely against his ear as she managed to ease herself from under his body and escape from the bed.

“Later! I promise you, Mrs. Yin, you won’t have much opportunity to sleep later.” He warned lightly as he lay prone on the bed.

“Good. I wasn’t going to let you sleep much either, Mr. Yin.”

“Shan Mei…….,” he began whining.

Shan Mei slapped his firm buttocks playfully, “Go, dowse yourself with cold water.”

“The way it’s going, I’ll need ice water. You’re so heartless” he pursed his lips at his wife as he made an effort to raise himself from the bed.

Shan Mei nodded, and then bent down to give him a swift kiss, “This is for being heartless.” She planted another kiss on his pouting lips, “And this is for being so in love with you, darling!”

She quickly got dressed and went to the nursery to see whether nanny was ready. Shan Mei had told her to prepare for overnight stay at Father’s place, knowing Xiang Jie would insist baby stay there, tomorrow being Sunday.
==

When Xiang Zhe decided to put his younger brother back working with Li Qing Xi during his summer holidays, he turned his Father’s previous office into the planning department headquarters, giving them more space which included a small conference room and a separate office for Xiang Jie.

As it turned out, this new arrangement made the work flow more efficient. Key personnel from the other departments were always dropping by all the time for coffee or something, making them more accessible and more ready to be cooperative. Han Jae Hoon dropped by almost every day to discuss the mini series project with Xiang Jie. Sometimes, the whole PIR team was there. With such corps de esprit, problems were resolved very quickly.

Li Qing Xi loved working with Xiang Jie. He reminded her so much of Shan Mei when she first started out at MBS. Working hard and never once complained about anything or any one, even though she knew she was being treated unfairly by Yong Xi and Ying Mei. She never flaunted her friendship with Xiang Zhe to gain special favours, just like Xiang Jie. Not wanting to be accorded special treatment because he was President’s younger brother. He wanted to achieve results by his own hard work and on his own merits. He was always so helpful when work mates came to him with questions knowing he had apprenticed at CTN-UK. She could already see brightest future for MBS, with Xiang Zhe, Xiang Jie and Shan Mei at its helm.

Thinking of Shan Mei, Li Qing Xi had often wondered what happened when she was at MBS. She was by nature very careful and punctual in her work. How could she be making all those mistakes she was accused of? Li Qing Xi had suspected that Xu Ying Mei was up to no good where Shan Mei was concerned. She couldn’t pinpoint exactly what. She knew Shan Mei would one day be the best broadcaster in Seoul, long before CTN ‘discovered’ her. In retrospect, she was glad Shan Mei left for England. If she had stayed behind, she would remain trodden down.

Chapter AW-32

Han Jae Hoon phoned Shan Mei letting her know dubbing for the first episode of the 5 part mini series “Seeking Roots” was completed and ready for viewing. He was very satisfied with the end result.

Shan Mei then phoned Xiang Jie asking him to arrange for Saturday viewing in the afternoon after work. Arrange for refreshments and finger food as well. He was to visit her in her office for planning, she would give him a list of the things to prepare and the people to invite to the viewing.

When Xiang Zhe walked into CTN’s big multi-purpose room, he was surprised when he was greeted by a young CTN assistant. He was shown to an area where he had to remove his shoes and change into a pair of very comfy thickly padded slippers marked out in his name.

The room was laid out like home sitting room. Twenty soft leathered armchairs, with foot stools, each station had side tables all specially assigned to the guests, with their beverage requests at hand. The 20 guests invited were from a wide spectrum of the community and of different age groups. He recognised at least 4 faces who were CEOs of either banks, vehicle manufacturers and Fizz, a soft drink bottler.

Before screening, Shan Mei explained a little bit about the exercise. “Each episode is 2 hours long. The objective of these mini series is for home viewing, so CTN has arranged as close and comfortable to a home ambience as possible. There will be a short break after the first hour. At the end of the show, please let us have your valuable opinions by filling out the questionnaires provided. Thank you.”

While the screening was in progress, finger food was served to the individual tables. Very soon, the first hour was up, the lights in the room came back on. Xiang Zhe felt so relaxed he didn’t want to move from his seat. If only he could have his wife nestled up to him on his lap, it would be perfect. He saw his father, Uncle Jin and Uncle Liu deep in conversation, their faces beaming. Michael was talking to the CEO from Fizz, Shan Mei to the CEOs from the 2 banks, and Patrick to the Director from ToTo group. The potential sponsors looked excited and very much interested.

During the last 15 minutes of the second hour, each guest was served a glass of iced champagne mixed with peach juice. One sip of it, and Xiang Zhe smiled to himself. What was that imp trying to do? Seduced them all? All too soon the second hour was over. The guests were reluctant to leave. They were so engrossed with the story, they wanted to know when the 2nd episode would be shown.

Michael and Shan Mei were all smiles. Xiang Jie collected back the questionaires. Shan Mei went up to the microphone and announced that if they had indicated they would like to be invited back for the 2nd screening, they would be. Just remember, to go look for their own slippers the next time they came.

The CEO of Fizz didn’t want to go and was engaged in deep conversation with Michael. The 3 bosom elders bade Xiang Zhe over, and told him Shan Mei had done an excellent job, putting them in such comfy armchairs in such a cosy environment, and being served such glorious food. They wanted to know whether they could stay another 2 hours; and bring their own alcohol at 2nd episode screening? The story had affected them deeply, taking them back to their own pioneering days. Xiang Zhe grinned broadly, then scratched his head, saying he would need to seek permission from the ‘boss lady.’

In fact, Michael was the one who suggested they should stay back. He didn’t get to enjoy the A-1 service at all. He, being the host, had to think of their guests’ comfort, not his own. He wanted that delicious champagne cooler.
So they pulled their armchairs around to form 2 groups. The elders in one, the others in another.

Shan Mei couldn’t praise Han Jae Hoon and Xiang Jie enough for the superb dubbing they had done. She recognised Xiang Jie’s voice in one of the characters. He began to go pink in his face. She asked her hasband’s opinion, “Mr. President, what do you think?” He agreed the standard of dubbing for this episode was very high.

Michael didn’t understand the language, but from the sponsors’ reaction, they wanted in. That was good enough for him. NSK Bank definitely wanted to sponsor once a month, so did Fizz. In fact, Fizz would be up at CTN office on Monday to sign contract for mini series, starting with Seeking Roots. Xiang Jie told Michael he learned many dubbing techniques from CTN-UK Dubbing room that he applied to this dubbing. Michael was very pleased. He would make sure JJ got to work in the dubbing room when he was back in London. After a while, Yin Snr told them to pack up. He wanted to treat them all to dinner.

In bed that night, when Shan Mei kissed her husband goodnight, he pouted and complained he couldn’t sleep. A frown appeared on her forehead; “Is something bothering you, darling?”

“You praised everyone, especially that Han Jae Hoon, but not me. You seemed to have forgotten my efforts were the most crucial. I was the one who agreed to release him from Drama department, I was the one who negotiated new contract, I was the one..….”

Shan Mei put a finger to his mouth to silence him. “You will be the only one who will receive special praise and thanks from me in private.” He looked at his wife questionably.

She went under the quilt, and bit him very hard on his chest. He folded down the quilt as he let off a shriek, “Ouww.!!! ..y.o.u…y.o..!” Shan Mei popped her head up to look at him with her dazzling smile and mischievous eyes, “that was the special praise, now for the special thank you.” She began kissing, nipping and licking slowly at the bite mark. Very soon, he was sighing blissfully away.
“Feeling better?” Shan Mei asked.

“Yes, oh yes...yes, feeling so goo….Erh…, no, no, still hurting. Keep kissing and licking. Don’t stop,” he cooed at once as he felt himself being ensconced in a pleasurable sensation he’d never before experienced.
==

At the end of the 2nd Episode screening of Seeking Roots, all four weeks of the month had been taken up by sponsors.

It was that time of the year for the Yins’ August Special. Xiang Zhe sat down with the boys and told them he was taking Shan Mei away for a long weekend. Since the next two Saturdays were given to Seeking Roots screening, he opted now to have weekend holiday on Sunday and Monday. Jae Hoon had to ensure three or four mini series were being dubbed simultaneously. If extra dubbers were needed, just hire. Patrick to ensure the Monday Shan Mei was off, the office would run smoothly; Xiang Jie to provide back up and check translation department. Xiang Zhe would tell Li Qing Xi to release Xiang Jie from planning for that day. All clear and understood? The three brothers assured Xiang Zhe, “Don’t worry, we’ll take care of everything. You just go ahead and enjoy your break.” And wondered where Mr. Yin planned to take Mrs. Yin for their 2-day romantic break?
==

When they awoke that Sunday, Shan Mei gave her husband a big hug and kiss. When he went downstairs for breakfast, he saw a freshly cut rose by his place setting on the kitchen table. He couldn’t help but kiss the bud. This was the first time he received a flower from the person who mattered most in the world to him. His wife was just walking in after putting some things into the car.

He told his wife not necessary to pack anything except the food she had prepared, because he had delivered some things to the cabin yesterday. He took the rose his wife had given him then drove to their cabin.

The weather was good. He laid out the beach mat, and the beach towel in the garden. He opened up the roofing and the skylight to air the cabin. At the vegetable patch, he tidied a corner and sowed in some vegetable seeds. The rose bush was coming along very well. Shan Mei was in the kitchen storing the food and checking on what her husband had brought over yesterday. Just a few bottles of champagne and white wine, plus a case of peach juice, a case of bottled water and plastic ice trays giving heart shaped ice cubes. Yesterday, he had filled a tray with diluted peach juice. Later they would be able to have heart shaped ices in their champagne, or with plain water.

After their chores, they showered together. Xiang Zhe changed into his swimming trunks. Shan Mei remained in the shower room, to change into her blue coloured bikini, the colour that brought out the radiant alabaster of her creamy white skin. Since her birthday in June, she had continued with the skin beauty treatment, and also attended yoga classes to trim down her waistline. She hoped to impress her husband with her new firmly toned up shapely figure. Xiang Zhe had seated himself on one of the deck chairs, nursing a champagne cooler and facing the shower room waiting for his wife to emerge. He was getting impatient. Was she getting cold feet, like the time she was to preview the baby doll nightie? Actually, after Shan Mei put on the tiny bikini, she noticed the lycra fabric was very thin, her nipples were pushing through. The sales assistant who sold her the bikini had told her it looked best with a slight suggestion of nipple, like in all bikini photo advertising shots. She became very self conscious.

August somehow by some quirk turn of fate, became their Reunion month. First time she left London to return to Seoul was in August. Xue Zhang had sent her to the airport and it was there she gave him Peter Rabbit. When Xue Zhang returned to Seoul and they met up in the park near her house, it was August. When she left MBS and ran off to London it was August. After she returned to Seoul with CTN-KE, they bumped into each other accidently in August at Cream House when Shan Mei was with a CTN colleague and Xiang Zhe was with Zian Da. At that meeting she thanked Xiang Zhe for the beautiful crystal butterfly he had sent over to her for CTN-KE’s launch in July. Shan Mei wanted their wedding to take place in August, but Xiang Zhe insisted on July the latest. He couldn’t bear to wait another month; he had waited long enough!

When she came through the shower room door, looking the way she did, Xiang Zhe wanted to eat her up. Had the imp been to exercise classes? Her so very shapely figure was so obvious. And that blue colour on that skin. And the twin peaks pushing through the thin bikini top drove him almost insane. He went up to her, planted a big kiss on her lips, then carried her to the beach mat. He brought their drinks over. He kept smiling and looking appreciatively all over her. She felt shy; choice of bikini a mistake? That Xue Zhang didn’t take his eyes away from her.

After a while, he declared the sun was getting too hot for his angel’s skin, which was true, then carried her indoors. After the second contact, he couldn’t control himself anymore. He simply had to kiss that silky smooth, creamy white skin. There wasn’t an inch of her that he didn’t kiss over and over again.

He turned to lie on his back, and suddenly blurted out breathlessly “Have you told Michael you would accept the directorship?”

She nodded. “I shoudn’t have?” she queried.

“No, I’m just thinking how I’m going to survive without you. I can’t bear to see you leave whenever I see you off at the airport. We’ll try to work something out. It’s still a few months off.” He then kissed her again.

He turned on his side, to look at his wife again. To him, there was no one more beautiful or fascinating. Her face, with those big round eyes, looked completely childlike and innocent, yet in that bikini she looked all woman and so irresistably desirable. After two years of marriage, he was more in love than ever with her! Last time he said he’d never let her out of the house; after today, he’d never let her out of his sight!

“Look, husband, no more direct sunshine. Let’s go dip in the Jacuzzi.” Xiang Zhe was agreeable, before that, he needed a drink and may be some food. They hadn’t eaten since breakfast. Shan Mei took some food from the fridge. Filled a jug with champagne and some peach juice, and put in some heart shaped ices. She giggled with excitement on seeing that, and thanked her husband for such a lovely thought. She kissed him on his lips, he slowly pulled her close and placed her on his lap, then returned a deep, deep kiss.

As the sun set, Shan Mei cleared the table before it got dark. Her husband just sat there enjoying himself as he watched her walking back and forth.

The water temperature was just about right. He tore petals off the rose his wife had given him, and threw the petals into the water. They went into the tub together. Xiang Zhe trailed kisses along her back. She sat back, leant against him in his embrace, his face against her nape savouring in the scent of her hair. After some time, he turned her around to kiss her mouth, her neck, her bare shoulders, her flat stomach. Very carefully, he untied the string of the bikini top, and began caressing and kissing the firm mounds. Shan Mei was melting away, making little sighs of pleasure.

Xiang Zhe couldn’t wait anymore. He had been reining himself in since the time he saw his wife emerged from the shower this morning. He told his wife he wanted dinner, and laughingly carried her off to their cabin. After his full-course dinner, he lay next to his wife contented and fully sated. She propped up on her elbow, looked at him caressingly, then mischievously asked, “Coffee or Tea?” He rolled over in good humour, grabbed her into his arms, “you brat, trying to be funny, eh? You’ve got to pay” then began another onslaught of frenzied kisses, his hands alternating between stroking her smooth beautiful back and squeezing her silky, creamy white hips.

Chapter AW-33

As Shan Mei hung up the phone, she bit her lower lip, not knowing what to say. Michael wanted her to attend the Broadcasting Conference to be held in London in October. He wanted to take the opportunity to introduce her as the new director designate of CTN-Asia/Pacific. She was already up to her neck in planning and production, how was she going to spare a week off?

And she didn’t want to be away from baby that long. He was now at that stage, where he would surprise them every day with something new that he had learnt. Last night, he very proudly stood up on his own by grabbing hold of the leg of a chair, then grabbing to other ‘legs’, he moved around the room.

With his few front teeth, he was also trying to chew on a thin slice of apple.
He found it too sourish for his taste, he spat it out, it landed on his daddy. Daddy looked so sorrowful, claiming he had to eat baby’s leftovers! He then suddenly brightened up. “Any mummy’s milk left over?” and looked devilishly at his wife.
==

She phoned her husband. On hearing her sweet voice, he went soft.

“Something new to report on baby?”

“Something new to report on Michael. That conference you have to attend in London? Michael just phoned, saying it was imperative that I attend too.”

On hearing this, Xiang Zhe said a silent prayer of thanks to Michael. He had been coaxing his wife to attend the conference with him since receiving the invitation 6 months ago. She had fobbed him off with a ‘wait and see’ half hearted promise.

The CEOs from the other television stations were bringing their wives along.
He asked for the Conference file from his secretary. He decided to drop by his wife’s office which he had never visited since CTN moved in. Shan Mei was not in her office but somewhere in the MBS building when he arrived. He looked around her office and noticed she had many family photos up on the shelving unit along the wall behind her chair, even the most recent ones taken at Bao Bao’s one year old birthday party. On her big executive table, she only had one photo; it was of him framed within a heart shaped cutout. He looked at the photo and wished he knew what his wife was thinking whenever she looked at it.

A special VCD/VC player connected to a high resolution TV screen opposite her table was placed on a side table. The images on the screen from the CD playing continuously looked familiar. He looked closer and was pleasantly surprised. It was the VC that he taped specially for her so long ago after he found her sobbing so sorrowfully after the mobile phone incident in the MBS Newsroom. That time, he was in Japan to meet with some production companies, trying to sell some of MBS’ drama series. Although his heart ached so painfully for Shan Mei, he knew she didn’t want him to exert his authority on Station policies; she simply wanted to vent her frustrations and wanted his comforting. He felt so helpless, he couldn’t protect her.

He wanted her to see how much he cared, by going out of his way to make her an edited tape showing her ‘in action’, how beautiful her smile was, and how he intended to keep her smiling forever!

There was a box full of duplicates. All were very high quality duplicates. She must have had them done while she was in London. The photo of him on her table was taken from his image on the CD. He smiled happily and secretly to himself. He wondered where the original video cassette was?

His wife called him on his mobile, letting him know she was still at MBS Planning Dept meeting with Brother Jae Hoon and Xiang Jie. Did he want to join them?

“Brother Jae Hoon now, eh?” he thought, disgruntled. Of course, he would be right down. He must remember to lodge a protest tonight. “Brother Jae Hoon, hmmpf?”

The people in the Planning Dept were surprised when MBS President arrived. It looked liked a high-level mini conference was going on. Li Qing Xi was in the conference room, with News Dept and Programme Dept Controllers having coffee and discussing how to slot their programmes to gain maximum advantage over SGS. Over in Xiang Jie’s office, they were finalising some translation work for the mini series. Shan Mei was worried after Xiang Jie returned to London in 3 weeks’ time; the dubbing process might slow down. They assured her Patrick had been recruited to help out.

Back in his office, Xiang Zhe showed his wife the London Conference programme, which was to run from Monday to Saturday. Shan Mei said “I don’t think I’ll want to stay till Saturday; it’s the day for the Conference Ball anyway. Xue Zhang, why don’t you stay on to give support the other Korean delegates?” Xiang Zhe looked at his wife, “Why don’t I show support to my wife? Like this,” and he pressed his lips against hers.

She would want to take the Wednesday flight out of London, ensuring she still arrived in Seoul in time to host the chat show with Patrick. They would leave Seoul Friday last flight for London. Musical Postcard would be pre-taped for that evening. Michael told her there would be formal dinner and dance on Saturday for all the CTN delegates from around the world. Sunday, David and Cassie were having house opening at their London townhouse. This would give the CTN forces enough time to get to know one another before the Conference began on Monday. “Xue Zhang, can you please plan flight arrangements accordingly? Thanks.”

Every evening, except Thursdays and Fridays, after work, they rushed home to see what mischief Bao Bao had been up to. He was the apple of his daddy and mummy’s eyes. Shan Mei complained that Xue Zhang was spoiling the baby too much. Soon he would become difficult to handle. “Jealous?” he teased his wife. She pouted, and moved away pretending to be upset with them both.

Daddy carried baby and ran after his wife. “Bao Bao, tell mummy you’re sorry you’ve been a naughty boy” and kept pushing baby to her face to give her a kiss. She hit her husband on his arm and complained he was the one who was naughty. Then they ran into their bedroom, putting baby on their bed, and began tickling him all over. Baby was busy laughing or jabbering. Sometimes, he would spend a whole 10 minutes simply jabbering away interspersed with some intelligible words. They would need his uncle on stand by to make sense of what baby was trying to say.
==

Xiang Zhe was very excited. He had just come back from Madam Kim, with photo of the designer gown he had asked her to order for his wife. He had also ordered matching jewelry to go with the gown. He went straight to her office. He wanted to show her. Her secretary was not at her desk. He was about to walk through the door when he saw Xiang Jie in Shan Mei’s arms. As they drew apart she gave him a package. Xiang Zhe had seen enough, he immediately went back down to his office. He was raging mad inside.

On the way home in the car that evening, as he stole sideway glances at his wife, he marveled at her coolness, as if letting Xiang Jie go was an every day occurrence. She sat there next to him in silence, her eyes closed. Was she still thinking of Xiang Jie?

When they arrived home, he took his briefcase and went straight up to his office, without even stopping to give his son a kiss. He sat at his desk, in a sullen mood, not knowing how to tackle the problem. Should he confront her directly, or wait to see how their ‘mutual adoration’ developed? Anyway, he had seen with his own eyes, so she couldn’t deny it. Didn’t Xiang Jie once told him that Shan Mei thought he was more handsome than his elder brother and that was supposed to be a secret between the two of them ? Was Shan Mei finding Xiang Jie irresistible now that he had matured into a fine, young man? Even he had to admit grudgingly to himself his younger brother was turning out to be darn good looking.

Shan Mei was worried. Had something happened in the company, that Xue Zhang was so burdened he didn’t even want dinner? As soon as he arrived home, he had kept to himself in his office. She quickly gave the baby some attention, then told nanny to take over, because she wanted to prepare dinner for Master.

She took coffee up to him. He was sitting in his chair smoking, deep in thought, his eyes glassy as he looked out the window. From the ashtray, she could see he had smoked through a pack of cigarettes already.

She looked at him, and gave him a dazzling smile. He ignored her. When she tried to give him a kiss on his cheek, he turned his face away. Then, she placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. He pulled her hand away. He must really be in an extremely foul mood; he didn’t even want a kiss from her. She decided to leave him alone. She made some super delicious sushi rolls and left them in the fridge in case he wanted food later.

Night had fallen. Xiang Zhe didn’t bother to switch on the lights in his office. He massaged his temples with his fingers in circular movements. So, he was no longer top priority with her? Normally, she wouldn’t give up so easily whenever he was in silent mood. She would try her best, at least 2 tries, to humour him until she got some reaction or laughter from him. It was now four hours since she left him sitting in his office. Why wasn’t she up to see whether he was okay? It was eleven already; he would take a warm shower then see what she was up to.

Their bedroom was in total darkness, she was not in bed. He went to the kitchen. She was not there, too. It seemed no one had prepared dinner. He checked the fridge; a box of his favourite sushi was there. He went outside to the patio, no one was there. He ran his fingers through his hair nervously; it was so late, where could she be? After his shower, he ran back upstairs to check whether she was in her office. It was empty. He felt too worried to eat.

Finally, he called her mobile “where are you, stop playing games?” he sounded angry.

Shan Mei answered very softly “I thought you wanted to be left alone. I’m at the cabin, so you can be alone.”

“You’re crazy or something, walking down that lonely lane in the dark?!!” he barked down the phone, then hung up.

In less than 3 minutes he was at the cabin. He stormed in planning to give her an earful. The cabin was in darkness. He walked round to the courtyard. He saw her sitting there, her arms hugging her bent legs, her head resting on her knees. He knew at once she had been crying. He placed his hand on her shoulder. She shrugged it off. He bent down next to her and softly asked her, “want to go home now?”

“What for? You didn’t even want my kiss?” She stared at him angrily. Xiang Zhe noticed her swollen eyes and red nose. “Every time it’s the same. Something’s bothering you, you don’t come right out and say it. Just giving everybody the silent treatment. And you said you were giving up cigarettes, but you just smoked a pack, maybe more.”

“Okay, you want to know? I’ll tell you! This afternoon in your office you were holding on so tightly to Xiang Jie in your arms. Did you give him a kiss too? Couldn’t bear to see him leave? And giving him a farewell present! How do you think I felt? First his mother took my father away from my mother, now he wants to take my wife away from me?”

Shan Mei lifted her face to look at him, horrified! She suddenly jumped up. “Do you know what you are raving about?” then went to sit on the steps of the cabin, the colour in her face showed she was in a big huff.

“Are you denying he was in your office this afternoon, and you two were holding on to each other for dear life, and you gave him a farewell present?”

“I don’t deny a thing, except your crazy thinking. He’s our brother. As his sister of course I’ve to comfort him, seeing I’m the only one in the family without baggage. It’s 3 months since he’s been back. Father hasn’t once mentioned about his mother or asked about her. He was afraid to ask what Father intended to do.

When he was here, he didn’t understand the situation. After he went to London, he looked up the Internet and followed the Chosoon case of last summer. He realised you were trying to protect him, buying him the house and sending him away; and he loved you for it. In fact, he felt so disloyal to his mother because he didn’t want her to return. He didn’t want Bao Bao to call her ‘grandmother’, saying she was not worthy. What could I do except offer him comfort? A young boy rejecting his own mother for the wrong she had done, first to you, then to Father, and lastly to himself for the baggage he would have to carry forever on his shoulders? How upright more a person can you get?

The supposed-to-be-farewell present contained the things he requested and were prepared for him by You Zhen Ge. He wanted photo of Father, him and Bao Bao; you, me and Bao Bao taken at baby’s recent birthday party. The other was your mother’s photo, for remembrance. You should be so thankful you have such a wonderful brother, instead in your eyes, we are the adulterous pair.” She became so incensed; she went into the cabin, hoping to shut his face away.

He was speechless. Her missile-speed verbal attack gave him no chance to retaliate, and after what she told him, he was in shock. He was too enrapt in his own happiness, he never thought his father, Xiang Jie, Step mother could be suffering in silence. He never once asked his father what he intended to do, to resolve the matter. He never once offered comfort. At first he was pleased, it seemed like that woman was being banished by his father to outer space. But he never thought of Xiang Jie’s feeling and position.

His wife was right. Where to get such a good brother? Even though he knew his elder brother disliked his mother, and couldn't bear the sight of him, he took all this quietly in his stride. Of course Shan Mei would be the only person he could pour his heart out to. He should be so thankful, his wife and his younger brother always thought of his welfare, and only did things for his benefit. Didn’t Michael say he was a good kid? And Michael was never wrong.

He went into the cabin, but his wife was not talking to him. She had already said her piece. She was now under the quilt, ignoring him and trying to get some sleep. After undressing, he crept under the quilt. He inched as close to her as possible, then very softly whispered into the hollow behind her ear “I’ m so sorry. Please forgive me. I always act crazy because I love you too much. I always dread the day someone will come along and steal my most treasured possession from me, the same way someone stole my father from my mother.” He then pulled her into his arms, stroking her hair, caressing her face, kissing her lips. Suddenly, her body convulsed with incessant sobbing. He knew he brought all this on to himself. All he could do was holding her tightly to him and kept begging for forgiveness, kissing her tenderly all over.

When she finally tired herself out, he removed her clothes and carried her to shower room for a hot shower. After drying her and putting her clothes back on, he asked whether she had had dinner. She said she wasn’t hungry. “How can I eat when my husband could think I would want another man.”

Her eyes were becoming teary again. “Darling, I want to show you how very sorry I am, but I need my energiser,” he whispered softly, He went out to the car to get the box of sushi rolls his wife had so lovingly made for him. When he returned with the sushi, he puckered up his lips for a kiss. When she ignored him, he said he wasn’t going to eat unless he got his kiss. Still no reaction from her. Gosh, she must really be very, very angry !

“Darling, if you continue to ignore me, I’m going to tickle the soles of your feet.” As soon as Shan Mei heard this, she smiled hopelessly and leant forward to slide her lips across his mouth. When his wife gave him this little light kiss, he was not happy; he then pulled her on to his lap, held her tight to him and gave her a deep, lingering kiss, laughing freely, all doubts soundly banished from his mind.

“Don’t laugh so happily yet. What do you say if I ground you for your crazy thoughts.”

“How long?” He knew he deserved some form of punishment but, please, nothing as severe as ‘grounding’.

“A month, at least.” He didn’t say anything, except accept the punishment meekly, at the same time giving his wife a very, very sorrowful look. He thought he’d behave for a week; after that he’d work his way around her soft heart, so she would end this tortuous punishment.

After finishing the food, they very quickly went to sleep, ensconced in each other’s arms and love.

The tempest had cleared.

Chapter AW-34

Xiang Jie had returned to London, yet Shan Mei hadn’t totally forgiven her husband for his crazy outburst. She didn’t leave with him for work in the mornings, claiming she wanted to spend time with their son. After work, in the evenings, she told him to go home on his own, if he had finished his work. She hadn’t finished yet for the day and had a lot of things to follow through at the office. Baby needed him and she had left his dinner in the fridge. He simply needed to warm it up in the microwave.

Xiang Zhe had felt remorseful, and was missing his wife terribly without her around him. One evening after work he decided to drop by her office with dinner. There was no one around in her office, he thought she had said she was busy. He walked to the other end of the floor where CTN-KE had their work rooms. He peeped into a brightly lit room. He saw about 20 people working in a classroom-like setting, his wife sitting at a desk in the front, like the teacher. They were working in groups of 5. Every now and then, someone would bring some sheets of paper up to Shan Mei to check with her.

Shan Mei somehow sensed Xiang Zhe’s presence close by. She looked up and saw her husband. She smiled, and went up to him at the door.

“Something the matter?” she asked softly and sweetly.

“I’m missing you very much. I brought you dinner. Busy conducting a training class?”

She laughed softly. “Busy helping MBS supervise the translation work for the mini series.” She went back into the room and told the translators she would be back shortly, and then walked with her husband to her office.

“With current sponsorship contracts signed, we would need 4 mini series a month. There are now only 2 series extra as back up. With Xiang Jie back at Cambridge, there really isn’t anyone to follow up on translation. Patrick is in the recording studio helping Jae Hoon. And since we’ll be leaving for London next week, I want to ensure translation is completed for as many series as possible. NSK Bank CEO has phoned saying they are extremely happy with the mini series, even though only two titles shown so far. They have been receiving good response to their financial packages offered in conjunction with the screening. He assures me the bank will definitely continue after their one-year contract expires.”

“What time will you finish?” he asked softly as he held on to one of her hands.

“About 10. Don’t wait for me. Go home and get some rest.” She ran her fingers gently across his eyebrows and rubbed at his frowns when she said that. He could feel her love in each and every of her tender touch. At once, his heart melted like ice cream, his legs went soft like marshmallows, and his perspiring palms became sticky like candy floss. He wished they were back home in their bed, because in that instant he wanted to hold her tight against him, so tight that he would squeeze the breath out of her.

Instead, he asked her very calmly, “Who’s seeing you home?”

“Patrick has been seeing me home. Don’t worry, I’ll be alright.”

“Since I’m here, I want to wait for you. Take your dinner first.” And he began to unpack the food from the boxes.

“Thank you, husband.” She then gave him a swift kiss on his lips. She took 2 rolls, and went back to the translators, telling her husband to stay in her office or return to his to wait till 10. Xiang Zhe stayed around to look at the photos again, even though he had many of the same ones in his office. He looked at her table, to check whether his photo was still there. It was. He chewed on his lower lip with his teeth, then smiled happily with relief….. he might be grounded, but he knew, in Shan Mei’s heart, he was still her No. 1.

That night in bed, Shan Mei remonstrated with her husband that instead of waiting for her, he should take baby in the evenings to visit his father.

“With Xiang Jie back in London, and Patrick working late in the evenings, Father will surely feel lonely. Darling, may be now is good opportunity to ask him whether it’s time to ask Auntie to return to Seoul? Luckily, we have Auntie Lee, otherwise we would have to move in with your father to keep him company.”

Xiang Zhe told her, “I would rather we move in with Father than let that woman return. After we return from London, I’ll make some new arrangements for Father to keep his evenings occupied. As it is, baby is already at his place 3 nights a week. Also Pa and Ma and Minnie, sometimes with You Zhen, are there every weekend. And while we are in London for the week, baby and nanny will be staying with Father. That should be alright for the time being.”
===

Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei arrived in London early Saturday morning. They were met and sent by hotel limousine to the hotel where the Conference delegates were all staying including the entire CTN posse.

He was the one who packed their luggage. Shan Mei thanked her husband, and on unpacking found the lovely evening gown Xiang Zhe had arranged for her to wear that evening for the CTN dinner and dance. Her husband then showed her the 3 strands of perfect pearls set with blue diamond clasp that he wanted her to wear with the gown. The necklace was simply exquisite. He had also packed along some of her other jewelry, to match her day wear for meetings. Even the cocktail dresses he packed were new models he had asked Madam Kim to assemble together.

She quickly wrote him an IOU note, the O being drawn in shape of a heart, and left it on his dressing table. He saw it as soon as he came out of the shower. ‘Payable on demand to Mr. Yin Xiang Zhe a big reward from Zhen Shan Mei. Collection Time between 12 midnight to the following morning 5 a.m..”

He smiled softly, darting a glance toward his wife and then walked up slowly towards her, to encircle his arms around her waist. “To show your goodwill, I demand a small down payment right now.” He then started kissing her, caressing her. She returned a few of his kisses and caresses, and told her husband that that was a very substantial down payment she was giving him. He was having a hard time keeping his passions in check. Since his crazy outburst over Xiang Jie, his wife hadn’t let him anywhere near her, except being her neighbour in bed. Boy, if he hadn’t felt so guilty, he would have kicked up a big fuss. He didn’t want to be neighbourly, he wanted to be husbandly!!

But there had been no chance for him to act the demanding husband; every night Shan Mei arrived home from the Station very late, and after shower, she immediately fell off to sleep like a dead log.

Even though Shan Mei managed to sleep a bit on the long flight from Seoul to London, she was tired and wanted to sleep a bit, then she wanted a beauty massage and her hair done. Running through her tired mind, were translations and translations of storylines for 25 mini TV series. She hoped dubbing work at MBS was progressing well.

That night at the CTN party, so many introductions were made; they soon forgot who was who. But one thing was for sure; Shan Mei, in her light aqua coloured soft, floaty chiffon gown which accentuated her figure so perfectly, together with her handsome husband made a very beautiful and distinguished looking couple and drew a lot of admiring glances.

After all the official welcoming and introduction speeches were made, Michael went on to the podium to introduce Shan Mei as the Director of CTN-Asia/Pac beginning 1 January, the job eyed by many in the CTN worldwide family. A short video clip was shown of the CTN-KE office and its achievements, especially of Shan Mei and her numerous awards, closing with the Musical Postcard show, she and her husband playing their guitars. By the end of the evening, it was obvious Shan Mei was a popular choice being confident, versatile and beautiful. All those who met her assured her of their support.

David Dutton was the first to lead Shan Mei onto the dance floor, Xiang Zhe then had to invite Cassie. Soon, Michael came forward for Shan Mei and he told her how beautiful she looked. No one in the room could compare to her. Her dazzling smile and childlike allure captivated all. Many of the women in the room were waiting for a chance to dance with the gorgeous Mr. Yin. He noticed Michael didn’t dance with any other lady except Shan Mei, not even his sister-in-law, and managed so well to extricate himself from situations.

Xiang Zhe followed suit. He stayed well away from the other ladies and only mingled with the men. He was not worried of Michael. Michael was an honourable and open man, so open he didn’t even try to hide his feelings for Shan Mei from him.

Xiang Zhe was getting restless. It was past 11 and he couldn’t wait to return to their suite, to demand payment from his wife on her IOU. He had been waiting since morning. No, waiting since ONE MONTH ago would be more accurate! As soon as he caught Shan Mei’s attention, he signaled to her, with his trademark ‘wink’. She smiled at him, but continued chatting with Mr. Ted Steiner, the chairman of CTN-USA, who kept holding on to her hand, not keen at all to let her go. From afar, Michael caught Xiang Zhe’s eye-wink to Shan Mei, deduced what was going on, and came to Shan Mei’s rescue. As soon as Xiang Zhe saw that his wife was free, he immediately escorted her back to their table. From there they decided to make a quick, quiet exit.

His wife was totally exhausted. Back in their suite, Xiang Zhe ordered champagne, and prepared water for their bath. He swished his fingers around in the water. “I’ve added some bath salts,” he said. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“No, not at all,” Shan Mei answered as she walked into the bathroom in her robe. As he helped remove her robe and he brushed a deep, lingering kiss along her shoulders, he told her she was the belle of the ball, no one could compare. She smiled to herself, [didn’t Michael say the same?] In the bath, he gave her a good back rub, trying to negotiate a new deal with her. Since they didn’t have to be at David’s house opening until 1 p.m. the following afternoon, he wanted his wife to give him more time. She readily agreed.

Abed, with their champagne, Xiang Zhe congratulated his wife on being officially appointed the Director of CTN-Asia/Pac. He told her to do her job well, because he could see many people in that room tonight wanted the job. He would always be by her side to give whatever support she needed. He was so proud of her.

By the time Shan Mei was through with her 4th glass of champagne, she was in very happy mood, giggling at most things her husband was whispering into her ears. Xiang Zhe removed the glass from her hand; he lay her down on her pillow, and began to ravish her with his hungry kisses. Sobbing softly and groaning deeply in his throat, he buried his face in her hair. “Darling, I couldn’t stand you being so distant with me. I couldn’t bear not making love to you. This past month has been hell, and hell is not the place I want to be, ever again.” He resumed his onslaught of feverish kisses.

“I know.” Her voice was breathless, because his head had dipped and his lips touched the pulse at her throat. When he raised his head, a lock of dark hair had fallen across his forehead and she pushed it gently aside.

Shan Mei had missed her husband too, so much. As she circled her arms around his back, she moaned very softly, “Darling, love me, I need you so much.” There was no stopping Xiang Zhe, with that little bit of invitation from his wife.

She watched passion flare in his eyes, and when he groaned in pleasure, she knew he was feeling the same intensity of passion as she.

Throughout the night, he couldn’t keep count how many times his wife moaned for him, or he moaned for her. And this time in their moments of play, he taught her how to fondle and tease, how to touch and knead and thereby heighten her own near explosive yearnings and his. When the molten flame of passion had been fanned and quenched again and again, they were left utterly exhausted. By the time they finally fell asleep in each other’s arms, the first streaky light of dawn was beginning to push the dark clouds of the night away.

When they arrived at the Dutton’s town house, it was past 2 p.m. They had brought from Korea a pair of antique celadon vases to gift the Duttons. For Michael they gave him an antique celadon tea set with a canister of the best grade jasmine tea, knowing how much he enjoyed Chinese tea.

The guests at the Dutton’s home were mostly members from the CTN worldwide TV family. Food was served buffet style. David took Shan Mei with him to introduce her to some people she had not met before while Michael and Xiang Zhe engaged in small talk. Many of the people introduced to Shan Mei knew her by name, since they have heard from the UK sponsors what a terrific job she had done with “Two Sides To a Coin.”

After he was left on his own, Xiang Zhe occupied his time going through David and Cassie’s wedding photo albums. From the photos, he saw how Shan Mei really stood out. The groom, bride, matron of honour, bridesmaids were all blondes, except Shan Mei who was brunette. Her face had on the faintest of make up yet she looked pink against the other’s pale-on-pale look, like an especially beautiful dewy, pink rose right in the middle of a bouquet of champagne coloured roses. He noticed, in the photos, every time Michael looked Shan Mei’s way, his eyes were on her and there was so much love for her in his eyes shining through, that Xiang Zhe caught his breath just by looking.

A few directors from the U.K. Higher Education Foundation were there to meet Shan Mei. The associated institutions had received many enquiries from Korean, Japanese and Taiwanese and Mainland Chinese students interested in furthering their tertiary education in U.K. It would seem the series sponsored by the Foundation was very well received in Korea and by its surrounding regional neighbours.

Shan Mei later introduced the Foundation directors to her husband.

“Oh, Sir Henry, that’s my husband over there with Michael. I’d like you to meet him.” Shan Mei beckoned to Xiang Zhe. Michael walked over to Shan Mei together with Xiang Zhe. Michael did the introduction.

“Henry, please meet little Shan Mei’s husband Yin Xiang Zhe. Xiang Zhe is the president of MBS, one of the top television stations in Korea.” Sir Henry extended his hand for a warm handshake.

“Yes, I’ve heard of MBS. It’s the station that has this very successful cross over programme with CTN, right?”

Xiang Zhe was feeling quite proud. He didn’t know their 2STAC chat show had received rave reviews as far ashore as U.K.

“Sir Henry, the Higher Education programme on CTN-KE is very popular. I was thinking it would be interesting if a drama series can be developed, using one of the top education institutions as background to a drama storyline. This will tie in very nicely with the education series. MBS would be interested and honoured to produce such a series.”

“Mr. Yin, you have an interesting point there. At our next board meeting, I’ll definitely throw this suggestion on the table and gauge the reaction. Any institution in mind for the storyline?”

Without thinking deeply, Xiang Zhe blurted out, “My institution of choice will of course be Cambridge since I am also one of its graduates.”

Sir Henry lifted an eyebrow and gave Michael a brief glance, then turned back to Xiang Zhe with a suggestion. “Oh, that’s interesting. If you’re Michael’s Junior, he can surely second the proposal. You know how these conservative institutions think. Everything has to be vetted so carefully, not even one inch of their reputation must be tarnished.”

After more questions from Sir Henry, and he was justifiably satisfied, it was agreed as soon as Shan Mei received a positive reply from Sir Henry, MBS would send a team from Seoul to do the initial location scouting with a synopsis of the story outline. Xiang Zhe was tickled and excited. He himself could easily synopsise the outline of the story, like a piece of cake. He would simply take his and Shan Mei’s love story, commit that on paper, throw in a couple of sub-plots along the way but give it a quicker happy ending. The hero of the story would definitely not have to wait 8 long years to get his heroine to walk down the aisle with him! He-he!

That night back in their hotel suite, Xiang Zhe was curious and asked Shan Mei with David and Michael looking so much alike, how could she tell the difference from one twin to the other?

“Their parents were fraught with this problem when they named the elder one David Michael, the younger Michael David. This caused total confusion at school. So, David being the elder one went to Oxford, the younger one to Cambridge, using Oxbridge as a guide, to reveal who was the elder. Have you noticed their insignia rings on their little pinkies? And when they smile, Michael has the deeper dimples.”

“How did you manage to notice these subtle differences?”

“Because, during that time in London, I worked everyday with David in the CTN London office, and whenever Michael returned, I must make sure I addressed the right Mr. Dutton. In the office, David likes to be addressed to as Mr. Dutton, while Michael is very informal and prefers to be addressed by his name.”

London held special meaning for the Yins, as if there was a score to settle. When they first met, they were students. The second time Shan Mei stayed in London, they were at that difficult ‘falling in love’ stage, each having to hold back and tread very cautiously. Now, they were here as husband-and-wife. They could do whatever they want, however they want, and loving and indulging his wife was what Xiang Zhe wanted. He felt so liberated.

The delegates from SGS, Seoul and PKB, Pusan would arrive that night to attend the conference. Xiang Zhe thought it would be a good idea to meet up with them during breakfast as the delegates from Korea were supposed to form themselves into a team, to present the overall review of the future direction of the industry in Korea.

Next morning at the breakfast table, the Korean delegates decided that Yin Xiang Zhe would be the appointed rep for the group. Xiang Zhe then said, “Let’s work together on this. I’ll be leaving with my wife on Wednesday, so I agree to present the first paper on Tuesday. Some one will have to present the rest of the paper on Friday.” The President of PKB Busan was selected to present the second paper, while the SGS President was selected to conclude the presentation by summarising the overall broadcasting situation in Korea.

Shan Mei’s appearance at the Conference had served its purpose. She left very early on Wednesday for Seoul, her husband insisted on traveling with her even though she had asked him to stay back. Upon arrival in Seoul, she rushed back to the studio, to prepare for that week’s 1st part of the Chat Show. Patrick and the rest of the crew were so happy to see her back. After that, Xiang Zhe drove his wife to his father’s house to see their baby, whom they had missed so much.

Father had just arrived home from the office. Xiang Zhe told Auntie Lee not to bother with preparing dinner. “Auntie Lee, I’ll order home-delivery from our favourite restaurant in the area, to celebrate Shan Mei’s promotion, which was officially announced in London. Pa and Ma will be coming with tubs of side dishes they had prepared.”

Yin Snr was so proud. He called his friend Jin Jun Hao, who had always recognised his daughter-in-law’s potential.

“Hey Jin, come over for dinner tonight. Shan Mei has big announcement to make.”

“Another baby coming?”

Yin Snr laughed heartily. “Maybe!” was all he was prepared to say in answer to Jin’s question.

Chapter AW-35

Xiang Zhe called Zian Da into his office, instructing him to put out internal memos to the various departments that at this year’s company Christmas party – Management had some new plans.

“I know it’s a bit rushed but we’ve got to start from somewhere. Christmas is about the ideal time to do something different from the previous years. MBS wants to crown a Chess champion, a Go champion and a Bridge champion. The two months before Christmas will be elimination rounds. Father, Uncle Liu and Uncle Jin have promised to be moderators.”

They discussed briefly some guidelines for the games. Contests would be held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, between 7 and 10 p.m. Depending on the kind of response received, PR department would be able to give out more information. Big trophy to the winner, 1st and 2nd runners-up would also receive prizes.

“Zian Da, can you get working on the organisation of this as quickly as possible?”

A few days later Zian Da reported excitedly back to Xiang Zhe that the response from the staff had been overwhelming, and he would let the seniors know so they could arrange time to come to MBS for preliminary meeting, before the first contest.

That night at home Xiang Zhe told his wife not to worry about father.

“Darling, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday lonely nights are now taken care of. I’ve arranged for Father to teach Chess at MBS. For those employees already experts, there will be competitions. Uncle Jin and Uncle Liu will join Father and be responsible for Go and Bridge. We’ll wait till Christmas to determine how effective the plan is. Happy?”

Shan Mei praised her husband for taking such swift action.

“How about helping me with these?” She took out some papers from her briefcase to show to Xue Zhang.

“These are the past 2 years’ financial reports from Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore offices. You know, I don’t understand much about figures. Can you please go through them, and let me know whether these contain any hidden factors? I would be visiting the 4 offices at various times next month. I want the real picture from my husband, not what the people from those offices are going to tell me.”

Xiang Zhe smiled and looked at his wife in silence, when she wasn’t aware of it. He never realised she was so shrewd. Initially, he was worried whether his wife would be able to cope with the job of being CTN’s Director of Asia/Pacific. Now, he laughed inside himself. If she left the financial intricacies to him; the rest of the job would be an easy walk for her. Clever imp!

No wonder his father wanted to leave half of his MBS shares to her. Later, he left her his whole Wen Rong stake. Yin Senior knew she wouldn’t cheat her husband out of his inheritance, and her natural inborn skill in handling people-related issues would win her supporters. He would ask his father to let her sit in on one of Wen Rong’s BOD meetings. May be his angel could let him know whether changes were necessary in her simple logic.

As he scanned through the financial papers, his hand automatically rubbed at his forehead. Shan Mei was worried her work was adding extra burden for Xue Zhang. She went to the back of his chair, to give him a neck and shoulder massage. After a while, he pulled her forward into his lap. He kissed her hands, and told her he wanted a back massage too.

“Darling, why don’t you go lie down on the bed and wait for me, while I tidy away the papers?” He did look tired. She gave him a kiss, and hurried him out of his office along to their bedroom.

That night, she worked hard in giving her husband a very good massage that relaxed his tensed, knotted up muscles. After a while, he was fast asleep. She kissed him tenderly on the back of his nape, and covered him with the quilt. She stroked his hair, intense love for him pouring out of every pore in her body, with every beat of her heart.

As she sat there looking at him, she remembered the night he turned his face away from her kiss. That was the first time ever that her husband rejected a kiss from her. It was like the end of the world for her. She didn’t care what would happen to her. She only knew she had to escape to their secret haven where she hoped she would be safe from his anger. Better still if she was run over by a car in the darkness. For a minute there she had visions of another woman in Xue Zhang’s arms – he was growing tired of her like the expert ‘celebrity-watchers’ had predicted; out with the old and in with a captivating starlet? Of course, her fears were later proved baseless, yet that reaction had thrown her. She began to sob silently when she realized she wouldn’t know what to do if Xue Zhang left her for another woman. She went over to their sofa to think. Soon she fell asleep there.

Sometime during the night, Xiang Zhe rolled over on the bed, wanting to cuddle up to his wife. Her side of the bed was empty. He awoke wondering where she was. He propped himself on his elbow, looked around the room and saw her on the sofa. He padded over and carried her back to bed. She felt cold. What happened? He drew her into his warm embrace, pulling the quilt over them, went back to sleep, thinking may be he had hurt her unknowingly?
==

A week later, he gave her a full report in Financial Advisor format making it very easy for her to understand his analysis of the CTN/Asia Pacific accounts. Some parts, the explanation notes were in great detail, other parts he briefly summarized. He pointed out to his wife some sections that she should heed. And some sample questions that she should ask.

Lots of activities were going on in the MBS canteen that evening. Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei decided to stay back late in the office, because the first round of the contests for Christmas was underway and they wanted to see how Father was handling the situation. They went down to the canteen. The 3 seniors were excitedly moderating their sections. Because so many had signed up, each contest was allotted the most 30 minutes to determine the outcome. They had several elimination rounds going on at the same time. Father told the couple not to wait for him. Uncle Jin would drop him home that night.

On their to the car park, Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei looked at each other, Shan Mei giving her husband the thumbs up. She squeezed his hand, then praised him softly, “you’re so clever.”

“Do I get reward?” he whispered into her ear.

“Reward? You should be getting punishment for coming up with the idea one year too late,” she reproached him, pretending to be angry.

“Okay, I don’t mind punishment. Just tell me where you’re going to bite this time,” he replied, grinning broadly and ran ahead towards the car as Shan Mei was trying to hit him playfully on his arm.

While in the car, Shan Mei thought her husband could improve on the idea. “Darling, starting in the New Year, do you think it a good idea to extend the competition to the children of MBS staff? You know, friendly games to foster goodwill among the employees? A children’s club organized for the children. I suppose most probably the children will be school-going age so the contests will be held only on Sundays. The elimination rounds will take them right up to Christmas. Or for those children wanting to learn, the winners from the current competition can volunteer to teach. For the children’s club, the top four winners from the 3 different age groups will get some kind of scholarship money. It’s just a suggestion.”

Xiang Zhe slanted an indulgent sidelong glance at his wife and smiled softly at her suggestion. It looked like he and Shan Mei really made a winning team.
==

Xiang Zhe had just ended his call with Shan Mei about dinner arrangement when his secretary buzzed him on his phone extension, telling him that Mr. Zian Da had sent a Miss Park from Blossom Event Management Company to see him.

Miss Park actually wanted to invite President Yin Xiang Zhe to sit on the judging panel for the final judging for the forthcoming Miss Blossom Beauty Contest, to be held next February. Xiang Zhe laughed silently. He looked at Miss Park who was sitting on the sofa across him at the coffee table.

“Miss Park, thank you very much for thinking of me. But the truth is I have absolutely no experience in judging beauty contests. To be frank, I’m also not interested in such activities. I’m sorry I have to reject your kind invitation. Maybe, another time when Blossom organises something I’m more familiar with, I will gladly assist if I have the time.”

In fact, Miss Park had used this as an excuse to see Yin Xiang Zhe. She had first seen him at the Korean Tourism Board cocktail party two weeks ago, and was immediately enamoured with him and did all she could to find out as much as possible about this delicious hunk. She heard from the city’s gossip grapevine that he was not interested in girls, since all previous match making attempts since he was 17 years old were unsuccessful. Although he had been married for a little over two years, they suspected it was a marriage of convenience to ensure heir for the Yin family. No one was aware he was dating any girl before his marriage? His son was now one year old. He and his wife seldom participated in any social functions.

At close quarters, in his office surroundings, he looked even more handsome and appealing. She wished he would accept the invitation giving her every opportunity and pretext to call on him whenever she liked.

After Miss Park left his office, Xiang Zhe phoned Zian Da. “Hi, it’s me. What’s this nonsense, sending a Miss Park to my office without first getting clearance from me? Don’t ever do that again.”

“Hey, Xiang Zhe, relax. She is a beauty. I thought you might be interested, especially when you get invited to judge such beautiful girls. I would have jumped at the chance without even considering.”

“Then why didn’t you? You’re head of P.R. Department, you’re a qualified candidate to judge.”

“Trouble was she specifically asked for you, and wouldn’t consider any body else.”

“Next time, remember, the only one who wants to see me and gets to see me even when I’m in a top-level meeting is my wife.” He hung up his phone with a huff.

Later that week, when Miss Park was at the Westin Chosun Coffee Shop, she saw Xiang Zhe with a woman (assuming that was his wife) having dinner. Halfway through dinner, Shan Mei asked her husband discreetly, “Xue Zhang, do you know that girl sitting over at the far corner of the coffee shop? She has been staring at us the whole time we’ve been here. I’m beginning to feel quite uncomfortable. It seems her eyes are boring into my back!”

Xiang Zhe told his wife, “Darling, just ignore her. She is some girl from some event management company. Earlier in the week, she came to see me in the office, inviting me to be one of the judges for some beauty contest.”

He laughed softly. “Where do these people get such ideas?”

In fact, Miss Park was very interested in Shan Mei. From where she was sitting, she found there was nothing special about Mrs. Yin. If it was a marriage of convenience, she could easily cause mischief to break it up, and take that gorgeous Mr. Rich for herself.

A few days later, Miss Park made an appointment to see Shan Mei, inviting her to be one of the judges for Miss Blossom Beauty Contest. Shan Mei politely declined. “Miss Park, I’m very honoured but afraid I have to decline. Next year is going to be a very busy year for me. However, since you say you’re new in Seoul, having spent most of your growing-up years in Japan, I can put you in touch with someone who will make the perfect judge.”

Miss Park waited, silently hoping it would be Yin Xiang Zhe, while Shan Mei put a call through her friend Mr. Sung.

“Good morning Mr. Sung, Zhen Shan Mei here.”

S. D. Sung always loved to hear from Shan Mei. Since the charity concert, almost everyone in Seoul knew Mr. Sung had a thing for Shan Mei.

Shan Mei explained that Blossom Event Management Company was organising a beauty pageant and Miss Park, their representative, had approached her to be one of the judges. As she would have a hectic schedule, she had to refuse. She thought Mr. Sung would make the perfect judge. “Mr. Sung, can I send Miss Park over to see you?”

Mr. Sung understood Shan Mei very well. He knew she abhorred this kind of publicity, and was most probably seeking his help to get this Miss Park off her hands. “Sure, you can ask her to come see me at 3 this afternoon.”

After Miss Park left her office, Shan Mei had the feeling Miss Park was not really interested in her, but in Xue Zhang. All her questions had nothing at all to do with the beauty pageant but revolved around him. Shan Mei was reticent and cleverly avoided giving direct answers.

This was not the first time something like this had happened. She had been approached by many fashion and life-style magazine editors, all of them interested in wanting more information on her husband, her marriage and their family life. She sighed.

She knew when she agreed to marry Xue Zhang, she would be beset by such situations. She had promised herself to face them full on and not run away. She heaved a big sigh. It was Xue Zhang’s fault, for being so handsome, so rich, so gallant – every girl’s dream of Prince Charming!

Upon meeting Mr. Sung later that afternoon, Miss Park agreed Mr. Sung was indeed the perfect ‘judge’. And being so eligible, she wondered why he was still unmarried. After giving Mr. Sung some idea of what the judging would entail, she told him she would arrange a photo shoot session, for their publicity brochures.

As she joined Mr. Sung for afternoon tea in his reception room, she hedged about, asking questions about Mr. and Mrs. Yin. Mr. Sung was not a fool. He realised her target must have been Yin Xiang Zhe. Even though Xiang Zhe had been his love rival at one time, he didn’t want to see Shan Mei hurt or unhappy.

“So, it is true what Shan Mei has told me,” he pointed out to Miss Park, “that you are new in Seoul. Is this why you don’t know the Yins’ most romantic love story? They met ten years ago when they were both students at Cambridge, England. After returning to Seoul, when she found out he was rich and the boss of MBS, she ran away back to London. The person she fell in love with at Cambridge was just an ordinary guy. She didn’t want to be burdened with the usual problems of having a rich boyfriend. He never gave up and pursued her across two continents. Finally his sincerity and tenacity touched her heart and she accepted him.”

“Wasn’t theirs a marriage of convenience? Some people said Mr. Yin wasn’t dating anyone before he married.”

“What do those people know? Mr. and Mrs. Yin are very low-profile people. They liked to keep their private affairs strictly private.”

“Miss Zhen is a very lucky girl indeed!” Miss Park crowed with obvious envy in her voice.

“You should say, ‘Mr. Yin is a very lucky guy indeed!’ All men want to marry for true love, and not to some woman who is only interested in their fortunes or status in society. In fact, I was one of those who tried to court her without success. I was prepared to give her half of my fortune, which could easily buy her a few television stations, but she rejected me outright.

Where pedigree is concerned, that Yin Xiang Zhe is nothing; his father having no money or status of his own, but married into money. Even that money came with only short history. In North Korea, his great grandfather, was nothing, just a poor blacksmith. According to my parents, the old man only made some money with a shipyard and some old freighters, a tiny machinery tooling workshop and some odd small construction projects after he escaped to Busan. He had one son, Moon Joon-yik. This son had a daughter, Moon Soo-Wen, Yin Xiang Zhe’s mother. Later, after Madam Moon’s marriage, the family moved to Seoul. Whatever little pedigree Yin Xiang Zhe had came from his mother’s side.

How, later on, they managed to come into so much money and clout to start a television station, and win army building contracts, no one could understand. Their Moon Enterprise later changed its name to Wen Rong Holdings, and their original choice of name for their broadcasting venture of Moon Broadcasting Service was later abbreviated to MBS.”

S. D. Sung shook his head slowly as if he was still trying to fathom where the Moon’s money came from; this question had baffled his parents for years.

“My family is different. Our lineage can be traced back 20 generations and my family has always been of nobility class.

Since Yin married Shan Mei, the share price of MBS has gone up, up, and up. Before that, MBS share price went up and down, mostly down, like a yoyo with sagging string. Only certain programmes like Korean dramas, children programmes or sports fared comparatively on par against their rival stations. Their 7 and 9 o’clock news slots always lost out to their rivals. If they got 20% viewership rating for any of their programmes, they would be ecstatic. After Shan Mei launched PIR for MBS’ morning slot, suddenly MBS morning show gained top viewership rating. It’s just so incredible.”

Mr. Sung laughed mockingly at some private joke, having gleaned all this information from Nielsen’s Survey. “That was why Bansung never advertised on MBS before Zhen Shan Mei came onto the scene. We are not impressed with MBS’s viewership figures. As soon as CTN came to Korea, CTN has won in the viewership war. CTN’s ratings, on average, never dip below 50 percent, Shan Mei’s Korean Kinship hovered consistently around 75-80%, such figures unattainable dreams for the other stations. MBS scooped CTN channeling rights from SGS only because of Shan Mei. She is the one who gave MBS ‘The Price Is Right’ show. We advertise on several segments of this show.”
==

He suddenly recalled first morning of PIR’s second season. Bansung had offered 3 of their brand-new older model cars at 70% discount. As soon as the Bargain Corner hotline opened for order taking, during the first 10 minutes no call could get through, because the lines were jammed with calls. MBS had to request the Telephone Company to make emergency release of ten extra automatic queuing lines to the Hotline. To the 3 callers who finally managed to secure the purchase, it was like striking the lottery. MBS began receiving emails asking for repeat of offer because they couldn’t get through the line. To make Shan Mei happy, he offered another 20 such cars at 30% discount. Within half an hour after the hotline opened for order taking, all 20 cars were sold.

He was so stunned. It was such an easy way to clear old stock from their inventory. Except for being older models, the cars were actually brand new and would be supported by good after-sales service directly from Bansung. He then decided to use Bargain Corner to clear car stock at 30% discount. Even if Bansung gave MBS 10% as sales commission, Bansung would still be clearing the stock at marginal profit.
==

Mr. Sung further highlighted to Miss Park, “the movement of MBS share price is affected not by what Yin Xiang Zhe would do, but by what Zhen Shan Mei would say.”

Miss Park was surprised Mr. Sung was so unguarded in his revelations. In fact, he sounded bitter throughout and was desperate for some channel to vent his pent-up frustrations.

He was! He had always wondered what Shan Mei ever saw in Yin Xiang Zhe, apart from his pretty boy looks? As far as he knew, Shan Mei was definitely not someone who placed great importance on pretty looks. She had more character than that.

Chapter AW-36

Michael phoned CTN-KE office from London. “Shan Mei, I’m going to be in Singapore on Monday, in Hong Kong on Tuesday. I want you to meet up with me in Singapore. I’ll fly back to Seoul with you on Wednesday. Now that we’ve sat down to work out the logistics of the Asia Pacific operation, the board of directors has agreed that the Asia/Pacific regional head office being in Seoul makes liaison with offices working within the same time frame, instead of from London, much more efficient. I’ve managed to secure for you quite a substantial budget to back you up for whatever advertising you may need.”

Shan Mei was, at that morning, in the office interviewing candidates for 2 secretarial positions. Since Asia/Pacific was split into 2 time zones, she wanted one secretary each to handle the two zones. The 3 secretaries would work as a unit, assisting each other apart from their specific areas. Apart from her, the secretaries would take instructions from Xiang Jie.

While Shan Mei was packing for her trip to Singapore/Hong Kong to meet up with Michael, Xiang Zhe pleaded with his wife to let him meet up with her on Tuesday in Hong Kong. “Darling, please let me come along. We haven’t really been anywhere together for quite a while.” He sounded mournful. The way he was biting at his lower lip, Shan Mei was sure her husband had a few other excuses up his sleeve in case the one he just threw could not sway her. She would tease him a while.

“Weren’t we together in London recently?”

“But that was some kind of business trip. I want to do Christmas shopping in Hong Kong. I won’t disturb your meetings on Tuesday with Michael and will wait patiently for you at the hotel. I promise. Okay, darling?” Xiang Zhe asked as he stroked the palm of her hand.

She couldn’t refuse him anything, when he gave her one of his besotted looks.

“What about your work?”

“I’ll work from home throughout Sunday night after I send you off at the airport, and all day on Monday, and take the late afternoon flight out of Seoul on Monday for Hong Kong. Okay, darling?”

What could Shan Mei do except agree? Xue Zhang would surely badger her until he got his way.

He was so happy to see his wife when he arrived late Monday night at their hotel in Hong Kong. When he waved her off at Seoul airport on Sunday evening, he was so reluctant to let her go. He had felt so alone standing there in the Departure Hall as he watched Shan Mei disappear after passing through Immigration. That night at home, he cleared all the paper work in his brief case; he made notes to his assistant for things he should follow up during his one-day absence.

Since Li Qing Xi took over control of Planning Department, everything was running very smoothly, and the cooperation among the departments better organised, because these people now fully acknowledged him as the President and he shouldn’t be burdened by their petty squabbles. He only wanted to see results.

And the dubbing department was also coming along very well after overhaul by Shan Mei. Mr. Ang supervised mostly Japanese to Korean or Korean to Japanese dubbing. Xiang Zhe had to admit that Han Jae Hoon was doing a fantastic job on CTN’s mini series.

In Hong Kong, Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei had early breakfast in their room.

“You’re sure you’ll be okay today on your own, husband?”

“Darling, don’t worry. After you leave, I’ll go back to bed to rest for a few more hours. I’ve all my shopping planned.” After kissing his wife off to work with Michael, he hopped back into bed. By 11 o’clock, he was hitting the shops.

Hong Kong was truly a Shopper’s Paradise. He bought jewelry and clothes for his wife, toys and baby clothes, and a whole range of Peter Rabbit baby dining set for baby, Armani suits and shirts for himself. Also presents for Father, Pa, Ma, You Zhen and Minnie, Auntie Lee and Patrick and Xiang Jie. He began packing to see whether the suitcase he brought along was big enough for space. Since morning, he had lost count of the number of times he had been in and out of their hotel room, bringing back bags of shopping.

Shopping was indeed more tiring than work at the office. No wonder Shan Mei didn’t like to go shopping. She only shopped when she had specific things to buy or a specific place to go to.

While soaking in the tub, he smiled secretly to himself. His wife would kill him when she saw the wicked bikini he had bought for her. He would insist she wear it this Christmas in the cabin, since the place had heat insulation.

Although it was past 7 p.m. he didn’t call his wife on her mobile phone because he had promised her he wouldn’t disturb her. Eventually, Shan Mei returned to the hotel at 9. She looked totally exhausted.

“Darling, Michael won’t be joining us for dinner; he is meeting his cousin who is the general manager of the local Hongkong Bank. How about I treat you to a real Hong Kong style Chinese dinner? The Chinese Restaurant they have on the ground floor of this hotel is supposed to serve the best Peking duck in the whole of Hong Kong.”

“Shan Mei, you’ve had a long day today. I’d rather we eat in the privacy of our room.” He went up to her and enfolded her in his arms. “I’ve missed you very much during the day. I’m not prepared to share you now with a room full of diners. I’ll call down to the restaurant for some food.” So, while he ordered Chinese food, Shan Mei took a bath.

During dinner, Xiang Zhe took out from the fridge two miniature sized bottles of champagne. He couldn’t resist buying them. They came with their own drinking glasses.

Over the meal, Shan Mei discussed the CTN Hong Kong office set up with her husband. “I don’t think I’m all that popular with the Hongkong office. I feel their running expenses are way too high, and the office overstaffed. Today, when I asked from the employees their job description and what they actually did, they were rather vague. They specialised too much, many of the jobs overlapped, no one multitasked. Anyway, I’ve asked them to fax written reports to me at the end of the week. Let’s see what I’d get.”

Her husband told her not to worry. “Get all the facts together, then make recommendation to Michael. You can show me the papers you got from the office today later when we’re in bed.” He picked some delicious slices of roasted duck and put them on Shan Mei’s plate. “Eat up. These are good!”

Xiang Zhe was sitting in bed, his back against the headboard, looking over last month’s Hong Kong office financial statements that Shan Mei had given him. His wife was lying in the crook of his arm, her face against his shoulder and hand against his chest. She was right; the expenditure appeared to be high against income generated. He put the papers on the side table.

His wife had fallen asleep. He was about to gently ease her down to her pillow, when he noticed his wife’s hand spread out on his chest. The rings on her finger were sparkling bright. He had noticed after bath time every morning, she would polish the rings carefully, and put them back on her finger. He brought the hand up to his lips for a tender lingering kiss, and placed it back on his chest, the way his wife had left it. He looked down at his wife, so innocent and defenseless in her sleep. He wrapped his other arm around her, wanting to protect her, yet he was the one he had to protect her against, he and his insane jealousy.

The first time she indicated she had strong feelings for him so many years ago, didn’t she assure him there was no one else, he was the only one, and he must believe her? He still remembered that night so vividly. As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt so shy, she had run quickly back into her house without even a backward glance at him. Didn’t Michael say she was rock solid, not easily swayed?

His cheeks puffed up as he let out a long sigh. If only his wife would tell him what she loved about him, may be then he would feel more secure? Every time he asked, she simply smiled at him and answered, “Because you’re Xue Zhang.” She had told him most of the things she didn’t like about him, which were not much, but none of what she loved. It was all so aggravating. He knew riches, fame and good looks weren’t what she looked for.

Shan Mei stirred. Finding herself in his upright embrace, she looked at him sleepily. “Xue Zhang? Aren’t you sleepy?” Realising he was still sitting against the headboard, she moved away so he could ease himself back onto the bed. She gave him a kiss on his cheek. Before she turned away, her husband caught her face between his hands. She looked at him. His eyes were moist.

“Xue Zhang, is something the matter?” She sounded worried, as she lifted her hand up to his face and caressed him softly.

“Nothing, just wondering why most times I’m your Xue Zhang, not Xiang Zhe, or husband ?” His soft tone tried to ease her worry.

She smiled lovingly at him. “My Xue Zhang is not the same as your Xue Zhang Zian Da or Xue Zhang Michael. My Xue Zhang is perfect!”

“If I’m perfect, why do you often get mad with me?”

“When do I often get mad at you? Only at times when some of your senses become off-balanced. Keep your jealousy in balance, like your perfect balance of kindness, charity, understanding, courtesy, patience, generosity. Only thing allowed off-balanced in plenty supply is love for me and our baby. There is no one who can compare to my Xue Zhang, the best in the world. He is the one I love most.” She was being carried away by her excited rambling.

Suspecting she was about to give him a stinging bite, he quickly gathered her into his arms, murmuring hoarsely against her hair, “Darling, I don’t want your bite this time, I want something else. I want to sip in the very intoxicating taste of champagne on your lips.” His mouth moved against hers hungrily as if starved for her kisses while his hand felt its way to the side console to switch off the lights in the room.
==

The only excitement before Christmas was Xiang Jie’s return from London for the holidays, and crowning of MBS Chess, Go and Bridge champions.

The seniors met frequently trying to decide on designs for their trophies. They had Zian Da spinning from day to day. Luckily for Zian Da, he had been given another merchandiser to assist him with procurement of goods for Bargain Corner, and an assistant to handle his paperwork. Xiang Zhe only laughed on seeing the look on Zian Da’s face. No matter what, Xiang Zhe reminded Zian Da that dancing at the Christmas party to start only after he and Shan Mei had left the party.
==

Michael when he stopped over in Seoul for two day, and before he flew off to Tokyo, arranged to meet up Shan Mei in Sydney the coming Monday.

This was second trip to Sydney for Shan Mei. She met with many of their top sponsors; the sponsors were very impressed with her and wanted her to make a longer visit when she officially took over from 1st January. The staff in the Sydney office worked in a very relaxed atmosphere.

That night at dinner with Michael, Shan Mei asked him, “Michael, if you don’t mind me asking, I want to know what the job really entails. We’ve visited the Singapore and Hong Kong offices; I thought things were pretty straight forward in these two offices since they aren’t involved in production work, only reselling of programmes.”

He laughed as he looked at Shan Mei, and had wondered when she was going to get around to that, knowing she liked work, real hard solid work.

“You are to do absolutely nothing, except drop in on the offices, once a month to keep them on their toes. These trips will give you a chance to take a break from CTN-KE. You deserve it, seeing that you’ve worked so hard to propel CTN-KE into such prominence. And may be you’ll have more time for baby making.” He laughed when Shan Mei blushed. “I can already see one baby is not enough to go around. If you have another baby, may be I can whisk Bao Bao back to London with me for a month or two when he is older.”

Shan Mei pretended to be angry with him, for not letting her know sooner. She eyeballed him. “Now you tell me, after Xue Zhang and I have decided to put baby making plans on hold for one year. My poor Xue Zhang! I told him if I fall pregnant during the coming year, he’s to blame.” They both laughed a bit over that.

“Well, if you really want to do something, you can see which areas can be improved on, to maximise productivity, and lowering expenses at the same time. I couldn’t be bothered with it during my time, because I always put it down as teething period. But that has long come and gone. The offices are costing more to maintain, but income is not as lucrative as the Seoul office, remembering that the Seoul office has a shorter working history.

You should relax and take your time in introducing improvements. The sponsors have told me you are very approachable. I take that as a good sign, and know they are prepared to sign up further sponsorship deals with you at the helm. They have assured me of their continuing support. If you can get Bansung to move into these areas, your job is done, simple as that.”

A day later, Shan Mei was back in her Seoul office. Apart from making more space for her 2 new secretaries, she also wanted to give Xiang Jie some desk space as she had a project for him to follow through for her.

Father was all excited his younger son would be arriving from London this weekend. He had missed him so much.

Shan Mei decided to meet up with her husband for lunch, then coffee in his office. He wondered what she wanted from him this time, knowing she seldom visited him in his office during office hours. Throughout lunch, he kept looking at his wife, to see whether he could detect a clue.

Back in his office, his wife went around his chair to give his neck and shoulders a quick massage. “Tired?” she asked softly.

“Ehmm, a bit” he murmured wondering what she was up to, then asked, “Don’t you have a job to do?”

“I want to do my job, but you’re too tired,” biting her lower lip as she said that, her brows knitted in knots.

He caught hold of her hand and pulled her on to his lap. He looked at her intently, expecting to hear further from her. She threw him a mischievous glance from under her lashes, got off his lap and went meekly to sit on his sofa.

“Encountering some problems? You need my help?” Xiang Zhe was getting curious as he shot her an indulgent smile.

“Not encountering problems. Just need your cooperation.” Shan Mei threw her husband a fleeting side glance, before continuing, “Michael said the main responsibility of my new job is to make babies and take holiday trips around the region.”

His eyes turned big on her, “True?” She nodded her head. He scratched his head nonplussed. What game were the two of them playing?

She continued, “I suppose from Michael’s point of view, it’s cheaper than maintaining a wife. And quality assured, looking at his godson.” The two of them looked at one another, and suddenly burst out laughing. He stopped.

Becoming serious, he began clearing his desk, and was just about to buzz his secretary on the phone intercom, when his wife stopped him. “Didn’t you mention this morning about a meeting in the afternoon?”

He signaled to her for silence then called Li Qing Xi, asking her whether she could spare some time from her planning schedule to attend an afternoon meeting on his behalf. He buzzed his secretary asking her to cancel all appointments for the afternoon.

“What do you have in your mind? Trying to skip work? If you get into trouble, I’m not going to be held responsible.” Shan Mei warned her husband.

Xiang Zhe left his chair and made his way to sit down next to his wife on the sofa. He drew Shan Mei into his arms, and smiled down sensuously into her wide eyes and in a husky voice told her, “I’ve a mind to do a lot of things to you.” Then he whispered his quite explicit plans into her ear, which had her blushing and flustered. “Come,” he said as he stood up, pulled her up from the sofa and dragged his wife with him out of his office.

Xiang Zhe decided to go to their cabin, since baby and nanny were at home.
After he turned on the heating in the cabin, they changed out of their work clothes into their comfy Ts and shorts, the real story from her could wait.

[tbc]

Chapter AW-37

Xiang Zhe laid out the quilted mat, and was getting ready to lie down, pulling his wife down next to him when she queried, “Aiyo, husband, what are you doing?”

He smiled and gave her an innocent look. “Just helping you in doing your job, no? Did I not promise you my 100% support whenever you needed it?”

He laughed delightfully as he eased her back onto the mat. He drew her closer and cradled her face in his hands as he kissed her tenderly. He lay on his back next to her, his hand clasping hers, turned his head to look at her, and giving her his soft smile he said, “Now, give me the whole story.”

“Michael said to just drop in once a month at the regional offices to keep them on their toes. He agreed that there should be room for improvement, but to ease it in. If not for Michael, many of the sponsors would prefer to take their sponsorship deals elsewhere. I think the staff has an attitude problem, especially Tokyo and Sydney offices. My presence would remind them how well the Seoul office is doing. Apart from making babies, and traveling around on holiday, I’d have to convince Bansung to move their advertising account to CTN Asia/Pac. Right now at CTN-KE Bansung is sponsoring NWP, Legends and one monthly mini-series, all award winning programmes. But I don’t think it’s that easy to convince them to consider advertising through CTN for the other markets.”

Xiang Zhe looked at his wife, suddenly giving her an idea in jest. “Bansung would advertise anywhere in the world if you holiday all over the region with him making babies.”

“Xue Zhang, please be serious, and stop talking nonsense.” She didn’t appreciate the way he was teasing her.

“I’m serious. Haven’t you heard how Madam Sung was telling her friends our Bao Bao should have been her grandson? You give her a baby, she’d give you control of half of their company.” Xiang Zhe continued his theory.

”So, you suggest I give them a baby? You know I always do what you recommend,” Shan Mei asked sweetly and softly, giving him a mischievous look. She then rummaged through her handbag for her mobile phone. She flipped open the cover, as if preparing to make a call.

He snatched the mobile phone away. “What do you think you are you doing?” he snapped.

“Calling Mr. Sung, to make a date,” came her flippant reply. Shan Mei looked serious.

“Over my dead body,” he laughed.

“Okay, then. I’m going to finish you off.” She proceeded to tickle him and bite him at wherever she could sink her teeth into.

He sat up to catch hold of her and placed her on his lap. “See all these bite marks? How are you going to make them better?” he asked in an injured tone, glaring his big eyes at her.

She started signing her imaginary autograph against each of the marks. With an exaggerated flourish of her hand, she signed off the final one, and then planted a lingering kiss on his forehead. She wiggled out of his hold and made her way quickly to the kitchen to get herself a drink.

“”Where are you going? Shan Mei, wait a minute. It’s too cold out there,” he asked in the velvety thick voice of tired contentment. Taking his jacket, he ran after her. When he caught up with her, he wrapped the jacket around her, drew her into his embrace for his warmth, and then gave her a long kiss. He put a cup of water into the microwave to heat up. He filled the water kettle with water for boiling. When Shan Mei had finished the water, he took the cup away from her and whispered very seriously into her ear, “The only babies you are having will be Yin Xiang Zhe’s,” and carried her back to their cabin.

When she saw the red bite marks on him, she really felt bad for inflicting such pain to her husband, but she wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of knowing it. “Come on, dearest husband, don’t be such a baby. These are nothing. Your skin is so thick my teeth ached simply trying to bite into you. I’ll kiss them better for you, okay?”

He grinned devilishly. “I want same treatment like last time.” Then he lay down nicely on the warm mat, waiting for his angel’s magical ministrations.
Was that what the saying ‘the agony and the ecstasy’ meant? He felt agony and indescribable ecstasy. He wanted release. He was reaching a state of lightness as well as intensity; he was drowning yet felt afloat. He suddenly rolled over on top of his wife; without uttering a word, his eyes hot with passion, he blazed a trail of fiery kisses all over her, his hands caressing her lovingly.
==

The evening Xiang Jie returned from London was big party time at Yin’s family home. Bao Bao had grown so much, and he about answered Yes or No to almost everything. Uncle thought he heard wrong, until Patrick confirmed baby was trying to say Yes and No. Xiang Jie then also began to baby talk in simple English with his baby nephew.

Shan Mei felt she had not punished her husband enough for thinking so foolishly about her and Xiang Jie. She was going to make him pay some more. After tonight, she would let the matter rest. Throughout dinner, she picked food for her little brother, saying this was his favourite, and that was made especially for him.

Xiang Jie, unaware of the undercurrents, was so happy. He was the centre of attention. Everybody in the house had welcomed him home so warmly, especially his baby nephew. BB wanted to sit on his uncle’s lap all night, and wouldn’t even go to his Daddy. Shan Mei knew her husband was seething. He was angry with Shan Mei for giving such special attention to his younger brother, but he didn’t dare show it. Xiang Zhe fretted quietly to himself, they would have showdown in the house tonight, since nanny and baby would be staying over at Father’s place. Even if they tore the house down, he didn’t care.

During coffee and tea, Shan Mei asked Xiang Jie whether he was the one who did the editing for the video clip at the CTN Ball? He went pink in the face. “David insisted I give it a try.”

‘David?’ Shan Mei thought highly amused, when everybody at the CTN-London office had to address him by Mr. Dutton. “Hmm,” Shan Mei continued to muse, “Seems like little brother and David Dutton are getting along just fine.” The video clip was so well done, especially at the end when he panned in close-up of his brother playing his guitar, all the ladies present at the Ball couldn’t believe the president of MBS was so young, handsome and talented.

Xiang Jie became excited and admitted shyly, “That was exactly what I told my friends at the editing Unit. My brother is not only handsome and clever but talented; no one would believe such a young man could be the president of the largest television station in Korea.” He laughed, running one hand through his hair, the other he fisted up and punched into the air, with “Yahoo”. Baby looked at his uncle curiously and began to copy him, punching his tiny fist into the air, laughingly imitated, “Hoo..oo!”

Shan Mei took out from her tote bag the newest Palm model, and gave it to him, saying it was a gift from his elder brother. “Your brother said you would be busy this holiday helping at both MBS and CTN, you would need a portable organiser.”

Xiang Jie was so appreciative; it was exactly what he wanted. He ran up to Xiang Zhe and gave him a big ‘thank you’ hug. Big brother ruffled his hair and gave him a pat on his back, and he stole a sidelong glance at his wife. Xiang Jie then showed his Dad how the electronic organiser functioned. Father was impressed and said, “May be I’ll need one to keep track of the competition results.” Xiang Jie wanted to know everything about the competitions.

That night, when Shan Mei and Xiang Zhe were about to leave, little brother saw them out, and gave a CD to his brother, telling his brother not to forget to watch it. And again thanked his brother profusely for the Palm organiser.

In the car, Xiang Zhe stole another side way glance at his wife. He smiled to himself. He had again played right into her hands. If she didn’t end up sweetening him through Xiang Jie, only God would know the outcome of this evening. She was now sitting next to him, keeping quiet, smiling so demurely and acting so innocent as if he didn’t realize she had purposely set out to make him jealous at the dinner table.

“Trying to bewitch Xiang Jie like the way you bewitched me?” he asked his wife gravely, breaking the silence.

“I didn’t do anything of that kind,” she retorted pertly. “I didn’t even try to make you like me when I first knew you.”

He gave a twisted grin. “In that, you failed miserably. But if you were deliberately attempting to make me jealous tonight, I assure you it worked.”

“I was only showing Xiang Jie some encouragement for a job well-done. That clip he did of MBS at the CTN Ball boosted your profile around the world better than any other publicity campaign your Zian Da could have master-minded for you.”

His brow lowered with mock anger. “Are you trying to find any reason to make me jealous again?” he growled.

“No,” she replied with a laugh that showed how seriously she took his bogus accusation. “I’m trying to make him feel comfortable and welcomed when he begins work with us at the stations.” With that, she put out a hand and caressed the back of Xiang Zhe’s hand that was resting on the gear shift.
This soft, little caress did wonders to his testerone level and he felt himself beginning to harden.

When they arrived home, Shan Mei asked him, “Do you want to watch the CD Xiang Jie gave you? I’m not too tired, may be we can watch it together if you’re not tired too.”

Xiang Zhe gave his wife a soft smile. Actually, he was ready to rush her up to their bedroom, but he wanted to humour her too. “Why not?” knowing she was just as curious as he was.

Shan Mei went into the kitchen to mix the small size champagne she had bought from Hong Kong, with peach juice in a jug. When she came back into the TV room with the drinks, Xiang Zhe switched on the machine. She curled up to her husband on the sofa.

It was a video of Shan Mei from her KFA days in London and Europe, some shots showed her biting her knuckles and her eyes looking so big and anxious, when ever her team was not doing too well, she would be furiously taking photos and making notes. Every time such shots came up, her husband drew her close to him and kissed her lightly on her temple, laughing softly into her hair.

Then the video showed her early CTN days. Shan Mei working in the Production Unit, looking so serious and making notes all the time. After a while, it became obvious Shan Mei had worked at all the back room divisions. She had different coloured note books for the various depts. She was at CTN Company Christmas party; many colleagues invited her to dance. Xiang Zhe recognised some faces from Brighton weekend. The video continued with clips from her Korean Kinship assignment filming, her farewell party, Cassie and David’s wedding, Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei on stage at her mini concert, her wedding in Seoul, the Award Ceremonies, where Xiang Jie put his brother and sister in the same frame from the various years, baby Bao Bao, Musical Postcard with the duo playing their guitars, ending with their kiss at their wedding.

The video brought back so many sweet and loving memories. Shan Mei’s eyes became wet with unshed tears. Could these have happened not so long ago? Xiang Zhe was so touched. He looked at his wife with such profound love in his eyes, and softly murmured into her ear, “Darling, you’re so right. I’m so lucky to have such a wonderful brother, and so blessed to have the most loving wife.”

They might have torn the house down that night, but not with their fighting, only with their loving.
[tbc]

Chapter AW-38

MBS Planning Department was again a hive of activity since Xiang Jie’s return for work assisting Li Qing Xi. Han Jae Hoon and Patrick were constantly in and out of Xiang Jie’s office.

At CTN, he also had a desk to work from. Shan Mei wanted him to get some statistics for her in the CTN Asia/Pac regions of viewers’ viewing patterns so she could have a rough idea what programmes would sell for each particular area.

His work schedule was almost set. Mornings, he went to work with Patrick. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights he stayed late in the office, meeting up with the seniors after the game club, for supper or something.

On Fridays, he tried to be home early, knowing Bao Bao would be at their place. He was so grateful having Auntie Lee. She was just like Dad’s sister, taking care of them, and always so understanding. If Sister had her Gugu, he had his Auntie Lee. And Patrick was like his best buddy and more approachable than his own elder brother. Xiang Jie had noticed everybody was afraid of his elder brother; only Sister could rationalise with him. His elder brother doted on her like crazy. Michael had said she was the most wonderful person in the world. Xiang Jie agreed.
==

MBS Christmas party was next week. Xiang Zhe had just arranged with the loggers to send a big Christmas tree over to his father’s house. There was excitement in Yin Senior’s house because this had become a new custom for them to have a Christmas tree. Xiang Zhe had sent the first tree to Father’s house last Christmas and they all enjoyed the tree and the presents very much. Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei didn’t need one at their own house, because usually they were not home for Christmas. His Father’s place was now designated the headquarters. His presents to go with the tree were in his car. He would send them over this evening when they dropped baby off.

Zian Da had shown him the trophies for the winners of the competitions. Next week, the winners would emerge. The canteen had never been so busy.

Xiang Zhe thought it might be a good idea after the New Year to introduce more features to the games meetings. He called Zian Da to his office. “Zian Da, do you think it’s a good idea to continue with the games after the new year – meeting during the three evenings during the week, making it some kind of game club? Those who are not interested in competitions may like to relax with a game as leisure. Others can organise their own games. We have only to ensure no one is involved in gambling.”

“No harm in letting the employees continue meeting for the games. So far the lot seems very pleased with the evening arrangement; not all stay back to play, many stay back to chit chat and simply watch the proceeding.”

“In this case, prepare to announce the continuation of the game club during the Christmas party. We will also announce the formation of a junior game club at the same time. Membership for this club will only be open to children of our employees. And Zian Da, just ensure that Shan Mei and I are left out of any prize giving ceremony. Leave all the prize presentation to the seniors. I want to make early getaway from the party with my wife.”
==

Xiang Zhe was now sitting in his own office, planning his own private Christmas party. If they went to the cabin, it would be too cold to spend any time outdoors. This year the cold was quite severe. That night when Shan Mei ran around the cabin in her shorts and t-shirt, he was worried she would catch a cold.

The house would be the safest bet, since it too had central heating. It would be like before baby came. They used to have the whole house to themselves. They would have their annual 2-day Love Fest, as Shan Mei had so named it, at home.

He looked at Peter Rabbit, and then took Shan Mei’s photo from his table in his hand and learned back against his chair. As he held it in his hand, he stared at her. From her sweet and happy face to her dazzling smile, it was obvious Shan Mei believed in everything. What was it about her that she could, with one smile make his heart race, and with one look makes his knees melt? It was a mystery to him, how he could now be sitting at his table excitedly planning his own private Christmas party, or birthday party, or some special day party, when he had been bored with the whole process before he met Shan Mei, and was cynical of those who went to extreme efforts to plan such silly things. The difference, he had discovered, even though she liked parties, Shan Mei valued her privacy. She never liked to make a show of things. If she had the chance again, he was sure she would ask him to put the anklet on her in the privacy of her home, not at some busy restaurant for all to see. Getting to clasp the anklet on Shan Mei was so unexpected. He smiled; he rubbed his forehead as he shook his head – he was surprised at himself, too. He had never done anything so bold in his life – Love could really make a person do crazy things!

Just then his phone rang; it was his angel, inviting him for lunch, in her sweet voice. They met up at Cream House. His eyes had a question in them.

“Seeing the video makes me think back of my days at MBS, and how caring and supportive you were towards me, and how childish and impossible I was towards you. You should have sent me packing a long time before I decided to leave.” She took his hand under the table and gave it a loving squeeze.

He held on to it, not letting her hand go. He simply looked at her and smiled softly at her, thinking how generous his wife was. She had apologised for acting childish during those MBS days, but never once mentioned about his stupid, though unintentional, behaviour, that sent You Zhen tumbling down a dark abyss.

“Have you decided on a Christmas present for your Father?”

He nodded and asked his wife, “Are you going to get Father a present too?”

“I was thinking of getting him a Palm.”

“I want one too,” he managed to squeeze out between a pout.

“Why would you need one? That thing inside your head is more powerful than that little Palm.” And she gave him such a loving look, his knees were beginning to melt.

“You already occupy a great deal of my poor brain that it has very little room left for other things. Do you know that?”

“I don’t know,” she said finally, quietly. “I only know that you’re very important to me, Husband.”

Xiang Zhe liked the sound of that. He brought her hand up to his mouth and kissed the tips of her fingers, each lingeringly and intently.

She blushed and furtively eyed around to see whether anyone had noticed the outrageous behaviour of her husband. When they were almost through with lunch, his wife asked him,

“Doing anything this afternoon?”

“Depends on what you have in mind,” he answered, grinning wickedly.

“Definitely not the same as what you have in yours,” she chirped back.

He looked crest-fallen, but added, “Nothing that cannot be cancelled.”

She was happy to hear that. “I was thinking may be we could drive out to that seafood village. I want to see what fresh seafood I can get. I want to make super delicious food for you this Christmas, since I will be busy starting 1st January. I want to treat you like a king over the holidays”

Suddenly, he became alert. “Really? You will do anything I tell you to?”

“Of course, your Royal Highness!” she answered giving him a slight bow with a genuine submissive air.

“Okay, we will drive out to the seafood village now.” He called his secretary telling her he wouldn’t be in the office this afternoon. He had to drive Mrs. Yin to the sea side. His mind was at ease, he had just this morning wondered how he was going to get his wife to wear the naughty bikini he had bought for her in Hong Kong.
==

On the night of MBS Christmas party, the venue was well packed before the given time. Many came to admire the trophies and prizes on display. The winners themselves were excitedly discussing among themselves the various tactical moves of their plays to emerge winners in the finals. Xiang Zhe was pleased with himself for suggesting the idea. Shan Mei was right. He should have proposed the idea a long time ago, except he never thought of it until his wife pointed out to him his father needed something to occupy his evenings. He wanted to see the response to the idea of a Junior Game Club. He saw Han Jae Hoon mingling with a group from the Drama Department. May be he could get him to organise a dance club too.

Before dinner commenced, Zian Da was on stage to make the 2 important announcements. Response was overwhelming, especially to the idea of Junior Club. Xiang Zhe could see youngsters with their parents collecting application forms from the designated counter.

Unbeknown to Xiang Zhe, CTN was presenting 4 Appreciative Awards that evening for cooperative efforts. Shan Mei presented one award to Dubbing Dept, another to Canteen Management, Patrick to News Dept., You Zhen to Production Dept. This was such a pleasant surprise, for Xiang Zhe as well as for all the winning Department Heads who beamed all night. His wife really knew how to motivate. He was looking forward to meals at CTN Executive dining room. After tonight, they would make sure Zhen Shan Mei got the best. That imp!

They had stayed longer at the party than he wanted to. Because seeing how happy his Father was, he didn’t want to leave. For the first time, the seniors were actively involved. Father was in total agreement with the scheme for Junior Club; he donated two other awards of prize money for the Chess Section. The 2 other seniors did the same for their Sections. This simple gesture was to encourage the children to learn to play seriously.
==

At home, Shan Mei brought out champagne, peach juice, plus Christmas snacks she had bought from Westin’s delicatessen. Xiang Zhe wanted to watch again the CD his brother had given him. There was a clip showing Shan Mei at CTN’s Christmas party. He ran through that section in slow motion. His wife had to explain to him, almost frame by frame, what she was doing and with whom. At some junctures when he saw her talking with some male colleague, he would pass some barb comments, like, ‘you barely know that man, why are you talking with him?’ or ‘I thought you only started with CTN at the beginning of December, why did you allow that man to hold on to you so tightly when dancing with him?’ or ‘why weren’t you staying close to Vicky and the other girls ?’ and so on and so on. Shan Mei had to suppress an urge to laugh. Xue Zhang was determined to find fault, no matter how irrelevant, with the contents of the CD.

He saw Michael there standing around nursing a drink, and he was not dancing. “Why not?” he asked his wife, wanting to know. Shan Mei suggested her husband should ask Michael, and not her.

Just then, Shan Mei’s phone rang. Believe it or not, it was Michael, calling to wish them merry Christmas. After an exchange of pleasantries, Shan Mei passed him on to her husband saying Junior had a question for him.

Xiang Zhe wagged a finger at his wife, for putting him on the spot. Since Michael was on the phone, he might as well ask him. “Senior, Shan Mei and I are now watching a video JJ made for us. One part showed Shan Mei at CTN Christmas party when she first joined CTN. I noticed that you were not dancing at all. Weren’t you feeling okay that time?”

Michael remembered that night very well. Shan Mei had just joined CTN at the beginning of the month. All night he had been circling the fringes of the room admiring her, trying to work up some courage to ask her for a dance. He was afraid as soon as he asked, he would frighten her off, and she might take the next flight back to Seoul. Better to be patient and bide his time. If he knew Junior was in the wings waiting, he would have swooped in and flown her off to his castle and wouldn’t let her escape until she agreed to marry him.

“Wouldn’t you call that kidnap?” Junior asked innocently and laughed softly. Michael bellowed out with a loud laugh, saying Junior was getting sharp. “Anyway, not to worry. You can keep Shan Mei, just give me BB (Bao Bao).” Before hanging up, Michael said he would fly in for the Broadcasting Award Ceremony, if he could postpone his meeting with CTN-USA which had been scheduled for the same weekend.

Before bed, they enjoyed a long warm soak in the tub. They were totally relaxed when they were abed. As usual Xiang Zhe got his special Christmas kiss from his wife. They sang Christmas carols to themselves. Their bedroom was imbibed with such Christmas peace and goodwill, it seemed as if angels were floating around. They soon fell asleep ensconced in their love, somewhere up in heaven

Christmas morning came, the day Xiang Zhe had been waiting for since last month. Today and tomorrow, his wife had promised to give him the royal treatment.

They woke up late. She went to the kitchen to prepare for him a royal brunch. At the kitchen table, he reminded her he was king for the day. She took from somewhere in a corner a paper crown made out of gold colourd tinfoil and threw it on his head saying that was all he was allowed to wear and nothing else. Luckily she let him keep his white boxer shorts on.

After brunch, he wanted his wife to play him something on her flamenco guitar. They were upstairs on the office floor, sipping champagne, and he leaning against the sofa, cocooned in the warmth of Shan Mei’s love, was soon lost in her music. Soothing moments later he fell into a light sleep. When she stopped playing, he awoke. She had gone to the kitchen to check on her ginseng soup, and to make some finger sandwiches with the best pate de foie gras Westin had flown in from France for the Christmas season. When Shan Mei was back on the office floor with the sandwiches, Xiang Zhe took one bite, and pronounced it was ‘first class’ like what he used to take with his French loaves in London. Xiang Zhe was lapping up all the attention his wife was giving him.

Shan Mei had the funny feeling her husband was working against some kind of agenda. He seemed to know what he wanted, one thing after another.

When evening descended upon them, he wanted his warm bath. He put on a Nat King Cole’s CD of romantic songs. His wife washed him thoroughly, even clipping his nails for him.

“Darling, didn’t I just clip your nails last week?”

“Never mind about last week. Today, this King wants his nails clipped!”

When he walked into their bedroom, he wanted his massage. His patient wife simply let him play his game, already feeling guilty that soon she would be leaving him a few days each week to go ‘pursue’ her career. How she wished he could go with her each time. But she must not be selfish. He was the president of MBS, himself a very important and busy man.

On his bedside table, as he was easing onto his side of the bed, he saw a Palm organiser. On its special cover was engraved in beautiful lettering his name and a loving message ‘Y Love you Forever Z’, the Y represented by a flat round peridot, the Z represented by a flat round Mabe pearl. He was ecstatic, but kept quiet, waiting for his wife’s magical massage.

Before she could begin, he insisted she changed into her special masseuse uniform, which he had left on the dresser in her dressing room. As soon as she walked towards her dressing room, he pulled a pillow over his ears. He didn’t want to hear her shrieks.

The shrieks never came. Shan Mei laughed when she saw the outfit. So this was what he had been up to all day. A very beautiful diamond choker inset with cream and dark coloured south sea and Tahitian pearls was placed on top of the bikini set.

She changed into the naughty bikini stitched out of some kind of gossamer fabric. On its bra top, was ‘KissMe’ on both cups; on the panties, at the back ‘SqueezeMe,’ and on the front, strategically placed ‘LoveMe.’ He really surprised her. Knowing him, even if he wanted to, he would be too shy to buy it. He must have been in a teasing mood, egged on by the devil at the time of purchase. Shan Mei then thought “what the heck?” If he wasn’t too shy to buy it, why should I be too shy to wear it for my husband’s pleasure?”

He was sitting up in bed against the headboard waiting for her to emerge.
He never took his eyes off her, thinking how simply gorgeous she looked.
When she tried to turn him around on his stomach to get ready for massage, he asked her why she wasn’t wearing the diamond choker? “Even a king has to do some work”, she smirked, then handed him the piece of jewelry. He laughed. His hands shook on touching her silky smooth skin, as he clasped the choker around her graceful neck. She turned around to give him a long, delicious ‘thank you’ kiss full on his lips. He then thanked his wife in like manner for the Palm which he was going to use to keep track of their love dates.

He began to squeeze her bottom, and as he slid her down against him, he caressed her firm mounds, and kissed hungrily at the buds now so erect and trying to push through the gossamer fabric. He was caressing her, squeezing her, kneading her.

As his lips closed over hers in a scorching hot kiss, he moaned for her as he pressed hard against her. When they broke apart for breath, he murmured into his wife’s ear, “Shan Mei, I want to love you now” and continued his caresses. He knew once he let himself go, he wouldn’t be able to stop.

“But Husband, what about the massage you wanted?”

“Forget the back massage. I’ll teach you something better and more fun.” And with that note, Xiang Zhe proceeded to work on removing the scanty bikini clothes, kissing her slowly and letting her feast on the delicious sensations he was evoking. A moan came from deep in her throat. He paused, grinning up at her.

“I think you’re a devil,” she told him seeing his wicked delight.

“And I think you’re gorgeous. Truly, my sweetheart,” he returned with a half-groan and half-laugh, as he ran his lips and fingers softly along the side of her hip.
(tbc)

Chapter AW-39

On the 1st day of January, the nomination list for February’s Broadcasting Industry Award Ceremony was out: MBS 12 nominations, CTN 18 nominations. Zian Da, on reading this in the newspapers, immediately rushed to Xiang Zhe’s office. Michael happened to be with Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei discussing the possibility of pitching the 2STAC concept to CTN’s Australian advertisers seeing how successful it was in Korea.

When Zian Da showed the news to Xiang Zhe, he passed the newspaper on to Shan Mei. She simply smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

For Zian Da, of course he would be excited. MBS had never before received so many nominations at one go. 2STAC and PIR were pitched against each other for top honours in similar categories.

Michael was indifferent. The novelty had worn off. He was more interested to see what Shan Mei would wear to the award ceremony this time. He had noticed her curvaceous figure in that stunning gown at the CTN Ball in London. Knowing Junior, he knew he wouldn’t allow her to wear anything too revealing.

CTN-KE’s achievements under Shan Mei had far surpassed the Dutton Twins’ expectations. David kept saying ‘unbelievable’ whenever Nomination time came around. The list should be on the Internet tomorrow.

Michael would wait to see what David had to say.

It was a benchmark no other television station in Korea had emulated or could emulate, he was sure. They would need someone with Shan Mei’s talent and charisma. Even if they found one, it would take time to train. Skills and techniques could be trained, X factor couldn’t. It was an innate trait; either a person had it or didn’t have it.

Two days later, when Xiang Zhe was taking Michael to the airport, Zian Da chose that time to phone Xiang Zhe. “Hi, it’s me. The press wants to know whether MBS will want to do some kind of promotion for Two Sides To A Coin, since it has again been nominated for 5 major awards.”

Xiang Zhe laughed and told him, “I don’t think it’s necessary. Or the other stations may accuse us of vote buying. Shan Mei has planned a topic that’s bound to create so much controversy, the debate among the public would generate enough media buzz to promote the show by itself.”

Michael wanted to know what little Shan Mei had up her sleeves. Xiang Zhe simply gave him a secretive smile and told him, “I’ll ask Patrick to courier to you the discs when they start this 2STAC segment. You can then see for yourself. Trying to describe to you the dog fighting I’m anticipating is beyond me.”

Michael was curious and reminded Junior not to forget to courier the CD as he alighted from the car with his shoulder bag. Michael always traveled light because he kept some of his clothes in the CTN officers in various cities he traveled to.

Two weeks later, it appeared as if any one who had watched the latest show of ‘Two Sides To A Coin’ was in hot debate over its current topic: Should a woman remain at home or keep a career after marriage? Thursday was ‘For’, and Friday ‘Against’. The following week, MBS would expand on this topic with: Who should be in Charge of Finances or Making Financial Decisions in the Family? On Friday, Shan Mei and Patrick had such a tough time calming the excited audience. The paparazzi were out in force after they got wind of the reaction to Thursday’s session. The viewers were eager to talk to the press, letting their views be known.

The viewers wouldn’t let up. They felt this issue could be elaborated further and requested the co-hosts to plan further debates. Meanwhile, all the major newspapers also polled their readers’ opinion. The results were so varied, the leading newspaper decided to interview directly the people involved with this production: Mr. Yin Xiang Zhe, president of MBS who was himself a family man with a working wife; Miss Zhen Shan Mei who was married and enjoyed a successful career; Mr. Patrick Lee giving a bachelor’s viewpoint on whether he would want a career-minded wife or a stay-at-home wife.

The newspaper sent two reporters to interview the Yins separately in their offices. On comparing notes, the reporters were surprised how similarly the Yins reflected one another’s view, in general.

Yin Xiang Zhe, on being interviewed, told the reporter why he would always be supportive of his wife's career.

“I love my wife completely, whole heartedly; whatever she wants to do, I will be totally supportive. When I first met her in London, she was only 20. At that time, I already knew she would one day be that very special someone in my life. When I returned to Seoul after I completed my degree course 3-1/2 years later, I returned with the intention of convincing her to return with me to London. After seeing how serious and hard she was working towards a broadcaster’s license, I stayed back to show my support.

She worked very hard for her success. Most nights when she was at home doing her research or assignments, without her knowledge, I sat outside her house and only left after the lights in her room were out.

When she first resigned from MBS, wanting to try her luck in London, I immediately went after her trying to convince her to return to MBS. She refused, wanting to try her luck on her own. I didn’t know how it happened, but only 2 days after her arrival in London, she was offered a job with the Korean Football Association International Players training in UK and Europe at that time. I was in real agony then. After waiting patiently for six years for her to grow up and ready to accept marriage, I didn’t want to lose her to another man. Then three months after, she was given a contract with CTN-UK.

Later, when Shan Mei was with CTN-UK, I visited London to attend a brief 2-day TV Convention. CTN also participated in this convention, I didn’t get to see her because she had to work overnight to complete a story outline to be presented at a directors’ meeting the next day. The next morning I waited downstairs at her apartment block at 5 in the morning. She came down at 5.30 a.m. preparing to go to work. Since I was supposed to leave London that night, we had dinner together. That was all because she had to complete the Script and Direction outline to the approved story line to be submitted the next day. Which meant she didn’t sleep for 3 days and 2 nights! That story outline was for her production of ‘Korean Kinship’ which has since enjoyed such tremendous popularity and success worldwide. It was so heart wrenching for me to see her work like that. Her success is gained by sheer hard work and through her enormous talent. Later, she told me, at CTN-UK she normally began work at 6 o’clock in the morning! My heart twisted in such pain on hearing that. After that, I knew I could never take her success away from her, and I promised myself I would always be supportive of her career, no matter what.

Luckily for us, being in the same industry, we understand the erratic hours involved. My wife is so very well organised and can juggle work and home so well, everything at home runs like clockwork. Even though my wife is so successful in her own right in her career, at home she always leaves all the major decision-making to me.”

Zian Da on reading this was shocked. He didn’t know Shan Mei could write such complete story and direction outlines as well as scripting. He went to see Xiang Zhe to brood over this.

Xiang Zhe looked at him, perplexed. “If Shan Mei cannot do all these things, how did she manage to win 3 awards for her Korean Kinship series? How could she have conceptualised PIR in her head? She is spoon-feeding you all; getting in the big sponsors, arranging for the guests, all you people have to do is follow orders.” Xiang Zhe rubbed at the deep frowns on his forehead, getting fed-up with Zian Da. No wonder Yong Xi finally chose Zian Da as her marriage partner. In their marriage, no doubt about it, she would be in total control of everything, and Zian Da would relish it. He didn’t like using his mind at all. Xiang Zhe then told him to think back why all the unfortunate things should happen to Shan Mei and no one else in the News Department when she first started with MBS? Who would hope to gain, knowing Shan Mei was talented and he liked Shan Mei, and if she was forced to leave MBS due to her supposed-to-be incompetence, there would be no more competition, right?

That night Zian Da broached the subject with Yong Xi, knowing she had loved Xiang Zhe since young. Yong Xi immediately thought of Ying Mei.

“She used everybody as a stepping stone. She tried to glean as much information as possible about Xiang Zhe from me, wanting to make a play for him. That time I was such a fool, I didn’t even realize it. I thought she was interested because she was sympathetic to my situation, knowing I looked upon Xiang Zhe as more than a special friend. And if I remember correctly, Ying Mei once said Shan Mei was very careless and forgetful; she also accused Shan Mei of deleting a story I had written from the computer, when in fact I haven’t told anyone about it, since I had made an extra copy. When I confronted her whether she was the one who deleted the story, she turned on me for accusing her without evidence…... It was after that I had the mishap in the car.”

Husband and wife looked at one another. Did Xiang Zhe find out something in London? Was that why he issued instant dismissal letter to Ying Mei while he was still in London? What else did he find out? After discussing further, they both agreed Ying Mei was at the root of the problems. It was not only Shan Mei who left, but You Zhen too and he didn’t want to stay in Korea but migrated immediately to New Zealand. No wonder when he told Xiang Zhe over the phone that You Zhen had resigned, he didn’t sound at all surprised. Whatever the problem was, it must have been serious.

Looking at Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei now, Zian Da never saw a happier and more in love couple. How could he ever think they were not compatible? Even though he didn’t dare admit to Yong Xi, there was a time when he had tried to push Ying Mei and Xiang Zhe together. Now he realized Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei matched each other so perfectly, they even thought with one mind, from the contents he had read from the separate interviews in the newspaper. Their answers were the same, only worded differently. He knew he had to be more careful in assessing people’s characters in the future.

And what a difference Shan Mei had made to the Yin household? Father and Elder son now understood each other. Elder brother now accepted younger brother. Where previously Xiang Zhe was adamant he wouldn’t want to marry and have children, Shan Mei had now given him so much love and a beautiful son. Her father-in-law loved her so much, he even transferred his stake in Wen Rong entirely to her, and Xiang Zhe was comfortable with that. In fact, he was very proud of his wife.

Michael couldn’t get away from CTN-USA meeting, but he had phoned to let Shan Mei know he would catch up with the news on Internet, but the sponsors from UK and US for Two Sides To A Coin would be attending as part of the CTN/MBS entourage to the Award ceremony. The Yins’ ascending star shone brighter than ever, after their interviews were published in the papers.

So was Patrick’s, especially when he said he hoped to make a marriage like the Yins. He had known them for slightly over two years; they appeared to be more in love than ever. He noticed whenever he was out with them in public places, husband and wife always held hands secretly under the table.

As Xiang Zhe accompanied his wife down the red carpet, on-lookers could see how proud he was of her. They got wave after wave of applause and cheers from fans waiting at the venue to get a glimpse of the beautiful couple. Photographers were jockeying for prime positions hoping to score a coup like the photographer from last year who caught some shots of the Yin couple in their private moments. That issue of newspaper ran into 4 reprints.

She looked sensational in a Versace vintage evening gown that hugged her figure perfectly. When she was shopping for a gown to wear to the event, she showed Madam Kim the diamond/pearl choker her husband had gifted her for Christmas. Madam Kim immediately knew what to get her saying, “Dear Shan Mei, I saw the perfect gown from the Versace Vintage Collection at Milan recently. It’ll match your exquisite choker perfectly.”

Shan Mei besieged by paparazzi upon her arrival, had announced to the reporters prior to the ceremony, that due to her heavy involvement with CTN-Asia/Pac, she would curtail her activities in front of the camera. “I’ll continue to co-host the Chat Show and be news anchor one day of the week and continue to host her radio show, Musical Postcard. Other than that, I’ve too much on my hands right now to be able to find the time to do some more.” Her fans wanted her to reconsider her decision.

That evening CTN again won in every category that they had been nominated for. If they were eligible for some other categories, they would have walked it too. Their popularity was at such a high, they could do no wrong. In the eyes of the viewers, CTN meant ‘quality’. MBS walked away with 8 awards, with Two Sides To A Coin again taking 5. At the CTN/MBS celebratory party that night, Xiang Zhe could not stop grinning. His wife was not only the most beautiful in the crowd, but had made TV history by winning the Most Popular TV Personality Award 4 years in a row. Mr. Sung hung around waiting for a chance to invite Shan Mei for a dance.

Seeing Mr. Sung again so supportive of his wife, Xiang Zhe felt he should be generous enough, to let her dance with him. Only major sponsors were eligible to cast vote for Sponsors’ Choice and Bansung was definitely one of them. Shan Mei walked off with not only the award but a cash prize of Won 10,000,000 as well. She said she would donate the money to CTN/MBS Junior Club funds. Before she walked off the stage, she received a standing round of ovation from the floor.

Champagne was popping every where. An insuppressible air of jubilation pervaded the whole room. Shan Mei on getting a nod of approval from her husband, asked the band to strike up a tango number. She remembered Mr. Sung had at a charity appeal a few years ago donated millions of Won for a dance with her. Tonight, she felt so humbled. So many good friends had supported her so much in making her dream come true. She owed it most to her husband, to Michael and to Mr. Sung for their 100% support. Shan Mei and Mr. Sung burned up the dance floor, with their perfect rhythm, timing and technique.

Xiang Zhe was surprised at himself; he didn’t feel one bit jealous. In fact he was relieved. Watching them dance, he told himself: Mr. Sung could hold, he could admire, but he could never own his beautiful Shan Mei.

After that, it was party, party, party all the way till the wee hours of the morning. He couldn’t care less how many times Mr. Sung or Han Jae Hoon danced with Shan Mei. She did save her last dance for him. It was a slow, slow number. They swayed slowly to the mood of the music, lost in their own world. He couldn’t help himself, he just had to bury his face in her hair, its fragrance seducing him. At the end, when the lights came on, he tilted her face up to him, to give her a tender, lingering kiss. His eyes, as he looked into hers, showed a promise of more to come and his mouth softly whispered, “I love you.” At last! After a 6 hours’ wait, the paparazzi got their ‘magic’ shot.

As soon as they walked through the main door of their house, Xiang Zhe pulled his wife back into his embrace and whispered into her ear, “the night is not yet over, but only just beginning.” She smiled at him, “I know, that’s why I’m rushing upstairs to change. Want to help me?” He didn’t need further encouragement, but followed his wife up the stairs.

They danced the night away, with Shan Mei wanting to place bets. Tomorrow morning, at least 5 tabloids would hint that Zhen Shan Mei was ready to divorce her husband for Mr. Sung. And at least another 5 would report President Yin would divorce his wife after discovering she and Mr. Sung had been carrying on an affair for the past 2 years. Another head line would be: Zhen Shan Mei was bold enough to tango with Mr. Sung under Mr. Yin’s nose. Marriage on the rocks! Or, Mr. Yin had eyes only for the new starlet so and so. Or, President Yin ignored his wife all night, she had to run into the arms of Mr. Sung for solace!

Xiang Zhe told his wife to stop creating such far-fetched headlines. “I only had eyes for you the whole evening. And if any of these headlines should appear tomorrow morning, I’m going to hold you accountable and punish you as such. All I want to know is whether you mean what you said about cutting back on your commitments? Does that mean you’re going to spend more time with me? ” When he finished his questioning, he nibbled along the jaw line of his wife, hoping she’d tell him if she had a choice she’d want to spend all her time with him, and him alone.

The following morning. Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei hogged the headlines and front pages of the day’s mainstream newspapers, every picture showing how loving the couple was towards one another, how they shared a tender kiss at their party. Other tabloids, well known for being sensational, showed many photos of Shan Mei with Mr. Sung, dancing, talking, or just standing about.

One even showed Xiang Zhe individually posing with a few starlets, with headline: A king with his 4 new queens, the old witch to be banished from Seoul. The accompanying article explained because of this fact, to save face, Miss Zhen Shan Mei announced that she was going to cut back her commitment in front of the TV screen!

One of the starlets, when talking to this tabloid’s gossip columnist, even passed a comment that she didn’t realize Zhen Shan Mei looked so old in real person. Xiang Zhe made a mental note of this. Tomorrow he must instruct Zian Da to warn all MBS departments that none of these 4 starlets, whoever they were, must ever to be allowed to pass through the threshold of MBS building. Any employee disobeying this order would be subject to instant dismissal, without employee compensation of any sort whatsoever!

Xiang Zhe, eyes wide opened, looked up aghast at Shan Mei when they were having their breakfast. Pushing the newspapers toward her he asked, “Darling, who are these girls? I’ve never set eyes on any of them before, let alone posed with them. And, you’re the old witch?” He nudged his wife in her arms, thinking the headline so funny – Shan Mei being labeled ‘the old witch’. Throughout breakfast, every time he thought of that, he laughed out loud. Shan Mei was not amused at all, and sulked the whole day, not wanting any lunch or dinner.

Seeing his wife had taken the matter too seriously, he tried to go humour her, otherwise he would end up without dinner too. “My dearest old witch, do you want your old warlock to suffer along with you? If you don’t feed me soon, your old warlock will be a dead warlock,” and started tickling her palm. She didn’t respond.

“Okay, okay, if I let you bite me, will you promise to forget about that stupid tabloid?" Her eyes lit up, she nodded her head; Xiang Zhe began to roll up the front of his tee shirt. Pretending to bite him, instead she gave him a big, slurpy kiss right across his chest. He laughed, and caught her tight against his chest. “In this lifetime, the next and the eternal next, there will be only one queen for me and that is you. If you don’t appear in any one of my lifetimes, I‘ll pass. You’ll promise the same?” She nodded, a disbelieving pout on her lips.

“Stick you lips out like that again, I’m liable to kiss you non-stop.” Shan Mei bit at her lower lip, trying to hide a smirk.

“There’s that pout again,” he noted, tugging her to him and kissing her in a way that should show her he had missed her very much indeed that day.

She relaxed into his embrace and he marveled that every kiss seemed even more exciting than the last. Then, too soon, she pulled away but smiled beautifully, the warmth in her eyes touching him. “I missed that too.”

He got up and carried her to their kitchen, she held on tight to him, her head resting on his shoulder. He put her on the kitchen table, and began to softly kiss her tears away. After that, he went to the fridge to get her a drink, then offered her a sushi roll that he had made sometime in the afternoon. While she was eating, he rained feathery kisses along the side of her face, her neck, while his hands tenderly caressed her silky smooth back. “Maybe after sushi, my wife would like to have me for dessert?”

The next morning, at the MBS President’s office, Zian Da walked in and asked Xiang Zhe, “you want to see me?”

“Yes. Take a seat.”

Then Xiang Zhe flung yesterday’s copy of that tabloid at him. “Who are these 4 brainless bimbos? This tabloid is spouting rubbish again. You’d better write a warning letter to their Editor that if they ever print such trashy untruths again, I’ll have no alternative but clear the matter through legal recourse. Remind him what happened to Chosoon a few years back when they started to report irresponsibly. Tell him that we know these bogus photos had been photoshopped. Put them on our media black list. No more press releases to be forwarded to them.”

Before he sent Zian Da out of his office, Xiang Zhe instructed him to issue to all MBS staff a warning of what would happen if ever any one of these four starlets was ever found in MBS building or in any one of MBS programmes.

Chapter AW-40

Mr. Sung invited Shan Mei and her husband to be his guests at his specially reserved VVIP table for the Miss Blossom Beauty pageant. Shan Mei was reluctant to attend since Michael was in town; she didn’t want to leave him on his own. Mr. Sung was only too pleased to invite Michael along as well. “Shan Mei, what sporting luck you’ve got a spare. My sister needs an escort. And I think she’d have no fault to find with Sir Michael.” So it was thus arranged.

Xiang Zhe was not happy to go, but if he refused, that guy would think he was not up to the challenge, since the local gossip mongers knew Mr. Sung had a thing for his wife, especially after last week’s tabloids’ nonsensical reporting on the award ceremony. Michael was easy, but hoped that Miss Sung wouldn’t be a bore.

That evening, Xiang Zhe looked so dashing, so handsome; Shan Mei was worried, since she knew that Miss Park would surely be on the lookout for her husband. But, what to do?

She was in the floaty blue chiffon gown she wore at CTN’s Ball in London. If she had seen herself in the full-length mirror, she needn’t have worried about Miss Park. Shan Mei was a knock-out herself.

When they went to collect Miss Sung, Michael said she looked alright. She should: she was decked out in a necklace of triple strand diamonds, the size of marbles, and a silver-laced designer gown. He himself looked fabulous.

Miss Park had waited for them the whole night near the entrance of the venue, after noticing their names from Mr. Sung’s table seating arrangements. When Mr. & Mrs. Yin arrived, all eyes were upon them. They did make such a beautiful pair. Mr. Yin was holding on to his wife’s hand. On seeing them, Mr. & Mrs. Chung from SGS went up to them. Next, Michael entered with Miss Sung. Miss Park was immediately intrigued when Michael’s golden looks caught her fancy. “Where did this gorgeous hunk appear from?” she asked herself excitedly. They joined Junior and Shan Mei. All 6 of them were in deep conversation at the cocktail bar before eventually making their way to Mr. Sung’s table. Miss Park came by to make polite conversation. The first time Xiang Zhe saw her at his office, he already knew she would be termed a ‘trouble maker’ in Michael’s order of things. He watched to see how Michael would give her his polite brush-off.

There were other VIP tables, but Miss Park availed herself of the Sung’s table only. Mr. Yin was not a priority now. She had found out that the Golden Hunk was Sir Michael Dutton of London, a bachelor, and also related to the Royal family. Michael was getting fed up with her incessant interruptions. Turning to Miss Sung, Michael excused himself saying, “Miss Sung, will you please excuse us from the table for a while? Shan Mei and I have to accept an important call from London office. As soon as we are finished, we’ll be back.” As he vacated his seat, he gave Xiang Zhe a light pat on his shoulder. Xiang Zhe felt nervous. Both his wife and Michael had left the table without him, and he began to wonder whether there was any truth in their ‘getaway’ excuse?

Half an hour later, when Xiang Zhe noticed Miss Park making her way towards him, he told Miss Sung, he had to look for his wife. She was supposed to take her medication about an hour before meal time. He too made off. He went to the hotel lobby to look for them. He found them sitting there enjoying their drinks, Michael his Martini, Shan Mei a fresh juice mixture and they were talking and laughing.

Xiang Zhe was furious with them for leaving him alone in there. Instead of taking offence, Michael congratulated him on passing his test. “Congrats, old boy! You’ve managed to save yourself from a ‘trouble maker’. If ever there’s a trouble maker, that Miss Park in there will surely be top on the list. Now, Shan Mei will have to pay for the drinks. She was adamant that you would be too shy and too polite to make your getaway. But I was banking on you, telling her that would be the case before ‘training.’ Come on, make sure to order something with a stiff price.” Xiang Zhe laughed at that, and ordered himself a drink, giving his wife a doting look from under his lashes.

Eventually, they made their way back to the ballroom. Michael, to make amends for his inexcusable behaviour, went out of his way to be his most charming self towards Miss Sung. Miss Park on noticing this, was spitting fires. Xiang Zhe also gave his undivided attention to his wife, hoping that Miss Park when seeing how attentive he was towards his wife, would move on to other pastures. He didn’t need to try. He was, by nature and habit, very attentive and loving towards his wife.

Xiang Zhe wasn’t interested in watching the contest. In his mind, not one of the contestants up on the stage could rival his wife in looks and deportment. At the end of the evening, Miss Sung was very impressed with Michael and tried to arrange a date. Michael apologised profusely, saying he had to fly out tomorrow morning, when in fact he was not. On his next trip back, he would definitely make it a point to call on her.

That night in bed, husband and wife laughed so much over the evening’s happenings. One of the winners of a minor title came to sit at their table as Mr. Sung’s guest. Xiang Zhe remarked cheekily to his wife, “You know something? One of the prerequisites for being a contestant to this evening’s contest is to be dumb. That girl never uttered more than two words, ‘yes’ and ‘no’, throughout the whole night. Did you notice? Madam Sung ignored her completely complaining that her English was not up to mark.” Xiang Zhe shook his head at that. During the course of the evening, to be polite to Michael the guests at their table had conducted the evening’s discourse entirely in English.

During the function, Michael was up to his playful antics by leading the Sung family on. Madam Sung was beaming. She was such a snob, rejecting most suitors as beneath them, that was the main reason why her two daughters were still unmarried. The only one she tolerated was Shan Mei because she was the first girl their son had indicated an interest in. A month after the Yins first wedding anniversary when Shan Mei gave birth to a son, Madam Sung kept telling those friends who would listen that that grandson should had been theirs, such was their desperation for an heir.

This evening at the function when Madam Sung asked after their baby, Shan Mei told her the baby was growing up fast. Barely 18 months, but big like 2 years old and acted like 2. He was very clever too, already talking in 2 languages. Madam Sung was so envious. She was hopeful something would come out of the evening’s pairing of Sir Michael and her elder daughter. May be she would get her grandson after all.

On the way back to his hotel, Michael told Xiang Zhe, “My mother’s blood is bluer than Madam Sung’s, yet my mother is the kindest and most simple of person. That was why at first sight of Shan Mei, she instantly fell in love with her. She felt they were the same kind of people.”

“Husband, did you think that No. 12 should have won the title? I thought No. 8 was overall much better,” Shan Mei asked her husband’s opinion.

“I thought the girl in the blue evening gown should have been the winner.”

“Was there a contestant wearing a blue evening gown?” Shan Mei queried hesitantly. May be her husband had the colours mixed up.

“The beautiful girl sitting by my side at the table, and now lying so contentedly in my arms in my bed,” Xiang Zhe said, giving her a roguish smile and he started tickling her. ..…..

“Help, I feel too ticklish, I can’t breathe.”

‘You always cheat when we play tickle game,” Xiang Zhe protested lamely.

“Okay. To show I’m sorry, I’ll give you a back massage.”

“Don’t want. I’m not ready to sleep yet,” came his protest.

Shan Mei surrendered. “Okay, if you don’t want to sleep, I do. It has been a long day for me and I am tired.”

“If you want to sleep, I’ll oblige.” He then switched off the bedside lights and slid back into bed under the covers.

She curled up next to her husband, hugging him tight like a bolster. If there was one thing he liked to be, he liked being her bolster. He turned around and enveloped her in his arms. He was tired too. Tomorrow would be another busy day. They would be taking Michael to visit his BB at Father’s place.

When Michael saw his godson, he couldn’t wipe that grin off his face. The kid was 18 months but had grown so much. He was going to be another handsome fellow. He wanted so much to take him back to London, and was busy on planning a trip in his mind for Shan Mei and Junior to visit London with the kid next summer. The kid was bilingual, believe it or not. Auntie Lee, Patrick and Minnie made it a point to talk to him in English, the rest of the family in Korean. He could answer very fluently with Yes and No. His daddy joked that he was now eligible to enter the Miss Blossom Beauty Pageant, ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ being the primary necessary prerequisite, it would seem. Michael laughed so hard he almost rolled over in his seat, tears coming to his eyes.

Soon Yin Snr arrived home with Patrick. They had just come back from MBS, acting as moderators at the junior championships. Of course, Yin Snr was there to show off his special Chess set that Xiang Zhe had given him for Christmas. Uncle Jin had his Go set, Uncle Liu had his Bridge set. These sets were not available in Korea. Xiang Zhe specially bought them in Hong Kong. As expected by Xiang Zhe, the 3 seniors never failed to show up Sunday afternoons at MBS to teach the juniors the games.

Shan Mei’s parents came with You Zhen and Minnie. Ma had prepared some delicious food. Shan Mei had told her the food must not be too spicy or oily. Mr. Michael Dutton didn’t like spicy or oily food.

The men went into Yin Snr’s private sitting room. They brewed special grade Chinese tea. He had many antique tea sets and tea canisters. When Xiang Zhe told his father that they had gifted Michael an antique celadon tea set, his father took from his cabinet an antique celadon tea canister and gifted that to Michael to complete the set. Michael was very appreciative. With his trained eyes, he could tell the set was very old, about 100 years and very rare on the market.

The dinner that evening looked like one extended family gathering. All were connected in some way, Xiang Zhe thought silently to himself. Apart from Father and himself, all the others came indirectly through Shan Mei. And her family had brought them so much love and joy.

The days when he was by himself in London seemed like a faded memory. He by himself in London; Father, Xiang Jie and stepmother by themselves in Seoul. Now, to sit down for a family meal would involve 10 to 12 persons at least. Not the silent ordeal as before, but filled with good company, happy chatter and laughter.

If only there was another baby in the house, but husband and wife had decided to keep the first year of Shan Mei’s directorship with CTN-Asia/Pac as stress-free as possible. If Shan Mei fell pregnant during this time, it would be his fault, she had said. She had reminded him, “Husband, you’ve to be very careful keeping track of dates. Any time I’m ‘safe’, just let me know and I’ll give you all the time that you need and want.”

She had further promised him that after the 1st year, regardless whether she continued or not with Asia/Pac, they would try for their baby princess. By his reckoning, they could start trying in November, giving them another baby next year? Just thinking of this, gave him extra good appetite.

His wife had been watching him, seeing his big eyes rolling about as if scheming something. She saw him smiling secretly to himself, and suddenly he was asking for his second bowl of rice. If he didn’t watch his waistline, he would have to take a larger size in his trousers, like what he bought in Hong Kong.

About 10 p.m., Shan Mei stretched up from her chair and said, “Aiya, sorry to break up this party folks but I have to call it a night as I am flying out with Michael to Tokyo early tomorrow morning for a day trip. Come BB, give mummy a kiss.” She was so reluctant to leave her baby.

Xiang Zhe told BB, “Daddy will be back tomorrow to see you, okay?” Baby answered, “Yes”. Everybody just laughed wondering whether he really understood.

Michael could understand Shan Mei’s reluctance, Madam Sung’s envy, and Junior’s pride. He himself was ready to kidnap the little imp back to London.

At home, husband and wife shared a warm shower, scrubbing each other’s backs. Shan Mei always enjoyed the way her husband scrubbed her back. She could feel his tender love with every stroke. Tonight, he took greater care, knowing his wife would be having a hectic day tomorrow, she wanting to spend only one day in Tokyo, in order to rush home so she could be with him and baby.

During Shan Mei’s earlier MBS days, whenever he had to be in Japan for business meetings, he always tried to finish his business in one day, so that he could fly home as quickly as possible to see his angel. Whenever he was away, he always had some kind of premonition that some thing unpleasant was going to happen to her. Take that time when he just returned home from the airport from Japan, he received a distressed call from Shan Mei on his recording machine about her unfortunate mobile phone fiasco in the newsroom. Of course, later he understood why these things occurred. Instead of investigating thoroughly, Zian Da simply put it down to her inexperience, carelessness or forgetfulness, his thinking being influenced by Yong Xi.

His poor angel. He promised he would never let any body harm her or put her at such a disadvantage again. His beloved wife, his one and only love![

Chapter AW-41

Fingering nervously at the diamond rose pendant attached to the chain which Xiang Zhe had only this morning clasped around her neck, Shan Mei phoned her husband telling him she would spend one night in Tokyo and only return to Seoul the following evening.

“Darling, Michael and I will be traveling to Yokohama to meet the people at this TV station at Yokohama. Can you please find out from Mr. Ang how long it will take to dub a mini series from English to Japanese or Korean to Japanese, whichever is the easier? Mr. Yuri who is a current buyer of CTN programmes may be interested to deal directly with CTN Tokyo? Please let me have the information when you get it from Mr. Ang. Thank you. And darling, I’m missing you and our baby very much.”

“Are you wearing my rose pendant?” His tone sounded suspiciously like he assumed Shan Mei was living out the maxim, ‘out of sight, out of mind.’

‘Oh dear’ Shan Mei thought. Her dear husband sounded grouchy. “Of course, husband! Need you ask? In fact, I’m going to sleep with it around my neck tonight. And just to show you how much I love you, when I’m back in Seoul, I’m going to wear it to bed with nothing else except you tomorrow night.” And she quickly hung up the phone, not giving him the chance to have the last word.

“Hmm!” Xiang Zhe fumed, yet highly excited, when he placed the phone down. “One ‘missing you’ and she hopes to get away with murder. Wear nothing else except the pendant and me to bed, did she say?” A wide bittersweet smile broke out on his face, his eyes glazed, as he leaned his head back against his chair. “I’ll let her know I’m not so easily placated. And why she has to stay one extra night in Japan?” Xiang Zhe scratched his head, wondering what his wife was up to this time. Anyway, he had better get what she wanted before she threw a tantrum and refused him the treat as she had just promised. He called Mr. Ang’s phone extension number.

Earlier, upon arrival at Haneda airport, Shan Mei had bumped into Mr. Harry Yuri whom she had met when he was in London to buy programmes from the various TV programme producers. He was a client of CTN-UK. Mr. Yuri was so happy to see Shan Mei, and invited her and Michael to visit their NYK broadcasting house in Yokohama.

NYK was a family-run business. Harry Yuri was assisted by 3 younger brothers and 2 sisters, each responsible for a different section of the business. During their visit, Shan Mei suggested NYK try one of CTN’s mini series which they could provide to NYK all dubbed in Japanese. Harry was extremely interested. Shan Mei would arrange to give Harry a short sample clip in dubbed Japanese so they could judge the quality.

Michael was very pleased that Shan Mei was already negotiating something with NYK, which was big in their catchment area. In fact, he suggested if Harry was keen, they could offer NYK a special discounted screening fee. So it was thus decided and the amicable meeting came to a close.

That night they had dinner with the Yuri family. All the working siblings showed up. They were eager to cooperate with CTN, saying the big overseas programme producers were more interested in working with the stations in the big cities, and tended to overlook them. The Yuri brothers were charmed by Shan Mei. Knowing she was now the new director of CTN Tokyo, they requested her to assist them in selling CTN’s programmes to their sponsors. Their 2 sisters were in charge of marketing. Shan Mei assured them CTN was open to discuss any kind of cooperation with NYK.

The next evening when Xiang Zhe collected Shan Mei from the airport, he was not happy. As soon as they had left the airport vicinity, he began his grumbling. He thought she promised it was a one day trip. To his chagrin the trip turned into 2 days.

His wife told him, “Darling, please pull your car by the road side.”

After he did that, she asked gently, “Now, tell me what’s eating you?” She gave him a melting look that included an apology in her eyes. He admitted, “I couldn’t sleep all of last night wondering what had delayed your trip home. Lack of sleep is putting me in a grouchy mood. Are you going to make amends like you promised yesterday?”

Shan Mei smiled at him, nodded and tapped at her mouth with her fingertip. His lips closed over hers in a bruising kiss. When he lifted his head to look at her, his eyes had softened. Shan Mei laughed and reached out to bring his lips against hers again for a long, deep kiss. “Happy now?” she teased him, giving one of his cheeks a gentle pinch. He nodded, laughing softly, and released the brakes to ease the car back onto the road.

She went straight to check on BB when they arrived home. It seemed he had grown again since she last saw him on Sunday. BB was happily jabbering away in his limited vocabulary when he saw his mummy. He suddenly started crying for no reason at all, and stretched out his hands for his Daddy.

Taking BB into his arms, Xiang Zhe chided Shan Mei, “You see, even BB is saying you have been a naughty mummy, leaving us all alone at home.”

Shan Mei gave her little baby a sorrowful look. They took BB back to their room to play with him awhile. “Darling, how about having BB spends the night with us in our bed? I’ve really missed him.” And she gave baby another deep kiss on one of his chubby cheeks.

Xiang Zhe protested immediately, saying the only baby allowed next to her in bed would be him, and no one else. He whispered quietly into her ear a reminder. “You did promise me you weren’t going to wear anything in bed tonight. How are you going to manage that with him around? I’m the only one who’s ever going to enjoy all your charms – no other man!” He then very quickly took BB back to nanny, before his wife insisted on keeping baby. He didn’t want a baby spoiling his party plans for the night as he salaciously pictured Shan Mei wearing nothing else but the rose pendant and chain around her graceful neck and nestled up snugly in his arms. The provocative thought was enough to blaze a red-hot trail of leaping fire in his groins.

His angel was on the phone, maybe wanting to take him to lunch?

“Husband, I’ve just received a message from Harry Yuri that his sister and two brothers would be arriving Seoul tomorrow morning. They want to look over the dubbing facilities. They were very happy with the finished quality of the sample clip we sent them. They intend to spend 2 days in Seoul. Can you please let Mr. Ang know? Thank you. By the way, want to meet up for lunch at the canteen?”

After the Christmas holidays, this was the first time Xiang Zhe ate at CTN Executive Dining Room, but not the first time eating at MBS canteen. When he arrived, he went straight to the CTN Executive Dining area – he was early. The staff serving in the CTN dining area called out to the Master Chef in the kitchen. “Boss, Zhen Shan Mei’s husband is here for lunch!”

“Okay. Phone Miss Zhen,” boomed a reply from somewhere.

Xiang Zhe smiled to himself wondering what the world had come to. In his own building, he was not even president of MBS, but Zhen Shan Mei’s husband. He wondered which carried more clout? He would know when they served him his food.

The waiter brought him a bottle of special imported mineral water and a crystal drinking glass. Ice was separately served. On the table was also a small plate of imported pickled onions and olives.

Shan Mei walked in. She acknowledged her husband with a sweet smile, then greeted every one in the dining room in her happy, chirpy style. She went into the kitchen bringing a small present for the Master Chef. When she sat down at her husband’s table, she told him that Master Chef had become a first-time father last week. She was so envious because they had a baby girl.

“Envious, really? We can get off work early today and do something about that,” Xiang Zhe whispered in a conspiratorial tone into his wife’s ear.

Then his mind went back to the waiter earlier addressing him as Miss Zhen Shan Mei’s husband. Xiang Zhe shook his head and rubbed at his habitual frown. If he didn’t watch it, their BB would soon be known around the office as Zhen Shan Mei’s baby. Xiang Zhe gave the waiter a slight wave. His eyes twinkling with silent laughter, he asked, “What are you going to give Zhen Shan Mei’s husband for lunch?”

The waiter became embarrassed at his earlier slip of the tongue. “Yes, Mr. President, I’ll check with Master Chef,” he stammered in an apologetic tone, then scurried off.

Shan Mei gave he husband a warning look. “Darling, please don’t tease the staff. You are so seldom down here, of course, they become nervous when they see the President of MBS walking in; sometimes their minds get muddled.”

Xiang Zhe didn’t say any more but made a grab of Shan Mei’s hands under the table. Since Patrick’s disclosure in his newspaper interview, the people around the Yin couple always checked at every possible opportunity, whether they really held hands under the table. They were at their table a full 5 minutes and Xiang Zhe wondered aloud, “Darling, why hasn’t anybody approached me for my order? I’m quite hungry, you know?”

“Don’t worry, husband. Since the new year, Master Chef has assured me whenever you come in for a meal, he will make you your special – spaghetti with mixed grill of fillet steak, salmon steak and bacon rashes.”

Xiang Zhe told his wife, “If that’s the fare he’s going to serve up, I’d better eat at CTN instead of MBS every day. No wonder, the viewers associate CTN with Quality.”

“You’re more than welcome, but please no complaints if your waistline expands (again!). Once a week would be plenty enough. If you want something lighter the rest of the week, please phone down before hand so he knows what to prepare for you.”

At the end of the meal, Xiang Zhe was very satisfied. The portion was just right, he didn’t feel overfed. When they got up to leave, he made a point of going up to the Master Chef to congratulate him on his new baby. The chef was beaming; imagine the president of MBS paying him a special visit! Seeing that kind gesture from Xue Zhang, his wife gave his hand a gentle squeeze, sending telepathy message to him that he would be getting special reward, for making the special effort. He must have received the message, because his eyes instantly held hers, silently telling her he was holding out for her promise.

Before returning to her office, Shan Mei dropped by to see Mr. Ang, to ensure everything was in order in his department for the Japanese visitors, and to ask Han Jae Hoon to be on stand by to give what ever assistance was necessary to Mr. Ang.

The next day, MBS sent their car to airport to collect the Yuri siblings. When they arrived, they were taken straight up to Shan Mei’s office. They then went to MBS dubbing department where they were shown over the facilities. Han Jae Hoon and Patrick were on stand by to translate because Mr. Ang did not speak or understand English. Just before lunch, Xiang Zhe dropped in to see how they were doing, then invited them for lunch. It was obvious Miss Yuri was very interested in the president of MBS, because she began asking a lot of questions about MBS, making comments on their similarities with NYK, the most common one being family-owned. They should cooperate closer in the future.

When Xiang Zhe’s assistant brought his car to the front of the MBS lobby, Miss Yuri let herself in at the front seat, just as Xiang Zhe was about to get into the driver’s seat. Seeing that, Xiang Zhe straightened up and slid out of the car, gave eye signal to Patrick who understood immediately. Xiang Zhe told him to meet at the Japanese restaurant they usually patronised. The brothers realised their sister had made a social faux pas. Even if she was that smitten with Yin Xiang Zhe, she should at least hold her horses till tomorrow, or wait until their return to Japan, then make another visit to Seoul later on. When the BMW pulled away from the curbside, Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei left for the Japanese restaurant into another chauffeur-driven company car.

At lunch, Patrick thought it was so hilarious. The Yuri girl couldn’t keep her eyes off Xiang Zhe, the Yuri boys couldn’t keep their eyes off Shan Mei, Xiang Zhe couldn’t keep his eyes off his wife, Shan Mei kept her eyes on her food, and Patrick kept his eyes on the drama unfolding before him. After lunch, except Xiang Zhe, the rest of the group went back to CTN’s office to go over the titles they had on offer for the mini series. The girl wanted to go back to MBS and only stopped fidgeting when her brothers said something very sternly to her in Japanese.

That night, Patrick invited the Yuri siblings to sample something of Seoul’s night life. Jae Hoon went along. Patrick gave Jae Hoon the run-down of that day’s happenings since the Yuri siblings walked into CTN office. “Do you know what happened at lunch? If looks could kill, both Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei would be dead by now.”

Jae Hoon laughed. He had expected something like that. “During the meeting in Dubbing Department this afternoon, I noticed how the Yuri boys kept staring at Shan Mei? I don’t blame them at all. Those who meet Shan Mei for the first time usually react that way.”

“But even they didn’t dare act as boldly as their sister. Can you imagine her hitting on Xiang Zhe as soon as she laid eyes on him? And, then getting into the front seat of the car without waiting to be invited? What ill breeding?”

“Tonight is going to be fun. Let’s not tell them that Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei are married to each other, and see where the game will lead us to. OK?”

And as the two best friends showed the visitors around, they were having a rocking fun time, fencing around questions put to them by the Japanese.

During dinner at home that night, across the dining table husband and wife raised their heads over their bowls to look at each other at the same time. They held their stares; after a while, they both laughed out loud, thinking about lunch today, as Xiang Zhe shook his head about. He told his wife, “MBS is not interested to do business with NYK. That girl and those boys are ‘trouble makers’ in Michael’s order of things. Do you understand me?”

Xiang Zhe admitted he learnt a lot from Michael. If Michael hadn’t shown him how to extricate himself from unwelcome situations, this afternoon he would have driven them off to the restaurant out of politeness and he would feel so angry with himself later on for doing something he didn’t want to.

A week later, Shan Mei received a fax from Harry apologising for his sister’s inappropriate conduct when she was in Seoul. They had sent several faxes and emails to MBS but they had not answered.

“Dear Mr. Yuri,” Shan Mei explained, “MBS is not in a position to answer directly to your communication because MBS is contracted to CTN. Any queries NYK has must be channeled through CTN Tokyo or directly to CTN-KE, Div. CTN-Asia/Pac. So, please let me have copies of the queries, I’ll try to answer them as best as I can.”

Shan Mei mused to herself. So Miss Yuri wanted to make direct contact with Xiang Zhe, hoping in the process, to cut CTN out, not knowing CTN was the one owning all the titles, unless they were interested in MBS’ own drama productions. Even if that was the case, wasn’t she made to understand by her husband that he wasn’t interested in NYK business? So, good luck to them.

Patrick had told her the night they took the Yuri siblings out, they might as well have sat down in the hotel lobby and not gone anywhere. They were not interested in the sights of Seoul. All night, the boys pumped them with questions about Shan Mei while the girl wanted to know everything about Xiang Zhe. “Well, she must have by now visited the web site of MBS, and know that Xiang Zhe is a married man. Why is she still trying to make direct contact with Xiang Zhe using ‘business’ as an excuse?” Shan Mei thought privately to herself.

Shan Mei was tired, thinking of the games the girls were prepared to play to get close to her husband. She decided to go home and get close to her baby son.

She picked up her phone to put a call to Xiang Zhe. “Husband, are you ready to go yet?”

On hearing his wife’s sweet voice, he felt his tiredness draining away. It had been a long day, cooped up in one meeting after another all afternoon in the conference room.

“I was just about to call you. I’ve missed you so much. Yes, let’s go home and see what new tricks our little son has learned today.”

Chapter AW-42

Shan Mei was screaming and her body writhing around on the bed. Her low guttural sobs filled the stillness of the room.

Xiang Zhe immediately woke up and roused her from her sleep. “Shan Mei,” he whispered softly, realising that she was caught in a nightmare. He clasped her shoulders and whispered again, “Come on, darling, wake up.” She had broken out all over in a cold sweat, and moaned, trying to thrust him away. He was very worried and asked, “Was it a very bad dream? What is it, darling?”

She became aware of her husband and clung onto him tightly, sobbing hysterically into his chest. Embracing her tightly and protectively in his arms, he tried to calm her, gently telling her everything was alright.

Suddenly, Shan Mei turned, gave him a frightened look and recoiled from him, protesting, “No, everything is not alright! I saw Ying Mei, in Xue Zhang’s arms, sneering at me, and you were stroking Ying Mei and telling her everything was alright.”

Xiang Zhe stopped dead in his tracks and gave his wife a startled stare. What had he done recently to bring back ghosts? He thought Shan Mei had conquered her demons. Apparently not!

He tried to gather her close, but she pushed him away. “This is the third night in a row that I am having this nightmare, each one more hauntingly realistic than the previous,” she sobbed quietly. “It’s just not going away.”

Xiang Zhe tried to convince his wife, “Darling, please believe me, nothing ever happened. In fact, the closest that XuYing Mei ever managed to get to me, was when she came by my apartment one evening after she was discharged from hospital, to offer her thanks. [Ugh, better don’t tell her about the bunch of roses this Xu Ying Mei brought for him otherwise she’ll fly off the handle again]. When she stood up ready to leave, she fainted. I caught her with my arms. I helped her up and told her to go home and rest. That was all.” He hesitated somewhat…then decided to confess…. “When she came to the apartment, she brought a bunch of roses as a token of thanks. I didn’t even want those rose but left them the next morning with the property management office.” He looked at his wife, but she was too distraught to notice anything or accept any explanation.

He gently picked the damp tendrils of hair from her face, and smoothed them back; he took a damp towel from the bathroom, and dubbed her face dry. After that he told her to go back to sleep and gave her several light kisses. He began kneading the taut muscles of her neck and her shoulders, hoping his firm hands would knead away her fear.

“I can’t. Every time I close my eyes, the same image will appear, replaying before my eyes,” she sobbed again. Looking at her husband, a sudden thought flashed through her tangled mind. “Husband, if what you say is true, then may be Ying Mei is trying to make contact with me. She might be in trouble and need me. I’ve got to go and find her.”

Xiang Zhe rolled his eyes heavenward and began to hit his forehead. “Why not let sleeping dogs lie? Why go and stir up a snake’s pit? Hasn’t that woman created enough trouble to last several life times?”

But Shan Mei wouldn’t give up. Tomorrow, she would begin her search. She seemed oblivious to his distress and his ragged breathing.

Seeing her determination, Xiang Zhe heaved a sigh and promised his wife he would get a private investigator to trace Xu Ying Mei’s whereabouts but his wife had to promise him 3 things.

Shan Mei nodded her head. Xiang Zhe wanted to seal the promise with a ‘pinkie’ pledge least she went back on her words, all too aware of her soft and forgiving heart. “After we find this Xu Ying Mei and you go to see her,

-you’re not to ever invite her back to Seoul to work in MBS or CTN or socialise in our midst.

-you must not forget the great harm she’d inflicted on You Zhen. She can cause grief to Minnie, again depriving You Zhen, Ma and Pa of the happiness they so deserved.

-you are not to believe any trash this Xu Ying Mei will spin, knowing she is a trouble maker, especially, not about your husband in intimate situations with her. Understand? What did I tell you after we married? After my nanny left when I was 9 years old, I never allowed another woman to touch me, except you.”

He then looked very shyly at his wife, hesitantly. If he didn’t confess another fact, those demons would continue to invade their bed. Taking his wife’s hand to place over his heart, he very softly whispered into her ear: “Shan Mei, look at me. Can you see my eyes clear with honesty?”

Shan Mei nodded slowly as she looked at her husband through misty, trusting eyes as he ran a fingertip down the length of her neck.

“Dearest wife, the night of our wedding, you were my first, the same way as I was your first. I was just as scared as you were.”

“But surely …..?”

Xiang Zhe laughed softly. “No,” he said. “I understood the mechanics. But I’d never bedded a woman. Instinct is a powerful thing.”

Shan Mei’s big round eyes, swimming in tears, stared at her husband in utter wonderment, recollecting the exquisite sensations she’d been introduced to that night, despite the initial pain. How could that be? On their wedding night he had assured her that he knew what he was doing in their marriage bed and he wasn’t lying. He was gentle, tender, patient, and considerate and knew the game of love so well – so well, that he had her moaning and groaning in bed for him in no time at all. How could he now claim she was his first? Yet, biting at her lower lip now, she saw no guile in his eyes and she chided herself for doubting him. If there was one person she trusted and believed implicitly, it was her husband.

Xiang Zhe then reached out and captured her mouth in a lingering kiss, assuring her in soft whispers, “And I promise you that you will always be my only one. I really don’t want anyone else but you.” Slowly easing her down onto her pillow, he soothed her back to sleep.

The next morning, after finding out You Zhen was at CTN office, Xiang Zhe invited him over to his office at MBS; he needed some information. Xiang Zhe didn’t want to open old scars but he was in a dilemma. “You Zhen, do you remember that Mr. Pei’s full name and which town he and Xu Ying Mei came from? I need to make contact with him to solve a problem.” You Zhen gave him the information. And by tacit agreement, no further word was necessary.

Xiang Zhe offered You Zhen some coffee, and jovially asked him when Minnie and he planned to start a family, to take the heat off them. You Zhen only shrugged his shoulders in response.

“Pa is already asking us for Baby No. 2. I’d like to have another baby, but Shan Mei is so busy this year with CTN Asia/Pacific, I don’t know how we can fit that in. Maybe next year.”

Xiang Zhe, noticing You Zhen’s discomfort of talk about babies, deftly changed to another subject. “And You Zhen, what do you think of Xiang Jie? What potential do you see in him?”

Now, on this topic, You Zhen was prepared to talk. “I think Xiang Jie will be a great asset to MBS. Though he’s young in years, he’s got a good head screwed on. And he works so well with Shan Mei.”

“You work a lot with Patrick. Has Patrick mentioned anything about my father? Will he accept if father adopts him as a son?”

You Zhen was skeptical whether Patrick would welcome the idea of adoption. “Although he never likes to mention it, indirectly I get to know, from snippets of references from Jae Hoon, Patrick’s family lineage can be traced back to that Admiral Yi, the one famous for saving Korea from foreign sea-faring invaders in his turtle-designed battle ships. Researching his family’s roots was Patrick’s primary intention when he especially came to Seoul University from America to undertake post graduate studies on Korean history.”

“What about Auntie Lee and her future in the Yin household? Get my meaning?”

“To be honest, Patrick and I had in fact mused over the possibility of Auntie Lee marrying Uncle Yin. Patrick had said it would be his mother’s decision entirely. If she came to him for advice, he wouldn’t sway her in any way. He would simply tell her to follow her heart. Whichever way she decides, he will be 100% supportive.”

Before they could continue further, Xiang Zhe’s secretary buzzed him on the intercom to remind him of a production meeting in 10 minutes’ time. You Zhen took that interruption to excuse himself and he left hurriedly back to his office as he had a lot of editing to do for his new series.

As soon as You Zhen left his office, Xiang Zhe got in touch with the private investigator whose services were frequently used by MBS.

This man remembered the couple that Mr. Yin wanted him to put a tracer on. Many years ago he did some investigation work on the same woman who was a MBS news reader at that time. The private investigator came back to Xiang Zhe 3 days later, giving him details and an address in Busan.

Xiang Zhe leaned back against his big leather chair, tapping his forehead with two of his fingers, trying to find answers to the questions now foremost in his mind – ‘Who to send down to Busan with Shan Mei? Is it wise to let Shan Mei meet up with Xu Ying Mei? Why is Shan Mei having these fearsome nightmares?’ But what could he do? Once his wife had an idea, no one could talk her out of it. He hesitated briefly. A second later, he called Patrick on his mobile phone.

The following morning, Patrick flew out with Shan Mei by the earliest flight down to Busan. In the taxi to the Golden Goddess Karaoke Lounge at the address that Xiang Zhe had written out for him, Patrick tried to calm Shan Mei, noticing her fidgety behaviour. Xiang Zhe had briefed him on the situation. Patrick wanted to meet this scheming woman and see for himself what kind of game she would play this time. He was all prepared; he would make sure Shan Mei wouldn’t be a gullible innocent again where this Xu Ying Mei was concerned.

When the taxi pulled up in front of the karaoke lounge, some men were seen coming out as if in a hurry. Shan Mei immediately recognised one of them as Mr. Pei, and called out to him. Mr. Pei, on seeing Shan Mei, stood rooted to the ground, and ran towards her after he regained his senses. “Miss Zhen Shan Mei, how did you find us? I wanted to contact you but I was afraid if your husband knew, he would make trouble for us.”

“Is something wrong with Ying Mei? Take us to her right away,” Shan Mei asked with a tone of urgency and deep concern in her voice.

“About 2 weeks ago, Ying Mei overdosed and had been in hospital ever since. She kept asking for you, wanting to confess all the wrongs she had done to you. The doctor just called to say her condition has worsened, and asked me to be there soonest.”

Shan Mei and Patrick followed Mr. Pei’s car in their taxi to the hospital.

As soon as Ying Mei heard Shan Mei by her bedside sobbing, she became alert. She put out a weak hand and chided Shan Mei as “still the cry baby.” She saw Patrick. “Ah, the famous Mr. Lee is here as well. I’m very grateful for the honour and pleasure. I hate you, Zhen Shan Mei. How do you always manage to surround yourself with the best looking guys, and they all dote on you like crazy? Even my husband, seeing you on TV every time, always says you are the best.”

She let off a heavy sigh. “I was deluding myself thinking that Yin Xiang Zhe would want me, when all along he only had eyes for you. I have always wondered how could an innocent like you keep him so enthralled? You were right, he was different. He didn’t fall for any of my seduction ploys. May be given more time, I would have caught him with one of my dirty tricks. But he was blessed by very powerful guardian angels; they kept him safe from me. It’s now time for me to go. I want to go with forgiveness from you in my heart. I want to go in peace.”

Shan Mei kept nodding her head, sobbing away, too overwrought for words. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing; the proud, vibrant Ying Mei of MBS days and the Ying Mei now lying on the hospital bed, ashen faced without make up, her vibrancy gone, her defiant fighting spirit gone, calmly waiting for death.

Shan Mei managed to utter, “You Zhen Ge…….”

She didn’t finish her sentence when Ying Mei cut in, “Don’t tell him. I’m too ashamed to face him again in the netherworld.”

A moment later, the doctor came into the room and indicated that he wanted to check the patient and only her husband could stay; the rest of the visitors to please wait out in the lobby. Shan Mei was crying hysterically into Patrick’s arms as they walked out of the room.

Patrick phoned Xiang Zhe, telling him what had happened. Shan Mei wanted him to tell her parents and make arrangements for them to fly down to Busan within the next few days, but they must not let You Zhen know.

Xiang Zhe was getting distraught; he could hear his wife sobbing. He wanted to fly down, but Patrick advised against it. “This Mr. Pei is obviously some big shot in the underworld community in Busan. The connection wouldn’t be good for MBS if the press should catch you with him. The doctor is with Miss Xu now. We’ll be able to get a clearer picture of her situation soon when Mr. Pei emerges from her room. Xiang Zhe, regardless of what the doctor is going to tell us, I’ll fly back to Seoul with Shan Mei this evening. I won’t let her stay the night down here. Don’t worry. Talk to you again later.”

Three days later, Xiang Zhe was sitting in his office, feeling miffed because Shan Mei wouldn’t let him accompany her down to Busan. She was right, of course. If the four of them were out of Seoul at the same time, You Zhen might become suspicious, because Xiang Zhe had only a week ago asked for Mr. Pei’s name from him. Patrick was to hold the fort at CTN while she was in Busan. The only other sensible person he could trust to keep quiet in accompanying Shan Mei, Pa and Ma down to Busan would be Han Jae Hoon.

The next day, Jae Hoon accompanied the Zhens down to Busan to attend Ying Mei’s funeral. Mr. Pei appreciated their attendance, their kindness and forgiveness for his wayward wife. Jae Hoon had heard some gossips about Xu Ying Mei when she was still at MBS. He didn’t understand how the Zhens were involved with the gangster world. He’d try to get some info from Patrick upon his return to Seoul.

Xiang Zhe was this evening at the cabin by himself. He was sitting at their table enjoying a cigarette, a drink, the quiet and the peace, wishing his wife was with him. Since the night he found his wife having those nightmares, and later what transpired, he wondered what other kind of wrongs this Xu Ying Mei had done to his wife, that she was seeking forgiveness so strongly, her thoughts could be conveyed through the spiritual realm to Shan Mei. His wife had never actually told him what Xu Ying Mei had done to her. All he knew he had overheard at Gugu’s place, or obtained the information from Zhao Di and Chen Sui. But Xiang Zhe was sure there must have been worse misdeeds on Xu Ying Mei’s part that Shan Mei did not divulge.

He wanted to learn to be like his wife, so forgiving, so generous, so charitable, and so loving. The first person he wanted to work on would be his younger brother. Before that, he must first understand the magic of the stars, the rain, the winds, the clouds. These were Shan Mei’s most favourite things. He noticed Shan Mei usually observed what weather condition prevailed at any given time, her mood would be set accordingly. No matter what, come rain, shine or sleet, her dazzling smile was always there.

“Dearest wife, I’m now at our cabin. I’m missing you so much, wishing you were here. Come home soon. I love you and only you. Are you getting my telepathy message?”

It was very late before Xiang Zhe went back into the cabin to try to catch some sleep.

He was cursing Xu Ying Mei silently. Even in her death, she had to cause him trouble. Today was his birthday, but his wife was in Busan attending her funeral. Shan Mei had promised to make it up to him, when she returned tomorrow.

He sighed. How true that adage was. “You don’t miss what you never had.” Before he met Shan Mei, he never missed anything, as long as he had his whisky, his cigarettes and his music. Now, whisky, cigarettes and music were no longer important; his wife was. Alone at the cabin, he missed her terribly, he missed celebrating his birthday with her. Without her lying next to him, he found difficulty in falling asleep. Hugging onto her nest of pillows, he wondered what she was doing at that moment?

According to Patrick, Mr. Pei was so relieved to see Shan Mei. “He had wanted to contact Shan Mei as soon as that Miss Xu was in trouble but was afraid you would make trouble for them.”

Pa and Ma and Shan Mei were such generous and forgiving people. His Father had also learnt a lot from the Zhens. Xiang Zhe knew his Father wished he could have the same kind of close and loving relationship with him, the way Shan Mei had with her Pa. The love his Father wanted to give to him, he now gave to Shan Mei, hoping Xiang Zhe would understand. Before he met Shan Mei he wouldn’t. But Shan Mei had since opened his eyes and his mind to see things from different angles and through different layers.

The next morning, Xiang Zhe was at the airport to collect Shan Mei and company. When they arrived at the Zhen residence, Pa and Ma invited them in for coffee. They thanked Han Jae Hoon for accompanying them to Busan. Pa said he was a huge fan of his program NWP. They discussed a bit of what happened in Busan. After which everybody had to forget about the matter and never ever let You Zhen or Minnie know.

Xiang Zhe dropped Han Jae Hoon back at MBS office, then took Shan Mei home. After she took a long, hot shower; she wanted to go to bed. “Husband, why don’t you run along back to the office? I think I’ll stay home. I’m a bit tired. You can come back later to collect me.”

Xiang Zhe looked uncertain. “Maybe we should skip going to the cabin tonight. I’m worried you may still be too tired. We can always go another day next week.”

“Nonsense! Of course, I want to be there tonight. You were there last night, weren’t you?” How did she know, he wondered?

His wife laughingly assured him she felt it.

He hugged her tightly to him, kissing her hair, her lips, her neck and her cheeks. “Did you also know how much I was missing you?” he asked, looking at her in his besotted way. She nodded her head, then pushed him out of the door. As he drove to work, he prayed there would be stars for his Shan Mei tonight.

That evening when Xiang Zhe arrived home from the office, Shan Mei had a food basket ready. Her eyes looked swollen, from crying most probably, but he wasn’t going to mention it. At the cabin, Shan Mei lit a candle in its candle holder and placed it on the table, giving a feeling of romantic al fresco dining. The drinks were ready in the jug. Dinner was cold lobster fruit salad, especially prepared and delivered by master chef for his favourite lady. He even made for her a little chocolate ice cream cake just big enough for two. Xiang Zhe bet this Christmas, Shan Mei would give him a special individual appreciation award.

After dinner his wife came around to give him a delicious kiss, then patted him on his stomach. “Full?”

He nodded, very satisfied and very happy.

“Fat?”

He shook his head and laughingly pulled her on to his lap. “Just because you have a smaller waist line now, you’re trying to get me to exercise. I’m exercising plenty, in bed!” His hand then moved lovingly across her stomach, “Any news?”

She shook her head.

He gave her a serious look. “We’ll need to work harder tonight,” and with that he was ready to carry her off to the cabin. She protested, she was waiting for her stars, and they hadn’t even cleared the table.

Perched on her husband’s lap, she felt so loved and contented. She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her face against his face, singing very softly to him the birthday song. Xiang Zhe’s arms were around her waist, he felt so loved, so contented, so blessed.

Shan Mei remembered something. “You cheated last night!”

Xiang Zhe was hurt and pouted, “How could you say that? I was here all alone by myself.”

His wife laughed, nibbling his ear and saying softly, “Silly, I didn’t mean that. You were smoking!”

He looked flustered and guilty. “You were not here, I was missing you so much. I…”

Shan Mei tweaked his nose, then got up to clear the table and did the washing up. Xiang Zhe blew out the candle, and took the candle holder back to the kitchen. Shan Mei was now wiping the refrigerator clean.

Xiang Zhe went to their cabin, laid out the heated floor mat, spread out their pillows and waited for his wife.

Shortly after, she slowly ambled in, with a tiny scowl on her face. “Xue Zhang, you’re getting to be forgetful.” She sat down on her knees, took his right hand in hers, gave it a gentle slap, and then slowly slid his beaded bracelet over his fingers up to his wrist. “Didn’t I tell you not to leave your precious bracelet just anywhere? I’ve purposely set aside that little crystal bowl to hold your beads when you remove them to take your shower and still you like to leave them lying around in the shower or the kitchen? I don’t know how you can forget? The bowl is one of a pair, the same one I put out on your dresser at home and you always remember to put your beads in there. One of these days when I’m not so careful, I might wrap the bracelet up with the rubbish and throw it out. Then please don’t come to me crying.”

Xiang Zhe gave her a sheepish smile and tried to make light of the situation. “I’ve never forgotten to put this thing back on my hand after my bath since the time my mother gave it to me. Tonight I’ve been so bewitched by you, that this was not the only thing I forgot. I’m very sorry. Come on now, darling, hurry up and get ready for bed.”

“You forgot something else as well?” She shot up her brows, perplexed, seeing the laughter lurking in his eyes.

He laughed and pulled her down next to him. “Yes. This!” and he began to ravish her mouth with deep and hungry kisses.

“You rogue!” Shan Mei squealed and tried to beat him off. “How can I get ready for bed, if you insist on holding on so tight to me?”

Xiang Zhe still shaking with uninhibited laughter finally released his hold on her. She sat up and began removing her top and pants. Underneath she had on the bikini set he gave her for Christmas. He laughed and immediately caught hold of her, squeezing her derriere. She yelped; he looked at her innocently and laughingly told her, “Simply following orders.”

“Huh, if you’re so good at following orders, do you remember where you are supposed to leave your beads when you go for your shower?”

Crinkling up his eyes and mouth in mock mischief, he pointed to the little crystal bowl on the small corner table. “Do I remember right this time?”

Shan Mei wrinkled her nose at him, then eased down on her back onto the warm mat.

Xiang Zhe lay on his side admiring his wife, his hands stroking her soft creamy smooth skin. He began nibbling and kissing her buds.

Shan Mei wanted to give him a back massage. He rejected it suspecting she was trying to put him to sleep. “Husband, how can you think like that? I want to show how much I love and care about you.”

Xiang Zhe liked hearing that, and told his wife he got a better way for her to show her love. He started kissing her, caressing her and soon he was disrobing her.

After MBS morning show one morning, Han Jae Hoon called Xiang Zhe wanting to have coffee with him – not in his office, somewhere away from MBS.

When he accompanied the Zhens down to Busan for Miss Axe’s funeral service, Mr. Pei had confided in him, and not to Shan Mei seeing how distraught the family was. He said Miss Xu didn’t believe that Director Yin had issued her the dismissal letter, and it was Liu Yong Xi who had instigated Senior Zian Da to get rid of her while Director Yin was out of the country. And it was You Zhen who gave the cassette tape to Mr. Pei. In fact, all these years, she was adamant that Director Yin loved her and not Shan Mei. Director Yin was always taking her to meals and for drinks. In fact, she was sure Director Yin finally realized she was indispensable to him and to MBS; that was why he decided to break off with Shan Mei and turn his attention to her instead. You Zhen then tried to spoil things for her with the threat of exposing her relationship with Mr. Pei. You Zhen knew he couldn’t have her so he conspired with Shan Mei to make sure she was driven away from MBS. All the later awards won by Shan Mei should have been won by her.

It was only at the beginning of the year, when she read of Director Yin’s interview about Shan Mei in the newspapers, that Ying Mei was in total shock. She read how Director Yin had hurried off to London after Shan Mei when all along she was under the impression the Director was away at that time from the office on a business trip. She realised she was living in delusion. She couldn’t bear to see Shan Mei being First Lady of MBS, and winning all those awards that she claimed should have been hers. She began drinking heavily and going on drugs. When Mr. Pei found out she was on drugs, she was in too deep. Mr. Pei said he’d better let Shan Mei know, because Ying Mei had threatened to expose the dirty tricks of You Zhen to the press, seeing that he won several awards at the Broadcasting Award Ceremony and other Television prize-presentations. She had insisted he didn’t deserve them. Mr. Pei saw her writing part of the letter, but he had not been able to locate it.

Xiang Zhe sat there in silence. He rubbed at the frown now on his forehead. He looked at Jae Hoon from under his lashes, and told him, “I’d really appreciate it if you don’t let Shan Mei know. She has suffered enough, through the mischief of this trouble maker. As for the letter, we’ll simply forget it until it surfaces, if such a letter does exist. That woman wouldn’t have the guts to see it through, knowing what she was going to say would be a total pack of lies. She had already brought enough suffering to You Zhen and his family. Anyway, I thank you for accompanying my wife and her parents to Busan. I also want to thank you for always giving my wife your 100% support. Shan Mei is so blessed to have friends like you and Patrick.”

The unhappy episode of Xu Ying Mei was forgotten.

Chapter AW-43

Shan Mei just walked out of the bathroom and was getting ready to get into bed when she remembered something. “Husband, Xiang Jie will be home soon for Easter holidays. Do you have anything special you want him to do?”

Xiang Zhe looked at his wife and asked, “Why? You want to spend the holidays with him?”

“Well, not with me but with You Zhen Ge. When he was back during Christmas, he didn’t mention once about his mother. And you know how busy and happy your Father was last Christmas. As it is, your Father is at MBS 3 nights a week, then the whole of Sundays. He is so involved with the Junior Club, it seems he is not missing anything. Xiang Jie can travel around with You Zhen and get to know something of the real Korea. I’ve an idea for a show that I want to reserve for Xiang Jie, to be produced by you. When he graduates, he will be 21 years old. MBS should push him out as the Face of MBS. He should be so good looking then. He would be the new star.”

“Are you saying he is more handsome than me? That time when he was in London visiting you when you were with KFA, didn’t you tell him he was better looking than me? Are you still thinking the same?” her husband asked as he looked directly at her and was waiting…. waiting for a direct answer from her.

“Well, that time I said certain things to boost Xiang Jie’s confidence. Any young man standing next to you would surely get a complex. Hmm, now, I can’t say for certain who is the better looking.” Her husband glowered at her. She continued nonchalantly. “Well, I’ve got to be fair. I never saw you when you were 21, so there would be no way to compare. And Xiang Jie is not yet 30, so I wouldn’t know how he will look then, so I can’t be judgmental.”

“Why 30 to make comparison? I’m way past that age.”

“I thought you looked so handsome when you were cutting the anniversary cake at MBS 20th anniversary luncheon, and I was so proud of you. After that I realised you were not just good looking and smart, but have a kind heart and were really caring and protective towards me. My feelings for you began to change. I knew for sure I was in love with you in your 31st year.”

“You did? When, where? Please tell me. Let me have all the details.” Xiang Jie was forgotten, as he pestered his wife for another direct answer.

“Yin Xiang Zhe! You want an answer? You tell me your secret first then I’ll tell you mine.”

“Well, I think I fell in love with you the first time I saw you, but I didn’t realise it, not knowing what falling in love was then. All I knew was I wanted to spend all my spare time every day with you because I felt very comfortable around you. The last night we had dinner together before you left London, I made a toast to a beautiful future for us? Before you appeared in my life, I never thought of future. After knowing you, I knew we could have a beautiful future together. After you left London, do you know how many nights a week I spent on the open top bus going round and round the city, imagining you were there with me? I never mentioned anything in my emails because I didn’t want to rush you.

After my return to Seoul, when we met the first time at the park, didn’t I tell you not to bother with You Zhen anymore? And to simply fall into my arms to end your heartache! That time you told me to stop jesting. Then that night after the amusement park, sitting down, next to you, watching the stars, I was absolutely certain I wanted you by my side forever. I decided I wasn’t going to give you more time, I should begin to woo you in earnest. Did you know how difficult it was for me to see you walk away from me every time I send you home? All I wanted was not letting you go but keeping you by my side.” He tilted her face so she could look at him and see the honesty in his words, in his eyes. He caressed her face ever so tenderly thinking of the torment she had been through, because of love for him.

He didn’t tell her though; it was after seeing her in that crumbled up photo of her standing next to You Zhen that an inexplicable dread as well as intense jealousy came over him. He couldn’t bear to see her standing beside any man except him, especially not next to You Zhen, whom he considered his love rival. He knew he had to act fast. He had to let her know he had feelings for her. He was serious about her. That night in bed he was giddy with happiness remembering the so unexpected English style ‘thank you’ peck she gave him on his cheek when he sent her home.

He arched a brow at her, indicating it was her turn.

She smiled, and looked at him very shyly. “Was it love, if every time I needed someone to talk to, it was you I thought of? Was it love, if every time I needed some words of encouragement, it was you I thought of? Was it love, if every time I needed a shoulder to cry on, it was you I thought of? Was it love, if every time I wanted to share good news, it was you I wanted to share with? Was it love, if every time I wanted to think of someone, it was you I thought of? Was it love……”

“Zhen Shan Mei, don’t be a cheat. Hurry up, please be specific.”

She snuggled up to him, her face resting on his chest, her arms around his waist as she whispered, “On my 26th birthday, the night you put the anklet on me. I could never ever forget the look in your eyes. All the love I was capable of giving, I gave to you in that instant. How did you think I found my way back to you? All that time in London, I simply closed my eyes and that look would come through. It gave me the will power and strength to continue, to wait, to believe it’s me you truly love.”

And she was quietly sobbing into him thinking with anguish how she almost lost him.

He held onto her. He was silently crying too. He remembered that night very well. After putting the anklet on her, he looked up to her and saw such love pouring out of her eyes, giving him hope, promising him love; yet how could she turn around and say she still loved You Zhen, according to Xu Ying Mei. If he had known Michael earlier, he would have realised this Xu Ying Mei was a ‘trouble maker’ of the first degree. He felt so wretched for doubting his sweet angel.

She didn’t want to burden him further. She took on the blame for the break up, when in fact it was his fault doing stupid things due to his jealousy. He should have stopped Xu Ying Mei from dropping by his apartment whenever she felt like it. She always used official work as an excuse. Official work should be settled at the office. He was so sorry he was such a fool.

Now, holding Shan Mei closer, he caressed her, kissed her, murmuring sweet words of love, assuring her of his unwavering fidelity, promising her he would never make her cry again.

The next day, when he had a free moment, Xiang Zhe decided to call Patrick. “Patrick, Xiang Zhe here. What do you think if I put Xiang Jie in front of the camera? Not now, but after he graduates. Do you think he has that kind of chemistry with viewers, like you and Shan Mei?”

“Brother, I think that’s an excellent idea. Observing him over Christmas, I was wondering the same thing myself. Give him another year, he will have matured with such good looks and personality, he would definitely pull in viewers for the station. At the present time, he seemed to lack some kind of confidence. Giving him the right show is the key. I hope you can think of some CTN and MBS joint production. I don’t think Shan Mei would want to lose him to MBS, knowing he has a wealth of talent hidden somewhere in him. ”

“Thank you Patrick. Will keep that in mind in whatever is being planned.”

Xiang Zhe sighed heavily as he leant back against his leather chair, rubbing the frown now appearing on his forehead. Was he so prejudiced against his younger brother he couldn’t see the talent in him? Was Shan Mei grooming him to take her place, an ace in front of and behind the camera?

She had once mentioned, if they had two or more babies, she didn’t want to continue working. He’d love nothing more than have her stay home. But every time that thought surfaced, he would think back to that morning in London when he saw her going to work at 5.30 in the morning and then many times working throughout the nights. He couldn’t allow her to sacrifice her career after what she had gone through. He couldn’t take that away from her. He would rather they sacrifice having more babies.

The day Shan Mei flew out to Singapore and Hong Kong, Xiang Jie would arrive from London in the evening. Big gathering was on at Yin’s family home. The men sat down in Yin Snr’s sitting room enjoying tea, while the ladies prepared dinner.

Xiang Zhe took the opportunity to ask You Zhen of his travel plans. “You Zhen, will you be traveling around the region scouting for locations any time soon?”

You Zhen answered, “As a matter of fact, I’ll be leaving in 2 days’ time for about 10 days of location shooting.”

‘I was just wondering whether you can take Xiang Jie with you. Shan Mei wants Xiang Jie to familiarise himself with the real Korea. You think you can squeeze him in?”

“I’ll be happy to take little brother along. Since Minnie has decided not to travel with me this time, the trip will be brief. He’ll be good company.”

Father thought it was a good idea, too. So it was thus decided.

Tuesday, Xiang Zhe worked throughout the night. Shan Mei’s plane would be arriving from Hong Kong at 6 a.m Wednesday. He put the reports together and went back to his office to leave them on his secretary’s desk leaving a note that he would only be back after lunch. Then he drove off leisurely to the airport to meet Shan Mei. Of course his wife had told him she could easily take a taxi from the airport.

“No way! I’m not going to let you travel alone with a stranger so early in the morning. I’ll be there. What’s the point of staying home? I can’t sleep without you anyway. Surely you should know that by now. You’re so heartless!” he complained.

The arrival hall was almost empty. The plane had arrived 20 minutes earlier than the scheduled time. He saw his wife at the baggage carousel collecting her luggage. The customs officer waved her through, and very soon he was kissing and hugging his wife. Taking her luggage from her, Xiang Zhe led the way to the car.

At home, he had hot soup waiting for her. They took their soup, washed up, then went to bed, Xiang Zhe cuddling up to his wife. He woke at noon, getting ready to go to work. Hearing him move about the room, Shan Mei got up too and decided to leave for the office with her husband.

That night when they were at Father’s place for dinner and to see BB, only then did Shan Mei know that Xiang Jie had accompanied You Zhen on his location trip. She didn’t say anything, just looked at Xue Zhang and gave him her most brilliant smile, sending telepathy message to him that he would get a reward later that night. Shan Mei thought if he got the message he would get the reward, if he didn’t, he would get nothing.

As soon as they arrived home, Xiang Zhe rushed his wife upstairs, saying he was claiming the reward she had telepathically promised him. Xiang Zhe unclasped the rose pendant chain around his wife’s neck and then they went into the shower together. After the warm shower, Xiang Zhe quickly got into bed, waiting impatiently for his wife to come to bed.

“Was Xiang Jie happy about going off with You Zhen”

“Very,” came his quick reply. He didn’t want to talk about his brother. He wanted to talk about them, as he kissed her along her face, her neck, her shoulders, her breasts, wanting to know whether she missed him the way he had missed her. Could she sleep without him, etc., etc., etc? So many etc’s.

During the following weeks, both Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei were very busy with reports on their respective stations’ performances. Shan Mei had to plan for Korea as well as Asia Pacific for the next quarter. Xiang Zhe was involved in lengthy meetings highlighting shareholders’ expectations. Luckily for him, he held 40% share while Michael held 20%, so being the majority, they could implement whatever changes they felt would benefit MBS.

Another meeting at Wen Rong was more difficult for him. Shan Mei sat in on this meeting, as 45% shareholder of Wen Rong Group. Xiang Zhe was in the meeting as president of MBS. He had to explain to the board his plans for the television station for the next 12 months. His wife was quiet spending most of her time listening. He wondered what was going through her mind. At the end of the meeting, she looked contemplative although she was smiling and enjoying her talk in general with the other shareholders, namely Uncle Jin and Uncle Liu.

Over dinner, he expected Shan Mei to raise certain issues on his strategic planning for the Station, but she did not. At bed time, he couldn’t control his curiosity any more. He brought up the topic. She smiled at him then hooked her arm around his.

“Well, what did you think?” he asked, waiting for some kind of response.

“What did I think? I thought you looked too handsome for your own good, especially in that dark navy suit,” she answered softly.

He laughed, but he wanted some serious feedback. “Come on?”

“Feedback? Next time at such presentations, you are allowed to wear only your beige or grey suits, and I am serious about this. Otherwise you are too distracting.”

He ruffled her hair, asking her to be serious. Shan Mei explained, “I don’t understand too much the businesses of Wen Rong Group – way too many diversified interests, spreading out like tentacles of an octopus. But your 12 month plan for MBS sounded good. When the time comes, if it needs fine tuning, I’ll give you some suggestions, in private. But seriously, darling, what you presented today at the meeting was very good.”

Whatever her husband recommended, she believed it would be best for the Group and she would totally support him. Since she was also the custodian for Michael’s 10% share, giving her 55% majority share, she was in a position to pass any reasonable resolution.

“Husband, just relax. This is not the first time you’ve made presentation for MBS. Why so nervous? All the people in that boardroom were very happy with your performance. Before, it was only Step uncle kicking up a fuss at every turn, making mischief to demoralise you. Now Step uncle is no longer around, so peace reigns in the house again. The figures given in your presentation show what a great job you’re doing. Last year’s figures, at the end of December, showed MBS made a good profit. If this trend continues, I am certain the board would recommend you to take over presidency of Wen Rong as well.”

“I am nervous because today was the first time you sat in at the meeting as majority shareholder. Darling, did you notice the director from Wen Rong Hospital when he presented his 12-month plan? It seemed to me his eyes were focused on you as if he was talking only to you, trying to make a deep impression. All the rest of us in the room could go hang for all he cared. I never noticed before that our director from the hospital was so distinguished looking. What was his name again?”

“Funny, but I don’t seem to remember his name.” To his utter astonishment, his wife suddenly turned around and grinned impishly and put out a finger to trail it deliberately along his jaw line. “I dare to say my husband is at this very late hour trying to fish for compliments. Will you drop the matter if I vouch there was no one more distinguished-looking than you in that boardroom? After all you’ve been making such financial and strategic presentations to the Board for the last 5 years or so, and doing it very well! I should be the one seeking advice from you.” She put her other hand to her gaping mouth as she yawned dramatically. “Let’s get some sleep. I’m awfully tired, sir!”

Xiang Zhe caught her hand and pressed the palm hotly to his mouth, his eyes closing as he kissed the soft flesh slowly. While letting it go, his hand paused a minute, then continued trailing it down her arm, as he whispered beguiling, “Tired? Darling, admit you’re only teasing me. Shan Mei …….,” he began, his voice raspy.

As Shan Mei snuggled up to him, she asked testily, “What do you have in mind?” while she ran circles on his chest with a finger.

“Ehmm … depends …. whether you want a 12-minute presentation or a 12-step plan, my dearest wife.”

Chapter AW-44

Even though Xiang Zhe was unhappy with the arrangement, there was nothing he could do about it. His wife had a job to do. When he heard that Mr. Sung was flying to Tokyo with her to have meeting with Bansung’s appointed advertising agency for Japan, Xiang Zhe had said he didn’t trust that Sung guy. His wife looked at him, and asked very sweetly, “Husband, do you trust me?”

“Of course I do, need you ask? But…….,” he answered, his voice heavy with ……..

Shan Mei went up to him, stared him in the eyes, and very cleverly put an end to the going-nowhere conversation with, ‘But, I’m not Yin Xiang Zhe, and Mr. Sung is not Xu Ying Mei. Mr. Sung doesn’t like playing seductive games or speak in coy phrases nor does he like being provocative. He’s a straight forward guy who speaks exactly what his mind thinks. When I’m with him, I feel very keenly his aura of good will.”

“Ouch!” thought Xiang Zhe; that was hitting below the belt. She assured him it was just a day trip, she was not going to stay overnight in Tokyo. Her husband gave her a doubtful look. “Sure? Don’t call up from Tokyo to tell me something urgent has suddenly cropped up and you need to stay the night.”

“Hey, be reasonable. This may happen, who knows?” Shan Mei gently chided Xiang Zhe, “if we happen to meet up with someone important who may be interested in both CTN and MBS business, it’ll be necessary to stay an extra day to sort things out.”

“In that case, you phone me immediately, and I’ll be on the next flight to Tokyo, to help you out,” Xiang Zhe immediately answered, raising his brows at her at the same time. He had just finished clasping Shan Mei’s platinum chain and diamond rose pendant round her graceful neck.

As Shan Mei picked up her jacket that was lying on the bed, she turned to her husband assuring him, “I’ll not step out of line because I’ll remember I am the wife of Mr. Yin Xiang Zhe.”

“Beloved wife,” he amended, his tone serious, as he took the jacket from her and held it out while she slipped it on, and with his hand on her back he guided her out of the bedroom.

In Tokyo, at the meeting with Bansung’s advertising agency, Mr. Sung went straight to the point. “I want to see Bansung’s advertising portfolio for the 4th quarter of this year, since we are already in our 2nd quarter and you guys have planned for the 3rd. I also want to see performance charts of advertising for the past 2 quarters.”

Mr. Sung was doing all this because he wanted to see what he could do for Shan Mei in Tokyo. When he first saw Shan Mei before her marriage and indicated an interest in her, his mother was not agreeable at all, making all sorts of mortifying comments about her working class background, etc. Only when Shan Mei created such a high profile for her charity work that his mother relented a bit but had warned her son against marriage. After Shan Mei married Yin Xiang Zhe and gave birth to a baby boy, his mother blamed him for not pursuing Shan Mei seriously enough, letting her get away. Mothers!!!

He had felt protective towards her -- her childlike allure had captivated him right from the start. He wanted her to succeed in whatever she did, even in her marriage. His mother’s clique of society friends had said her marriage wouldn’t last, that Yin Xiang Zhe would soon tire of her. Mr. Sung was angry with the way these society dames dissected Shan Mei’s marriage and made snide remarks whenever the Yins’ photos appeared in the press.

Whenever he humoured his mother by attending pre-arranged meals with potential marriage partners, as soon as the girls started making discreditable remarks about Shan Mei, he would ignore them, feeling those girls were too small minded. Their thinking was so shallow, they thought their families’ money could buy them anything. He had yet to meet a girl who would be generous enough to openly praise Shan Mei for her hard-earned achievements. Even though he would love to have Shan Mei as his wife, he would not want to. When he saw how happy Shan Mei was being married to Yin Xiang Zhe, he knew he could never offer her such freedom.

That Yin Xiang Zhe was not a conformist in their staid Korean hierarchy of social system. He had been known since young for his distaste of protocol and non-adherence to family traditions. Although he was considered highly eligible and many mothers wanted to propose their daughters, all the well known local marriage contractors were reluctant to act as ‘go-between’ because he had never shown up for any pre-arranged appointments. If there was one thing Mr. Sung admired greatly about Yin Xiang Zhe, it was his guts for daring to defy tradition and protocol, even dispensing with the services of a ‘go-between’ to marry the girl of his own choice.

When MBS announced the engagement of their then-Director to CTN-KE Director Zhen Shan Mei, they made do without an engagement party. But their elaborate wedding 3 months later was the talk of the town, the bride and groom both looking simply fabulous.

Mr. Sung realised if Shan Mei married him, she might end up being stifled like that Japanese commoner who married the Japanese prince. He wouldn’t want something like that to happen to her.

After going through the ad agency’s recommendations, Mr. Sung did feel the ad agency was not pushing their brand through the proper channels and some of the advertisements placed were not garnering the results per advertising dollar spent. He wanted to take out a once-a-month mini series with CTN. Bansung’s Headquarters in Seoul would arrange this directly with CTN-Asia/Pac. The ad agency only had to be responsible for the local press build-up and space buying.

After all was settled, the general manager, Mr. Kawasaki, took them to lunch, after which they visited CTN Tokyo office. Shan Mei told Mr. Kawasaki that the CTN Asia Pacific head office was now located in Seoul to more efficiently service the region, and he was most welcomed to visit her in Seoul if there was anything else CTN could do for their other accounts. She took them around the studio to inspect the local network’s facilities. Mr. Kawasaki found Shan Mei easy to talk to, not one of those types of aggressive business women who liked to exert their power or demean the men once they were holding such powerful positions.

Mr. Kawasaki then drove them to airport for them to catch their return flight for Seoul. Mr. Sung and Shan Mei talked a lot over coffee in the departure lounge. To Mr. Sung, the naturalness of Shan Mei was like a breath of fresh air, after the affected manners of his sisters and the daughters of his mother’s friends.

Xiang Zhe as usual arrived at the airport well before the plane’s arrival time. He saw Mr. Sung and Shan Mei walking straight through Customs because they didn’t have any luggage. Mr. Sung was talking and laughing, Shan Mei smiling and seemed to be agreeing to what he was saying. Xiang Zhe decided to wait in a secluded spot. At the main gate of the Arrival Hall, it seemed Mr. Sung wanted to offer Shan Mei a lift, when they didn’t see Xiang Zhe; then it seemed like Mr. Sung wanted to wait with Shan Mei until the arrival of her husband. Soon, Shan Mei gave Mr. Sung a polite bow; she must have managed to convince him that she would be alright waiting on her own.

Xiang Zhe smiled sweetly to himself, then walked up quietly behind his wife, taking her hand into his with a firm hand grip. He was going to give her a quick peck at her ear, when she spun around so fast her hair belled out around her face into his, his lips landed on her mouth. He laughed. This was better than what he had expected. She was embarrassed, with so many people watching. She gave her husband a reproachful look, yet at the same time shyly admitted she liked it. She had missed him. She gave him a soft, sweet smile. Actually, no one cared. Wasn’t kissing and hugging the accepted norm at the airport? Everyone kissing one another either on greeting or on departing, that was what her husband said.

He took her briefcase from her, then they walked off hand in hand, Xiang Zhe felt the imprint of her hand burn all the way to his nerve endings.

On the way, Xiang Zhe stopped by a roadside food stall for some noodles, just in case his wife was hungry, the hour being late.

He didn’t stop by their house, instead drove straight to their cabin. When they were opening up the roof and skylight, Shan Mei looked up and saw the beautiful starry sky. She went into her husband’s embrace and sighed blissfully, “Husband, what a beautiful thought, coming here tonight.”

He kissed her back and told her, “It’s a spur of the moment decision. While we were having noodles, I noticed the starry sky. Tired?” She was, but felt tons better being at their cabin. Her husband rushed them into the shower room for a hot shower. They rubbed and massaged each other’s back, until they felt totally refreshed.

Lying there on their quilted mat, Shan Mei told her husband, “Darling, the trip went very well. Bansung is going to sign a one-year sponsorship deal with CTN for once-a-month mini series for Japan. If this goes well, Bansung may want to consider a MBS drama series. Mr. Ang will be so busy having to arrange more Korean to Japanese dubbing. I’m sure that Mr. Kawasaki will visit our Korean office, after he realises CTN-Asia holds the key to CTN’s extensive library for Asia/Pacific. And all series can be pre-dubbed in Japanese language too. It will be so easy to give his other clients anything they want.”

Xiang Zhe smiled as he caressed her face. He dropped a light kiss across her lips and whispered into her mouth, “I didn’t bring you here to talk about work and about other men. I want all your attention to focus on me tonight. Understand?”

They woke very early the next morning. Xiang Zhe went out to the courtyard to stretch around. The fresh air made him realised how much they missed the cabin. His rose bush was doing very well. He cut the largest, about-to-bloom bud for Shan Mei. His vegetables were growing very well too. He plucked a few big chillis for Shan Mei, knowing how much she loved their big fat fresh chilli pods. So all his gardening efforts were not in vain, he thought happily. Maintaining the small garden patch was very easy after his ID people installed an automatic water sprinkler with timer, just like the one they had in their greenhouse.

As soon as Shan Mei cleaned up the place, they locked up and returned home. Baby was already awake and up to his many antics. He was getting to the age where it was not easy to leave him with nanny and then run out.

He knew when his parents were ready to leave the house in the morning, or when they would be staying in. In the mornings, he wanted to go with them. It got to the stage where he rode in the car with them, until the front gate. As soon as nanny alighted from the car with baby, daddy and mummy drove off closing the electronic gate behind them. They knew before long, he wouldn’t be appeased so easily. They were discussing about this in the car.

“Xue Zhang, I’ve decided I’ll stay back in the mornings and leave for work when BB is having his mid morning nap, what do you think?”

“I think you’re neglecting your husband. You now know the reason why I didn’t fancy babies, in the first place? Even if I had decided to eventually marry, I realized children would be a big responsibility. After my miserable growing up years, I didn’t ever again want to fight for love and affection. I wanted to be the only apple of your eye. You stay home to keep that imp company, who’s going to keep me company on the ride to the office?” He inclined his head toward her; his expression meant he wanted an answer from her.

“Aiya, imagine fighting with your son over something so trivial. It’s only for 2 or 3 mornings a week anyway. I’m usually out of Seoul on Mondays. On Fridays, we leave the house together, to drop baby and nanny off at Father’s place. For the mornings I don’t leave with you, the company car comes to collect me later in the morning. For the time being, this looks like the most sensible arrangement. He’d outgrow this when he becomes interested in something else.” She looked at Xiang Zhe; her eyes letting him know she was going to miss him terribly on the mornings they wouldn’t be traveling together.

Xiang Zhe shrugged one shoulder in surrender. “What to do? BB is now top priority with you?”

Shan Mei pinched his cheek gently. “Not true, you know you’re always my No. 1 priority.”

He turned to cock a doubtful eye at her.

“Tell you what, husband. On the mornings I don’t leave with you, as soon as I arrive at the office, I’ll make a point of calling on you if you are not busy, and give you a special treat.”

“I want to know what kind of treat, to prove your sincerity.”

“When we reach the office afterwards, I’ll show you, okay?” The way her mischievous eyes sparkled, Xiang Zhe knew his wife was up to something.

He gave his wife an eager boyish grin, and stepped on the accelerator. Actually, Shan Mei was still figuring out a way on how to make this grown-up baby accept little baby’s needs sometimes had to come first.

“Hey, please, don’t drive so fast!” Shan Mei squealed, but her husband ignored her.

This morning, Xiang Zhe didn’t stop his car at the entrance of CTN to let his wife off, but drove straight into the MBS car park. Hand in hand, they went straight up in the elevator to his office.

In his office, leaning back in his comfortable leather chair, he wondered lazily what Shan Mei had up her sleeve this time. He turned to look at his wife – his eyes grew big and expectant on her – as he asked, “Well?”

“Aiya, why be such an eager Beaver? Get some work done, first.”

Arms folded across his chest, he boldly stated, “No. I’m waiting to be pacified.”

Shan Mei went into the pantry and made a hot, steaming cup of coffee for her husband. She brought it out and placed it on his desk. Xiang Zhe stared at his wife with an improbable glint and complained, laughing softly, “You call this usual cup of coffee a special treat?”

Shan Mei went to her handbag and took a small packet out of it. Xiang Zhe was getting highly excited as his eyes followed his wife’s train of action.

She returned to sit down on his lap and took a small plastic container of coffee creamer from the packet, broke the special-shaped perforated seal and poured the creamer slowly into the steaming hot coffee. Magically, the blob of cream slowly spread out to form a heart. He looked at her and asked, “Whose heart is that?” pointing a finger at the cream.

“Mine of course.” When Shan Mei said that she very carefully took something else still left in the small packet, and placed it delicately on top of the creamy heart. Xiang Zhe’s grin became as toothy as Garfield’s silly grin. He saw a ‘Z’ cut from thin chocolate-coated wafer floating in the middle of the creamy heart. Shan Mei then asked, “Pacified? Like the way this coffee is being served?”

Xiang Zhe was at first quite surprised, his little darling was beginning to come up with very innovative ideas for ‘treats’. Then he chuckled, facing the coffee, leaning his head back, he ran a hand lightly over his hair. After a minute he turned back to face her. “Darling, you’ve got something there. But I can only SEE the heart; I would love to taste it too.”

“Hey, you’re getting quite difficult to please. Some brainwave cooking up in your head?”

“Well, I want to savour properly both flavours – coffee and heart, like a kiss then a sip,” he grinned impishly.

Shan Mei chewed over her lips before deciding to kiss her husband lightly on his lips, then asked him to start on his coffee. Xiang Zhe was by this time delirious with excitement. He took a gulp of the coffee, big enough to swallow up the whole creamy heart, then he pulled Shan Mei closer to give her a deeper kiss. “Hmm, the coffee does taste extra good and special this way,” he cooed, wanting another kiss and sip.

At that point, Shan Mei stopped him. “Enough for today. Time to get some work done, Mr. President,” she reminded him.

Xiang Zhe laughed, caught his darling wife back in his arms and gave her a sweet kiss, and asked whether she got that creamer from Tokyo. “Yes, and there’s a whole box of it in my briefcase.” On hearing that, he rubbed his hands together in glee. When Shan Mei gathered her things ready to leave for her office, he walked her to the lift.

After Shan Mei was inside the lift, and the doors closed, Xiang Zhe walked slowly back to his office, his hands in his trouser pockets, he smiling sweetly to himself as he slowly swilled around his mouth the after taste of the kiss, flavoured with coffee and rich cream and a hint of chocolate straight from his wife’s mouth. “What a wonderful way to start the morning – smooth and warm and sweet.”

Back at his office desk, Xiang Zhe buzzed his secretary Miss Lee on the intercom. “Miss Lee, starting from next week, keep the hour between 11 and 12 free of appointments on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Thank you.”

The Accounting statements for the first quarter for all the 4 regional offices arrived. Scanning through them, Shan Mei could see some improvements in their expenditures. She filed them away. This evening she would show them to her husband.

Then she began work on something else. She went through the statistic figures that Xiang Jie had prepared for her during his Easter holidays. In fact after his return to London, he was still working on this project and had been emailing her information. From this information, she surmised the Japanese liked movie themes with strong romantic lines. If they included strong family values, it would even be better. Shan Mei went through her library of titles to see which would match well. After she settled on these, she sent the list of titles together with synopses to Mr. Sung, for his review.

That afternoon, Mr. Sung phoned Shan Mei. “Shan Mei, S.D. here. I’ve got your list. Kawasaki-san doesn’t have a clue what to expect out of the titles, so I’ve invited him over to Seoul, to run through the titles you’ve recommended. He would be arriving tonight. We’ll be over to your office first thing tomorrow morning at 9. Hope this is alright with you.”

Mr. Sung, Mr. Kawasaki and Shan Mei were at MBS dubbing department watching some dubbing work in progress, Korean into Japanese.

This was the first time Mr. Sung actually went into a studio to see dubbing work being done. He was fascinated. Shan Mei checked with Mr. Ang; Han Jae Hoon was now doing voice over for one episode of NWP. Shan Mei decided to take the two gentlemen to visit Jae Hoon now working in another room. Mr. Sung immediately recognised the voice. Shan Mei signaled Jae Hoon. After completing his current sequence, he came out of the room to greet them. Shan Mei introduced him to Mr. Sung, the sponsor of the NWP series, and Mr. Kawasaki from Tokyo. Mr. Sung was floored. Wasn’t this the man who hosted Law Segment of MBS morning show? He never actually paid attention to Mr. Han’s voice on the show. He never expected such a handsome man to possess such a beautiful voice. Too bad he didn’t speak Japanese otherwise he would want Mr. Han to dub in Japanese.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kawasaki was impressed too. He wanted to push NWP for a client in Tokyo. When Mr. Sung saw his excited reaction, Mr. Sung wanted to know whether it would be a wiser choice to take NWP and not the mini series. Mr. Kawasaki professed, “S.D-san, the mini series will definitely reach a wider catchment of viewers, if the right titles are shown.” They then proceeded to the small film studio to view the series that Shan Mei has recommended. After viewing, Mr. Kawasaki wondered how she could pin-point so well the current trend of the Japanese preference in television viewing. He actually chose 8 out the ten titles she suggested. After lunch, Shan Mei arranged for another 10 titles to be shown. Mr. Kawasaki indicated interest in 5 of the titles, after only 8 were screened.

When they were about to wrap up the viewing in the screening room, she received a call from her husband. He was just back in his office after a long meeting at Wen Rong. “Darling, how about giving your poor husband a special coffee treat? I’m so tired, I need your heart to revive mine.” Shan Mei laughed softly and told him she would be going up to his private reception area with her two guests.

When Yin Xiang Zhe greeted them at his reception room, Mr. Sung introduced his visitor from Japan, “Kawasaki-san, this is Yin Xiang Zhe the President and DoP of MBS. He is also the husband of Shan Mei.”

Mr. Kawasaki had assumed Shan Mei was single, Mr. Sung had a thing for her that was why he went out of his way to ensure CTN figured well in the Bansung account. After this afternoon, he changed his mind. That Shan Mei really knew how to do her job well, judging by the list of titles she had selected, and making that Mr. Han in charge of dubbing for the mini series and NWP. And she was so professional by not mentioning that Mr. Yin was her husband.

Xiang Zhe was in good mood, seeing how Mr. Sung had introduced him as the husband of Shan Mei. They went to Westin’s Korean restaurant for dinner. All the time throughout dinner, while they were engaged in small talk, Mr. Sung’s eyes were alert and fugitively shifting about. He wanted to know whether the Yins really held hands under the table, like what he had read somewhere in some guy’s interview in the newspapers.

Chapter AW-45

Zian Da phoned Xiang Zhe’s extension. “Xiang Zhe, the Human Resource Department has encountered some problems. It seems about 20 employees want to change their weekly off-days. They want to work on Sundays.”

Xiang Zhe was surprised. “Are these employees trying to cause dissent in the company? Why is H.R. unable to resolve this matter? Normal employees want to take Sundays off. Is there a problem somewhere? Which department are these employees from?”

“They are from different departments and their department heads cannot understand their decision!”

Xiang Zhe didn’t hesitate to take action. If these employees were trying to cause dissent, he’d better nip it in the bud before the situation escalated. “Zian Da, arrange a meeting at the big function room with H.R., the department heads and the employees. I’ll be there in 30 minutes.”

When Xiang Zhe arrived, he walked briskly to the elevated platform at the head of the room and took a seat by the table next to Zian Da. The employees who were talking excitedly suddenly became very still and quiet. When he gave them an overall stern look, the employees wished they hadn’t come to the meeting and should have kept their mouths shut.

Xiang Zhe took the microphone on the table and began, “Good afternoon. Any one here ready to tell me what the problem is?”

No one answered. The room was very quiet, 30 pairs of eyes staring back at him blankly.

Xiang Zhe continued talking into the mic, his voice firm and resonant. “It is a serious matter to me, if my employees are not happy. Most employees ask for Sundays off. It’s strange to me that you are asking to work on Sundays? If it is only 2 or 3 employees, I would put it down to personal preference or a recent change in home situation. But with 20 employees, from different departments, wanting the same thing, there must be a problem somewhere. If you won’t tell me, how am I able to help you?”

Sensing the sincerity in their President’s voice, one employee finally stood up to explain the situation.

“Mr. President, actually, we are thankful that management has organised a Junior Game Club for our children. Our children want to participate too, but we have transportation problems. MBS provide company bus to pick us up from our homes for work. So we think if we work on Sundays, our children can travel with us to work, the bus for Sundays are usually not that full. After the first quarter when the Junior Game Club was started, the other children have been telling our children the club is a lot of fun. Since then, our children have been begging us to take them with us to work so they can enjoy the club privileges too.”

Xiang Zhe nodded in silent acknowledgement and looked at Zian Da to see what solutions he had to this problem. As expected, he kept quiet and wanted to look down on his note pad. Xiang Zhe wouldn’t let him. He held his stare. Finally, he gave up. He realised even if he stared all day, Zian Da wouldn’t voice an opinion. The other department heads were quiet too.

Taking the microphone again, Xiang Zhe told his employees to value Sunday as ‘family day’. “Apart from coming to work on Sundays, what other suggestions do you have? I don’t care how ridiculous your suggestions may sound, I want to hear them all. I want also for you to write down where you live, how many children you have and their ages. I want all your notes on my table by this evening before I leave the office at 6. Let me sit on the matter for one night. I will definitely come back to you tomorrow with a solution, even if it’s temporary. I promise.”

That night when they were at his father’s place for dinner, Xiang Zhe brought out the notes to show to the others, explaining what happened that afternoon at MBS. He had scanned over the notes and it seemed there would be 36 children wanting to go.

Yin Snr said, “It’s imperative that all these children should have equal opportunity to learn. May be, one day, one of them will have potential to become a champion, who knows.” It was decided MBS would be responsible for the transportation of the 12 children living in the same area and their parents didn’t have to change their work schedules. But if they wanted to accompany their children to the club, that would be okay. Tomorrow Zian Da was to find from Junior Club records whether the remaining 24 could join a car pool. After that, they would see how many children were left out before finding another solution.

Again, after dinner, Grandfather wouldn’t let BB go home with his parents that night. He doted on his grandson so much, Shan Mei was afraid BB would be spoilt rotten. Later on, when Xiang Zhe was having tea with his father in his private sitting room, he asked his father whether Step mother would be returning to Seoul this summer with Xiang Jie.

“Father, we’re planning on having another baby next year. Shan Mei wants to give up her job when the second baby arrives. I feel that this is so unfair to her. I’ve thought of asking Auntie Lee to come over to our place and help us look after BB. She is well educated and will know how to teach the boy properly in good manners and other things.”

Father gave his son a long stare and finally said, “That’s not a good idea. I’m so used to having Auntie Lee and Patrick around, they are now like family. I keep telling you to leave BB over here with us. Anyway, Son, you don’t have to worry a thing. You go ahead and give me another grandchild. I already have a solution. I’m only waiting for the right chance. Of course Shan Mei shouldn’t resign. When I was in London the first time with her, I already noticed how hard and reliable she worked. If she resigns, it will be a great loss to CTN.”

As promised by the President and DoP, the Junior Club problem was easily resolved. Many parents already sending their children to the club volunteered to provide car pool service. For company bus service, the driver on duty on Sundays would take MBS mini bus to collect and send the children back, since the timing didn’t clash with other MBS bus schedules, the club hours being 2 – 5 p.m. Xiang Zhe advised Zian Da to approach the winners from last year who were supposed to give coaching to the kids to find out whether any one of them could provide transportation to any children living near their area or be picked up conveniently on the way to MBS.

A few weeks later, Father phoned Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei one afternoon after lunch, asking them to meet him in front of MBS front entrance in 20 minutes’ time. When they arrived, Father was already there waiting.

“Come, get into the car. Old Kang will drive us.”

“Father, isn’t this the way to our house?” Shan Mei asked, after 10 minutes on the road. Father smiled, giving Shan Mei a pat on her hand. The car soon stopped in front a grand mansion situated at the back of Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei’s house on slightly higher ground.

Father was beaming. “I have been waiting for this property to go on the market ever since I bought the first property, the one that is now your home. This morning, the ownership papers for this property were signed.”

Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei looked at each other excitedly. That would mean no need to travel back and forth for BB with Auntie Lee living just next door. They went in to look at the house. It was very well laid out and very spacious with lots of room. The grounds outside were very extensive.

“Xiang Zhe, we’ll break down the surrounding wall at some point so the two properties can be connected. This way, the babies can treat the property as one. I’ll ask Patrick to sell his apartment. On the grounds of the new mansion, I’ll build a unit for Xiang Jie and another for Patrick, so they can have their own privacy when entertaining their friends.”

Xiang Zhe laughed softly to himself. So the old fox had planned this a long time, slowly taking their babies over to his side of the property while the two innocents would be left in peace making babies on their side of the property.

That night when they were discussing the mansion, Shan Mei asked her husband how he looked at the situation – the possibility of stepmother returning to Seoul? Xiang Zhe leaned against the love seat, rubbed at his frown and let off a long sigh. “I have asked Father about stepmother returning with Xiang Jie this summer; he didn’t give me any answer. The situation doesn’t look good at all. I wonder how Xiang Jie would take it, if Father really decides to divorce his mother. After Step uncle’s dirty scheme was exposed, Father must have sent a private investigator on his trail and uncovered a lot of unsavoury evidence.”

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful, if Father married Auntie Lee and adopted Patrick as his son?” Shan Mei mused. Xiang Zhe was smoothing his wife’s hair, while listening to this. What surprised him was he didn’t feel a bit angry, or jealous. He had come to regard Auntie Lee and Patrick as family. In fact he felt more comfortable talking to Patrick than to Xiang Jie, may be due to the age difference, maybe something else. And Father did say he was used to having Auntie Lee around the house. It would be an easy and harmonious transition for them.

Shan Mei had just this morning arrived back in Seoul, and at once went to rest a bit at home before going to the office.

They had an early dinner, and were now enjoying a night snack before bedtime. Xiang Zhe raised his glass of white wine to her lips, for her to take a sip. They were sitting in their living room, enjoying deep fried breaded crabmeat sticks that Shan Mei had prepared, with a delicious white wine that she had brought back from Sydney.

She always gave him a special treat every time she came home from some place. He was now getting used to her travel routine. A few more months, he would be able to put Baby Princess Plan into action. After a few more glasses of wine, he was hoping his wife would give him some hot cuddles in bed tonight.

Even the regional offices now realised Shan Mei was nobody’s fool.

Since her monthly visits, she had managed to cut down expenses by at least 20% in each of the offices. Even if they didn’t get new businesses, it meant the offices were making 20% more money. Xiang Zhe had been following the financial statements given to him by Shan Mei, and each time he had told her where she could cut further, from his experience as Director of Planning. If only they knew she had such a qualified financial advisor behind her, they wouldn’t dare to play their games any more. Thinking about this made Shan Mei giggled freely, and at one time pressing her face to her husband’s cheek, she trailed her lips slowly to his mouth, then licked around it for any left over taste of the wine, then affirmed that tasted great. Was it he or the wine? Xiang Zhe wondered, excitement was slowly heating up his body.

What was she trying to do? Did she know she was slowly killing him with her love? He guessed his wife had had enough wine for one night. He’d better get her up to the bedroom for her bath, before she passed out. He slowly walked her up the stairs; she was hanging on to his arms. He put her on the bed then quickly went to the bathroom to run a bath. He laughed as he helped her undress. She wanted to bathe in her clothes. He had to do the same too. He hoped the warm water would wake her up. She wanted him to take off one piece of clothing after another in the bath, one for her and one for him. He was really laughing hard this time thinking what their housekeeper’s reaction would be like when she came in the morning, seeing their pile of wet clothes on the floor.

She sat on his lap, waiting for him to wash her. He was grinning as he was washing her. Suddenly, she told him, “Xue Zhang, I love your grin. Love it so much.”

Xiang Zhe stilled and looked at his wife with surprise, unconcealed delirium all over his face. This was the first he heard it.

“Xue Zhang’s grin always makes me want to say something that will keep you smiling.” Very slowly, his lips nuzzled the hollow of her throat where he could feel her pulse beating as wildly as his.

Wrapping her with a large bath towel he carried her off to bed. As he eased her onto their bed, his breath was hot against her ear as he whispered, “Darling, don’t simply say things to keep me smiling. I’d smile even more if you do things to me – nice things, I mean.” And he rubbed his lips suggestively against hers.

===

The next morning, Xiang Zhe heard his wife moving about their room. Then silence! It was still very early. He was reluctant to leave the bed. He rolled over to her side of the bed, to lie on her pillow, sniffing in her scent. He so loved the way she smelled, so soft and delicate like the feel of her skin.

He felt a light kiss on his forehead; he pretended to be still asleep. His wife moved her hand under the quilt to stroke him ever so gently. He opened his eyes, to look straight into her smiling face. “Wake up, husband. We have to go some place as soon as you’ve showered and changed.”

Today was another MBS Founding Day Anniversary. Why was his wife waking him up early? So heartless when he was enjoying his lie-in. Didn’t she know he was going to have a full day ahead of him?

Shan Mei had already changed and was waiting for him downstairs. All she had left out for him on the kitchen table was a cup of hot coffee. When he got into the car, before he saw the roses, he was assailed by their scent. Shan Mei gave him a sweet smile and a good morning kiss, and very simply said, “To Mother’s.”

The drive was very pleasant, there was almost no traffic being so early in the morning. Very soon they reached their destination. Shan Mei put the flowers in the vase in one corner of the plot. Xiang Zhe looked at his wife tenderly. It was 26 years since his grandfather founded the business and left it to Xiang Zhe’s mother. He sat somewhere close by and began rambling to his mother. “MBS is currently enjoying much popularity with viewers. Mother, please continue to bless and guide us. Baby is growing well. You would have been so proud of him. Father is at some kind of crossroad in his life. Mother, please help him in making the right decision.”

Shan Mei took a small food container from the car. She poured her husband a cup of hot coffee, then handed him some sandwiches she had prepared. As he was sipping his coffee, he smiled at her. She smiled back and looked at him shyly, her face slowly turning rosy.

“Husband, why are you smiling like that? Do you want me to kidnap you home and make you miss today’s function?”

He put down his sandwich and coffee, tilted her face up to his, and kissed her deeply, hoping with that kiss, he managed to convey his deep love for her to her innermost self. Shan Mei’s arms circled his waist under his jacket bringing him close to her. His tongue remained in her mouth, working its magic. After what seemed like ages, they drew apart, their eyes dark with passion, their faces so full of love for one another. Xiang Zhe never took his eyes off his wife, as they continued with their breakfast, his face spotting a soft grin.

It was time to leave. They packed up everything, after which they walked slowly back to their car, Xiang Zhe’s arms wrapped protectively around Shan Mei’s shoulders. Before he started the car, he said slowly “Darling,” his gaze measuring as he took her chin gently in his hand. “We have unfinished business. If there is a ‘start’ there should be an ‘end’ too. I thank you for today’s beautiful ‘start.’ I’ll reckon with you later tonight. I promise.” Then he winked at her. His heart was singing. His Shan Mei was truly his special angel sent from up above.

He then bent and kissed her deeply and Shan Mei shivered at the sensations his kiss aroused in her. Unfinished business, indeed. He knew it, she knew it. But it was barely 8 o’clock in the morning.

“Xue Zhang,” Shan Mei stammered, not quite knowing what to say when she noticed the hungry look in his eyes. “Shouldn’t we be getting on our way? Today is going to be a busy day for you with MBS Anniversary lunch and meetings with your BBS visitors.”

Xiang Zhe reluctantly set his wife back in her seat. “Yes,” he slowly sighed. “Today is another MBS anniversary function.” At today’s function he would look at it more seriously. With Shan Mei by his side, MBS had reached another year with glowing results. They would continue to do their best to keep his mother’s legacy alive for posterity.

Chapter AW-46

Shan Mei and Xiang Zhe were both so busy with their work he didn’t even have time to discuss with his wife how she would like to spend her birthday.

The day before her birthday, when Xiang Zhe asked his wife what she would like, Shan Mei told him she wanted to go to their cabin.

The next day, they left work at 5 then drove directly to their cabin. Xiang Zhe took a food hamper from his car and stored the whole thing in the fridge. Shan Mei prepared the Jacuzzi. They changed out of their work clothes into their Ts and shorts. The weather was so beautiful, they simply lay in each other’s arms, on their mat in the cabin to enjoy the airy, relaxing atmosphere. Since last month’s MBS anniversary celebration, both of them had not had a chance to relax properly.

After a while, they moved over to the Jacuzzi. Today, Xiang Zhe promised to give his wife a body massage, but first a back rub. Shan Mei enjoyed the warm water and back rub so much, she didn’t want to come out of the water although her husband told her it had been almost an hour they were in the water; he wanted to eat.

Xiang Zhe took the whole hamper from the fridge, and laid out the food on their table. They had steamed prawns, lobsters and crabs, and a bottle of the best champagne. Xiang Zhe was enjoying the lobsters while his wife was shelling the prawns and crabs for him. After they finished the food, husband and wife shared washing up duties. Next on the menu were the juiciest strawberries. By this time, Shan Mei was on her husband’s lap and he was feeding her the strawberries. They tasted especially good with champagne. Xiang Zhe told his wife, “Darling, don’t be such a scrooge! Be generous and give me some birthday kisses.”

She looked at him and giggled. He looked so adorable, with his dark hair soft and windblown with several locks loose across his forehead – she didn’t want to kiss him, she wanted to eat him. She ran her fingers slowly through his hair again and again until he got so impatient for her kisses, he pulled her hands away, caught her face between his hands, and then pressed his hot lips against hers. When he finally broke away, his eyes were dark with desire. He laughed, and lifting his wife into his arms, carried her off to their cabin.

The next day when Xiang Zhe arrived at the CTN Executive Dining Room; he saw his wife talking to the Master Chef. The service staff on seeing him, showed him to the table Miss Zhen occupied. His wife had invited him to lunch because Master Chef had phoned her letting her know his supplier had delivered a very fresh yellow croaker in the morning. He wanted to make special fish soup for her. Mr. President was invited too if he was free. Xiang Zhe came not so much for the food, but for the sight of his beautiful wife, still thinking of the wonderful night they shared in the cabin last night and the birthday treats his wife doled out, one after another, so much so he didn’t think he would be able to make it for work this morning. It was now lunch time only and he was missing her already.

After lunch, he invited his wife back to his office. “Darling, I feel like having some of your special coffee.” As soon as he locked his office door behind him, he pulled Shan Mei into his arms and started kissing and caressing her, murmuring into her ears he wanted to take her back to the cabin tonight.

He didn’t understand the logic but that cabin seemed to be magical. Whenever they were there, they felt so free, no social taboo, especially his wife, as if her veil of shyness just dropped away. Even if they did nothing but simply lie down there, with his wife next to him holding her in his hands, he felt fulfilled and totally loved by her. He told his wife, “I’d be at your office to collect you at 6 this evening.”

To Shan Mei, their cabin was so special and totally cut off from their normal life, they could behave without constraints of any sort. They felt so free.

With all the travelling around visiting the regional offices, her husband being so considerate and acquiescent, Shan Mei was beginning to miss him and baby more and more with each passing month – she wanted to indulge him whenever possible. Travelling on planes gave her plenty of time to think. The most heart-rending thing for her, whenever she thought of her husband, was his growing up years. There was no one he could open up to, not like Xiang Jie who had her, his dad, Patrick, Auntie Lee and You Zhen Ge to give support on the sidelines. Her Xue Zhang had to tackle his problems, his fears, his sufferings and his loneliness all by himself. At that time, he would be 15 years or so, about the same age as Xiang Jie when she first saw him in London at Arirang. Gugu told her Xue Zhang always ate alone all those years at her restaurant except for one time, when he came in with a girl, that news anchor at MBS, Liu Yong Xi when she was in London to cover the Korean presidential visit.

If a situation was within her control, she would ensure her husband never suffered any unhappiness again. She would make sure she and their children would be his pride and joy forever. She still remembered Xue Zhang’s excitement when BB had his first tooth. Many times during the night he had crept into the nursery, to check on the tooth; or his emotional state with tears rolling down his cheeks, when BB’s first word was ‘Daddy.’ Shan Mei had never seen him looked so proud.

She wanted to give him another baby. She didn’t want to wait till next year. As soon as she became pregnant, she would tell Michael she didn’t want that director’s job. All that travelling was tiring her. She couldn’t bear being away from her husband. He needed her.

Her secretary buzzed her on the intercom that Mr. Yin had arrived. “Show him in please.” Shan Mei pulled her husband into her office when she saw him hovering at the entrance. Her husband went around her desk, pointed to his photo on her table and asked her who that was. She gave him a mischievous look and answered, “My Xue Zhang.” Switching on her mobile phone, showing him the photo of the screensaver, she said, “My secret lover.” He was amused because that was him, and opening her wallet, she showed him another photo, “My husband.”

He was curious and couldn’t help asking. “Hey, why is the Husband in wallet, and not on mobile phone screensaver?”

She smiled softly at him then told him, “I’ll call my secret lover every time I feel like having some fun. Every time I open my wallet, I would be reminded I have a husband somewhere. This husband pays the bills, so I’d better entertain him once in a while!”

He threw his head back and roared with uninhibited laughter. “So, what is it going to be tonight? Are you going to show me some fun, or simply entertain me for entertainment’s sake?” he asked, tweaking her nose at the same time for her mischievousness.

“Ugh – ugh,” Shan Mei replied, shaking her head. He arched a brow at her. “Tonight I’m going with my Xue Zhang to our secret hideout, for serious work.”

“Like?” he asked wanting to know more.

She raised herself on tiptoe up to his ear and softly whispered into it. He became highly excited as he gushed, “Really?” He picked up his wife’s jacket and handbag and hurried her out of her office, giving an apologetic nod to Shan Me’s secretary.

They stopped by the house to change out of their work clothes. Shan Mei got some food from the fridge; then they drove off to their cabin. While Xiang Zhe opened up the cabin, his wife was in the kitchen getting ready to prepare dinner, and getting out some drinks for them.

Xiang Zhe went up quietly behind his wife’s back, circled her waist loosely with his arms, and asked softly into her ear, “Now or later?”

His wife looked at him indulgently. “Don’t you need food to make healthy babies?” She asked him to set the table, saying, “Xue Zhang, I’m giving you beef noodles with 3 fried eggs. Are you okay with this?”

He scratched his head and laughed softly, then looked at his wife amused, asking her, “Are we aiming for triplets?”

It was another night of partying at the Yin’s family home, welcoming back Xiang Jie for his summer holidays. By now, BB was making quite intelligent conversation. He was talking all night to his uncle, mentioning by name Grandpa, Grandma Lee, Daddy, Mummy, Uncle, and Uncle Pat. They did hear him say “Daddy naughty.” When Daddy said he was going to smack his little bottom, he ran whimpering to his uncle.

Shan Mei laughed at that and reminded her husband, “Darling, we’d better watch what we say at home. The brat is picking up words from us.”

Xiang Zhe commented, “Not just us, but our gardener too. He comes to tend the garden 6 afternoons a week. I’ve noticed he likes to curse a bit.”

The following week, Xiang Jie was busy at CTN and MBS. Every one wanted a bit of him. He couldn’t entertain them all. He decided to treat all his friends to a simple meal at MBS canteen on a Friday when they didn’t have the Game Club in session. When Shan Mei heard this, she told Master Chef to arrange for a few varieties of finger food. For quantity, please liaise with Xiang Jie. That would be the contribution from CTN.

On Friday, when Shan Mei finished Musical Postcard, she phoned her husband telling him she was going to drop in on Xiang Jie’s party at the canteen. She asked him along. When they arrived, Xiang Zhe was surprised at the number of staff members at the canteen. “Did Xiang Jie make so many friends during his brief holiday working stints here?” he quietly asked his wife.

Li Qing Xi came in carrying a large pot of beef stew. Shan Mei’s three secretaries brought finger sandwiches. Soon Yin Snr arrived, nanny tagging behind carrying BB. There was great excitement in the canteen when they saw the baby.

Xiang Zhe knew it was going to happen sooner or later, when he heard the news being passed around, “Zhen Shan Mei’s baby is here.” The other humiliating part was baby trying to brush him off, wanting to sit with his uncle.

Shan Mei, seeing this, went over to BB telling him not to disturb uncle entertaining his friends, then brought BB to daddy, quietly asking Xue Zhang to give him a stick of potato French fry as bribe. When BB was in his arms, sucking on the French fry, Xiang Zhe quietly chided him, “Traitor.”

BB looked up at his daddy, a tiny little frown appeared on his small forehead guessing what his daddy just said, by the tone, was not complimentary. The staff commented on the baby’s uncanny likeness to their president, right down pat to the frown.

“Of course” said Shan Mei with a laugh, “he’s Yin Xiang Zhe’s son.” Xiang Zhe looked at his wife gratefully. He was beginning to think every one of them had overlooked that so very important fact, that he was baby’s father.

The adults were ready to leave, while the younger ones wanted to stay longer. Patrick promised to give Xiang Jie a lift home. Shan Mei told Patrick if he wanted to stay with Xiang Jie, which she preferred, they would drop Father home. Nanny had a hard time trying to catch on to BB’s little hand to wipe off the oil from the fries. Father was very happy to see that Xiang Jie had made so many friends at both CTN and MBS.

From the back seat of the car Father gave Shan Mei a gentle squeeze on her shoulder. He asked them whether they had time tomorrow to go with the ID people to look over the mansion to see what needed to be done. Shan Mei looked a bit embarrassed and asked, “Father, wouldn’t it be better if all of us, including Younger Brother and Patrick, should go and pool our ideas together?”

Father answered, “It’s not necessary, since the mansion will eventually go to you and Xiang Zhe.”

Shan Mei looked shocked. “What about Xiang Jie?”

“Don’t worry, he will get a property somewhere around the same area. I intend to sell the present house, so we can all live in the same area.”

Shan Mei looked at her husband who was quietly driving along. When they reached Father’s place, Xiang Zhe told his father to call them when he arrived at the mansion since they practically live on its doorstep. So it was thus decided.

In bed that night, husband and wife were having their bedroom meeting as usual. Shan Mei asked her husband whether the situation looked bad for Stepmother.

Xiang Zhe told her, “Darling, please be patient. We’ll know when we go over the house. If Father says he doesn’t need such a big room, it will mean he doesn’t intend to have her back. Then, you’ve got to insist he takes the suite, giving some story like when stepmother returns, they will need the larger room, save trouble moving from room to room since there are plenty of rooms available. If he agrees, that will mean he is seriously considering Auntie Lee. Then you have to go ask Ma to delicately broach the subject matter with Auntie Lee to see where her feelings lie.”

Shan Mei kissed her husband and professed, “You’re so clever,” but was still worried. “After Father and Auntie Lee’s problem is settled, there is still Patrick and Xiang Jie’s position to consider. It may be difficult for Xiang Jie to accept that Father will divorce his mother. And Patrick is comfortable with the present situation where he is already being treated as indulgent brother. If Auntie Lee marries Father and he becomes Father’s stepson officially, will Patrick’s current relationship with Xiang Jie change?”

“Yes, my darling, they shall in time discover for themselves what they will mean to one another. However,” Xiang Zhe murmured with a whimsical shrug as he traced her lips with his fingertip, “I’m weary of talking about Father, Auntie Lee, Xiang Jie and Patrick. Let’s just hope everything works out well. Que sera, sera! Whatever will be, will be! The future’s not ours to see!”

“As you wish, Husband,” Shan Mei agreed, toying with a lock of his hair. “It has been a long day, so no doubt you wish to sleep.”

“Yes, I do.” His eyes gleamed with seductive mischief. “But not right away.” And he moved to cover her mouth with a sizzling kiss.[

Chapter AW-47

Husband and wife were strolling in the park. From afar, they could see Pa and Ma busy serving customers. The shop was packed. They made their way to the shop via the back. Pa was surprised to see them. Shan Mei put on an apron, and began to help prepare bowls of noodles for the kimchi, giving the first bowl to her husband who slurped it up ravenously. He handed the empty bowl back to his wife.

Smiling at her sheepishly, Xiang Zhe said, “I want another bowl.”

Pouting at him, she complained, “Eating so much? You finished lunch not so long ago. You’re getting fat.”

He smiled back at her. “No, that isn’t true, you’re simply too stingy to give me another free bowl. I want a second bowl, prepared by my wife, and I’m willing to pay big time for it.”

She handed him another bowl, then put out a palm asking him for payment. He looked at her smilingly from under his lashes, then teased, “Go ask Miss Park how much she is prepared to pay for a kiss from your husband.”

Shan Mei looked at him and smirked, “I’d make it better, how about an evening out, wining, dining and dancing, sending her home, giving her goodnight kiss. May be, Yin Xiang Zhe would spend the night if he fancied her!” she then stuck her tongue out at him and poked him in his chest.

After most of the customers had gone, they sat down for some of Ma’s special cooling tea. Xiang Zhe’s mobile phone rang. On looking, he recognised the caller’s number, he passed his mobile phone to his wife, quietly mouthing ‘Miss Park.’

Shan Mei answered, “Mr. Yin Xiang Zhe’s office. Oh, you’re looking for Mr. Yin? Is it urgent? It is? He isn’t in now but he’s going to have dinner at Westin Chosun Korean restaurant this evening. Bye.”

His wife handed his mobile phone back to him, then looked at him amused. She asked him to hurry home and change, she had set up a date for him at Westin Chosun. Xiang Zhe turned around to look at Pa. He went up to Pa, helping him pack up, telling them to hurry up, go home and change. “Shan Mei and I want to take you out to dinner tonight at the Westin Chosun.” Ma was excited, saying she would wear the new dress You Zhen had gifted her at Christmas.

Xiang Zhe gave his wife a triumphant look. Xiang Zhe told his in-laws he would collect them at 7.30. After he bundled her into the car, he planted a big kiss on his unsuspecting wife, then with a “I love you” and an indulgent smile, they drove off towards home.

On the way, he told Shan Mei that Miss Park was trouble. “When CTN-KE held their anniversary party on the 1st of July, Miss Park was there and was trying to chat me up. I’ve tried to ignore her. I thought she came for Michael, but seeing Michael was not there, she hit on me instead. She calls the office almost every day. I don’t know how she got hold of my mobile phone number. Even my secretary knows by now how to brush her off.” Shan Mei simply laughed at her husband, seeing his flustered look.

Shan Mei wore a gorgeous figure hugging dress with a somewhat plunging neckline by a new designer that Madam Kim had recommended to her. Her necklace of peridot and pearl teardrop went very well with it. Once look at the dress with its plunging neckline, Xiang Zhe was not happy, but he let it go. His wife was in frisky mood today, he had better watch his mouth. If that crazy Miss Park showed up at the restaurant, he would have more to hear tonight in bed.

By the time they arrived at the restaurant, it was full. Luckily, Xiang Zhe had called in for his reservation when they got home earlier. All eyes were on them when they waited to be shown to their table. The diners not only recognised Zhen Shan Mei, but were excited seeing her in her other clothes apart from the ‘uniform’ she wore on the chat show. She wasn’t big boned, and her figure was perfect for her size. Her smile not only lit up the whole restaurant but the entire city.

The service staff was very understanding, reserving for them table for four in a quiet corner, so they could enjoy their meal in peace. As the food came, Ma was very interested saying she was going to make this or make that for their noodle stall. Many of the side dishes gave her many ideas for kimchi varieties.

Shan Mei saw Miss Park, as she got up from her table making her way to the ladies’ rest room. She was sure her husband also noticed her. After a while, Miss Park went back to her table after making one round of the dining room.

When Ma tasted the fish to determine the recipe, she suddenly remembered today was Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei’s 3rd wedding anniversary. At the dinner she threw for them three days before their wedding day, she had specially selected this fish which was supposed to bring happiness to the married couple.

Xiang Zhe smiled secretly to himself and tried to reach for Shan Mei’s hand under the table. Shan Mei smiled too, her husband was now getting too clever in planning his games. She placed her hands on the table. Xiang Zhe waved to the waiter, telling him he could now uncork and serve the champagne he had reserved to be chilled.

Shan Mei covered her husband’s hand and gave it a squeeze and said quietly to him, “Darling, thank you for the lovely surprise.” The seniors’ eyes misted seeing how loving the young couple was. When the champagne arrived, they toasted one another, with Pa having the final word, that it was time to have baby No. 2. Xiang Zhe gave him an unabashed look, confirming they were working hard at it, never once taking his eyes away from his wife who was now blushing profusely. Pa laughed out happily.

Xiang Zhe then toasted his father-in-law, thanking him for having such a beautiful daughter and entrusting her to him, and to his mother-in-law, for teaching her so well, his wife was not the least spoilt, and possessing such a lovable character. Since their marriage, she had enriched his life beyond recognition.

Soon, word got around the restaurant that tonight was the Yins’ third wedding anniversary. The diners wanted to give the happy couple their blessings. The Banquet Director came to offer their congratulations and invited the couple up to the podium to accept a ‘blessing’ toast from the diners. After which Xiang Zhe gave a short ‘thank you’ speech. They were indeed a very popular couple. Before they left the podium, the Banquet Director gave them a gift from the hotel – a complimentary overnight stay at their hotel in one of the honeymoon suites. It was a well-known fact the Westin Chosun was the Yins’ hotel of choice. Especially after the court case a few years ago when Chosoon tried to slander Shan Mei’s reputation by implying she spent a night there with a secret lover, when in fact it was husband and wife enjoying some quiet, romantic time together in Westin’s honeymoon suite. After that time, all the honeymoon suites at Westin were always fully booked out for weekends.

At home, Xiang Zhe wouldn’t let his wife go off to change. “Darling, now that we are home, you can leave your lovely dress on, since I’m the only one feasting my eyes on you.” He bent his head and planted a lingering kiss in the valley between her breasts. “Ehmm, you smell heavenly,” he sighed blissfully.

He put on some slow romantic music and invited his wife to dance. Xiang Zhe was giddy with happiness. He didn’t set out to plan the occasion. It was this Miss Park calling him almost every day harassing him – that her name came to mind out of the blue at the park. His wife had herself set it all up by telling Miss Park that Mr. Yin was going to have dinner at Westin when she called, that he decided to play it from there and it turned out perfectly. That was the secret allure of his Shan Mei, turning every imperfection into attraction, or every distraction into perfection.

After that they enjoyed a long warm bath. Husband carried wife to bed where they towel-dried one another. Xiang Zhe then threw the towels off their bed. As he murmured sweet nothings into her ear, he ran his fingers along her silky smooth skin, caressing his wife in such a sensual way, and nibbling her all over, that she responded by throwing her arms around his neck trying to draw him closer to her soft, warm, pliant body. Xiang Zhe’s eyes got suspiciously glisteny. He held them wide, careful not to blink; he did not want to miss seeing any one of Shan Mei’s ardent responses flitting across her transparent face. Soon they were lost in each other!

During the next few weeks, Shan Mei was very busy, with reports, financial statements, trips here, and trips there. Also holding meetings with the PIR team as some parts of the show needed updating.

Luckily for her, the two new secretaries were intelligent and responsible and working very hard. One’s working hours were according to Zone 1, Tokyo and Sydney. The other’s working hours were according to Zone 2, Singapore and Hong Kong, so nothing was missed. They were encouraged to work as independently as possible. The girls loved working for Shan Mei, and very soon her 3 secretaries were running the CTN office very efficiently. They were also involved with PIR follow up. Whatever they couldn’t handle they passed on to Shan Mei.

After the initial look-over of the new mansion by the ID people, they now came back with some plans and recommendations. According to them, there was no need to build two separate units on the grounds. “Mr. Chairman, we can easily transform the back rooms of the mansion into two separate units – the entrances to these two units would be at the rear of the mansion. We’ll widen the access road around the back of the house, and landscape the area attractively. The area downstairs can be divided into 6 large bedrooms, or 4 suites, one with cathedral ceiling.”

Husband and wife were alert when taking note of Father’s choice of the smaller room. It worked out the way Xiang Zhe had foreseen. Xiang Zhe nudged Shan Mei reminding her not to forget her part.

Shan Mei cleared her throat and suggested in a persuasive tone, “Father, why take the smaller room and not the suite when there are so many rooms available?”

“The smaller room is large enough for my personal needs.”

“But Father, we’re suggesting the larger suite, in case little Bao Bao wants to spend time with you in your room, you won’t be cramped for space. You know how he likes to have his toys around. You can keep a special corner for him where he can store some of his toys,” Shan Mei coaxed.

Yin Senior relented. He then began to let ID director know which suite he wanted and how it was to be set up. Husband and wife passed one another a knowing look. After the walk through, the ID director told Yin Senior a client of his was interested to buy his current home. A day was confirmed for viewing.

After that, Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei took Father for lunch. Halfway through lunch, Shan Mei was aghast. “Oh dear, we have forgotten to ask Auntie Lee which suite she would like,” she said, giving Father an apologetic look.

Yin Senior smiled benignly and said, “Don’t worry, Shan Mei. She’s a very simple lady. She never complains at all, she’ll accept anything.”

“But, Father, because she’s our special aunt, we want to give her something special.” She thought for a while, and continued, “Father, what about the suite next to yours, the one with the large balcony opening out to the garden? I think that will be perfect. We can install a small greenhouse and plant our special roses for her. When she walks out to the garden through her private balcony, the roses will be waiting for her.” Turning to her husband, she asked, “Xue Zhang, what do you think?”

“I think it’s a brilliant idea. I’ll ask Uncle Jin to send one of his men to the mansion to measure out the area for a custom-built greenhouse. I’ll ask the gardener to start preparing some potted rose bushes.”

Yin Senior didn’t say a word but he looked pleased. He was thinking this Shan Mei always knew what was in his heart.

Seeing his father’s satisfied smile, Xiang Zhe suggested to him, “After the ID director comes back with drawn-up plans in a week’s time, we’ll all sit down for family meeting. From there, we’ll gauge Xiang Jie’s reaction to having his own private apartment before deciding what further plans to take.”

Yin Senior nodded and continued silently with his lunch.

===

Later that afternoon, after he had cleared all paperwork from his desk, Xiang Zhe leant back against his chair in his office, his hand rubbing his forehead. He wondered whether his Father and stepmother were legally married. As far as he knew, before his mother died, even though they lived in separate households, his mother had always been considered the First Lady of MBS and Wen Rong. He never saw his stepmother accompanying his Father to any social or public functions. After he decided to remain in London and seldom returned to Seoul, he didn’t know whether that was still the case, as his mother had died. Stepmother’s existence was never acknowledged by the outside world. That was one of the reasons his step uncle was so envious of him, knowing he was the legitimate heir of Wen Rong and MBS. Of course his step uncle had thought if he came into majority ownership of Wen Rong and MBS, he could kick Xiang Zhe out of the Group, or if the other shareholders insisted he stayed, he would give him the worst position possible, that Xiang Zhe would automatically leave the Group of his own accord. Wasn’t that his step uncle’s plan? His Father must be still smarting over this, after he gave him so many chances in the company, in spite of his unpopularity with Uncle Jin and Uncle Liu.

If the marriage was not legally solemnised, what would Xiang Jie’s position be in the eyes of the law, and the public gossip-mongers? He must protect the boy at all costs. Even if one strand of Xiang Jie’s hair was harmed, his wife would surely never speak to him again. She had always maintained she would never again let any harm come to the two innocent parties of this tragic marriage triangle: one part was him, the other part Xiang Jie. He couldn’t seek legal advice with a legal firm, those gossip-mongers would easily guess it was his family background he was checking on. He would talk to Michael, and ask him to seek legal understanding of the situation via his personal connections.

This mess was giving him a massive headache. He needed a massage from his angel. Picking up his phone, he called her. On hearing her sweet voice he immediately felt better. “Hi, it’s me. Are you ready to go home? I’m missing you.”

“Aren’t we supposed to go see BB this evening?”

“We can go tomorrow. I’m having a splitting headache. How about a head massage later on at home?”

“If it’s hurting really bad, I’ll come right down to try and ease the pain.”

“Really, you will?”

“Of course, you’re my top priority.”

“It’s okay, I’ll wait in my office till you’re ready to leave.”

In 5 minutes, Shan Mei was at his office, all packed and ready to go. Seeing her husband’s tired face and deep, frown furrows along his forehead and around his tight-looking mouth, she asked tepidly, “Something worrying you?”

Xiang Zhe gave a sigh, but said nothing and prepared to rise from his chair. Shan Mei pushed him back down and gently reminded him, “Xue Zhang, I’m your wife and I want to share your worries. You don’t have to bear them all by yourself anymore.”

“It’s a habit hard to break,” Xiang Zhe grudgingly admitted, sighing again.

“Stay a minute while I try to ease the pain a bit.” And she began to massage his scalp with relieving strokes.

“Hmm, this feels good. And after this, how about a cup of your special coffee? I no longer get any kick out of ‘heartless’ coffee,” he murmured as he closed his eyes and gave himself over to the pleasure of her touch.

Chapter AW-48

The Yins and the Zhens were preparing to celebrate the birthday of Yin Bao Bao, now two years old. In the morning, the entire family gathered together for a late breakfast.

Besides the birthday boy getting all the attention, You Zhen and Minnie were getting flake from all who were present for their ‘non productivity’.

Shan Mei took out from her handbag the gift voucher from Westin Chosun and handed it to You Zhen saying. “Both Xiang Zhe and I would like you to have this. Go and enjoy an overnight stay there. I remembered the night we spent there was so romantic and enjoyable.” Shan Mei ruffled the headful of hair of Xiang Jie who was sitting near You Zhen, and then she went to sit next to her husband, giving him such a look, he instantly drew in his breath, his eyes never leaving hers.

Then the attention was focused on Xiang Jie. “Hey, what about you? Did you meet any eligible English girls? Did you date?”

He immediately replied, “I’m not going to marry. Girls are trouble makers.” Xiang Zhe laughed. Michael must be giving Xiang Jie more than just public speaking lessons.

“Hey, little brother, look at me, your Elder brother. I used to feel the same, now look at what I have sitting beside me!” His arms went round his wife’s shoulders giving her a tight hug, pulling her closer to him.

Xiang Jie looked at his brother then at his sister and remarked, “That’s not the same. Sister is not a girl, she’s an angel.”

Everybody laughed and nodded their heads in agreement. BB seeing that, also laughed and nodded his head. The proud daddy scooped him into his arms and gave baby a big slurpy kiss saying, “You know what, son? You’re a smart kid.” BB clung on to daddy’s neck and gave his daddy a kiss in return; he looked around waiting for compliments. Daddy ruffled his little head.

Xiang Jie tried to divert attention from himself to Patrick. “If there is one person who should be giving out information about girl friends, it should be Patrick. Shouldn’t he be the next in line, going by seniority, or Brother Jae Hoon?”

Auntie Lee laughed, seeing Patrick’s bashful face. “Patrick? bah! It will be easier to get a bull up a tree than to get Patrick to talk about girls.” Turning to Patrick, his mother smilingly asked, “Hey, what about the girls in Seoul? You should be spoilt for choice. No one has caught your fancy yet?” Auntie Lee shook her head in surrender when Patrick refused to rise up to the bait.

Patrick had seen too many marriages gone sour. His friends always told him it was the women’s fault. After marriage, they seemed to become another person so different from courting days, and made living with them hell. Better to go back being living alone – single and free and happy!

You Zhen on thanking Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei for the gift voucher, teasingly asked, “What about you guys? When is No. 2 coming?”

Xiang Zhe giving his wife a swift kiss and told them, “It will definitely be sooner than your No. 1.”

Xiang Jie on hearing this immediately cheered. “Ha, with a new baby coming, I can now have BB all to myself. Hurrah!”

His elder brother told him off immediately. “If you want a baby all to yourself, you’d better go make one yourself.”

Xiang Jie became quiet. He then looked at BB, asking him sweetly, “Do you want Uncle?” BB nodded his little head vigorously and ran into his uncle’s arms, burrowing into him and laughing up at him happily.

Yin Senior was getting really excited, hearing all this baby talk. He felt it was good omen and pronounced proudly, “You Zhen and Minnie will have baby soon. Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei will have baby sooner.”

Just thinking of the babies going to come, he wanted to tell the ID people to make more bedrooms. Xiang Zhe immediately shot down the idea. “Father, we now have 5 bedrooms in our own house, plenty enough for the number of babies we intend to have.”

Soon, those who had to go to office left, leaving nanny, Auntie Lee and baby in the house, promising to be back early this evening for another feast. The caterer would be delivering the food at about 6. Xiang Zhe took his younger brother aside and told him, “Why don’t you invite Jae Hoon along this evening for dinner? Just don’t mention anything about BB’s birthday.”

This afternoon BB didn’t want to sleep, so he sat next to nanny and Auntie Lee when they watched Two Sides to a Coin. He suddenly recognised his mother on the screen, became excited, pointing to the screen and saying ‘Mummy, mummy’. When the co-host next appeared, he started laughing, pointing to the screen again squealing at the top of his voice, “Uncle Pat.”

That night he kept pointing to the television screen out to his daddy yelling ‘Mummy, Uncle Pat’, and clapping his hands, like what the audience at the show was doing. He looked simply too adorable, Shan Mei’s smile plastered on his round little face. Xiang Zhe sat him on his lap, taking hold of his little fingers, pointing to his nose: “Daddy, Daddy.” BB laughed and started clapping his chubby little hands. Shan Mei was so reluctant to let him go. Tomorrow being Friday she wouldn’t have time to come and see him. She was missing him already.

These few days Xiang Zhe had plenty of meetings to attend. Actually, he wanted to clear his desk, hoping he would have some time off, to travel down to Sydney with Shan Mei. He was still worried about her frame of mind after that Xu Ying Mei episode. They would leave Saturday evening, arriving Sydney early morning Sunday. He was sure they would be able to return to Seoul by Tuesday night’s flight. On the flight out, he would go over Sydney office’s financial statements with her.

Right now he was going through yesterday’s reports from Zian Da, the Planning department and the Dubbing department. From Mr. Ang’s report, he could see Mr. Kawasaki was giving them a lot of dubbing work, apart from Bansung Japan account, his business came from his other Japanese clients. Mr. Masuda was sending clips over for translation and dubbing.

Shan Mei had slowly overhauled the Dubbing department following the lines of the CTN operation in London, but giving the credit mostly to Mr. Ang – that guy wouldn’t do anything without first discussing with her. In this way, quality control was assured. No wonder Mr. Kawasaki was happy with the end results. Besides, the costs would be much, much lower in Seoul than in Japan. May be on Shan Mei’s next trip to Tokyo, he would accompany her. He would drop in to see Mr. Kawasaki. MBS could offer some of their award winning drama series at special discounted screening rates.

MBS used to offer their dramas at non-negotiable rates. But Shan Mei had a different pricing strategy for CTN. Her staggered pricing policy had proved to be very successful throughout the region. They were selling many titles from CTN master library. She also managed to coordinate screening times across the region, the time difference being one hour or two hours, that TV stations agreed to accept the concept of one master screening coming out of Seoul. This meant the costs, no matter how exorbitant for special programmes, became easily affordable when shared among the stations across the Asian/Pacific region. No wonder Michael was so happy with her, Xiang Zhe thought.

Chapter AW-49

Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei returning from Sydney were met at the airport by Xiang Zhe’s assistant. After his assistant dropped them off at home, Xiang Zhe asked him to come back at 1 p.m. to collect them for office.

Xiang Zhe could never sleep well on the plane due to his long frame. They had a quick warm shower, and went off straight to bed.

Shan Mei was unpacking when Xiang Zhe awoke. She set aside the clothes for washing, for dry cleaning. ‘What did that Xue Zhang buy?’ Shan Mei had wondered. His own suitcase was stuffed full with his shopping, he had said. That was why he needed to borrow space in his wife’s suitcase.

She went to her husband as soon as he called out for her. She crept under the quilt and cuddled up to him. He kissed her saying it was so good to be back in their own bed. He asked her, “Darling, anything special you want to do today?”

“I’ll want to go back to office with you. There is simply too much to do.” Looking up to him she asked, “Do you want some food now or wait till you have had your shower?” When he didn’t answer, she made a pretext of wanting to bite him. He quickly eased out of bed, and laughingly said, “Save that for tonight.” Still laughing, he walked off to the bathroom.

During lunch he took extra portions of everything, commenting his wife’s cooking was the best. Soon they were in the sitting room waiting for his assistant to arrive with his car. While waiting, he took Shan Mei into his arms and gave her several kisses, telling her how much he loved her, but it was heart wrenching for him to watch her work so hard.

He wanted to know whether she really enjoyed the job. If not, tell Michael to send someone else. “It is tiring yet challenging, but I cannot let go of it completely, not yet anyway. CTN-KE is my baby. MBS is yours. I’ll wait it out. Xiang Jie will be back next summer to stay full time. We just need a little extra bit of time till he returns and everything will work out fine.” He began kissing her all over her face, her hair, thanking her with each kiss after hearing what his wife had just said.

Back in their offices, they had a lot of work to catch up with. Shan Mei received a fax reply that she had been waiting for from Mr. Kawasaki. She had asked him to recommend a reputable image consultant in Tokyo. She wanted to bring her brother-in-law over during mid-December for an image make over.

“The young man is presently studying at Cambridge and will be ready for work next year after he graduates in the summer. He’ll be 20 years old soon and is extremely presentable.”

In his fax reply, Mr. Kawasaki said he had contacted his good friend Mr. Masuda, one of the best image-makers in Japan, and he had agreed to do what he could for the boy. “Shan Mei, when you are ready to arrive in Tokyo, simply let me know and I’ll meet your plane. Leave everything else to me.”

Shan Mei met up with Patrick reviewing their Two Sides To A Coin, going over the topics he was supposed to propose after her Sydney trip. As soon as they decided on the topics, the list had to be handed over to the MBS team to get the logistics going. Leaning back against his chair, and running his hand along the back of his neck, Patrick complained, “Shan Mei, I find the MBS staff working with us most times frustrating. They just don’t seem to understand CTN wanted real people from the streets to be guests, and not some of the TV stars they want to recommend. How can we inject credibility into the shows if only famous faces sit on the discussion panels?”

Shan Mei smiled. “Patrick, have a little patience. It’s not entirely their fault. Xiang Zhe has been telling me their station are being bombarded by calls and personal visits from these stars insisting on being given spots on the chat show. Anyway, if these TV stars want to appear so badly on our show, we’ll let them, after we come up with a suitable theme that will have them and the movie directors and the media bashing one another. It will make an interesting topic.” And they both laughed imagining the verbal fights and mud-slinging expected from such head-butting.

While they were going over the list, Shan Mei felt a little unwell. Patrick got her a warm drink, and wanted to phone Xiang Zhe. Shan Mei stopped him. “I’ve kept him away from his work already too much, especially with the trip to Sydney. I’ll take a short rest in my office. I should feel alright in a little while. Okay if you handle the fort for the remainder of the day? By the way, how is Xiang Jie doing?”

“Brilliantly,” came Patrick’s reply.

“Patrick, how would you feel, if I send you to visit the CTN offices of Singapore and Hong Kong once a month? I’ve been doing this and it’s getting to be very tiring for me. The girls in these offices have been very cooperative. If you go, I’m sure they’ll be even more cooperative. It’s always nice to work with a good looking chap.”

Patrick gave Shan Mei his special, dimpled smile that had first captivated her. Yes, the girls would definitely love him dearly, Shan Mei thought. “There’s nothing special for you to follow up. In the beginning, it’s simply to ensure they keep their spending within budget. Now, that this issue has been taken care of, it’s a matter of being aware what needs to be done in their territories, then making the necessary recommendations. Right now, they make their profit from selling titles from CTN’s library to the local TV stations.”

And on that note, the meeting ended.

“Shan Mei, will you be alright getting back to your office on your own? I’ll go off and get some instructions on paper to circulate around.”

She smiled and waved Patrick off. After Patrick left the staff conference room, Shan Mei put both hands on the arms of the chair and heaved herself to her feet, then returned to her office for a rest.

Father called Xiang Zhe on the phone, “Xiang Zhe, there’s a meeting on this Sunday afternoon at home. The ID director has come back with the plans and they want all to sit down to go over the plans and give inputs. Remind Shan Mei that selecting that suite for Auntie Lee was her idea and not mine. I’ve also asked Jin about the greenhouse. His man wants to have a look at the greenhouse in your garden before he can build anything. An American family has come to look at our present house, and they like it. It’s exactly what they have in mind. They also have an elder son who insisted he wanted his own privacy, so your private apartment is just perfect. Their US Corporation will buy the property in their company’s name as investment, so settlement of the property should be concluded fairly quickly.”

When Xiang Zhe repeated the story to Shan Mei, she was ecstatic. It was not easy to let go of such an expensive property, in so short a time. They laughed softly to themselves, thinking what father said about Auntie Lee’s suite. “That father,” Xiang Zhe laughed playfully. Shan Mei understood; it was now a very sensitive issue, especially with Xiang Jie there.

On Sunday afternoon when everyone of the family sat down for meeting with the ID people, Xiang Jie and Patrick were excited when they saw the plans. It would be nice to have their private apartments. They proceeded to let the ID director know what they would like for their units and the colours they preferred. Xiang Jie placed his little nephew on his lap and asked, “BB, do you want to stay with Uncle?” Baby nodded his little head, and then ran off to his room which was now situated next to Auntie Lee’s, bringing his little pillow back with him and placed it on his uncle’s lap.

“Don’t you want your own room in your own house anymore?” his daddy asked. Little BB nodded his little head, again running off to his room, and this time brought out his other little pillow and handed it to his mummy. So it was decided both the apartments would have spare bedrooms.

The suites were beautifully laid out and designed. The ID plans also showed where the greenhouse would be located. When Auntie Lee was told this greenhouse would house special roses, she was excited. Smilingly she informed Shan Mei, “I used to have a whole garden chockfull of roses in our house in America. When I came to Seoul to stay with Patrick, I gave them all away to my neighbours. It would be nice to start a little rose garden again.”

ID director said he had planned a parking shed big enough for 10 cars. Although Auntie Lee drove her own car while she was in America, they all didn’t think it was a good idea here in Seoul. The roads were too congested, and security was another issue. So it was suggested part of the parking shed could be used as a storage area.

After the interior of the mansion was decided, they discussed landscaping for the extensive grounds. Shan Mei suggested may be Auntie Lee’s part of the garden could be landscaped in such a way to give her some privacy from the rest of the grounds. Patrick immediately agreed. “Shan Mei, you’ve got a very good point there. When my mother was in the States, she liked lounging around in the garden and reading.”

Xiang Zhe thought maybe he should ask his gardener to take early retirement from his daytime job, and work full time for them. His wife was their housekeeper. If they built a little house for them on the grounds, they should have no problem coming to work full time. The mansion would be too big for just one maid to clean. Their housekeeper could work the two households, helping Father’s current maid.

After every one agreed to the plans, Father told the ID director to go ahead with the renovations and have the house ready in a month’s time.

The day a BBQ at Elder Brother’s place was planned for Xiang Jie since he would be returning to London soon, heavy rain came pouring down. The party was then moved indoors. They decided to have a cooking competition. They would group into teams, each team preparing some food, and that would be their dinner. Choosing the teams was the most difficult part of the competition. First they suggested a Male and Female team. The aunties laughed. Surely they would have nothing worth eating from the Men’s side. How about the Seniors against the Juniors? Shan Mei didn’t agree. Surely the seniors would win, with both aunties in that team.

Shan Mei suggested a simple solution: pairing off with their own buddies, fair and square. Pa w/Ma, Father w/Auntie Lee, Xiang Zhe w/Shan Mei, You Zhen w/Minnie, Jae Hoon w/Patrick and finally – they all laughed shaking their heads in hopeless mirth – Xiang Jie w/BB. In total they would have 6 food dishes, enough for a good party. Xiang Jie told BB to follow him up the stairs into his nursery to have very important meeting. The two went off, and came back in a little while, BB strutting around, his hands clasped behind his back, looking very important. Xiang Jie went into the larder to see what they had stored in there. Nothing he wanted, so he decided to go back to his own house to prepare. As Patrick was preparing to drive Xiang Jie and BB back home, Shan Mei called out to them, “Hey you two boys, no cheating by asking the maid to help.”

Xiang Zhe was not worried. His wife’s super delicious sushi rolls would be in contention. If she decided to add some other special ingredients, it would definitely be the winner. His job would be to prepare Shan Mei’s favourite drink, except this time, he would dilute the drinks with more peach juice so Xiang Jie could take it. Diluted plain peach juice for the little brat too?

Patrick looked at Jae Hoon, and asked, “What about your special Russian meals?”

Jae Hoon gave him a wave of his hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll come up with something special, quick and delicious. All you have to do is help cut up some vegetables.”

You Zhen and Minnie would make special dish with the meat they brought over for the BBQ. With Minnie’s family recipe for barbeque sauce, the meat should taste delicious and juicy.

Father and Pa sat down for their tea. Let the women prepare the dishes. They would wash up afterwards. Good cooperation work, no? They laughed heartily to themselves.

When Patrick finished the task allocated to him by Jae Hoon, he phoned Xiang Jie asking them how they were getting along and whether they needed help. With easy confidence, Xiang Jie told him, “You don’t have to worry. Everything is under control over here. In fact we are now watching television. Come and get us when dinner is ready at your end.” When Patrick repeated what he was told, the others all wondered what the two young ones were dishing up for dinner, with everything ‘ready’ already? They would have to wait and see.

Soon it was almost 7; Patrick again phoned Xiang Jie asking whether they were ready, he wanted to drive over to collect them. “Okay, all ready.” By the time they returned to the party venue, it was past 7. Xiang Jie had a big cardboard box with him, and BB was holding a small Tupperware container in his hand. He wouldn’t hand that over to anybody, telling them he was the chef. Laughingly, they let him follow Xiang Jie into the kitchen. The boys came back out from the kitchen with nothing. No one said anything.

Dinner began buffet style. All the food on the table tasted good. Xiang Jie loved the champagne cocktail, and BB his peach juice. As for food, BB didn’t want anything, except some bit of a sushi roll. He was sitting down excitedly waiting for something. He couldn’t keep still, fidgeting about and kept looking at his uncle, as if waiting for some sign.

Two and half hours later when it looked like the people were almost full with the delicious food, Xiang Jie announced it was time for dessert. BB followed his uncle to the kitchen. Returning to the table, he was again holding on to his small plastic container. Xiang Jie brought out from his box little jelly cups, with small dollops of ice cream on top. No one was to touch, until little Master Chef had put on the finishing touches. He placed BB up on a chair, pulled out a little paper chef hat he had made that afternoon and put it on BB’s head. This caused hysterics among the adults. Xiang Jie opened the small container that contained little cut-up pieces of strawberries. BB was to place one piece of strawberry on each jelly cup atop the ice cream, and dessert would be ready! Xiang Zhe was excited, watching his son concentrating on his task, looking so serious and important! You Zhen was busily photographing away. As the last piece of strawberry was put into place, everybody applauded his good work. Mummy ran forward to give BB a big kiss, saying he was such a clever cook. His daddy did the same and highly praised BB’s efforts being the best. After he was given kisses by everyone, his team was declared the winner of the night! He looked up to his uncle, clung onto him and gave his uncle a big hug and kiss, but he wouldn’t let anybody take his chef’s hat away. “I’m Little Master Chef,” he proclaimed very seriously and with great importance.

That night in bed, husband and wife kept looking again and again at the photos taken by You Zhen on their digicam. Xiang Zhe kept shaking his head, laughing delightedly at every photo. That brat looked so adorable, just like his mum. He cuddled his wife up to him, giving her a deep kiss, thanking her for their lovely baby. A loud, contented ‘haahh’ escaped his mouth.

“Darling, is something wrong?” Shan Mei asked as she gave her husband a worried frown.

Hugging her closer to him, he tweaked her nose and softly purred, “What can be wrong? Everything is simply too blissful.”

Chapter AW-50

MBS staff members around the conference table looked up from their notes when they heard the President’s mobile phone ringing.

Xiang Zhe picked up his mobile phone. A wide smile immediately appeared on his face as soon as he heard his angel’s voice.

“Yes, Shan Mei?” he answered, his voice was soft and gentle.

“Xue Zhang, I need a lift to go some place. Are you free now or are you presiding over some meeting?”

“I’ll meet you in front of the CTN main lobby in 5 minutes.”

The people around the conference table heard that and were so relieved. They needed a short coffee break but no one had dared make any suggestion.

President Yin looked up at them, telling them the meeting would be adjourned to 2 in the afternoon.

When he drove his car up to the CTN main lobby, Shan Mei was there waiting for him. She got into the car and gave her husband a swift kiss. She told him she had an appointment with Dr. Kim. He sped off immediately, thinking his wife was suffering from fatigue or something with her heavy work load.

Dr. Kim told the young couple to go have some tea, then to return to his clinic in about an hour’s time for test results.

Xiang Zhe wouldn’t let go of her hands, even when they were sitting down for some sandwiches. In fact he insisted on feeding her until she softly informed him she felt too embarrassed in such a public dining spot.

After tea, they window shopped, when Xiang Zhe happened to espy some Peter Rabbit items in a small specialty shop. They went in and bought some Peter Rabbit pillow cases. They were made from the softest and finest Egyptian cotton, good enough for their BB’s head.

When they went back to see Dr. Kim, the doctor was beaming and immediately ushered them into his private office. “Well, Shan Mei is 6 weeks pregnant. Like the previous time, she has to take it easy, no coffee and no cigarettes.”

During one of her father-in-law’s physical check-ups at his clinic a few weeks ago, he had told the good doctor Shan Mei was busy flying frequently around the region doing her job. “Shan Mei, it’s best if you do not fly during your first trimester.”

After congratulating them, the good doctor then left the young couple in his private office, telling them he would go get health supplements for Shan Mei. When they were alone, Xiang Zhe immediately drew his wife into his arms, hugging her tight, and kissing her like crazy. Shan Mei’s eyes were brimming with unshed tears.

On the way to the car park to collect their car, he phoned Zian Da. “Zian Da, it’s me. Something very urgent has cropped up. I won’t be back in the office this afternoon. I’d like you to chair the meeting this afternoon. If you feel it’s necessary, why don’t you invite Li Qing Xi to sit in on this meeting too? The other person you should have in the meeting is Han Jae Hoon. After all, more heads are always better than one,” Xiang Zhe laughingly joked before he ended the conversation. Shan Mei looked at her husband surprised.

Xiang Zhe returned her look and said, “Darling, you’re so right all along. Han Jae Hoon is indeed very knowledgeable about most things, seeing the way he goes about his work on PIR. He may come up with some good ideas.”

Anyway, the meeting was the furthest thing from Xiang Zhe’s mind. Visions of baby princesses were swimming in his mind. He laughed and told his wife may be now the whole suitcase of baby clothes and toys he bought in Sydney and which his wife had stored away would come into use.

Shan Mei reminded him only if the baby was a girl. Everything in that case was in shades of pink, or white with pink, or pink on pink.

They drove to their cabin. Xiang Zhe made his wife lie down. Lifting up his wife’s blouse, loosening her pants, he ran his fingers ever so lightly over her stomach. He planted feathery kisses all over it. He put his ears to it. He murmured sweet nothings into it. He kissed his wife deep and long, and then lay down next to her.

He closed his eyes, still savouring the feeling of joy of being expectant parents. He turned on his side to look at his wife, his face broken up into smiles. He gave her a look of such profound love, she began to cry. He gathered her up close, stroking her hair, her face, thanking her and telling her how much he loved her. “Darling, don’t you think you should start wearing looser garments and pants. You would feel more comfortable.”

“Husband, what’s the matter with you? My stomach is not showing anything just yet. You want me to walk around like some half-blown up balloon?”

“Nothing of that sort! Your comfort is foremost in my mind.”

Without another word, Xiang Zhe unbuttoned his wife’s blouse, slipped one hand in to cup her breast, and they then went to sleep.

When they woke up it was 4 p.m. Shan Mei hurriedly sat up, aghast at the late hour, at the same time trying to smooth down her tousled hair, and button up her blouse.

“Hey, what’s the big hurry?” Xiang Zhe asked, not happy at being disturbed from his nap.

“I want to return to the office to do some work. I’ve been away for most of the morning and the day.”

Xiang Zhe was angry and snapped, “Forget the office. Don’t you remember what Dr. Kim had said? You are to take it easy during your first 3 months.”

“That’s why I have to go back to office. I want to sort my things out, then phone Michael to see how he intends to reorganise the workload?”

Xiang Zhe and his wife returned to MBS building. While Shan Mei was at her office, Xiang Zhe went back to his. He phoned Zian Da to see whether they were still at meeting. He said he would be along shortly, just to sit in, not to preside, they to carry on. Xiang Zhe wanted to be with Shan Mei when she called Michael, so she said to be at her office in about an hour.

When he dropped by the conference room and sat quietly in a corner, Jae Hoon was at that time in his seat stressing some points. Looking at him, Xiang Zhe thought he could pass off easily as the CEO of some corporation. His voice put his listeners at ease and in an agreeable mood even if there was nothing to agree with. How about asking him to be Shan Mei’s assistant? Just as the idea flashed through his mind, Xiang Zhe thought he was going crazy. This was the very person he wanted to keep away from his wife!

Michael was laughing heartily when he heard the news from Shan Mei.

“Hey proud Mama! Don’t say you haven’t been warned. I’m definitely kidnapping BB back to London with me when he’s a little older.” Before Shan Mei could tell him she didn’t want to travel anymore, Michael immediately told her they should sit down and reorganise the whole work schedule. “You’ve been doing such a wonderful job since you took over Asia/Pac, no one needs to visit the other offices next month. All things can be handled from the Seoul office. And you should work from home. By the way, do you want to continue with Two Sides To A Coin as host?”

“I wouldn’t dream of giving up of being co-host. I think the idea of working from home is fine. Co-hosting 2STAC will mean that I’ll only need to be at the station 2 afternoons a week. I think Junior will be happy with such an arrangement.”

“Fine, so that’s how we’ll have things stand for the time being. When I fly in, in two weeks’ time, we’ll work things out in greater detail then. Shan Mei, listen, everything can be worked out. The only thing non-negotiable is you telling me you want to resign.”

When Michael had Junior on the phone, he was laughing and all excited. “You know what, Daddy? I’ve won another bet with David. Cassie didn’t want to be tied down so young. She told David after that Camilla Fox incident, she felt she had to be able to trust him completely before she would start a family. Mother was so disappointed. Now, at least I can cheer her up, telling her my second godchild is on the way.”

That night after they arrived home, Xiang Zhe scratched his head several times as he walked through the house. He knew it would eventually boil down to this, Shan Mei working from home. He thought their present dining room area could be transformed into a sizeable office. It had French doors opening out to the garden. They could easily build an extension from the dining area for extra space if necessary. With father’s house next door, the entire family would be meeting there anyway for meals. They would wait for Michael’s arrival to make final decision. Of course, he knew Michael would not want to let Shan Mei go. Not only did he groom her personally, it would be difficult to find another Shan Mei. Michael was always telling him that!

Before taking bath, they sat down in their love seat, Shan Mei cuddling up to her husband, both wondering whether they would have a baby girl this time. Shan Mei was giggling with excitement. Xiang Zhe rained kisses on her, his hands stroking her stomach over and over again. How could she be so lucky? She was not showing any pregnancy symptoms. “Or are you hiding these from me, not wanting me to worry?” he asked hurriedly when such a thought crossed his mind.

Shan Mei smiled sweetly saying, “Husband, having your baby makes all the discomfort worthwhile.”

That Sunday at Father’s house, after dinner, with his arms around Shan Mei’s shoulders, Xiang Zhe announced the good news. “Dr. Kim has advised Shan Mei to take it easy for her first 3 months, so there’ll be no flying, no running around. Everybody in this room, please cooperate by making sure she stays home. We’re going to set up a home office for her.”

Father, on hearing of Dr. Kim’s advice became worried. “Xiang Zhe, may be Shan Mei should set up her office in the hospital. I’m sure we can turn some rooms into a small self-contained apartment for you two. This will ensure there’s a doctor on call 24 hours, and she’ll not be able to run around.” Xiang Zhe laughed, saying the situation wasn’t as serious as that.

The truth was he couldn’t bear to have someone, apart from himself, hovering over his Shan Mei. And he was sure his wife wouldn’t feel comfortable spending that much time in a hospital. Xiang Zhe looked around and suddenly asked, “Where are You Zhen and Minnie?”

“They are spending the weekend at Westin Chosun with the complimentary voucher you gave them,” Ma answered.

When You Zhen and Minnie dropped by later that night to see Ma and Pa, they were told Shan Mei and Xiang Zhe were expecting their second baby. His sister was 6 weeks pregnant. Pa was so excited and Ma was dropping hints about wanting to be made Grandma by You Zhen and Minnie.

Upon arriving back in their apartment, that night Minnie was at him again. “You Zhen, shouldn’t we be starting a family ourselves. I want to have a baby just as adorable as BB. Sometime, I feel so alone, so far away from home. I want something that I can call my own. Mum and Dad have been asking when we’re going to give them a grandchild.”

When You Zhen continued watching the television without responding, she continued, “Not that I’m complaining. But we’ve been together 4 years. I’ve never been on the pill, and you’ve never used protection, I’m wondering why I never managed to get pregnant. May be there’s something wrong with me. May be I should see a specialist or something. Sister’s doctor seems okay. Do you think we should go and consult with him?”

You Zhen rubbed at his forehead and gave a tired answer. “I’m presently busy working on a project. Once it’s completed in a month’s time, we’ll go see a specialist, okay?” He drew his wife into his arms and assured her that even if they never had a child, he would still love her. She must not let such niggling thoughts worry her unnecessarily. “Honey, you’re more important to me than any baby in the world.”

Thereafter, he dreaded going over to visit Ma and Pa. Many nights he stayed back at the office just working on the internet, exhausting all leads to stories on folklore and legends for the series he was responsible for. By the time he was home and they had dinner, he again stayed in his study. Minnie being the ever patient and loyal wife, said nothing. In fact it hurt her deeply to see her husband work so hard. Most days she went to the noodle shop not only to help out, but she craved the company and support offered by Ma.

You Zhen sat back in his chair in his study, thinking several years back after he first arrived in New Zealand. Ma had phoned, saying they just returned from the Broadcasting Industry Award Ceremony. His sister had won 7 top awards on her first outing. That night, he couldn’t sleep. He had always looked upon Shan Mei as a baby. At MBS, at first he was shocked when told the girl Xiang Zhe loved was Shan Mei. How could that be? Who could resist the charm and beauty of Ying Mei? That was before he found out about her devious nature. You Zhen became to disillusioned, he found sleep evading him. He took his sleeping bag, went to a quiet spot around the grounds of the homestead where he had been helping out in between filming assignments, to sleep under the stars.

Soon he heard some noise that he thought came from some stray wild animal. He crept away noiselessly, and bumped into Minnie who happened to be spending the night outdoors in her sleeping bag too. She had also heard noises and thought a stray animal was nearby, when in fact it was them making the noises. You Zhen was surprised Minnie liked sleeping at night under the stars. Thereafter, they usually went off together somewhere to sleep in the open air. They had been together since.

Shan Mei, when she returned to Seoul to join CTN, had asked him several times to return to Seoul to assist her at CTN. He had refused. He was not ready to return home. He had been too badly scarred by Ying Mei. If he had been honest with himself, he would have acknowledged Ying Mei had used him as a stepping stone to bigger things at MBS. And he had been a fool – how could he have doubted his little sister whom he grew up with and believed someone he had just met? He realised what he felt for Ying Mei was not love but fatal attraction. Minnie was the one who showed him what real love was!

Minnie was later awarded a scholarship to one of the most prestigious universities in Sydney to study Farm Management, yet she rejected without hesitation because she didn’t want to leave him in New Zealand. Her parents told her it would only be for 3 years, but she stood firm. What was the point of studying when she had no intention to stay on the farm? She wanted to go wherever You Zhen went. It would be better for her sister, Callie, to take over the farm eventually.

Minnie had asked him a long time ago, “Don’t you love me enough to want to start a family with me? Just seeing Sister and her husband so happy with their baby, makes me yearn for a little baby of my own, someone I can cuddle in my arms and spoil rotten every day.” How was he to answer that? Would she believe him if he told her she was the love of his life? Nothing else mattered. So what if they never had babies?

“But honey, I’m bored. I want to go to work. I’m sure if I ask, Sister will not hesitate to offer me a job at CTN.”

“No, that’s not a good idea at all. I like having you at home, making a home for us.” You Zhen couldn’t let that happen. He didn’t want to live with another ambitious, career-minded woman again. It was like a trip to hell, thinking of his time with Ying Mei. “If you feel bored, you can always visit your parents. Better still, why don’t you invite them to visit with us? If I’m busy, I’m sure Pa and Ma will only be too happy to show them around. Yes, you do that. Invite them to Seoul. Once they agree, send them the money for their air tickets.”

“I don’t want to do that. I have got nothing to show to them. Callie only married last year and already she and her husband are expecting a baby.” Minnie then silently walked away.

You Zhen finally emerged from his reverie. It had been 3 hours since he had begun mulling over his situation. He was tired and confused. He’d try to think up of something to stall Minnie for as long as possible. Better still, tomorrow he would pay Shan Mei a secret visit at her house and hear what she had for advice.

Chapter AW-51

As Xiang Zhe drove his car into the driveway of their house, he saw You Zhen’s Land rover parked at their front door. He drove his car straight into the garage.

He went to Shan Mei’s office by way of the garden through the French windows, but they were not in the office. They were not in the TV room, or in the kitchen either. He went upstairs to their bedroom, to change. He heard voices coming from upstairs. He didn’t want to walk in on them, so he decided to go over to Father’s place to see what BB was up to.

His son could feel daddy’s mind was distracted. Each time, he had to call out to him several times, before daddy’s attention went back to him. He thought daddy was not feeling well. He did what the adults usually do to him. He put his hand to his daddy’s forehead to check whether he was well. After that he asked his daddy, “Daddy, are you feeling well?” He then put his tiny arms as far around his daddy’s neck as possible and gave him several kisses.

Xiang Zhe was gratified. It seemed he was getting more attention from his son than from his wife. He wondered what You Zhen and Shan Mei were up to, that they needed to go to her private office area to have their private talk.

He went out to the garden with BB to play some ball game. His intention was to see whether You Zhen’s Land rover was still there. It had gone. He told BB to go have his bath. He went immediately home. Shan Mei was not in her office. He ran up to the bedroom. She was lying in bed resting. On hearing him, Shan Mei called out to him. He went over to the bed, trying to keep her down as she was trying to get up. Her eyes looked swollen. He asked her whether she was alright. He didn’t mention anything about You Zhen’s visit. She managed to raise herself up. She clung on to Xiang Zhe, burying her face into his chest, and began sobbing away wildly. Xiang Zhe was thinking to himself: “Oh no, don’t tell me that You Zhen wants to resign? He can’t do this to his little sister – not now, especially when Shan Mei needs him so badly at the CTN production unit?” He was not certain but he had felt something was bothering You Zhen this past month.

He soothed his wife’s back with calming strokes, begging her not to cry. It was too heart-wrenching for him to see her in this state. “Darling, do you want our baby to be born a cry-baby? Is something bothering you? If you don’t let me know how am I going to help you? Didn’t you tell me all the time that two heads are always better than one in solving problems?”

An uncertain smile wavered on her lips as she lifted up one hand to softly caress his cheek. She looked up to him. She was so grief-stricken, he couldn’t bear it. He began kissing away the salty tears. He tilted her face up to his, again asking her what the matter was? He went to the bathroom to get a hot face towel to wipe at her tear-stained face. He arched a brow at her.

“You Zhen Ge….he..erh….he…” After several hiccups, she suddenly thought of something. “Darling, this is top secret.”

“You don’t trust me enough to tell?”

“Of course not! If I don’t trust you, who else can I trust? But, Xue Zhang, this is very serious. Not a word to Pa and Ma especially!”

Seeing her genuine concern, Xiang Zhe assured his wife he would not tell a soul unless she agreed. Shan Mei tried to relate the story to him, but didn’t know how to start. Her husband told her, “Simple. Just start from the very beginning.”

She began, haltingly. “Many years ago, shortly after I returned to Seoul from London after taking English language course at Cambridge, Ying Mei got You Zhen Ge drunk one night and took him to a motel – they spent the night there. After that they became a couple. Shortly afterwards, he found out she went for an abortion when he saw some medication from a gynaecologist in her apartment. He was very hurt she had the abortion without first discussing it with him. Another time, when it suited her ends, she would say she never had an abortion. He didn’t know what to believe, realising later her devious character. He was so confused he didn’t know which was truth and which were lies any more.

Later on, due to several unhappy incidents, i.e.. Ying Mei wanted to pursue another man, abandoning him that he decided to make a clean break so he went off to New Zealand. He didn’t want to stay and be reminded how foolish he had been.

He was so deeply scarred, he was afraid to father another baby; he had a vasectomy in New Zealand. Minnie didn’t know about this. All along she thought if she became pregnant, they would marry. After spending some years with Minnie, he realised she was the kind of wife he wanted, not some one aggressively ambitious like Ying Mei. That was why he never allowed Minnie to work. The only work she was allowed was helping out at the noodle shop. Since we announced we were expecting our second baby, Ma has been nagging him about giving her a grandchild. And Minnie has been urging him to see a specialist doctor.

You Zhen Ge was here this afternoon. He said any one of these days he would crack under pressure and most probably confess to her. He is afraid Minnie will want to divorce him. He loves her too much to want to lose her. What to do? She is the best thing to have happened to him. That is why he never regretted ever going to New Zealand.

Xue Zhang, is there any way to reverse that kind of procedure? Can you please check? I spent all afternoon consoling him. I feel he needs to talk over the issue with a professional. It is not just the operation. To me, it seems he felt responsible for the death of an innocent life, that he is afraid to bring another life into this world.”

Xiang Zhe was totally shocked. He hugged his wife to him, resting her head in the crook of his neck, kissing her lightly on the head. Was You Zhen absolutely sure there was a baby or the baby was his? Why not check with Mr. Pei? “Darling, Han Jae Hoon is a man who can be trusted. Since it’ll be inconvenient for you to travel to Busan, maybe we’ll leave it to Jae Hoon to handle Mr. Pei, and I myself will check with Dr. Kim, asking him to find the best specialist doctor for You Zhen. I’ve read somewhere this kind of procedure can be reversed. Shan Mei, please don’t worry. Just leave this matter to Jae Hoon and me. Your main and only responsibility now is to ensure you’ll reach your first trimester safe and sound, and our baby healthy. Two weeks more and you’ll be there. Tell You Zhen to hang in there until we come up with some solutions.” Xiang Zhe sighed as he held on to his wife. That Xu Ying Mei was more trouble than he had first imagined.

“Good evening Dr. Kim, this is Yin Xiang Zhe. No, no. Shan Mei is fine. Do you have time to come over to our house tonight? I need some very specialised information from you, too complicated to discuss over the phone. Will 9 p.m. be convenient? Thank you very much. See you tonight”

Then he called Han Jae Hoon asking him whether he was free to come to his house for a very special meeting at 9 in the evening. The meeting was very confidential. He was not to let Patrick or any of the others know. When he hung up the phone, he took out a bottle of red wine from his small cellar for decanting. When he told Shan Mei about the meeting, she wanted to make some snacks for them.

Shan Mei told her husband the more she thought about You Zhen, the more worried she was of the consequences. “Husband, it won’t be just You Zhen and Minnie. If Ma knows about this and that she can never have the grandchild she craves, it may also be the end for my Pa, because he was the one who brought Ying Mei to Seoul. Imagine 2 divorces in the family! Oh dear, this is too dreadful.” She covered her face with her hands, trying to swallow down sobs and ran up to their bedroom.

Husband quickly followed. He cradled his wife in his arms, promising they would come up with a solution. “Darling, look at me. No matter what, we’ll investigate all possibilities. The last resort will be for You Zhen and Minnie to go see Dr. Kim, to stall for time. I promise to get this matter resolved as best and as fast as I can.”

That night Xiang Zhe served decanted red wine accompanied by Shan Mei’s delicious deep fried crab meat sticks. The three men sat down in the living room, deep in discussion. Shan Mei was up in her bedroom. Dr. Kim had heard of some doctors doing reversals, but whether the reversals were successful, he did not really know. He would check with his associates from the Medical Association. He wanted to talk with the patient to see what kind of procedure his doctor performed and at which hospital, name of doctor. Only then could they see whether the procedure could be reversed. Xiang Zhe went up to his bedroom, asking Shan Mei to call You Zhen, showing her a list of questions they needed answers to. Whatever answers he able to supply, he was to email straight away the information to her.

Xiang Zhe wanted to know from Dr. Kim whether a gynaecologist would see a female patient who was not pregnant but had flu or some other complaint, usually stomach cramp as a result of eating the wrong food? If it was normal cold, or headache the doctor would see and prescribe medication accordingly. If he suspected the patient was suffering from something serious, he would send her along to a specialist.

Seeing Dr. Kim to the door, Xiang Zhe stressed the matter was very urgent. No matter where that specialist was, he would send the patient there. “Dr. Kim, again I’ve to remind you to please treat the matter as highly confidential. It is not my secret to tell.”

After Dr. Kim left, Xiang Zhe told Jae Hoon about You Zhen’s case. He wanted to try to remove the psychological barrier from You Zhen’s mind, if in fact that Xu Ying Mei did not have the abortion. She was very devious. “Do you think you can arrange for Mr. Pei to visit Seoul, to meet Shan Mei? Maybe Mr. Pei can throw some light on the matter, because he was also in Seoul at that time? I do not have to stress again this matter is highly confidential.”

The red wine had put Xiang Zhe in a revealing mood. He began to tell Jae Hoon about the things he overheard in Shan Mei’s Gugu’s house in London. “Jae Hoon, you are never to repeat the things I’ve just revealed to you to Shan Mei. She still doesn’t know I know everything. And Shan Mei’s parents are not to know too. Her Pa was so kind hearted he brought this Xu Ying Mei to Seoul to give her a chance at university and see what she ended up doing to his family? Before I heard of all this, I never knew people could be so cold blooded.”

When Jae Hoon left the Yins’ house for home that night, his admiration and secret love for Shan Mei increased at least 10 fold. He was so happy for Shan Mei that she’s now had such a loving, understanding and supportive husband. He would try his best to help You Zhen. First thing tomorrow morning, he would put in a request to his university network to find out all about that kind of operation and recommended specialists. Then he would call Mr. Pei.

Xiang Zhe drove up with You Zhen to an old of part of town he had never been to before. This part of town was inhabited by Russians who had long ago emigrated from the northern peninsula. The houses along this tree lined avenue were huge and built in Russian architectural style. Jae Hoon’s apartment was located on the top floor of the low rise building in front of them. Looking at the address, Xiang Zhe realised it was the entire top floor, meaning 2 units had been converted into one, as each of the lower floors comprised of 2 units per floor. They went up by a heavy duty beautiful old style elevator with manual sliding door.

On entering Jae Hoon’s apartment, it seemed like they were transported to one wing of a grand Russian palace. The apartment was huge, about 800 square meters at a rough guess. It had a big hall, just right for Jae Hoon’s dancing, and was sparsely furnished, but whatever furniture there was, it was the best and of Russian style. The ceiling was very impressive and ornately decorated with paintings and several chandeliers. Jae Hoon showed them into a private sitting room. The walls were lined with books and books and more books. It was obvious Jae Hoon was a hard-core Russophile.

You Zhen was surprised to see Shan Mei and Mr. Pei there. He thought Xiang Zhe was taking him to see a very low key specialist practising very discreetly from this part of town. Xiang Zhe explained, “It’s not convenient to meet Mr. Pei in public due to his background, so Jae Hoon has very kindly offered the use of his home as the meeting point.”

After greeting one another, they all sat down; Jae Hoon and Shan Mei went to the kitchen to prepare tea. Jae Hoon took out a special tea set, telling Shan Mei since it was her first visit to his home, and he wanted her to have tea out of the tea-set rumored to belong to the last tsarina of Russia. Shan Mei was tickled pink with excitement, in handling the cups and saucers, running her fingers ever so gently over the teapot. She then put them away, saying she wouldn’t dare use such an exquisite set. Instead she took out a Chinese tea set which she said was just as beautiful.

Back in the sitting room, Mr. Pei was trying to convince You Zhen that the story that Ying Mei gave him about the abortion was probably a pack of lies. “Mr. Han, believe me, that was one of her favourite gambits. The others being fainting spells, dust in the eye, feeling drunk.”

Xiang Zhe, sitting next to You Zhen, felt uneasy and tried to stop himself from fidgeting about when he was overcome with guilt. Didn’t that Xu Ying Mei try those on him? He silently thanked his mother for saving him in the nick of time, otherwise he would have been thrown the ‘pregnant’ line if she managed to get him drunk.

Mr. Pei continued, “Ying Mei’s father was an odd job man. He did many odd jobs for me when he was still alive. He had told Ying Mei if she was so crazy about money, she should work as a G.R.O at a karaoke lounge. If the G.R.O. was popular with the patrons, she could earn lots of money a night in tips. She came to me one day asking for work at my karaoke. After two weeks on the job, she wanted to rule over all the other girls, so she seduced me.” Mr. Pei grinned sheepishly but continued, “A month later, she told me she was pregnant. I married her and she was happy being the boss lady. Of course I found out later there was in fact no baby. Then one day she left me for a rich Japanese fish trader. After a while she too told him she was pregnant and wanted him to take her back to Japan. The man refused, telling her he already had a wife in Japan, but she could be his official mistress in Korea. The man kept her in comfort with plenty of money to spend. When the man later asked her about the baby, she told him she had an abortion. The man was so incensed when he found out from the doctor that Ying Mei went to see him for a stomach cramp complaint and not abortion, he wanted to kill her. She ran back to me for my protection. To ensure she would stay, I asked her to have my baby. She refused saying she hated children! I followed her to Seoul because she told me Contractor Zhen had promised to give her a university education. I thought this Contractor Zhen was some sleazy old man. In fact, his family turned out to be such innocents – they were easily tricked by Ying Mei at every turn.”

You Zhen found it quite difficult to believe all he had been told. “How could Ying Mei have done all those things? When she came to Seoul, she was the same age as Shan Mei? About 20?”

“20? More like 24 years old! I see, Mr. Han, you’re still under her spell! When she first came to me, she was already 17. She had always looked more mature than her age. When she decided to go to Seoul with Mr. Zhen, my contacts helped her fiddle her birth dates around to make her younger by a few years, because she had complained she might be too old for admittance into university.”

He patted You Zhen understandingly on the shoulders, saying that time when Ying Mei told him she had an abortion; most probably she wanted something really bad. Otherwise, she wouldn’t bother putting up with the act. You Zhen started thinking; it was that time she wanted him to leave his mother, after causing ferocious row between mother and son. You Zhen looked remorseful. Mr. Pei advised You Zhen to carry on with his life, there was never any abortion, and he shouldn’t let someone like Ying Mei ruin his life. To Ying Mei, power and money were the most important things.

“Sticking with Ying Mei was different for me. I’ve been with her so long, we were the same kind of people. Also it was a gas every time I told my friends my wife was a university graduate! In some instances I gained special prestige because of that. She stuck with me because I could give her plenty of money to spend. Yep, she needed a lot of money to spend on keeping herself looking young and pretty with the help of a cosmetic surgeon – she had always spent unstintingly at beauty salons even when she was a student in Seoul. She would rather go without food but not her beauty treatments! I’ve always known she was too self-centred and obsessed with her looks, and liked putting on the act of diva because she had not achieved the perfection in her personal life and career that she had craved even though she lived her life with one eye on the mirror’s reflection.”

Depressing or not, they still had to eat. Jae Hoon invited them to stay for a Russian salad lunch that he had prepared. After lunch, he would take Mr. Pei to the airport.

During lunch, Shan Mei was afraid to touch anything. It seemed everything in Jae Hoon’s apartment had a history, including the chair she was sitting on.

But she had to admit the salad tasted delicious. She wanted the recipe.

Chapter AW-52

On the drive back to the city, Xiang Zhe, Shan Mei and You Zhen were quiet. At a traffic light stop, Xiang Zhe stole a look at his wife in the rear mirror. She looked confused and her brows were knitted with dread.

When they were back in the city, Xiang Zhe dropped You Zhen off in front of his house to pick up his car, telling him they would talk later. Xiang Zhe then continued on until they came to a car park when he drove into it and parked the car. “Darling, are you feeling alright?” he asked his wife, his voice full of concern.

Shan Mei looked at him blankly, then suddenly told him she wanted to go to Mother’s. He didn’t argue, but drove on.

They were sitting by Mother’s plot. Shan Mei appeared shaken. She held tightly to her Xue Zhang. Soon she felt his hands on her shoulders, gently kneading the taut muscles. “Feeling better?” he murmured against her ear, and then leaned forward to lightly kiss her temple. He slowly turned her to face him and asked gently, “How do you now feel?” He saw tears and shadows of horror in her eyes. After a while, Xiang Zhe tilted her face up to his, and searched for more signs of pain in her eyes. He knew why she was thus affected but he was too afraid to be the one to bring up the distasteful subject he thought had long been buried. He looked so apologetic for causing her such hurt.

Shan Mei laid her face against his chest. Since their marriage he had treated her as if she was the most precious, fragile woman. He was gentle and caring as always. She couldn’t fault him. She was thankful her dead mother-in-law did not give Ying Mei the chance to spike any of Xue Zhang’s drinks otherwise he would have been trapped, like You Zhen Ge. She shivered at the thought.

Xiang Zhe held her closer to him. The same thought had crossed his mind when he was sitting in Jae Hoon’s sitting room listening to Mr. Pei. Cold sweat had broken out all over his body at that time. He had to blame someone, and he cursed that Zian Da silently, for always praising Xu Ying Mei’s beauty and sophistication – which seemed to be more like ‘street-smart’ ways and conceit.

Sitting there in silence, they rested for a while. As Xiang Zhe tenderly smoothed a few loose tendrils of hair away from Shan Mei’s forehead, he bent close to her ear and whispered ever so softly, so tenderly, “I love you so much. Never ever doubt it.” His smile warmed her as much as his embrace.

The information that both Dr. Kim and Jae Hoon gave to Xiang Zhe was the same. Even if the procedure could be reversed, success was not guaranteed. Dr. Kim was still investigating. Jae Hoon suggested over the phone that You Zhen, Xiang Zhe and himself meet that evening.

At the Yins’ residence that night, Jae Hoon came right out and asked You Zhen whether he would consider adoption, if Minnie agreed. You Zhen didn’t hesitate when he answered, “As long as Minnie is happy with it, and any thing will be okay with me.”

On hearing that, Jae Hoon rose from his seat and stood next to You Zhen. Looking at Xiang Zhe he said, “President Yin, take a good look at us. Do you think we look alike?”

Xiang Zhe looked carefully and nodded his head. They did look somewhat alike. They could pass off as brothers although Jae Hoon was taller and more handsome of the two. He had never paid that close notice of their looks.

Jae Hoon then took a family album from his briefcase. “You Zhen, in cases of adoption, one never knows where the children come from. But in your situation, I’m willing to donate my sperm. For the past week, I have thought over your case carefully. If worse comes to worst, it may not only mean divorce for you and Minnie, but also Shan Mei’s Pa and Ma. Auntie Zhen will surely blame Uncle Zhen for bringing that Xu Ying Mei to Seoul.” Xiang Zhe looked at Jae Hoon in surprise. He thought exactly as Shan Mei did.

Jae Hoon explained a little of his family background. “My great grandfather was a big landowner in the eastern part of Russia. After the Bolshevik revolution, the family made their way down south along with other emigrants and settled first in Manchuria then later in Southern Korea. My father had 4 wives, my mother was the fourth wife, and I am the only son of my mother. All in all, my father has 10 children, 6 boys and 4 girls, I being the youngest. I don’t intend to have any children. I have enough nephews and nieces to last me a life time. I have no financial worries. After my father died, the family business is being taken care of by the offsprings from the first and second wives; I’ve got an annual income from the family trust. I own the building where my apartment is housed. The building generates good rental income. I enjoy my work at MBS very much. I’m very happy and contented with my life at this stage. If I can help you I will. If you agree to the plan, President Yin can arrange for Dr. Kim to do a check-up on Minnie, he then gives her some story about the IVF method to ensure pregnancy. Hopefully, good news would ensue. Meanwhile, we’ll continue to pursue the ‘reversal’ matter. If a successful reversal can be done, I’ll bless you and your wife with more children. If not, I won’t mind donating again. At least the children will come from the same donor.”

Xiang Zhe looked at You Zhen. Actually, this solution sounded a lot better than adoption. At least Minnie would be the natural mother. And Jae Hoon came from very good stock. Again, Xiang Zhe smiled silently to himself. His wife always knew how to pick her men. What about Patrick? Judging by his wife’s luck, he must be another ace. Xiang Zhe then said he would offer them his wife’s favourite drink. He went to the kitchen to get the champagne and peach juice. He looked inside the fridge and saw that his wife had prepared a tray of her super delicious sushi rolls. When he offered them the sushi, he told them, “Try these. The first time Shan Mei made these for me at her Gugu’s restaurant in London, one bite of it, and I knew I would willingly be her slave for the rest of my life.”

While they were sipping champagne cocktail and enjoying Shan Mei’s sushi, they looked over Jae Hoon’s family album. Every one in his family looked good. In fact, Xiang Zhe thought some faces looked familiar in Seoul’s business community, but he was too polite to probe. No wonder Jae Hoon was interested in history. He had a room full of relics and antiques displayed and labeled meticulously. When Jae Hoon noticed Xiang Zhe’s interest, he said, “I’ll bring you one day to view my ‘pieces de resistance’ in my private museum. It’s located on one of the floors of my building. In fact, if Shan Mei wins ‘most popular TV personality’ for the 5th year running, I’m going to present to her the tea set that I had asked her to use for tea when we met Mr. Pei, but she refused. It is a tea set from the collection of the last tsarina of Russia.”

Xiang Zhe suddenly felt so small. The first time when Jae Hoon brought Patrick over to their house for tea, he was not happy with Shan Mei bringing out her best English china tea set, and here was Jae Hoon, telling them he wanted to serve them tea in his priceless tea set.

After a few glasses of champagne cocktail, Xiang Zhe suggested they should form a brotherhood. “It’s strange but we do have one thing in common – being the only child in our natural family. I’ll rank first being the oldest, followed by you Jae Hoon, then You Zhen, Patrick and Xiang Jie in that order. If female members are accepted, my wife will rank No.1 by default.” Turning to You Zhen, Xiang Zhe asked, “Hey, You Zhen, what about Minnie? Is she the only child in her family too?”

You Zhen suddenly looked up from the photo album. “Oh, Minnie is the elder of two daughters.”

Jae Hoon commented, “No wonder Minnie wanted children. May be she’s hoping for a son.” This innocent comment set You Zhen thinking. Xiang Zhe and Jae Hoon stole brief glances at one another.

Soon, You Zhen cleared his throat. “Brother Jae Hoon, you’re right. If I was willing to try adoption, I should consider sperm donor. At least Minnie will get to go through the motions of pregnancy, and she will be the natural mother. Brother, thank you for your generous offer.”

The air cleared. Xiang Zhe got up and went over to where You Zhen was sitting, giving him a gentle pat on his back. “Tomorrow I’ll talk with Dr. Kim to work out some kind of plan. Minnie will not suspect the sperm came from Jae Hoon, thinking it’s yours, You Zhen.”

“What about Shan Mei?” Jae Hoon asked.

“Don’t worry, she will not spill. She’d rather die than let her most beloved Pa suffer.” You Zhen and Xiang Zhe grinned, imagining how Shan Mei would surely shoot them down, if Ma got so mad with Pa, she decided to leave him. With that scenario in mind, You Zhen let off an audible sign of relief. At least that part was settled. Now they would have to wait and see how Dr. Kim could help them pull through with their plan. The three of them put their hands, one on top of the other, to seal the pact.

When Xiang Zhe went to bed after Jae Hoon and You Zhen had left, his wife was already fast asleep. He smoothed her hair away from her forehead, and planted a kiss ever so gently on her pouty lips. His wife stirred murmuring, “Xue Zhang” then turned over to his side of the bed. He eased himself quietly on his back, and cuddled up to her. Tomorrow, Shan Mei had an appointment with Dr. Kim. How perfect!

Minnie and You Zhen visited Shan Mei at her home. They brought her a freshly-baked special butter cake stuffed full with her favourite peaches, now in season. Shan Mei was so happy. She invited them to stay for tea. You Zhen asked Minnie to go make the tea, while Shan Mei rested. Shan Mei laughed. She had rested enough for the past 3 months. Dr. Kim had confirmed everything was just going great. The way they were treating her, she appeared more like an invalid rather than a happy expectant mother.

Minnie looked happy and relaxed when she brought out the tea. Then she became curious and asked, “Sister Shan Mei, did you feel unwell at the start of your first trimester?”

“Minnie dear, each pregnancy feels different. Why do you want to know? Are you two here to give me good news?”

You Zhen very excitedly replied, “Dr. Kim managed to rectify the problems we had with conceiving. If all goes well, Dr. Kim said that within 6 months or may be less, we should have good news to announce.”

Shan Mei was so ecstatic, she told them to start on the cake. “This information is too good to keep to myself. I’ve got to let my husband know.” And she dialed Xiang Zhe’s number.

Xiang Zhe was just coming out of a directors’ meeting, when he received his angel’s call. “Yes? Really? I’m so happy for them. What? The cake tastes very good? Remember to save some for me. I should be home soon. I love you.” Putting his mobile phone back into the pocket of his jacket, he smiled to himself. It was so good to be able to tell his wife he loved her. He wanted to let her know every second, minute, hour of the day how much he loved her.

By the time Xiang Zhe arrived home, You Zhen and Minnie had left. Shan Mei made him coffee and gave him a slice of the delicious cake and couldn’t help but kept harping on the good news. “Husband, it seems everything is now solved with You Zhen. He looked very relaxed. And Minnie was very excited. But they made me promise not to let Pa and Ma on to their secret yet.”

Husband and wife went for shower together. Afterwards, Xiang Zhe showed her some of the financial statements that had arrived from the CTN regional offices that her secretary had passed on to him. “Darling, the reports are looking good. The offices should by now realise Miss Zhen Shan Mei holds a tighter rein than Michael, right?”

They took the remainder of the cake over to Father’s place. BB wanted to hang on to mummy. When Daddy said he was too heavy for mummy, he brought over his teddy and put it in mummy’s arms. He then snuggled up to Daddy’s arms. From there, he carried on a conversation with Teddy, asking Teddy whether he saw Daddy bringing in a cake and putting it in the kitchen. “Daddy is so stingy, not giving little BB and little Teddy cake.” Xiang Zhe looked at his wife, trying to suppress his laughter.

Shan Mei asked her husband innocently, “Daddy, why are you not giving little BB some cake?”

Daddy answered just as innocently, “If I give, I will give only a tiny little piece. But if BB waits for Grandpa and Uncle Patrick to come home, they will give him a large piece.” BB smiled, and then he pouted, holding up his chin with a fisted knuckle.

Shan Mei noticed it and asked, “Sweetheart, won’t you like that?”

BB bit at his lower lip, about to cry and said grudgingly, “Grandpa’s toy box is not on the shelf, he will be home late tonight. I’ll already be asleep so I won’t have cake anyway.”

Xiang Zhe looked at his son. The little brat wasn’t stupid after all, knowing tonight was Games night at MBS. Okay, he decided he would give BB a small piece as treat. BB quickly finished eating that, and asked his Daddy for another small piece. “What, why are you so greedy?”

BB told his daddy it was for Teddy. He then looked at his mummy telling her, “Mummy, Teddy needs a treat too, because he has been sitting quietly in your arms being good boy!” When he got the piece of cake, he went to Teddy telling him to eat his cake. After a while, looking very innocent, he said to his mummy, “Teddy doesn’t want the cake and has given it to me.” Husband and wife looked at one another, their eyes and silent looks blaming the other for falling for their son’s little trick again. Daddy laughed, and wagged a finger at the little brat. When BB finished eating his cake, he looked at his daddy with his big round innocent eyes, smiling sweetly at him.

Xiang Zhe couldn’t help but pull the brat into his arms, giving him a big fat kiss on his cheeks, then carried him off to wash his little hands. “Remember, if you get sick in the stomach, it isn’t my fault. It’s because you were too greedy. The cake is much too rich for you. Now, how about taking a drive to see what Grandpa is doing?”

BB began screaming with excitement as he ran around the room. Xiang Zhe stopped him and told him, “Go tell Grandma Lee and nanny we’re going to visit Grandpa. Get ready. Daddy and mummy will come and collect you after we’ve changed.” Little BB zoomed off as best as he could on his unsteady little feet to Grandma Lee’s room.

It was the first time Auntie Lee was in MBS canteen, and the first time she saw what the seniors were up to when they said Game night. Father was excited when he noticed Xiang Zhe had brought Auntie Lee to watch them at play. Shan Mei went to check whether Master Chef was still in the kitchen. He was still in, getting ready tomorrow’s food list, for the special guests coming for Two Sides to A Coin. When he saw Shan Mei, he immediately wanted to prepare some food, especially when Shan Mei introduced him to her Auntie Lee who was also her son’s Grandma Lee. Master Chef didn’t understand the connection, but felt she was someone important. Very soon delicious food was on the table. He even made special clear soup noodles for Shan Mei’s little son, and prime sirloin steak with spaghetti for Shan Mei’s husband.

Chapter AW-53

Two days after Xiang Jie arrived home for his Christmas and New Year holidays, he left for Tokyo for a day trip with Shan Mei and Xiang Zhe. Mr. Kawasaki was at the airport to collect them, and accompanied them to Mr. Masuda, the image-maker he had highly recommended to Shan Mei.

Mr. Masuda on seeing Xiang Jie was very pleased. The boy had the basic goods so it would be easy to give him the look now in vogue. Mr. Masuda’s team spent the morning working on Xiang Jie and the final result was amazing. Even Xiang Zhe was astonished. His brother looked like he had just stepped out of one of the latest Japanese youth fashion magazines – smart, trendy but not outrageous. He looked like every young girl’s dreamboat. Xiang Zhe now understood why Shan Mei wouldn’t be able to tell who was the better looking when both were at the age of 20. This was his wife, always talking straight. Mr. Masuda then explained to Xiang Jie some of the basic rules he must adhere to, to maintain the look. Certain styles of clothings, certain colours, for day wear, casual wear, and formal wear, all given written down for him in a manual.

After lunch, it was shopping time. Shan Mei went to CTN Tokyo office, while Xiang Zhe and Mr. Kawasaki accompanied Xiang Jie. Mr. Masuda was so pleased with Xiang Jie, he went personally with them on their shopping spree. They shopped so much, they were ready to drop. They sat down for some tea at a coffee shop in Seibu Department Store. Mr. Kawasaki had a brief private talk with Mr. Masuda, when he kept eyeing Xiang Jie up and down. Mr. Kawasaki then told Xiang Zhe his advertising and management company was interested to sign up Xiang Jie as their main model to headline an advertising campaign being prepared for the largest department chain store in Japan. Xiang Zhe was amused. He told Mr. Kawasaki Xiang Jie was his brother, but Shan Mei was his manager, so they should talk to her.

After tea, they dropped by Mr. Kawasaki’s office, KAK Nippon Agency. Xiang Zhe was impressed. Their portfolio consisted of large-scale projects and their client list read like a ‘Who’s Who’ of a trade magazine. Seeing this, Xiang Zhe took this opportunity to discuss with Mr. Kawasaki KAK’s possibility of buying some of MBS drama series for their clients. Mr. Kawasaki nodded in agreement and said there were plenty of opportunities for cooperation.

Mr. Masuda kept repeating ‘ichi-ban’ whenever he laid interested eyes on Xiang Jie. Later on when the men met up with Shan Mei, Mr. Masuda refused to accept payment for the make-over job, although the price had originally been agreed upon. In lieu, Mr. Masuda wanted Xiang Jie to appear on the cover of a forthcoming sales brochure he was sending out to the big corporations to advertise their company’s services. Shan Mei, out of goodwill, agreed to this arrangement.

After all businesses were completed for this trip, Mr. Kawasaki insisted on sending them to the airport. Xiang Jie was shy yet excited about the possibility of appearing in an advertising campaign. Shan Mei thanked Mr. Kawasaki for his kind assistance. “Mr. Kawasaki, please let me have exact details of the campaign you have in mind. Xiang Jie will be in Seoul till the first week of January, then again for 3 weeks from end March. From 1st July of next year he will be busy with a new project at MBS in Seoul when he graduates from Cambridge. So, if we agree on something, he’s only available from end of March through the first 10 days of April.”

Mr. Kawasaki was excited on hearing this. “I’ll courier the file to your office first thing tomorrow morning. We have been planning to use some new model, and the project has been delayed because we couldn’t find the right ‘face’ even though we’ve interviewed more than 1,000 young men, with or without modeling experience. On seeing Xiang Jie today, Masuda and I knew that we have found our perfect model.” They parted at the airport on that friendly note.

On the plane, Xiang Zhe told his wife to take it easy. This was the first time she was flying after her first trimester. Shan Mei was leaning against him hooking one arm around his; he was holding on to her other hand. His chin was resting on her hair. Both agreed the trip was highly successful.

She thanked him for taking the time out to travel with them. She lifted her lips to him for a kiss.

He smiled and obliged with a long, deep kiss. He whispered softly into her ear, “I missed you so much this afternoon, especially when we were walking through the boutiques, wishing I was with you in the CTN’s office helping you through their financial reports. Did they give you a hard time, darling?”

Shan Mei gave a soft laugh and shook her head slightly.

He then looked over to where his younger brother was. He shook his head again in amusement, trying hard to hold down a chuckle in his throat. He had to admit the kid did look like a teenage heartthrob.

In his seat across the aisle, Xiang Jie was quietly resting. Today’s trip was brief, and there wasn’t a free moment, and they accomplished so much. He wondered what would have happened to him, to their family, if Elder Brother hadn’t met and married Sister? Most obvious – he wouldn’t have the chance to address him as Elder brother, remembering how he always glowered at him on seeing him, even that little bit of him sticking out from behind his mother’s back. He knew Sister was the catalyst in their family’s bonding. He must never let her down. She was the one who really pulled out all the stops to make such a big difference in his mundane life. She was his idol!

Upon their return from Tokyo, Shan Mei called a short meeting with You Zhen. “You Zhen Ge, I need you to help me. Just follow Xiang Jie around for a few days to film a video of him going about his normal activities in the office and at his home. And you can film a few black traffic accident spots around the city, some pedestrian areas without road directions, certain parts of the city with poor lighting which encouraged snatch thieves etc. I’m putting together a programme as a community service and Xiang Jie will be hosting this show. You know what I mean and what I want, right? The London office would edit the video when they complete their part of filming of Xiang Jie in London.”

At this year’s company Christmas party, Xiang Jie was the centre of attention. Those who joined the company recently, especially the young trainees in News Department, wondered who that gorgeous young man was. When they found out he was the younger brother of MBS president, all wanted to be another Zhen Shan Mei. The whole night the young girls tried to catch his attention, milling around his table like moths to a flame. Some were even bold enough to invite him to their table for a drink with them. He brushed them all off politely.

At one point, he went up to the stage to make a short speech. He thanked his many colleagues, especially the young and beautiful girls present tonight, for their kind attention. He had to refuse their offer to drink, because he was not a drinker. He would like to take the opportunity to make a toast to them all, especially his friends at the Planning Department, the Dubbing Department, Brother Jae Hoon and Brother Patrick, and his family for their total support. “Thank you and Merry Christmas.” All present admired the young boy’s class. They all stood up and returned the toast.

Xiang Zhe was amazed how his younger brother had handled the situation with such aplomb. He wouldn’t get himself into any stupid situation, for sure. A few Christmases ago, wasn’t he the one who came to rescue him from a bunch of troublemakers and had chided him for going with them, instead of staying put with Shan Mei? Michael’s training was so evident. But, one had to be smart in order to absorb training. Xiang Zhe began to feel relaxed. Between Shan Mei and Xiang Jie, MBS would be in very good hands. He would be able to concentrate 100% on Wen Rong, next summer.

Thinking of his wife, he immediately looked around the room to see where she had gone. She was chatting with Mr. and Mrs. Master Chef. She looked so at ease, flitting around the room, playing the perfect hostess. She seemed to know almost everybody by name or recognise on sight. Then, she went up to the table where Patrick was seated next to Jae Hoon. She stood between the two, one arm lying on each of their shoulders. They looked up to her so adoringly, while Shan Mei was laughing at something funny they just told her. She ruffled their hair, then went off to talk to her good friends Zhao Di and Chen Sui. He marveled at his own calmness, sitting there watching his wife with such adoring eyes. Surprisingly, he didn’t feel even a tiny tinge of jealousy, only contentedness and bliss knowing this gracious and charming lady was his, and his alone.

Xiang Zhe finally accepted that he was the love of his wife, and no one could take that away from him. Especially, when she told him she wanted to have his baby desperately. When Shan Mei came back to sit beside him, his hand enveloped hers that was resting on her lap. A look passed between them. He then whispered into her, “Darling do you want to leave now? Are you tired?” She shook her head and signaled to him to watch the stage.

You Zhen was now on stage. He was selected to announce the winners of the Junior Game Club and Employees Game Club competitions. Before that, he announced how CTN Management appreciated the strong cooperation with MBS and wanted to present some Appreciative Awards. Shan Mei was then invited up to the stage to make the presentation. Several departments received awards, Master Chef’s Kitchen two, one for the kitchen and one individual for Master Chef as foreseen by Xiang Zhe. Jae Hoon received a special mention and souvenir present from CTN.

Last to receive mention was MBS President for his unwavering support not just to CTN-KE but to CTN-Asia/Pac. Miss Zhen Shan Mei would present to him an Appreciative Award – an all expenses paid 5 day 4 night trip to the beautiful island of Guam for 2. As an afterthought, You Zhen added after he made the announcement – “Now all the mice can come out and play when the cat is away on holiday in Guam – for 5 days!!!” Many employees laughed and wolf whistles came from some sections. Happiness beaming all over his face, Xiang Zhe was grinning and shaking his head as he made his way to where Shan Mei was. To be acknowledged by his wife in such a way, wow! Husband and wife looked at one another, as Shan Mei handed to him a large, pink envelope. Shan Mei extended her hand for a handshake. Her husband took his wife’s hand, gently pulled her to him, and drew her closer into his strong arms for a passionate kiss. When they drew apart, thunderous applause broke out in the room.

“Xue Zhang,” she panted when he stopped. “In front of all these people! Indeed, I don’t know what has come over you.”

“It’s love, darling. Love has come over me. My love for you has freed me and yes, loosened my tongue.” He gave her a small mischievous smile. “Or perhaps I only wanted them to know how pleased I am with my wife.”

Xiang Zhe was still smiling broadly at Shan Mei’s crimson face and was about to return to his seat, when Shan Mei held him back.

You Zhen announced the Yins wanted to make a special award to the Junior Game Club member who showed the best consistency throughout the year. A name was announced; the parents proudly accompanied the child up to stage, to collect the cash prize award from President Yin. This was such a pleasant surprise for Xiang Zhe as well as all those who were present. After that initial excitement, more was to come with the other Game Club announcements.

Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei quietly made their getaway. They went home. After his shower, Xiang Zhe emerged from the bathroom, his damp hair plastered closely to his head, his mouth in a pout as he complained, “Why was I given only one appreciative award while Master Chef received two. I want an individual appreciative award too.”

Shan Mei gave him a severe look that made him smile. “I was just about to give it to you when you started complaining. Maybe now I’ll forget about it.” Very quickly he apologised to his wife, pleading with her to forget his complaints. Shan Mei smiled sweetly to him and promised to think about it. Then she walked to her dressing room to change.

Few minutes later when Shan Mei emerged from her dressing room Xiang Zhe was nowhere to be found. Xiang Zhe’s mobile phone began to ring. It was his angel wishing him a very merry Christmas. She asked him where exactly was he? “Up in my office sulking,” came his teasing reply.

His wife told him, “Stay where you are, I’m going to be up there in 2 minutes to collect you for some fun.” After hanging up, he sat down in his chair, waiting excitedly for his angel to appear.

Sure enough, Shan Mei appeared. She had clipped onto her head, a pair of reindeer antlers, and on her nose a plastic red nose. Xiang Zhe, trying hard to suppress wild laughter, thought how adorable she looked but he wasn’t going to let her know. She took from behind her back a red hood trimmed with white fur, and a line of white beard. She sat on her husband’s lap, then in her most coaxing voice said, “Hello, this is Rudolph looking for Santa.” She put the hood on him and hooked the beard to his ears. He erupted into laughter, then pinched her cheeks with both his hands. Taking hold of his hands, Shan Mei told him to hurry up to get out his sleigh. She dragged him downstairs. A Christmas hamper was waiting for them in one corner of her office. On the way out of the house, he stopped in front of a mirror in the hall to take a good look of himself. “Hmmm,’ he mused, he didn’t look too bad. He adjusted his hood properly and grinned happily as he ran out of the house after his Rudolph.

Shan Mei told him to take the four sacks of goodies lying along the inside wall of the garage and put into their car. When he got the car out of the garage, she said, “We’ll make a detour to four orphanages marked out on this map, then continue to our cabin.” She handed her husband a piece of paper.

“Going to the cabin? But wouldn’t it be too cold for you?”

Her big, round eyes looked up to him and smilingly assuaged, “You’re always good at keeping me warm, yes?” He nodded with laughter.

At each orphanage, they left the sack by the frontage, and drove off. Xiang Zhe felt good, and as they drove along, they sang Christmas carols.

“Darling, you need practice. We’ll make time for karaoke sessions at home whenever you’re free, okay?”

Shan Mei agreed readily, “Yes, teacher” and hung on to his arm while he was driving. Soon, they reached their destination.

At the cabin, Xiang Zhe immediately turned on the insulated heating for the floor, rolled back the roofing and opened up the skylight. They had to keep the doors closed. Shan Mei spread out a picnic cloth on the floor. They very excitedly emptied the contents of the hamper. She brought along a small cassette player that continuously played her Christmas tape of carols.

Xiang Zhe was very happy and felt so blessed. He had missed being at the cabin with Shan Mei. Since Shan Mei’s pregnancy, they had been careful when Dr. Kim warned Xiang Zhe they had to be careful during her first trimester. Then they had to tackle You Zhen’s problem. For now everything was back to normal. At 4 months, Dr. Kim said Shan Mei was progressing well and advised her not to worry about You Zhen. Earlier in the evening at the party venue, You Zhen appeared totally relaxed, so they assumed things were looking good for him and Minnie.

Xiang Zhe cradled Shan Mei in his arms. He was kissing her and stroking ever so gently her stomach. Every once in a while, he bent down to whisper words of sweet-nothings to the unborn baby. He laughed in such a delighted manner, Shan Mei couldn’t help but ask, “What’s tickling you, husband?”

“You, of course, my dearest wife! Rudolph is supposed to be nimble and lithe, Santa rotund with a round belly. But who’s the one having a rise in her belly now, huh? Not this Santa, for sure!” As he said that, Xiang Zhe patted his own flat tummy proudly.

With sweet refrains from ‘Joy to The World’ coming from their cassette player, Santa sipped his wine, while Rudolph had her peach juice, nibbling at their Christmas goodies. Bliss and peace in paradise!

Chapter AW-54

After spending two glorious days at the cabin with Shan Mei, Xiang Zhe was so reluctant to leave. Christmas Eve and Christmas nights, the stars were out in full force shining bright for them. This cabin held special affinity for them. Just watching her lying so contentedly on the mat, deep in sleep, made him want to love her all the more.

Now, he felt very lovey-dovey, as he propped himself on his elbow watching his wife in sleep. His hand very gently moved to cup her swollen breast. Shan Mei stirred and called out to him. He bent down to caress her soft, sweet lips. He was aroused. He inched close to her as his hand now moved caressingly all over her body, lingering on her stomach. Instinctively, her hands circled his neck to pull him down to her………….

It was afternoon when Shan Mei decided to stir from the mat. Her husband was snuggled beside her sound asleep. She couldn’t help but run her fingers softly through his hair. She gently untangled herself from his arms, placing her pillow in his arms instead. She pulled on a pair of jeans and put on a thick sweater, then pushed open the door. Wow, brilliant sunshine outside! No snow!! Xue Zhang must have woken up earlier to close the roofing. She went to the kitchen to check through the hamper to see what food they had left over. They wouldn’t need a lot of food since they would be going to Father’s later in the evening for dinner. She had some hot coffee ready for her husband when he woke up. She emerged from the kitchen getting ready to have a shower, when she saw Xiang Zhe standing at the door of the cabin pretending to give her an accusing look. “Trying to take shower without your husband, eh?”

“I was going to make myself smell good for you when you wake up.” Hearing that, he smiled and beckoned her to him. He quickly undressed her, kissing her here and there, draped a thick robe over her, then wrapping his arm lovingly around her shoulders, they entered the shower room together.

When they arrived at Father’s place later in the day, BB wouldn’t let go of them. In his innocent mind, he simply knew his parents had gone off somewhere for a long time without him and he was beginning to miss them, after the excitement of receiving and opening up so many presents had waned. He wanted to show his daddy and mummy the many new toys he had received. And the new words grandma Lee had taught him from his new picture books.

His little arms tried to go round mummy’s tummy. He kept asking, “Mummy, are you not well?”

“Of course I am, sweetheart. Mummy is just a little bit tired.”

“If so, why has your tummy grown bigger? Are you hiding something under your sweater? Another secret present for me?” He kept insisting on pulling up mummy’s top to see what she was hiding under it.

When daddy told him not to disturb mummy, he was not happy. “Why? Mummy used to carry me a lot. Now, you tell me to leave mummy alone. Mummy doesn’t love me anymore? Is that why you haven’t been to see me so long?” Tears welled up in his big, sad eyes as he began to whimper.

Xiang Zhe felt so bad that he carried his son out to the garden, to play ball with him and apologized for neglecting him, telling him Mummy and Daddy had to work.

Soon, little BB was running around laughing. Suddenly, he stopped in his play and asked Xiang Zhe, “Daddy, do you think mummy can run too? Maybe if we make her run hard, the thing she’s hiding under her sweater will come off. Then she’ll be normal again and can carry little BB. I want Mummy to carry me.” He dragged his daddy back into the house, wanting him to ask mummy to play ball with them.

Xiang Zhe shook his head, exasperated. He had better pass the brat back to Xiang Jie and let him handle the little one and his questions.

===

The first working day after the Christmas holidays, MBS P.R. department was deluged with calls from several magazine editors who had heard of the gorgeous young man in MBS who happened to be MBS president’s younger brother. They wanted to interview him. When Zian Da approached him wanting to set up some interviews, Xiang Jie told him the only person he would talk to would be his sister Shan Mei.

Later in the morning, Zian Da reported this to Xiang Zhe. “What’s up with your younger brother Xiang Jie? He’s not being cooperative at all, telling me he’s not talking to any magazine editor. It seems he’s not even talking to you because he says the only person he’ll talk to is Shan Mei. He’s got some kind of attitude problem?”

Xiang Zhe gave a short laugh as he stretched back and threw his hands behind his head. “Zian Da, please don’t feel offended. Xiang Jie is only playing it safe. He doesn’t want to be misquoted. You yourself should know it’s not easy for a young man, new in his job, to handle the press. They can twist and turn any word around to suit their means. I don’t blame Xiang Jie at all for playing it safe.”

Giving Zian Da a steady look, he continued, “If the magazine editors want interviews, they should all talk to Shan Mei. In case you haven’t been told, Xiang Jie is Shan Mei’s protégé. Next summer Shan Mei is going to push Xiang Jie out in a new show for MBS that she has been planning for 2 years. I don’t have all the details yet, but it seems all sponsors have been lined up in the U.S by CTN. She’s now finalizing the format for the show. Shan Mei will produce this show. It’ll be another co-production between CTN-KE and MBS.

Anyway, Xiang Jie can’t pose for any photos for anybody, not even for MBS, at this time. He has an exclusive contract with a Japanese advertising company to appear in an advertising campaign for them. Only from mid-June next year, can Xiang Jie do official publicity work for MBS. You’d better get clearance from Shan Mei before you do anything with Xiang Jie because I myself am not too sure of his contractual obligations.”

To tease Zian Da a little, Xiang Zhe told him Shan Mei had been training Xiang Jie since he was 15 years old. With nothing further to discuss, Zian Da left the Director’s office with a puzzled look. When Xiang Jie was 15, wasn’t Shan Mei only 26? And she had just run off to London, herself being slow, blurry and so forgetful. How could she be training Xiang Jie? He shook his head in disbelief. In part what Xiang Zhe had just told Zian Da was true. Shan Mei was the one who suggested to Father to ensure Xiang Jie took extra tuition in English as soon as he returned to Seoul, after his first visit to London. And she was his inspiration in learning the guitar.

After Zian Da left his office, Xiang Zhe sat in his chair thinking how alike Xiang Jie and Shan Mei were. They had their principles. No one could force them to do what they didn’t want to do. All the unfortunate things that happened to them came through other people’s action, not through their own fault. Because of their kindness, bad things in their lives somehow managed to turn out good.

Thinking of his wife made him want to hear her voice. When Shan Mei answered his call, he asked tenderly, “Did you miss me today like I’ve been missing you? And has baby been giving you trouble?”

She laughed saying she was busy at a meeting in the recording studio, but to answer his questions: yes to the first, and don’t know to the second.

After finishing the call, Xiang Zhe looked at his watch. It was only 5, why was she at the recording studio so early? He decided to drop in and give her a surprise visit. When he arrived, Xiang Jie was there, and many girls were crowding around him. He had wanted to give his sister a night off, seeing that she had worked this afternoon on the chat show, so he suggested to her he wanted to host Musical Postcard that night. Shan Mei was showing him her selection of poetry, and how to work the carousel, and understand the different hand signals from the production assistants, when word got around the station that the gorgeous Yin Xiang Jie was in the recording studio.

Xiang Zhe asked Xiang Jie, “Do you want dinner?”

“Not yet. I prefer to stay around and learn how to work the carousel. And you don’t have to worry about me getting home. Brother Jae Hoon is going to give me a lift home later tonight.”

“Okay, if this is the case, ask Jae Hoon to drop by our house after Musical Postcard for supper. Since you’re so obliging in letting sister have a night off, I’ll treat to you to supper too. Thanks kid.” And Xiang Zhe gave his younger brother a soft pat on his shoulder.

Husband took his wife back to his office. He sat in his chair, and kept staring at her, remembering her with her antler hair band and red nose, and he with his Santa’s hood and beard. As he rubbed the crease between his brows, he threw back his head and laughed. Shan Mei looked back at him confounded, her big round eyes wondering what was wrong with her husband. Xiang Zhe was thinking she looked more adorable now than when she first entered his office a minute ago. He was so tempted to run his fingers along her silky smooth back. He’d better pulled himself together before he did someth