Angel’s Touch by Cynthia Muak

Standing majestically aloft and alone with its impressive polished chrome finish gleaming in the dazzling morning sunlight, in the most sought-after newly-landscaped district of Oksu-dong right smack in the midst of Seoul’s most exclusive commercial precinct, atop a little hillock of its own, the 38-storey 3A Grand Tower, was one of the many new office high-rises that had sprouted up along both sides of the Han River, commanding ‘to-die-for’ views.

What’s so special about the 3A Grand Tower that made it different from the other neighbouring office blocks, that its Wait List for Leasing was closed for further entries only three months after it was set up? The exterior and interior finishing of the building was second to none in Seoul City. The 12’ ceiling height per floor was extraordinary high for a building – their 38 stories would be equivalent to 45 stories for any other normal building block in Seoul. Their computerized security system was very tight; their Security Director was a Korean national having lived and worked with the best security firm in Japan for over 20 years, and their Security managers were especially trained in Japan.

To prove that the Building was truly A-Class, the sole owner of the building, 36-year old Yin Xiang Zhe, personally owned the 28th floor and which he had leased to his father for Yin Senior’s law firm at a nominal monthly rent. 3A itself kept the 17th, 18th, 27th, 37th and 38th floors for its own office use. The other floors were on Leasing terms only, commanding the highest rental per sq. meter in the whole of Seoul.

The building management fees were not cheap, but no tenant had yet to gripe about them, the standard of its building maintenance and security being A-Class.

This morning, in his plush, spacious yet sparsely furnished office, Yin Xiang Zhe vacated his executive chair, slowly strolled in slow, lazy strides towards the long line of windows and stood in front of one of the double-glazed glass panes looking out down on the Han River and the Riverside Park, because a sudden flash of inspiration had zipped through his forever busy mind when he was going through last month’s Property Sales and Rental Performance reports.

His offices, occupying about 200 sq. meter of the 38th floor of the 3A Grand Tower, commanded such a vantage view that from his office windows, he could see 2 sections of the Riverside Park across the Han River, as well as the entire Tukseom Golf Club located on reclaimed land sitting at the fork of Han River and the man-made picturesque Jungnangcheon tributary.

This golf course was so conveniently located that Yin Xiang Zhe would occasionally invite his father for a round of golf on some mornings before work. Sometimes, Xiang Zhe’s younger brother, Xiang Jie, whenever he could get away from his house early in the morning, would play 9 rounds of golf with him too. Yin Xiang Jie was married with two very young children, so it was understandable that whatever spare time he now had belonged to his young family, and not to his elder brother.

Xiang Zhe stood there, at the window, lost in thought. He was not really focusing on any particular spot of the view below and beyond him, but contemplating whether his business was expanding too big and too fast. He was concerned he would one day lose total control of it. He had been pushing himself, hustling almost non-stop these past 12 years – 2 years as an employee of Property Leasing Corp and 10 years for his own company, to ensure its success. He was getting restless and feeling tired, and run-down. There was a hollow, empty feeling inside him, a hard, painful sense of being alone, of not having anyone close to him for him to share his life with. He wanted more out of his life; like someone to share in his achievements? A family whom he could indulge wholeheartedly? It was a feeling he had never experienced before, a feeling which, he recognized in the quietness of some nights, that he had become increasing aware of ever since the first time he noticed Zhen Shan Mei.

Although the Yin family had money and his father had asked him on several occasions to join the family Law firm, he was not interested. He reminded his father that there was already one Yin son with the family legal firm and Xiang Jie, 4 years younger than Xiang Zhe, was in his own right a brilliant legal strategist.

Xiang Zhe wanted to make something successful by his own efforts. He guessed he had his pride, and didn’t want his Step-uncle, Jin Enqi, to be spreading rumours that he managed to make it big solely because of money from his father.

After he obtained his law degree in Seoul, he spent a further two years at Harvard Law School before returning to Seoul to join the commercial rat-race. Immediately upon his return, he joined a real estate company as a realtor, handling property rental, purchasing and sales to the expatriate community. Slogging almost non-stop – sometimes as long as 20 hours a day to make sure he could deliver to his clients what they wanted, he became a highly valued employee of Property Leasing Corporation because of his business acumen, fluency in English and his legal background. He also learned to gauge correctly the property market trends and invested all the spare cash he could afford into heavy property acquisitions.

Yin Senior, when he heard about this, became irate and wanted to know why his son wouldn’t work for the family legal firm, but rather for some outsider and at such a lowly position. He kept reminding his elder son that, from a technical legal viewpoint, one half of the family business was his inheritance, anyway. Of course Step-uncle kept referring to Yin Xiang Zhe as an immature kid in front of his brother-in-law and anyone else who would listen, and had secretly harboured hopes that he could take over the business eventually from Yin Senior. Two years ago, he had hoped that his sister could sway Yin Senior toward this way of thinking in spite of the fact that though his sister had been married to Yin Senior for almost 10 years, the union had not produced any children. Jin Enqi knew that the two Yin boys, from his brother-in-law’s first marriage, never liked he or his sister at all – the boys simply tolerated their presence – because Yin Senior married again just a little over 3 years after the demise of his first wife. And he had married his new wife barely a few months after meeting her.

Quickly but surely, Xiang Zhe learned the ropes of the real estate business so well, and reaped big rewards from his own investments that after only 2 years with Property Leasing, he left to set up his own little business, A-Class Accommodations Agency – AAA – the 3 As also inadvertently applied to Yin Xiang Zhe’s business policies – Integrity, Reliability and excellent Before- and After-Sales Service. With a staff of six, he started small which ensured personal services for a group of loyal clients. Initially, his clients came mainly from within the university fraternity and diplomatic corps. These people highly recommended AAA’s services whenever new teachers or embassy staff or their friends arrived in Korea. The client base very quickly expanded to include almost all the large foreign multi-nationals and expatriates flooding into Korea. Soon, even the Korean ‘nouveau riche’ who had struck it big in the stock market relied on 3A’s prudent advice to invest heavily in the property market. Yin Xiang Zhe, with his brilliant mind and knack for spotting winners, became a highly successful speculator himself on property investments – so successful that within 8 years of its start-up date, 3A was able to move into its own brand new building, the prestigious 3A Grand Tower in Oksu-dong. Now, the letters AAA (3A) flashing in fluorescent Blue over any shop premises were easily recognizable all over the country as the most trusted name when you want to buy, sell or rent a property, regardless of size and price. There were now over 60 company branches nation-wide, with 20 of the branches in Seoul and its surrounds alone.

Last week, his Research Department had come up with the latest quarterly property market report, and the trends showed there was an upsurge in demand for clusters of property in newly-developed areas of Korea. Xiang Zhe felt there was a need to discuss this in detail with his branch managers and they would need more than the normal 5 hours allocated for each of these monthly meetings. He wanted to hold the monthly conference for the heads of the 10 supervising branches in Seoul at 3A’s office rather than at Grand Hyatt, the usual conference venue. A week after, would be conference for the heads of the 10 supervising branches from the main provinces.

He walked slowly back to his big, specially designed cherry-wood table, his hands in his trouser pockets, his mind deep in thought. After he sat down in his massive executive chair, he hesitated barely a moment to take a deep gulp of air before he called Kim Zian Da, the manager of P.R. Department.

“Zian Da, it’s me. I’ve decided to hold next month’s conference on our office premises, instead of at the Grand Hyatt as in previous times. I want someone from your office to handle the arrangement and preparation. Who would you recommend?”

“Yes, Director Yin. I understand. I’d highly recommend Miss Xu Ying Mei. She’s always very careful with her work, and knows how to handle clients well. She’s very beautiful, poised and friendly too.”

Xu Ying Mei, sitting at her desk across the aisle from Kim Zian Da, was excited when she heard Manager Kim Zian Da’s high praise of her, for whatever project he was discussing with the caller who Mr. Kim had addressed as Director Yin, at the other end of the phone line. Xu Ying Mei had worked in 3A’s publicity department for the past three years. As with many of the other female employees of 3A, their primary aim was to wait for an opportunity to meet and impress the dashing, handsome, extremely eligible bachelor of AAA – their director – rumoured to be fabulously rich, owning not only their 3A office tower but also blocks of buildings and chunks of undeveloped land in Seoul and other parts of Korea.

“Zian Da, I’m not asking you to recommend someone for a beauty contest. I want someone who is serious about her work. What about that little girl who’s always wearing clothes, the collars of which are buttoned right up to her neck? I’ve noticed her down in the lift lobby a few times when she comes in to work in the mornings. She always has a friendly smile for everyone waiting for the lifts. She won’t distract the participants and I’m sure her ready smiles will keep everyone at ease.”

After a few more questions, Zian Da stammered out, “You mean Zhen Shan Mei? But Sir, I’m not too sure. I don’t know whether she knows how to put such important participants at ease, seeing she has no experience in interacting with people. Not only that – she is so artless and quiet, she may turn out to be an embarrassment.”

“No experience in interacting with people? Hasn’t she been working in your department for one year already? What does she do every day at work then?”

“Well, her language skills are not bad so she handles all the copywriting for our advertisements, promotion leaflets and our monthly in-house newsletters.”

“Send her to see me in my office this afternoon at 4, and Miss Xu 45 minutes later. Before that, tell H.R. to email me their personal files. I’ll let you know what I’ve decided after I talk to the two of them. Thank you.”

After Xiang Zhe hung up the phone, he leaned back against his big Italian leather chair, his hands clasped behind his head and he smiled jubilantly inside himself and thought, “Finally, I’ve found an excuse to talk to her.”

He remembered seeing this ‘so-artless-and-quiet’ little girl one morning at the main entrance of the office block about a year ago. That morning he did not drive his own car to work otherwise he would have missed her, because he would have driven directly to his reserved parking space in the underground floor covered car park. His car was taken for service that morning for its quarterly maintenance check.

His taxi had pulled up at the driveway in front of 3A. Just as he was paying off the taxi driver, he saw her getting off a light blue MPV that had stopped in front of his taxi.

She then walked around the van and stopped at the driver’s window to give the driver of the MPV a lingering kiss on his cheek. He heard her addressing the man as ‘Pa’ and her warning ‘don’t drive too fast. Call me when you arrive home. Your lunch box is in the back seat.’

The man behind the driving wheel had laughed heartily at her with a teasing ‘Princess, stop nagging your Pa. Find yourself a man so you can nag at him.’ With that, he gave his daughter a hand wave and drove off.

Xiang Zhe could see her eyes were red, and she was still sniffling slightly, a white handkerchief at her nose, when she walked toward the main entrance of the building. He followed her slowly from the rear, swinging his briefcase slightly about.

Yin Xiang Zhe took the opportunity to study her from behind and he formed the impression that this little girl was rather young. Twenty at the most, he guessed, with thick, dark, shining hair in a smooth fall to below her shoulders, held neatly from the forehead with a silky velvet headband.

Her luscious, dewy mouth wore no lipstick, only lip gloss. There was also a patina not only of health in her smooth, glowing skin, but wealth in her beautifully cut clothes – a charcoal grey trouser suit, matched with a white silk blouse, with a row of pearl buttons down the front starting from the white lace peter pan collar at her neck. She carried a black leather tote bag, and wore a pair of matching black leather shoes with 2-1/2” heels that emphasized a pair of well-shaped, smooth legs.

He wondered which office in the building she worked for and on what floor?

She was in the act of putting on a pair of designer sunglasses to hide her red eyes, when she missed the first step to the building’s main foyer. Xiang Zhe immediately moved quickly forward and caught on to her from behind to stop her from falling. She looked embarrassed and gave a shy, grateful acknowledgement of thanks and a dip of her head to reiterate her thanks. As she raised her head, she vaguely noticed the man, tall and slim. He wore a grey suit, white shirt and a dark blue silk tie with thin red stripes, and he had a briefcase which he had almost dropped to the ground when he leaned forward to catch hold of her. She gave a shy smile, than another apologetic nod, before fleeing and making her way into the lift lobby.

“Hey, Shan Mei,” a girl standing at one corner of lift lobby called out to her.

Shan Mei at once went up to stand next to the girl, a wide smile immediately appearing on her face. “Oh, it’s you Zhao Di!” she gushed. “Good morning. It’s so good to see a friendly and familiar face. To be truthful, I’m feeling quite nervous.”

“I see. This is your first day, right? Of course any one on their first day of work is entitled to have butterflies in their stomach. So, which department did you finally get accepted for?”

“P.R. I’m supposed to report to a Mr. Kim Zian Da on the 37th floor. You think this department is okay for me?”

“I’m not familiar with their work. Before we moved into this new building, 3A’s many departments were spread out in different locations. I’m with Analysis and Statistics under Research Department, now on the 27th floor. But you watch out. That vixen Xu Ying Mei is in P.R. too. She joined 3A right after her graduation. So, how did you enjoy your two years in London? Meet up with me later for lunch, we’ll talk. I usually finish work very late at night. The only place I go to after work is bed.” The two girls giggled softly together at that!

Four high-speed lifts, outfitted with the latest computerized security systems, zoomed up and down the office lobby, providing the 38-storey building with very efficient passenger conveyance.

The Security Room, located at the Master Security Officers Guardroom at the entrance to the building block, manned not only the control of these lifts but also the entry to each floor. During office hours, entry to all floors, except 18th and 38th floors, were free of control. After 6 p.m. on any normal work day, entries to all floors were automatically barred, unless special requests were submitted by the office in question for entry to remain accessible on that particular floor, outside of normal office hours. This was the main reason why 3A only leased to companies that could take up entire floors.

For that to be possible, they would need to be huge companies – mostly foreign-owned, like Price, Waterhouse and several other international accounting, legal firms and financial institutions.

Soon, Lift No. 2 arrived. Shan Mei and Zhao Di got in and pressed the buttons on the lift panel to their respective floors.

Xiang Zhe who had purposely stood near to the two girls in the Lift Lobby overheard their conversation. He was quite amused and intrigued at the same time. No wonder this Zhao Di didn’t recognize him. His office was on the 38th floor. He never visited the 27th floor, very rarely the 3A offices on the other floors, and he always arrived at work well before 8 a.m., even though 3A’s official work hours began at 8.45 a.m., wanting to avoid the morning office crowd in the lift lobby.

He patiently waited for the next lift. Since he was the only passenger in the lift, he took his time in feeding his security key into the special keyhole provided on the panel before he pressed the button 38 while he laughed softly when his mind went back to the girl named Zhen Shan Mei. So this was her first day at work. She reminded him of little children on their first day at school, crying when their parents went off, leaving them behind, at the mercy of their teachers. So according to what he had just overheard – today’s big bad wolf would be Kim Zian Da, assisted by the vixen, named Xu Ying Mei? Xiang Zhe shook his head at the scenario, as he let off a low, teasing ‘growl’ and exited the lift when it stopped at the 38th floor.

Five minutes before 4 o’clock, Shan Mei gingerly trod up the wide semi-circular marble staircase connecting the two floors, 37th and 38th. This was the first time she was visiting the 38th floor, known as The Executive Floor. But to the staff working on the 37th floor – or for that matter, to any 3A employee – the 38th floor seemed like some hallowed ground not accessible to just anybody. In fact, even though there was a wide staircase connecting the 2 floors, no one would dare put a foot on the 38th floor, without official invitation or cause for official business because at the top of the stairs was a heavy duty glass door manned by a security guard. He had a list of names of persons expected to visit for that day. All visitors, without the security access key, had to use the lift to the 37th floor, and then use the marble staircase for access to the 38th floor. Any one caught trespassing would be subjected to disciplinary punishment or dismissal, depending on the gravity of the ‘crime’. The 3A office floor staffers had secretly nicknamed the 38th floor as ‘Mount Sinai’, the place where God handed out to Moses the Ten Commandments. Naturally, the code name of their Director Yin was Moses whenever gossip circulated around the office of sightings of ‘Moses’ out with a girl.

Once through the heavy duty entrance, past security and, with directions from the security guard, Shan Mei reached a large, ornate wooden door showing “Director X Z Yin” in large cut-out stainless steel letters. She knocked. No one answered. She was sure she was told to appear at the Director’s office at 4. Shan Mei counted up to 3 before knocking again, this time a little bit louder. Still no command of ‘Enter’ came from within. As she pondered what she should do next, the door opened. A tall, lean and handsome man, smartly dressed in a grey suit with a fine cotton white shirt and dark blue silk tie with thin red stripes, stood at the doorway. He gave her a reassuring smile and addressed her, “Zhen Shan Mei?”

Surprised, Shan Mei smiled back at him and gave a slightly reverent bow, the kind from a lowly-employee to the ‘Big Boss’. As she straightened up, she had a strange feeling the man did somehow look vaguely familiar, which was kind of impossible because she had never met the ‘big boss’ before. She wondered what kind of commandment he was going to hand out to her. Maybe “You’re fired!” the catch phrase from the reality show Apprentice?

He returned her soft smile and offered a ‘Come in’ and led the way into the massive room, after closing the door behind her. “Take a seat” he said, pointing to the 2 chairs in front of his huge cherry-wood table.

With a ‘Thank you’ Shan Mei sat down thankfully. She had felt so nervous her legs were beginning to shake badly and she was afraid they would give way any time if she didn’t find proper support in time.

He waited until she was comfortably seated before easing himself back into his huge leather executive chair behind the huge curved cherry-wood table that was home to a battery of technological equipment. Anyone of lesser build would have been dwarfed by it but not Yin Xiang Zhe. And when he tapped on the keyboard on his right, she noticed that he had very long fingers, square at the end with well-manicured nails.

“Now, let me see.” It was almost as if he was talking to himself as he chewed on his lower lip and concentrated on the computer screen. “Zhen Shan Mei, single, age 25 years. After he scrolled down the screen briefly, he turned around in his swivel chair to face her.

He placed his elbows on the table; his hands clasped together under his chin, said nothing and only stared at her, a ridiculous smile playing at his mouth. Shan Mei was getting nervous, furling and unfurling, twisting and untwisting her fingers on her lap, now hidden from the Big Boss’s view.

Unbeknown to Shan Mei, Xiang Zhe’s mind was actually on her graceful neck and collar. Today’s collar-style was all buttoned up to a round-edged roll-over collar of her blouse, visible from her collarless jacket. The blouse was in a most soothing shade of pale blue! Xiang Zhe mused, [Is there a blemish somewhere around her upper chest, lower neck area? Is that why she never bares that particular part of her body?]

Finally, in a frazzled tone, she managed to utter. “Director Yin, is there something you wish to see me about?” Her eyes were serious and wide in their scrutiny, yet her lips were full and soft when she talked.

Xiang Zhe was jolted from his reverie.

“Errh, yes. There’s a new project I want you to follow up on. But I’m wondering…….”

“Yes, Director Yin? Something the matter?” Shan Mei was beginning to sound anxious.

“You look about 20 even though you’re supposed to be 25, according to the personal information in your biodata from Human Resource. I wonder whether you’re a little bit too young for the job……”

“I’ll be 26 next month, if that’ll help.” Shan Mei sounded very serious when she said ‘26’, and she had straightened up her back and squared her shoulders as if to help emphasize that point.

“26 huh?” Xiang Zhe repeated, eyeing her behind hooded lids. He tapped slightly on the cover of the folder lying in front of him and gave Shan Mei another lingering stare.

“Director Yin, about this new project….?”

“Oh, yes. I’ve decided to hold next month’s Branch Managers’ conference here. The previous conferences were held at the Grand Hyatt. There will be 10 branch managers attending. Before I make the final decision, I want to hear your views. Do you have any suggestions?”

“Director Yin, if you don’t mind my asking, are these managers from the surrounding areas of Seoul, or from the outer provinces?”

He looked at her again, this time in surprise. “Good question. The first conference will be for managers from Seoul and its surrounding areas. One week after, I want to schedule another conference for outer provincial managers. Is there a difference?”

“Definitely!” Suddenly, she looked apologetic for sounding too loud. She continued in a more level tone. “The managers from the provinces may want to bring their spouse or family members and may possibly want to stay the weekend, for shopping or sightseeing or simply visiting relatives. In this case, we would have to make other arrangements for the spouses or family members while the managers are attending the conference.”

Xiang Zhe again rested his eyes on Shan Mei. When he noticed her blush, he averted his eyes quickly and said at the same time, “Good thinking. Anything else?”

“Director Yin, if I’m given the opportunity to coordinate the event, I suggest the 2nd conference to be held 2 weeks after the 1st one, giving me more time to arrange it properly. It’s never advisable to rush.”

“Okay, if you promise the arrangement is going to be 3As and by that I don’t mean the company’s initials; I mean rating!”

Shan Mei smiled slowly and shyly at that. “Director Yin, when do you want to see the proposal?”

“How much time would you need to draw something up?”

“Three days. By the way, Director Yin, do you have any budget in mind?”

Xiang Zhe smiled, thinking to himself, “This girl is asking all the right questions, so far. How can Zian Da claim she was inexperienced?”

Actually, after work in the evenings, Shan Mei had often helped Zhao Di organize her papers when she had to churn out statistic reports on reams and reams of paper. This was the reason 3A divided their reports into 2 sections; one for Seoul and its surroundings, the other for the outer provinces. In Zhao Di’s reports, Shan Mei also noticed every page of the reports concentrated on Won, Won and more Won. Naturally, money was a very important factor in their line of business.

Xiang Zhe opened the folder on his table and had a quick glance over. “Here, take this. This is the invoice from Grand Hyatt for the last conference. Use it for reference. And here are the bills for the other services relating to the organization of the event. On Friday, I’ll introduce you to our Internal Office Comptroller Park. He will be instructed not to withhold any related financial info from you.”

Shan Mei gave the Director an appreciative nod as she gathered the papers together.

“Oh, by the way Shan Mei, your biodata stated you were in London for 2 years, and that you had spent some time taking a catering course with City & Guilds, London I’m just curious because it’s so unrelated to your Mass Comm. Degree.”

“Three years ago, my Gugu who runs a restaurant in London, became ill with gastric ulcers due to tremendous stress from her work. At that time I had just graduated from university; she asked me to help her out at the restaurant. My father insisted I go. When I worked at the restaurant, I became very interested in food preparation so I enrolled for a 12-month part time food catering and banqueting course with C&G. My Gugu wanted me to stay longer so she could teach me more Korean recipes from the different Korean provinces. Director Yin, are you concerned I may not concentrate well in 3A’s line of business?”

“No, no! I was just curious, that’s all.”

When he saw Shan Mei shuffling her papers together and closing her notebook, he didn’t want to detain her any longer.

“Alright, Shan Mei, see you on Friday.”

Shan Mei rose from her seat and was ready to go, and was about to give him the customary polite bow, when the devil got hold of Xiang Zhe’s tongue and he couldn’t help stating, a wry smile playing on his lips, “Shan Mei, we’ve met before.”

Shan Mei looked surprised and her eyes became wide and quizzical. “Don’t you remember? Your first day at 3A? At the entrance, you missed a step and would have fallen, if I had not caught hold of you.” Today, he had purposely worn the same suit and tie he had on the day that Zhen Shan Mei started work at 3, hoping to resurrect her memory a bit.

Recognition slowly came seeping through her mind. She gave him another grateful bow. “Director Yin, I keep saying ‘thank you.’ Apart from ‘thank you’, I really don’t know what else to say to show my sincere gratitude?”

“How about having dinner with me tonight?”

Chapter 2

Shan Mei was at once surprised at the unexpected suggestion. Even though she was grateful and appreciative of the boss’ kindness in helping her avoid an embarrassing accident on her first day of work at 3A, she didn’t expect, for the life of her, an invitation to dinner. Most probably the man was being polite. It was hard for shy Shan Mei to accept that such a busy, important and debonair man as her boss would be free on any evening of the week to entertain a subordinate. She felt it was only polite to refuse, and not take the invitation at face value.

“Director Yin, thank you. Another time, maybe? I’ve to start working on the proposal straight away.”

His eyes hooded with a flicker of disappointment, but he bravely said trying to sound nonchalant about the whole deal, “I understand.”

He stood up to see Shan Mei to the door. “Okay. We meet in my office again, same time on Friday. Meanwhile you keep this assignment confidential. You don’t have to report to Kim Zian Da anymore. I’ll inform Kim directly and then I’ll arrange for you to work on the 38th floor from next Monday. I’ll have a small office ready for you near to my office so it’s easier for communication. No doubt you will have a lot of questions to ask, being new at the job.”

After Shan Mei left his office, Xiang Zhe sat down quietly in his chair, his mind going over the conversation they had just shared. Happy grins broke out on his face, as he stroked his forehead then his chin absentmindedly. He leaned back against his chair, swiveled it around a few times like an excited schoolboy then stopped it so he faced the window. “Yes, the outcome of this afternoon’s meeting is very productive,” he told himself, so productive that he had managed to move Miss Zhen up to the 38th floor, place her next to his office, without arousing any suspicion.

Xiang Zhe then swiveled back to face his table. He picked up the phone and called Zian Da on the office internal line. “Zian Da, can you send Xu Ying Mei up to my office to see me now? Thank you.”

Xu Ying Mei had just been to the Ladies to freshen herself, applied a fresh coat of glossy red lipstick to her lips, combed her hair out, and used atomizer spray liberally all over her body, even on her palms. Just in case she got to shake the Directors’ hand, she wanted her scent to linger on any part of him.

On the 38th floor, she knocked on the door with the lettering Director X Z Yin prominently displayed.

She opened the heavy door and entered when she heard the command “Come in.” Oh, she almost went soft in her knees. That voice had such a strong, authoritative, yet deliciously sexy tone to it.

Xiang Zhe was sitting behind his large table. When Xu Ying Mei walked towards the table, he pointed to a chair and said, “Take a seat, Miss Xu.”

He continued, “I’ve gone over your file and noticed that you’ve already worked at AAA for 3 years. Are you happy with your present duties?”

“Oh, yes. I enjoy the work in P.R. department very much. We get to handle interviews all the time and we get to entertain quite a lot. The work is not at all boring.”

Xiang Zhe laid steadfast eyes on Xu Ying Mei, before turning his eyes away to concentrate on the details before him on his computer screen. “Yes. Now I remember. You were the model in the photo print for our recent marketing campaign for our new Daeshan residential estate project. The Daeshan project didn’t do too badly in sales, although I had expected better results. Thank you for your assistance.”

Xu Ying Mei smiled coyly at Xiang Zhe and lowered her eyes coquettishly.

Xiang Zhe rubbed at his temple, and shaking his head slightly, he thought, [“Good heavens, not one of those, again”].

“Miss Xu, as you may most probably have heard, our monthly Branch Managers conferences were held normally at the Grand Hyatt. Next month I want to host the conference here in our offices. What do you think?”

“I…?” she stammered. She was surprised the Director was asking for her opinion. She suddenly felt very important.

Xu Ying Mei didn’t want to give Director Yin the impression that she was some dull office worker sitting behind her office desk knowing nothing. She had heard that all top corporate executives did a lot of entertaining. She wanted him to know she was a fun person, therefore, a fun hostess.

“Director Yin, if you don’t mind my saying so, I suggest the conference should continue to be hosted at Grand Hyatt. Everything is one-stop; meals, services, entertainment. After the conference, the branch managers could be invited to the entertainment outlets at the hotel, especially their disco and karaoke lounge. There won’t be need to travel around; from conference to dinner to clubbing.”

“What about the conference itself?” he asked, wanting to get back to the main reason for conference preparation.

“Most of the people normally not living in Seoul City itself want to be taken to the best clubs and karaoke places for fun. Business is not that important to them. They can handle that anytime. Of course, at the conferences we should still discuss some business issues. After that, we take them for ‘happy hour’ drinks to relax. Manager Kim Zian Da will surely agree with this idea. We go all the time to after-office ‘happy hour’ and we feel relaxed after a few drinks.”

“What about catering?” By this time Xiang Zhe was listening intently, his thumb and forefinger stroking his chin, because Miss Xu seemed to have an entirely different approach to the conference, from Zhen Shan Mei. Miss Xu never once considered the possibility of family members accompanying the out-of-town visitors.

“We’ll just ask Grand Hyatt to handle the catering. As for paperwork, we’ll ask Sales and Marketing to provide all the information. As for the evening entertainment programme, I’ll be responsible. I’m very good at singing and dancing. Manager Kim Zian Da is great fun at the clubs too.”

“Coordinating a conference sounds very easy.” Xiang Zhe placed his arms on the table in front of him, clasped his hands together and smiled his charming, crooked smile at Xu Ying Mei. “Apart from the entertainment segment, you’ll also be responsible for writing the introduction to the leaflets, edit the pertinent information from the Real Estate Association?”

“No way,” Ying Mei exclaimed almost at once. Then just as fast, she realized she sounded harsh, so she immediately changed her tone when she noticed the Director had arched his brow slightly. “What I mean is that is Zhen Shan Mei’s job. She’s been doing all the copywriting since she first joined the company. I’m not supposed to do that. Whatever needs to be written for the conference leaflets, I’ll give her instructions. As for editing the information from the Real Estate Association, Shan Mei has been doing that all along anyway. I’ll just pull the information from her files. She’s too quiet to do anything else. Manager Kim Zian Da says my job is to look beautiful and entertain the clients. This will make our clients very happy.”

“I agree Manager Kim has a point there. I’ll have a talk with him. Anyway, I thank you for your suggestions regarding holding the conference in the hotel. I may have to change my mind and continue to use the Grand Hyatt. Thank you Miss Xu.”

Xiang Zhe stood up as he said that and Xu Ying Mei realized the meeting was at an end. She wanted to put forward her hand for a handshake, but the stern look on the Director’s face didn’t bode well for such familiarity and liberty.

After Xu Ying Mei left his office, Xiang Zhe blew out a puff of air and again took out their personal files which he had printed and had later penned in his own comments. This morning when he spoke to Miss Jiang, the girls’ former Class Supervisor at the university, on the phone he had wondered whether to believe what he was told. One was a simple girl but pleasantly adorable and looked very young for her years. Although she was one of the top achievers and serious workers in her class, she was very popular with her fellow students, very in tune with current affairs and very helpful, endearing herself to people whom she had to interact with. The other was quite attractive in an unpleasant way, and could not get along well with her fellow students, by her own choice. However, she possessed a kind of confidence beyond someone her age. She was 2 years older than the average age of the rest of the class but she looked older than her age. Many students complained she was very arrogant and disliked teamwork. Miss Jiang could not understand why this Xu Ying Mei did not like teamwork, seeing she was not that great with her work and could do with some help.

Two girls from the same class at the same university with a 2-year difference in age, but nothing else could be more different. Xiang Zhe didn’t feel at ease in Xu Ying Mei’s presence. He wondered how Zian Da assessed an employee’s working aptitude and attitude in his Department.

Anyway, Xiang Zhe didn’t want to dwell further on such inconsequential things. He had a much more important matter to attend to. He left his office and went down the hall to Comptroller Park’s office and told him he want him to get the ID people up to his office as soon as possible, may be later this afternoon. He wanted an office to be set up next to his own office. Xiang Zhe could have simply called the Comptroller on the office internal line but he hoped by his actual physical presence, the Comptroller would realize how important and urgent the matter was.

Two mornings after discussing the branch managers’ conference with Zhen Shan Mei and Xu Ying Mei, Yin Xiang Zhe had just entered his office and didn’t even have time to sit down and scan over the morning’s financial and property sections, when his father was on the phone for him.

“Xiang Zhe, how come your poor old dad is always the last one to know of anything important concerning you? Explain yourself immediately on something so important!”

“Dad, hold your horses a minute! I don’t have a clue what you’re babbling about. I’ve just got into the office and haven’t even had time to sit down and take my first cup of coffee for the day.”

“Many of my staff had overheard a girl talking in the lift lobby yesterday morning that she has special influence over you. Apparently, you seek her advice on many things. Is this true?”

“Dad, what girl? I don’t even know what you’re going on about?”

“Come on, Son. You’re talking to your own father and I mean the girl who claims she is going to organize all your Branch Managers monthly meetings at the Grand Hyatt.” After a few low chuckles, Yin Senior continued, “This girl also assured some of her listeners that after organizing the monthly meetings she would soon be organizing your life! What is that supposed to mean? Does it mean you’re finally ready to settle down?”

“Dad, I’m really surprised at you, paying attention to eaves-droppers! In your profession, aren’t you supposed to take only concrete evidence into consideration? Your employees can believe whatever they want and I’m surprised they actually believe in rumours and office gossip. Sorry Dad, but can I get on with my work now? I have a very busy day ahead of me today.” Without waiting to hear further from the other end of the phone line, he quickly hung up the receiver.

“Grand Hyatt? What blatant nerve of that Xu Ying Mei!!!???” Xiang Zhe roiled, “daring to assume that she’s been given the responsibility to organize the monthly meetings.”

He was in a furious fix about what to do with this, when he suddenly remembered Zhen Shan Mei. He was concerned that maybe Shan Mei had heard of these rumours too. If she had, maybe she would doubt that she was really given the responsibility to organize the monthly meetings.

Xiang Zhe immediately straightened up in his chair and gave the matter some serious thought. After which, he phoned Human Resource directly on the office internal line.

“Mrs. Li? Yin Xiang Zhe here. I want to know what kind of employment contract did we sign with Zhen Shan Mei?”

“Zhen Shan Mei?” Mrs. Li, the Human Resource Manager, answered blankly as if caught off guardedly. After all, she had herself just got into the office not even 30 minutes ago and 3A had more than 60 employees working at head office alone, including the sales people from their property management department, so it wasn’t easy to recall any one of the staff so easily off handedly, unless those within the highest level and whom she dealt with constantly.

“Miss Zhen from the P.R. Department,” he reminded Mrs. Li impatiently.

“Yes, yes Director. I now remember – Miss Zhen Shan Mei from P.R.”

“I want you to come to my office right away with a copy of her existing contract.”

Ten minutes later, Mrs. Li was in Director Yin’s office with the requested folder, feeling more nervous than a mouse confronting a vicious, hungry looking cat although she was considered one of the trusted stalwarts of the 3A organization, having been with the company ever since its establishment. She was absolutely trustworthy and loyal to the company and a model of discretion. No one, except the boss, could prise any information of 3A out of her, even with a high powered drill.

Xiang Zhe, in his impatience, snatched Shan Mei’s employment contract off Mrs. Li’s hand forgetting to even apologise for his brusqueness. He very quickly scanned through it, then threw the paper back onto his table and slammed a palm over it angrily. Why??? It was a wonder to him Zhen Shan Mei was still with 3A with nary a word of complaint!!!!! Her start off salary was low compared to many of his other employees even though it did state her salary would be adjusted after a 3-month initial probation period, which of course was 3A’s standard employment clause.

“What’s Miss Zhen’s present salary?” Xiang Zhe asked Mrs. Li.

Mrs. Li looked at Xiang Zhe, surprised at the question. “I thought you knew she didn’t get a salary review after her probation period? Kim Zian Da said she was only handling copywriting duties, nothing else, so the company need not pay her more.”

“You mean she’s still being paid that measly salary?” he almost bellowed, his face having gone red with anger. If he didn’t know Shan Mei any better he would have thought she was a fool or someone with no back bone for continuing to stay with the company. How could someone work for more than a year – and working diligently for that matter – for such a pittance?

Xiang Zhe took a blank sheet of paper from his paper tray and began writing out some instructions. When he had finished and attached his signature to it, he handed the piece of paper to Mrs. Li. It gave details of Zhen Shan Mei’s new position as Event Coordinator and the monthly salary to be paid to her, starting from the 1st of the current month. “I am moving Miss Zhen out of P.R. and into a new department tomorrow. Mrs. Li, I apologise for the oversight in relaying the necessary information to you. Anyway, Miss Zhen’s office is now on the 38th floor. The newly set up Event Management Department will be directly under my control. Starting from now, there’s no need to discuss any thing of Miss Zhen with Kim Zian Da. Anything you are not sure of, just ask me directly. Can you please have a new contract ready and have it on my desk by this afternoon? Thank you.”

Mrs. Li simply took the piece of paper and accepted what she was instructed to do. She hardly batted an eyelid even when she noticed the new salary for Miss Zhen was 5 times her present salary. She had been with Yin Xiang Zhe long enough to know he was a man of prompt action and not someone who tarried or procrastinated over this or that or took ages to arrive at a decision. And it was nothing strange that he wanted the new department directly under his control. The Directors of Finance, Legal, Property Sales and Management Departments as well as all the Branch Managers also reported directly to him.

Of course, Shan Mei had heard the rumours that Director Yin had asked Xu Ying Mei to organize the forthcoming branch managers’ conference. It would be difficult not to have heard, when that was all that Xu Ying Mei had been insinuating all day at the P.R. Department since her meeting with Director Yin. Shan Mei did not attach too much credence to the crumbs of information that Xu Ying Mei had scattered about. After all, they had been classmates at university for 4 years – she knew very well Ying Mei’s character – always boastful, too full of herself and a sore loser. But, no matter what, Shan Mei thought, Director Yin had asked her to submit a proposal and she would do it as best as she could whether she would eventually end up being the one delegated with such an important duty.

On Friday, when Shan Mei showed up at Director Yin’s office, the first thing Xiang Zhe wanted her to do was affix her signature as acceptance to the employment contract he had put in front of her, not even giving her time to go over it.

When Shan Mei looked at him with a questioning look – questioning that he had not even gone over the proposals she had brought with her – he simply said, “You can read over the terms and conditions of your new contract when you’re home after work tonight. We have too much to do today, there’s no time to spare going over the small details.” Shan Mei was still feeling somewhat hesitant when he assured her in a more gentle tone, “Trust me.”

Shan Mei nodded her head and shrugged a shoulder slightly, then proceeded to sign on the two copies. Xiang Zhe then quickly took the copies from her and with a swift flourish, attached his own signature. After which, he folded a copy of the contract neatly, shoved it into an envelope and handed it to Shan Mei.

“Now that that business is out of the way, let’s get to work. You already have something prepared?”

Shan Mei took out the papers from the file she had with her. She had two plans – one was Plan A, the other Plan B – for the first conference. She handed them to Director Yin and then waited, giving Director Yin time to scan over her proposals. Harrowing moments later, when Director Yin looked up from the papers in his hands, Shan Mei began her explanation.

“Director Yin, I’ve checked around our entire office premises and felt that the Showroom space on the 18th floor would be the ideal place. All the cardboard building models are on display and are already on this floor if the branch managers want to reaffirm some points. There’s a massive multi-purpose room that can be used for the conference. There’s a large dining area currently being used for in-house sales functions. There’s a fully equipped kitchen. Also the rest room facilities are adequate. If more toilets are needed, the guests can use the ones on the 17th floor – just a flight of steps below. It will be very convenient.”

As Shan Mei was describing the space on the 18th floor, Xiang Zhe was trying to visualise the area. He seldom visited the 18th floor. He left the sales functions to his Sales and Marketing Department to handle. He slowly nodded his head as if in agreement. “That could be a suitable venue. What about the proposals?”

In a clear, precise tone, Shan Mei described the plans slowly. “For Plan A, the conference will start at 8 a.m. Breakfast will be provided in the office, so the branch managers can eat and discuss the day’s business at the same time. At 11 a.m. when it’s supposed to be coffee break time, Yongsan Property Development’s Miss Choi has agreed to send their company van to collect the branch managers to visit their showroom to view the Yongsan Lifestyle Resort plan to be launched in 12 months’ time. Miss Choi from Yongsan promised to have two Marketing representatives on hand to take care of our group. They return to our office for lunch at 12.30 p.m. The afternoon session can resume at 1.30 p.m. After that, it depends how long the afternoon session will take. I’ve spoken to your secretary and she told me many of the managers usually don’t stay the night in Seoul itself, but would rather return home immediately after the conference. In this case, I suggest providing dinner as well.”

As she spoke, Xiang Zhe nodded his head slowly to show his understanding for every point. “What about Plan B?” he asked.

“For Plan B, the conference will start at 9 which means the managers would have taken breakfast on their own. Lunch will be provided in the office at 12.30 p.m. The visit to Yongsan will be scheduled for 2 p.m. When the managers return to the office, afternoon tea will be provided. They then stay until the conference ends. No dinner for Plan B. It will be too late. But tea and coffee and light snacks will be available at hand during the course of the entire afternoon meeting.”

“The two plans each has its merit. Leave them here; I’ll study them more carefully before making a final decision.”

Xiang Zhe took a sip of his coffee, and indicated to Shan Mei to take her coffee too.

“Come, I’ll show you where your new office will be.”

The ID firm had converted part of Xiang Zhe’s large changing room that he used for shower and change after he played golf at Tukseom Golf Club, to be part of Shan Mei’s office. The other part of the new office used to be a storage room where Xiang Zhe kept his golfing shoes and paraphernalia.

“Shan Mei, tomorrow afternoon you can start moving your things up here and put them in my office if the ID people still have not finished with the final touches. This new office should be ready by late tomorrow latest.” As they stepped back into his office, he turned boyishly to Shan Mei, and asked with bated breath, “Like your new office?” He had specially requested the ID people to include maximum window space so she could have views of the Han River, the Youido Park, the Riverside Park and the Tukseom Golf Course. The one thing that he wanted badly but dare not suggest, afraid his purpose might become too obvious, was having a connecting door between his office and her new office.

He looked at her for her answer. “Yes, very much. Thank you, Director Yin,” she answered with a note of pleasure in her voice and gave Xiang Zhe an appreciative smile. His heart went thumping erratically by the minute.

On Monday morning, as soon as it was deemed polite to call on one’s neighbours – not too early or too late – Xiang Zhe dropped in to Shan Mei’s office at exactly 10 minutes past 9. He had with him the two proposals that she had given to him last Friday.

He pulled out a chair by her desk and sat down. “Shan Mei, both your proposals look good. Are you sure you have the figures correct? Comptroller Park has given me the total cost of holding each of the past six conferences held at the Grand Hyatt. Your costing works out to about a third of the cost, on average, for each of the last six conferences. And we’re providing more meals in your Plan A. Will you re-work these figures again?”

“Director Yin, please calm down. The figures are correct. In fact I’ve added 10% on top, to cover emergencies. At the Grand Hyatt, don’t forget their totals included 10+5%, and 3A was charged for everything, even use of function room, photocopy machine, fax machine, every little thing. Apart from the 10+5, their prices of course also included a hefty profit margin seeing they are a 5-star hotel. Over here, using 3A’s own facilities, the only things we are paying for will be meals and incidental expenses. In fact, I’ve thought it over. Part of the money saved could go to cover expenses involved in arranging transportation and sightseeing tours for the visiting family members of the provincial branch managers during the conference.”

“Wasn’t a budget provided to cover transportation costs for the provincial branch managers?”

“Yes, there was, but, according to Comptroller Park, no budget was allocated for the family members, because no one ever asked whether any managers’ spouses would be accompanying the branch managers on their trips.”

Xiang Zhe wasn’t aware of this – he being no family man – so he never thought to ask whether any provincial branch manager wanted to bring along their wife or husband to these conferences. He suggested that they leave the matter to another time when Shan Mei would be preparing her proposals for the next conference. He then hastily changed the subject.

“Have you found a caterer who will provide good food at such reasonable prices?”

“Yes.” And Shan Mei looked at him with laughter in her eyes.

Xiang Zhe was curious too and wanted to know which establishment would be providing the catering. He had previously been told how difficult the caterers could get once they knew they were dealing with big corporations who could pay. That was why he preferred to have the conferences at the hotel, to avoid going through such catering hassles.

“My Ma.” When she saw the surprised look in his eyes, she assured him.

“To be proper, she’s my stepmother, but she’s been taking care of me since I was a little girl, so I’m used to calling her ‘Ma’. Ever since she married Pa ten years ago, she has been complaining she was getting bored in Chonan. Every Sunday and Wednesday, she drives up with Pa to visit me; to deliver to me home-made food. They usually stay overnight. Last Wednesday when she visited me and heard about the catering when I was working out the costing, she wanted to do it, and Pa agreed seeing how excited she was with the idea.”

“But Shan Mei, she’ll be cooking for a group of us. Won’t it be too hard work for her?”

“Ma insisted. I don’t foresee any problems since Ma used to run a small catering establishment. I’ve asked a few of the branch managers for their opinion of home catering and they were happy. Miss Song from the Anyang office said she usually had no time to cook herself a proper meal after work, so she often ate out. In fact, Miss Song requested special dish: broth made from oyster and clam meat.” Her eyes lit up as she remembered this broth made by Ma. Her special bean paste sauce mixed with spicy, fermented bean curd to go with this broth was simply out of this world.

Xiang Zhe saw her eyes’ sudden gleam and asked what she was thinking. She smiled and said, “Simply delicious.” When she saw his quizzical eyes, she added, “The broth, I mean.”

Seeing the skepticism in Xiang Zhe’s eyes, she indicated the sofa in her office. He went to sit down on it and wondered what she was up to. Shan Mei brought out a bottle of fresh milk from her little fridge, removed the cap, popped in a sipping straw and handed the bottle to him. He sipped a bit, soon the bottle was empty. “Delicious! Where did this come from?” he asked, finding no clue of the dairy bottler on the outer surface of the bottle.

“From my father’s private dairy.” She smiled, and then took off the cover of a lunch box Ma had given her this morning. From the fridge, she also took out a little box with 4 different types of kimchi. The rice and the 3 different dishes in the lunch box were still warm. She placed all these on the coffee table, in front of Director Yin. “Director Yin, you see, my Ma still treats me like a little girl, giving me a packed lunch whenever she’s in Seoul.”

With spoon, chopsticks and a bowl, Xiang Zhe began eating. When he finished everything from the lunch box, he suddenly looked sheepishly up at Shan Mei. “Sorry, I ate up all your lunch. I haven’t eaten home-cooked food this delicious for a long time. Your Ma made all these ?” He was picking the last piece of grilled anchovy coated with finely ground sesame paste, into his mouth.

Shan Mei nodded her head, then handed him a cup of hot coffee. He was still sitting on the sofa, as if expecting more food offerings from Shan Mei.

“You wouldn’t happen to have more food to offer from your menu?” he asked her, his eyes full of mischief, as he took a sip of coffee.

“More food?” She blinked down at him, aghast! “Don’t tell me you’re still hungry?”

If only she KNEW ! “Starved, for a little over a year,” he said with tongue in cheek. Of course, she being an innocent missed his innuendo.

“Director Yin, you don’t go home for dinner?”

“I seldom go home, period.” When he didn’t elaborate further, Shan Mei didn’t feel it was polite to probe.

“Director Yin, remember last Tuesday when you mentioned to me that you saved me from a fall on my first day of work at 3A? If I treat you to a meal tonight, will you accept that as a ‘thank you’ payment?”

Xiang Zhe jumped up at once from where he was sitting. He walked up to Shan Mei and took both her hands in his own. “Of course. What time?” In his mind, he was thinking this would be their first date.

She quickly disengaged her hands, slightly embarrassed and then placed a finger on her mouth, asking for silence. She put a call through to Pa.

“Pa, it’s me. Is Ma there with you? I need to talk to her.” A slight pause, her Ma came to the phone.

“Ma, will you be staying over in Seoul tonight? Remember last week I told you about Mr. Director saving me from a fall? He loved your cooking, and I have invited him tonight to our place so he could try more of your dishes and you can tell him personally that catering for our conference was your idea.”

She laughed softly at something her Ma said and answered with, “the fresh vegetables you brought from our Chonan farm would be good enough. He seldom has home-cooked food. Show him what you can do with your wonderful vegetables. What time shall I bring Mr. Director home?”

When Shan Mei hung up the phone, she told ‘Mr. Director’ her Ma said dinner would be ready by 8. Xiang Zhe smiled sweetly to himself, his head already in the clouds. He was not only going to have dinner with her, he was going to visit her house and getting to meet her parents.

He walked to the door, ready to leave for his own office when he remembered the conference. Looking at Shan Mei, he confirmed, “Plan A it is, Miss Zhen,” and gave her a salute before hurrying out of her office.

Outside Shan Mei’s office, Xiang Zhe hesitated with an enigmatic smile on his face. He suddenly realized what he really lacked in his life. For the first time in his life, the solitary and all-powerful Director Yin was overcome with the strangest desire for that wonderful institution called ‘home.’ He could think of nothing that he would want more than a wife to come home to every night – a woman he could hold in his arms and share all the pent-up love he had kept so carefully hidden from the world with – a woman who could set his senses on fire and turn his insides to mush, one who he could argue with, make up with, share his dreams with, grow old with ………..

Chapter 3

It was 4 p.m on Wednesday afternoon 2 weeks later.

Xiang Zhe called Shan Mei’s office extension. No one answered. He buzzed his secretary and asked her where Miss Zhen was. “Miss Zhen has left word that she will be downstairs on the 18th floor, Director Yin.”

“Miss Lee, get me the security access key to 18th floor. I want to go down there and see how preparation work is coming along.”

“Director Yin, Miss Zhen took the key with her this morning. Anyway, she has informed me that the security access to 18th floor will be deactivated up to 6 p.m. this evening to facilitate the deliveries coming in this afternoon from the suppliers, so there’s no need to use the key.”

On hearing that, Yin Xiang Zhe strode to the lift lobby on the 38th floor in his easy manner and waited for a lift that would take him down to the 18th floor.

As soon as Xiang Zhe walked through the elevator door which opened to the entire 18th floor, commonly known as ‘Show Room’ in 3A, he was pleasantly surprised. Why didn’t anyone ever suggest using the 18th floor for holding the monthly conferences before, instead of using the Grand Hyatt? This place was the perfect setting. This floor already had a fully equipped kitchen installed. What a waste! When Sales & Marketing entertained groups of prospective buyers, they only used the kitchen to prepare cordials, and light snacks.

Cardboard scale models of buildings were displayed in a glass-partitioned showroom. Shan Mei had used the glass partitioned multi-purpose room as the Conference Room. A wide video screen, audio visual equipment and a white board were set up against one wall. An overhead projector was on stand-by in one corner.

At one end of the 18th floor was the dining room, with fold-away sliding doors, next to the kitchen. A full length dining table, with extendable ends, was already set up. In one corner of the dining room, next to the buffet table was a portable wine cooler. He didn’t recall ever seeing a wine cooler the few times he was in the showroom. As Xiang Zhe inspected it, he asked Shan Mei, “where did this come from?”

“Vinoflora & Gift Hampers loaned this to us when I ordered some white wine from them. They said you are one of their best customers, and if they can be of service, they want to.”

Xiang Zhe looked into the cooler and checked the wines. “Not a bad selection? You chose these?”

Shan Mei laughed. “It was not difficult to do that. I only took those that were on special offer. Their Wine Master suggested this particular White. Seeing it was Buy One, Free One, I ordered two cases and ended up with 4 cases; plenty enough for this month’s two conferences. At the end of the conference, we will let each manager take a bottle home with them.”

“Not a bad idea,” Xiang Zhe commented, as he pursed his lips and nodded his head slowly. “By the way, can you ask your Ma to provide two extra portions for tomorrow’s lunch? I want to invite my father and younger brother to join us for lunch. And Shan Mei, order 4 more cases of the White wine. When we are finished with the first two BM conferences for this month, I want to organize a dinner meeting with the property management people from the 17th floor. I haven’t really given them any time lately. We’ll discuss this dinner meeting one day next week.”

After Xiang Zhe completed a round of inspection of the room, he commented that the flower arrangements looked good.

Shan Mei at once told him, “Vinoflora delivered the flowers and the wine this afternoon. They even added two small arrangements for the dining table, free of charge.”

Xiang Zhe laughed softly. “Koo must have been smitten with you.”

“Koo?” she asked, her confused brows met in the middle in knots.

“The Wine Master at Vinoflora, apparently your latest admirer.”

“Director Yin, please don’t tease me, otherwise I won’t dare to order the 4 cases of white wine you want.”

Xiang Zhe smiled softly ignoring her embarrassment. He then went into the conference room and leafed through the folders on the conference table. “Hmm..efficiently presented,” he thought. Just then, there was a commotion outside the room as some delivery assistants were taking great care in carrying something out of the elevator and placing it on a table that Shan Mei had set up in the middle of the 18th floor.

Xiang Zhe turned around to take a look. It was a cardboard model of the latest Yongsan Housing project. He wondered how Shan Mei had managed to get Yongsan’s Sales Department to lend it. Their Sales Director was always known for being most uncooperative when it came to parting with such precious models. Xiang Zhe had been told by Yongsan’s Marketing Director at one time that particular model took 6 months to complete, that was why their company would never let it leave company premises.

“Shan Mei,” he called out from the conference room to Shan Mei who was supervising the group of delivery assistants just emerging from the lift.

Shan Mei hurriedly pointed to an empty spot in the middle of the floor, after that she walked quickly to the conference room.

“Yes Director Yin?”

“How did you manage to get Yongsan to loan that to us?”

“Actually I didn’t really do anything particularly special. When I visited Yongsan’s Sales Department 3 days ago looking for their Miss Choi to finalise arrangements for our BMs’ visit, the first person I happened to meet when I entered their office was their Marketing Director, Mr. Yong Bok Hwa. This was the first time I have met Mr. Yong but he wasn’t anything like what the sales people on our 17th floor were telling me. Mr. Yong was so helpful when he heard that we had specially planned a meeting for our branch managers to talk exclusively about their Yongsan Lifestyle Resort Project that he not only offered the loan of the cardboard model, he wanted to participate in our meeting so he could personally be here to answer any questions our people may have. Luckily he was very understanding too when I explained the meeting was closed to non-3A personnel and accepted my explanation very graciously.”

Although Xiang Zhe was standing there appearing to be patiently taking in all that Shan Mei was telling him, her story was beginning to grate on his nerves, especially the parts where she used ‘very’ for emphasis in describing Yong Bok Hwa – very helpful, very understanding, very gracious. Xiang Zhe has been in the industry long enough to have had heard enough rumours of the playboy ways of this younger Yong member of the powerful Yong clan. “So this guy is trying to make a play for Shan Mei or what? Loaning the model so quickly! Understanding, my foot! Most probably he will find an excuse to show up at the BM meeting and then apologise ‘very sincerely’ to Shan Mei. The cheek of that man!!!” Xiang Zhe roiled to himself quietly.

But all he said to Shan Mei when she finished her story was, “Get those delivery assistants to take the cardboard model back to Yongsan right away. We are not going to be held responsible for any mishaps to their precious model.”

“But, Director Yin, Mr. Yong …….”

“No ‘buts’ about this matter. Return that thing right away! After all, our BMs will be visiting Yongsan showroom sometime during the conference, right?”

“Yes Director Yin. During their mid morning coffee break,” Shan Mei admitted grudgingly and hurried out of the conference room just in time to stop the delivery assistants from entering the lift, ready to leave.

When Xiang Zhe returned to his office an hour later, he was still fuming inside. He leaned back against his large executive chair, closed his eyes and wondered what game this Yong Bok Hwa was playing. Yong was too experienced a player to simply want to prey on an innocent lamb like Shan Mei. That wouldn’t be challenging enough for him unless he too was intrigued by Shan Mei’s ‘all-buttoned up’ look – too intriguing!

All thoughts of Yong Bok Hwa were temporarily shelved away as Xiang Zhe tried to recall what Shan Mei was wearing 3 days ago – yes, the soft silk ivory-coloured blouse she was wearing had a high neck collar around her graceful neck and long sleeves, collar and cuffs intricately embroidered with smocking stitches. The long sleeves were soft and slightly billowy. The buttons at the collar and cuffs were tiny, delicate round pearls – altogether a too attractive and softly feminine creation. The remaining half of her ensemble? He couldn’t recall whether she wore a skirt or a pair of trousers – all he remembered was her slim, attractive hips being hugged not too snugly but seductively enough by soft ivory silk. Yes, yes, as he stroked his chin. He remembered – it was a pair of loose, straight pants, heavily lined. Xiang Zhe could tell because the trouser legs held their shape very well. Her hair was pulled back into a neat topknot. Xiang Zhe threw back his head and laughed out loud recalling the vision of Shan Mei covered from neck to ankle looking like an angelic nun! Definitely not Yong Bok Hwa’s type at all!

Yong was always seen around town accompanied by heavily made-up girls wearing dresses with low necklines and short, short skirts And, if Yong was playing to his true colours, there would be something more sinister to his plan – like, like …. ???? Xiang Zhe began drumming his temple with a finger when it suddenly hit him – like wanting to poach Shan Mei from 3A? Or, he might now be under pressure from Yong Senior to look for a wife and not a playmate? Though the two older Yong sons had married, their marriages so far had produced only 8 daughters – 4 a piece and no sons.

Oh no, Xiang Zhe panicked. He could never allow that Yong to poach on his Event Coordinator! He must remember to have a good talk with Shan Mei one of these days to ask whether she was happy with her work environment and whether she was satisfied with the adjusted salary. Maybe she expected more?? The way she was working, of course she deserved to be paid more, but Xiang Zhe had the good sense to play according to rules. He didn’t want to set tongues wagging at the office. After she completed her first 3 months at this new position, he would increase her salary but not before.

Three months later, on the busy main road in downtown Myeongdong, Yin Xiang Zhe drummed his fingers impatiently on the steering wheel of his sapphire-blue BMW convertible as he waited at a traffic light. The hood of his car was down, although, for Seoul, it was a rather cool evening after the fierce heat of a summer day. He was late for an appointment, and every traffic light, this one included, had gone against him at the last minute…and this one took an age to change, he well knew.

Then his eyes grew alert, as his gaze rested on someone just going into ‘Vinoflora & Gift Hampers’, the shop on the main road that he frequented visit for his special wines. “Shan Mei?” Xiang Zhe asked himself. She must be there to order or collect the flowers for tomorrow’s conference.

When the lights changed, he moved along with the traffic. He turned into the first side street on his left, and parked his car in a newly vacated parking space, happily whistling to himself as he let himself out of the car. He called his friend on his mobile phone.

“Jung Woo, it’s me Yin Xiang Zhe. Sorry, I can’t meet up with you guys as arranged. Something urgent at the office just cropped up. I’ll call you the day after tomorrow to arrange something for the weekend. My apologies, again. Bye.” He then headed toward Vinoflora just around the corner.

He stood inconspicuously outside of the shop, waiting. When he saw Shan Mei just about to come out of the shop with a large flower arrangement, he coolly walked towards the heavy glass door, as she was trying to push open one heavy glass door.

“Shan Mei, what a surprise?” Xiang Zhe called out in surprise to Shan Mei. Pointing to the basket of flowers, he asked, “That’s for the conference tomorrow? It’s so beautiful. It would be a pity if it got crushed in the taxi. Why don’t I give it a lift back to the office tonight and you can come along to set it up in the conference room?”

She looked up and felt embarrassed, suddenly meeting the boss this way at Vinoflora. But what he said made sense. The traffic was bad at that time of the day and usually all taxis driving past were occupied. She would look so churlish and stupid if she didn’t take up his offer.

“Director Yin, thank you. But maybe I’m taking up your time. Surely you are at Vinoflora for flowers or something? I don’t want to detain you unnecessary.”

“No worries. I’m here to pick up a bottle of wine I had ordered last week. Just give me 5 minutes.”

After Xiang Zhe collected and paid for his bottle of Platinum Shiraz Red, he handed the bottle to Shan Mei, in turn he took over the big and heavy basket of arranged flowers, and then shepherded her to his car that was parked just around the corner.

As soon as they arrived at 3A’s car park, Xiang Zhe told Shan Mei to remain in the car while he went to the Security officer. He signaled to the man on duty. “Let me have the security access key to 18th floor.”

The security officer on duty looked surprised. “Director Yin, Miss Xu Ying Mei took the key when she came over earlier saying she had forgotten to check on some papers for tomorrow’s conference. We saw her leaving about 10 minutes ago, but we forgot to ask her back for the key.”

Xiang Zhe was baffled. “What’s Xu Ying Mei got to do with tomorrow’s conference?” he thought to himself.

“What about the master key? Get me that!” Director Yin didn’t sound pleased at all.

“Director Yin, Chief Security Director Kwon is now presently making the rounds of the building. He’s got the bunch of master keys with him. I’ll call him immediately on the walkie-talkie.”

After some interruption to the radio wave line, CSD Kwon’s voice came over the air. “Yes, Bae, you want me?”

“Director Yin wants to go to 18th floor. Can you come down to the ground floor and escort Director Yin upstairs? Thanks, boss.”

Director Yin was upset and furious. He looked at the security officer. “Bae, is it? Simply deactivate 18th floor’s security access. I’m in a hurry.”

Bae, the security officer looked timidly around and sounded nervous when he informed Director Yin that he didn’t have the password to deactivate access to any floor. Only CSD Kwon and the CS Manager on duty for the day would know of the password code.

Director Yin immediately got hold of the walkie-talkie and bellowed down the instrument. “Kwon, hurry down to the main lobby this instant!” When Xiang Zhe switched off the walkie-talkie, he went to his car and helped carry the floral arrangement, asking Shan Mei to bring the bottle of wine and store in the wine cooler. He didn’t want to distress Shan Mei by telling her what the security officer had told him. He’d wait till they were on the 18th floor to see what damage was done this time. He was now certain that at the BM conference two weeks ago when the most important graph charts went missing from the folders Shan Mei had prepared, it was Xu Ying Mei’s handiwork and not an inadvertent omission by Shan Mei, as Zian Da would have him believe.

While Shan Mei was setting up the flower arrangement on the buffet table, set out at one end of the massive room, Xiang Zhe went through the bound folders on the conference table. He discovered several pages missing. He had a strong suspicion similar-type pages were missing like the other time when Shan Mei prepared her conference folder – pages like graph charts; maps showing the nearest metro stations; shopping malls and department stores; lists showing what benefits were available to 3A employees at these stores, food outlets and hotels, information of pick-up tour bus and road maps from/to airport; and a card showing Shan Mei’s mobile phone number.

“Shan Mei, come over here. Leaf through this folder. Are all the pages in order?”

“Oh, no. Several pages are missing. What happened ?” she cried out in alarm, after she had been through the folder.

She took a folder out of her briefcase. Xiang Zhe looked through it immediately. The master copy contained important graph charts that were again missing from the laid-out folders. At the back of the folder, Shan Mei had also included several photocopies of maps, for references, for the out-of-town visitors. These pages were missing too. Xiang Zhe took her into the adjoining photocopy room, and began making copies from her master folder. They stapled the sheets of papers together, one set of graph charts, the other set of maps and useful information. Xiang Zhe kept these in his office, and told Shan Mei not to mention about the missing pages when she came in to the office tomorrow morning.

They didn’t know they would be staying so long to correct matters. “It’s very late now. I’m sure you haven’t eaten? Let’s go grab some supper, then I’ll send you home. Thank you, Shan Mei. You did an excellent job today.”

Her mind was still confused, so she simply followed Xiang Zhe in his car to a food stall booth for some food. She was confused, because Mr. Director didn’t sound at all angry with her, for her carelessness. Only two weeks ago, she made the same blunder. But she was sure she had checked the folders carefully, at least 3 times, to make sure all the pages were there.

Before Director Yin drove his car out of the car park, he stopped by the security guardroom and warned the security officer not to mention anything about the late night visit, or that he had asked for the key to the conference room when Xu Ying Mei returned the security access key the next day.

===

This morning as soon as Yin Xiang Zhe arrived at his office, he phoned the Security Chief, Mr. Kwon. “Kwon, can you come up to my office now?”

“Yes, Director Yin,” answered Kwon with a worried frown on his forehead. Director Yin sounded stern and there was a tinge of alarm in his voice. He turned to his assistant in his office and simply said, “Page me if something urgent arises. I don’t know how long my meeting is going to take.” Then he hurried off to the lift lobby.

When he entered the Director’s office, Xiang Zhe beckoned him to take a seat. Then he buzzed on the intercom to his secretary. “Miss Lee, I don’t want to be disturbed. Hold off all incoming calls or any visitors. Thank you.”

Kwon really became concerned when he heard that, worrying that Director Yin was most probably going to give him the sack.

Xiang Zhe placed his clasped hands on his desk and looked directly at Kwon. “Kwon, there was a slight breach of security rules two nights ago and I think tighter rules need to be made.” When Xiang Zhe noticed the nervous look on Kwon’s face, he added, “Relax. It’s not Security’s fault. It was a matter that was overlooked when we first made the security rules.”

Before he continued, Xiang Zhe took a few slow sips of coffee. He indicated for Kwon to do the same.

“Two nights ago a staff member, without authorization, took from Security office the key to unlock the main entrance to the 18th floor, after office hours. When this person left, she did not return the key to Security Office until the next day. I suspect maybe a duplicate key had been made when it was taken out. Now, I don’t want you to interrogate your men on duty for that night about this matter. Just keep quiet about the whole thing. I want you to get in touch immediately with our security consultants in Japan and tell him that we want the latest state-of-the-art alarm card system. You know, the newest type that can be remotely controlled and if I punch the electronic control code into my computer or my hand phone, I can see what’s happening in every corner of the room on our floors. I thought we were to get the card system as soon as it was ready. What happened? The control panels in our elevators already have the slot for security access card. What’s taking the Japanese so long? It’s best to get the technical expert from the Japanese security firm to fly over as soon as possible. No one but you and I will know of this. When the job is completed, the only other person who can have possession of the security access card to the 18th and 38th floors will be Miss Zhen.”

“I understand what you’re getting at, but if this person already has a duplicate key in her possession, she can sneak into the 18th floor showroom anytime. Until the card system is introduced, it will be rather difficult to keep track of the intruder’s movements unless we station a security guard inside the 18th floor showroom every night, or have the main lock changed.”

“No, I don’t want to have the main lock changed, neither do I want to have the card system installed until we catch the person red-handed. During this person’s last visit, some minor mischief was caused, but no harm done because we discovered the damage in time. I have a pretty good idea when the intruder would sneak into the showroom again. Just get the best card system ready and waiting on stand-by as quickly as possible. We’ll now simply sit back and wait. Bring the Japanese man to see me as soon as he arrives in Seoul.”

“Yes, Director Yin. If you have no further instructions, I better leave and get to work on this project immediately.”

Xiang Zhe gave a brief nod and Kwon left after giving the director a respectful bow of his head.

Three weeks later, on the eve of the monthly conference for Seoul and suburbs Branch Managers, Yin Xiang Zhe dropped by P.R. Office without prior warning. Zian Da and Xu Ying Mei were enjoying afternoon tea in the staff rest area while other staff members were still busily working in the office. Zian Da jumped up as soon as he saw Xiang Zhe making his way towards the rest area.

“Director Yin, what an unexpected honour?”

Before Zian Da could say anything further, Xiang Zhe pulled out an empty chair at the table and sat down. “Get me a cup of black coffee.”

Xu Ying Mei, on hearing this, immediately went to the coffee machine and got the black coffee for Director Yin. After that, instead of moving away, she sat back down on the chair she had vacated.

“Thank you,” Xiang Zhe said as he looked at Xu Ying Mei and took a sip of the coffee at the same time.

Then he turned to Zian Da. He heaved out a tired sigh, and then ran a palm along the side of his head. “Zian Da, I don’t know. Maybe we need to try another girl to take charge of organizing the monthly BM conferences. I am not quite satisfied with Miss Zhen’s work. She works very hard, there is no doubt about it, but she tends to be careless and forgetful. For the last two conferences she forgot to include the most important statistics graphs, although I did remind her of them. I am not going to say anything this time. I’ll see what happens at tomorrow’s BM conference. If she remembers to get her act together, I’ll give her another chance. But, if she still leaves out important information again, she’s got to go. I don’t even want you to take her back in P.R. We can’t retain someone so careless. Have someone on standby to fill the position.”

“Director Yin, I did warn you she was somewhat inexperienced. And holding the conferences in the office was a bad idea. But not to worry. Miss Xu Ying Mei here is the most qualified staff member we presently have. I’ll have Miss Xu waiting on stand-by to take over Shan Mei’s duties as soon as I hear from you.”

Even though Xu Ying Mei’s eyes were downcast concentrating on her drink, she could feel Zian Da’s eyes on her silently when he confirmed to Director Yin that she was the most suitable personnel. She smirked with satisfaction to herself.

Xiang Zhe got up from his seat ready to leave. He turned to Xu Ying Mei, putting on his most charming smile, and said, “Thank you again Miss Xu for that delicious cup of coffee.”

Xu Ying Mei immediately stood up, all flustered and cast her eyes downwards and replied coyly, “It’s been my pleasure to serve you, Director Yin.”

“Alright, Zian Da. I’ll talk to you again in two days’ time.” Xiang Zhe then walked briskly out of the staff rest area, the P.R. Office and hurried back up the stairs to his 38th floor sanctuary, a sly smile beginning to form on his lips.

As soon as Zian Da was sure that Director Yin had left the P.R. office, he turned to Xu Ying Mei and gave her a wink. “See, what did I tell you? Didn’t I tell you to wait patiently? That Zhen Shan Mei wouldn’t work out? I’m just surprised Director Yin had so much patience with her. He should have booted her out at least 2 months ago. I am only sorry he said not to retain her. She was very good at her copy-writing work. She could spin silver threads out of filthy cobwebs and make cakes of mud sound like nuggets of glittering, pure gold.” Zian Da then gave Ying Mei’s back a slight pat and ambled back to his desk in jovial mood and with total satisfaction.

Xu Ying Mei, following close behind at his heels, wasn’t quite finished with the discussion. “Yeah, but Director Yin did say that if Zhen Shan Mei didn’t make a mistake for tomorrow’s BM conference, he would give her another chance.”

“Don’t worry. She’s so forgetful and unorganized, I am sure she’ll goof up somewhere. Even Director Yin expects her to forget those statistics graphs again. That girl has got a memory bank as tiny and empty as a bird’s. How the hell did she manage to get through university?”

After Xiang Zhe entered his office, he locked the door behind him. As soon as he was back in his seat, he buzzed his secretary telling her he didn’t want to be disturbed. Then he put a call through to Chief Security Director Kwon on his mobile phone.

“Kwon, it’s Yin Xiang Zhe. Just before official office closing time today, go check the showroom. Make sure every door, including the kitchen door, is locked. What was the lowest temperature you asked Kato-san to set?”

“The lowest that Kato-san could manage was 8 degrees. Yes, I remembered your instructions. Lock up everything, leaving the centre space of the showroom empty and the slate floor bare, without even any kind of furniture to sit on. This morning, my men have already moved all the centerpiece cardboard models away. The space and floor are completely bare. I have stationed a guard on the 18th floor instructing him not to allow anybody in, except Miss Zhen or Director Yin. He has been told he will only leave the 18th floor at 6 p.m. when security alarm is switched on at that time. The alarm, when activated, will automatically connect itself to the police station. Am I to expect some action tonight?”

Xiang Zhe gave a low, devilish chuckle. “You bet! Tell Inspector Lee to simply ignore the red light alarm at his end. We’ll call him when we feel the intruder has been tortured numb enough by the freezing temperature in the room.”

“Director Yin, what about Miss Zhen? She always works late and may decide to drop by the showroom sometime later.”

“Kwon, thanks for the reminder but you don’t have to worry. After office hours, I’m giving her a lift to Vinoflora to pick up the floral arrangement and some presents for the branch managers attending tomorrow’s conference. Stay in your office and take a rest. Something is bound to happen between 8 tonight and the early hours of tomorrow morning. After the alarm is set off, just let the siren continues whining for at least 2 hours before you do anything.”

“Don’t worry Director Yin. I have rested enough today. Kato-san and I have already pre-programmed a plan for this special night. After 6 p.m. today, within 2 minute after someone walks through the main entrance into the showroom after emerging from the lift, if the de-activate code is not entered to disarm the system, the alarm will set off and the main entrance door will automatically triple-lock and the air-conditioning temperature will drop to 8 degrees and all its air duct vents opened and blowing out cold air at full blast. We have also set the alarm siren on ‘silent’ mode for the first 45 minutes after illegal entry. After that time duration expires, the siren will start sounding the alarm. This way the intruder once inside the showroom will initially not be alerted or have a clue what’s going to happen. I too am curious to see who this intruder could be? The card system is ready and will be installed after this episode.”

“Excellent work!” Xiang Zhe chuckled with approval – his voice raised a decibel higher than usual in his excitement– and he slammed his palm on his table just as excitedly as he was thinking how to keep that busy bee Shan Mei occupied for the rest of the evening without arousing her suspicions.

Chapter 4

Xiang Zhe hurried Shan Mei out of the conference room in the showroom after she had completed distributing out the conference folders, telling her he would give her a lift to Vinoflora to pick up her floral arrangement since he has promised his father he would select a few bottles of red wine for him.

Upon their arrival at Vinoflora, Koo immediately came forward to greet Shan Mei. “Hello Miss Zhen. We didn’t expect you this early. Mrs. Choi thought you would drop by around 8 this evening. Since the orchids she has ordered for your arrangement won’t be arriving till later, she had gone off for a quick dinner. Is it possible for you to come back in about 2 hours’ time?”

Shan Mei looked flustered and was wondering what to do when a voice following up close behind answered, “Of course. No problem at all, Koo.”

Koo became embarrassed as he noticed Xiang Zhe. “How do you do Director Yin? I didn’t realize you came together with Miss Zhen. My apologies.”

“No worries. I am here to buy a few bottles of red wine for my father. Anything interesting you want to recommend – something light and fruity, from Australia maybe?”

“We just received a trial shipment from a new winery in South Australia two days ago. I have tried it and it’s very smooth on the palate and super value for money spent. If you are interested, I’ll get a 6 bottle pack from out of our stores.”

“Thanks Koo. I’ll take that if it’s not too much trouble for you.”

“Since Mrs. Choi is out and the flowers need to be arranged, may I suggest that Director Yin takes Miss Zhen for a drink or something and come back in 2 hours’ time to collect the flowers and the wine?”

“Excellent idea, Koo,” Xiang Zhe immediately agreed. “We’ll be back around 8ish, 9. This will give Mrs. Choi plenty of time to get the floral arrangement ready.” With that Xiang Zhe shooed Shan Mei out of the shop.

Outside Vinoflora, Xiang Zhe looked at Shan Mei and asked innocently, “So, Miss Zhen, what do you suggest we do for the next 2 hours? Take in some dinner, maybe?”

Before Shan Mei could answer, her mobile phone began ringing. “Excuse me Director Yin,” Shan Mei apologized as she took the phone from a special pocket in her tote bag. The ID number showed her house phone number.

“Yes Ma?” she answered tentatively when she heard her mother’s voice.

“Oh!” Shan Mei exclaimed disappointedly as she threw a furtive glance at Xiang Zhe. Then she answered softly into the phone, “I am with Director Yin at Vinoflora, still with work to do. We have to wait around for two hours before the floral arrangement is ready. Why don’t you and Pa go ahead with dinner without me? Just keep something warm for me. I should be back by 10.”

Before she could disconnect the line, her Ma was still talking on the phone.

“Ma, I don’t know.”

By this time, Xiang Zhe was looking at her, his brows arched as if asking her whether there was a problem at home. Shan Mei covered the mouthpiece of her phone with a hand and softly told Xiang Zhe, “My Ma has prepared a dinner to celebrate the Harvest Festival and wanted me go home for dinner instead of wasting 2 hours waiting around here.”

“A most logical suggestion! I’ll drive you home right away.”

“But, Director Yin, …”

“No buts about it. Tell your Ma you’re on your way.”

When the car was almost at Shan Mei’s house, she shyly said, “My Ma said if you didn’t mind simple country fare, you’re most welcome to share dinner with us.”

Xiang Zhe turned briefly and gave Shan Mei a mischievous laugh. “Thank you. Even if you didn’t say anything, I was going to invite myself in for dinner anyway. I wouldn’t want to miss Mrs. Zhen’s food now that I am here. Phone Koo that we may be a bit late in getting back to collect the flowers and wine.”

After a most enjoyable dinner, and by the time Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei arrived at Vinoflora, it was past 9 p.m. He was getting worried because he still had not heard from Kwon. While in the shop trying to choose an appropriate gift for Mrs. Zhen to thank her for her lovely dinner, his mobile phone buzzed that an SMS message had just come through. He at once fished the phone from his breast pocket to retrieve the message. It was from Kwon and it read, “Intruder detected 20 mins ago. Another 25 mins to go.”

Xiang Zhe smiled sneakily and called Kwon immediately. “Kwon, it’s me. Watching the game on screen?”

“Yes. So it’s that snooty dame from P.R. Extremely funny, just watching her frustration as she is still trying to get the door to the conference room opened. My goodness, Sir, you won’t believe it! Inside her handbag are screwdrivers, knives and all sorts of small tools usually found in the tool bag of a petty thief. Just 10 minutes ago she tried to get the kitchen door unlocked but of course it didn’t yield. Now, she is pacing the floor and screaming curses at the top of her voice. I never knew a woman uses such kind of language! Even I’m embarrassed. Kato-san is enjoying himself tremendously watching the show on the screen, saying it looks like some kind of video game – Pacman being blocked at every turn!”

“Hang on a moment. Don’t simply stand there and enjoy the show. Are you recording the whole thing?”

“On several CD writers simultaneously, plus the master copy will be from the computer – all with audio. Are you going to be here when the real action begins? Ah huh! Now I see from the screen that she’s beginning to feel the cold. She has stopped working at the conference room door and is trying to look around for the air-conditioning switch.”

“I should be back at the office around 10ish – about the same time that Chief Inspector Lee and his men arrive on the scene.”

“Oh-oh, she is calling someone on her mobile phone. What do we do now?”

“Let her. Most probably she’s summoning help. This is developing into quite a hilarious drama. I suspect you will shortly receive a visitor at the guard room informing you that someone has been inadvertently trapped on the 18th floor. Kwon, continue the deactivation of the alarm until this visitor arrives and see what he has to say. Only after he tells you what he wants done, then only do you give signal to activate the alarm. And, make sure you have a recorder hidden nearby to record what he would be saying. I have a pretty good idea it’s going to be our P.R. Manager, Mr. Kim Zian Da. Call Inspector Lee after the alarm goes off and inform him there’s been a break-in. He’s to come over to our place immediately. I should be back then.” With that, Yin Xiang Zhe shut off his mobile phone with loud snap.

Yes, Director Yin was indeed right. The person Xu Ying Mei called was her department manager because only he would be known to the security officers on duty and could get her out of this mess.

“Manager Kim? This is Xu Ying Mei. I need your help. I don’t know how it happened, but I can’t get myself out of the 18th floor Showroom?”

“You mean our 3A 18th floor showroom? What the hell are you doing in there?”

“Now is not the time to ask silly irrelevant questions. Just come to 3A and talk to the security officer and see whether the system has met a glitch somewhere, that’s why I can’t get myself out. I’ll explain everything when I’m out.”

“Ying Mei, are you aware you’re trespassing? Do you know company rules when an employee is caught trespassing?”

“Don’t worry Manager Kim. I’m sure it’s simply malfunction of the security system. The alarm siren has not sounded – definitely a glitch somewhere. Hurry up, please. The damn place feels like an arctic zone. If I don’t get out of here soon, I’ll end up with pneumonia.”

“You were there wanting to cause mischief? Just to make sure you will get the Event Coordinator position? Alright. I’m on my way right now. You better have a good explanation for the security officer after we get you out.”

At the time when Xu Ying Mei phoned, Zian Da was actually in a nearby pub drinking with some friends. After he answered her call, he put the phone back into his pocket and then stubbed out his half-finished cigarette.

He gave a short, wicked laugh having a suspiciously good idea what that Ying Mei was doing on the 18th floor, and took leave of his friends.

“Sorry guys, got to run and go rescue a damsel in distress.”

“You rascal! Is she pretty? She has better make it worth your while for your trouble.”

“You bet your life she is and she will. She’ll have no choice.” He-he-he, he sniggered evilly as he made his way to his car parked just outside the pub.

One of his friends, looking out the floor-to-ceiling glass paneled frontage of the pub, snorted when they saw Zian Da getting into his car and driving off. “Can you believe that Zian Da giving us such a far-fetched story – rescuing a damsel in distress? Seems more plausible if he had said he was going off for a rendezvous with his lover.”

“If there is actually one!” echoed another of Zian Da’s friend.

Well, Manager Kim – simple-minded person that he was, being too fond of alcohol and women – although realized that Xu Ying Mei had broken company rules, didn’t think about reporting the case to Security. Instead he was on his way to help her – but he was not to know then that he had not only made a rendezvous with a damsel in distress, but also a rendezvous with some other people, with dire consequences for him for the evening.

“Shan Mei, it’s Director Yin here. What are you doing now?”

“Yes, Director Yin? I’m getting together some information from the Real Estate Association about China investors interested in investing in Korea.”

“Drop that and come right down to my father’s office on the 28th floor of this building.” With that clipped tone, Xiang Zhe hung up the phone.

He went back to his father’s office table which was made out of cherry wood and almost identical in design to Xiang Zhe’s table up on the 38th floor. He took the chair again and faced his father. “Dad, please remember to hold your horses. She doesn’t know I’m interested in her. When she’s here, just discuss about the catering you want her to organize for you, nothing else.”

“Son, how can you tell me she’s the one you want, when she doesn’t even know you’re interested in her?”

“When I first met her just over a year ago, I thought she was very young, about 20, and I would be too old for her, so I kept my distance. I’ve been dithering about for a year before asking myself whether I should give it a shot.

Recently I found out she’s actually 26. All my previous reservations were unfounded and I’ve decided to pursue her in earnest. I’ll bide my time, taking the soft approach. Please don’t rush me.”

“Then how come you claimed that what your own father heard about that girl who was going to manage all your company’s events was also your girlfriend were just rumours? You almost had me feeling like a fool for heeding office gossip.”

“Dad, Shan Mei isn’t the same girl. This other girl was simply suffering from delusions of grandeur. I never told her she would be organizing the BM’s monthly meetings. Kim Zian Da highly recommended her. So, to show some face to Kim, I had a talk with the girl. Very briefly, about 10 minutes or so, maybe less. In fact, I soon realized she was up to no good in the office. Remember, last month when the alarm system went off on the 18th floor and the police had to come and take the girl found hiding inside the showroom back to the station for questioning? That was her! Don’t let anybody know – but I personally set a trap and she fell right for it! The P.R. Manager fell accidentally into it, too. And it served its purpose – to see who was loyal to the company. So I managed to finally dismiss her and Kim Zian Da from 3A in such a manner that no other property company will want to hire them after all the adverse write-up about them in the newspapers! After the incident, their colleagues in the P.R. Department didn’t have anything good to say about those two.”

When Shan Mei arrived at Director Yin’s father’s office, the secretary showed her into the private reception area. Xiang Zhe appeared with his father and made the necessary introductions. No sooner was the polite exchange of acknowledgement over, Xiang Zhe’s younger brother walked in and was surprised the girl his elder had been praising to the heavens for her competence in organizing office functions was so charming and elegant. He had only seen her briefly about five months ago when his elder brother invited him to join his Branch Managers for lunch, saying they managed to find an A-1 chef. Xiang Jie observed the girl carefully, because whenever he wanted to talk to his elder brother about a case, all his brother wanted to talk about was his Event Coordinator.

Yin Senior proceeded to explain to Shan Mei what they wanted for their visiting associates from Los Angeles in 4 days’ time. There was no need for her to prepare any paperwork; they already had the papers ready for discussion on a case with legal complications on both sides of the Pacific. Shan Mei had only to be responsible for the catering.

“Xiang Zhe told me you prepare the most delicious food and you were trained in catering in London about 2-3 years ago. These American visitors may not be familiar with Korean food, so we want to present a Western cuisine. We would be having a breakfast meeting, maybe a coffee break at 10, lunch at 1. The afternoon tea may be the tricky part. You see during the afternoon session our American associates would be meeting with our local client who is still stuck on Korean fare. Would that be a problem for you?”

“Mr. Yin, may I ask how old is your Korean client?”

Yin Senior was stumped by this question and looked to his younger son for an answer.

Yin Xiang Jie thought a while before answering. “Well, there are 3 brothers heading the local group. Frankly, I don’t know whether all 3 will turn up or only one or two of them will for the meeting. Chairman Chung, the eldest is about 75; the second brother, President Chung is either 70 or 71 and the youngest brother, Director Chung is 65 or thereabouts, and they are definitely quite set in their ways and expect everything done according to the old-style way.”

Shan Mei smiled softly while giving a gentle nod. “I understand. That was why I asked for the local client’s age – only then will I know what to serve for afternoon tea to suit their taste.”

“Dad, you can discuss further with Shan Mei during lunch. I’m quite hungry now.” Xiang Zhe and his younger brother led the way to the executive dining room.

Shan Mei noticed the dining room was well equipped and wondered why they would need her services, when they could easily order from their usual private caterer.

“Come, Shan Mei, sit over here next to me so we can continue talking.” In fact, Yin Senior had been immediately captivated with Shan Mei at first sight. He secretly agreed with Xiang Zhe’s choice for marriage partner. She was well mannered, soft spoken and had a dazzling smile and a quiet demeanor.

When he found out Shan Mei’s hometown was in Chonan, he became nostalgic, saying he used to stop by with Xiang Zhe’s mother at Chonan every winter when they visited the famous Yeosong hot spring spa when she was still alive. In fact, they never missed a year.

Father looked over to his son. “Xiang Zhe, since your mother’s death, I’ve never been back to that place. Maybe we should stop by Chonan and Daejeon one of these days when we visit the hot springs at Yeosong.” Yin Senior turned to his younger son and asked, “Xiang Jie, do you think you can spare a day soon? We three can drive down and spend a weekend there. I remember how you loved the eggs the locals poached in the hot springs, and always asked for at least two each time – one soft boiled and one hard boiled.”

Xiang Zhe was very happy when he heard his father’s suggestion; it seemed his father had approved of Shan Mei too. His suggestion of visit to Chonan could only mean he wanted to meet up with Shan Mei’s Pa.

One afternoon Shan Mei, walking back to her office after collecting a cheque from Accountant Kim as payment for her Ma’s catering, heard her office phone ringing. She quickened her steps and was just in time to pick up the receiver before the ringing stopped. Breathlessly she answered the phone.

“Oh there you are Shan Mei. What happened, you sound as if you have just run a marathon.”

“Director Yin. I was out of the office and only just came in. Is there something you want me for?”

“Yes. Come to see me in my office now.”

As soon as Shan Mei was seated in front of Director Yin, her notepad and pen ready, he told her that he wanted her to organize a prayer ceremony to mark the 15th anniversary of his mother’s death. “Hold the thing on the 18th floor, the ceremony to commence about 12 noon. Organise a light buffet lunch. Here’s a list of the people to invite. You will see that I’ve made notations – those to phone up and those to inform by email. Of course the names of my father and my brother and his wife are not included but they will be present. I don’t want this thing to drag on for more than 2 hours. At 4 that same afternoon, the whole group will be invited over to Byeok Hospital, very near to our office block, for a cocktail reception. I have promised their Matron that 3A will make all the necessary arrangements for the cocktail reception. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the Dialysis Centre that 3A is donating to the hospital. Get the Grand Hyatt to take care of the catering for the hospital reception. Maybe you should contact their Matron to ask how many guests they intend to invite.”

Shan Mei turned the paper list that Director Yin had handed to her front to back and then back to front again.

“Director Yin, excuse me but I don’t see any dates mentioned here.”

“Oh,” Xiang Zhe answered, looking somewhat foolish. In his excitement, he overlooked this most important aspect or he had expected Shan Mei to know. “A month from today.”

The next morning, Shan Mei began calling the people on her list. The first person she phoned was Madam Lee Seo-yi. Madam Lee was very pleasant over the phone and gave Shan Mei many ideas on what things to order for the prayer ceremony, saying those were her elder sister’s favourite foods and flowers when she was alive. She also confirmed she would be bringing her son and daughter along, as the two had just returned from America to resettle permanently in Seoul. She was sure Xiang Zhe had not seen his cousins in a long while.

When Shan Mei spoke to Madam Lee Seo-jin, she found out this Madam Lee was the youngest sister, Xiang Zhe’s mother Lee Seo-mi being the eldest, and in between there were 2 brothers.

After she had spoken to the entire Lee siblings, she found out several of Director Yin’s cousins had married and would be attending the prayer ceremony with either their new wives or husbands – all in all a total of 30 relatives from the Lee clan alone. Wow …….Director Yin was surely going to be surprised – 30 instead of the original 5 he had listed!!! But all were so pleased to hear that their nephew was so sweet in donating a dialysis centre to the Byeok Hospital and the centre was to be named after their eldest sister. They even hinted that they might each donate a machine, in addition to the 6 that Director Yin had donated, after the official opening ceremony.

All the other people on Director Yin’s list confirmed their attendance at both the prayer ceremony and for the later reception at the hospital. Organisation of both events proceeded smoothly and two days before the actual day, Shan Mei left a list of the people attending, on Director Yin’s office table.

Later that afternoon when Xiang Zhe returned to his office from a site visit and saw the list, a shock zipped briefly through him. He had anticipated a close-knit group of 30+ guests for the prayer ceremony, not the 78 appearing on Shan Mei’s final confirmation list. Picking up the phone receiver, he punched in Shan Mei’s extension number and began cursing softly when no one picked up the phone, especially when he found, upon checking his wrist watch, that it was ONLY 5.30 p.m. Yes, he realized 3A’s official working hours were from 8.45 a.m. to 5.15 p.m. but he had noticed Shan Mei never left her office before 6.30 p.m. on work days; even later on the eves of event days. “Where is this girl? Never around when I want to talk to her,” he complained silently to himself.

Instead of calling Shan Mei on her mobile phone, he took the list with him and went straight to her office. Her tote bag was lying in its usual place, so she hadn’t left but was somewhere around the building. He went to her small fridge and just as he had expected, he found two bottle of fresh milk. He took these out and then went to the end corner of the shelf where she stacked her reference books to take out her cookie jar. He then sat down on the sofa drinking milk and munching chocolate chip cookies contentedly while waiting patiently for Shan Mei to return.

When Shan Mei walked in half an hour later looking harried, she found the boss drinking off the last drop of milk from the second bottle and the only things left in the cookie jar were a few loose crumbs of cookies with bits of chocolate chips. And, he didn’t look one bit guilty but wore a satisfied grin on his face.

“Ah, Shan Mei, there you are finally. Next time you should keep at least 6 bottles of your Pa’s milk in the fridge for emergencies. Where did you go? When I returned to the office, Miss Lee had already left.”

“Downstairs on the 18th floor. We were clearing up the space and the people responsible for setting up the things wanted to see the place to get a better idea for placements.”

“What people? Setting up what things?”

“The usual necessary things required for a prayer ceremony. Your second auntie, Madam Lee Seo-yi, was kind enough to lend us a beautifully-framed photo of your mother.”

“Oh dear,” Xiang Zhe began, as he started rubbing two fingers against his temple, “I forgot to warn you to disregard her advice. This auntie likes doing things in grand style.”

“I’m afraid I have to disagree. She has been very helpful and most cooperative and did not interfere with my planning at all. In fact these people were recommended by her and they have years of experience in setting up prayer and dedication ceremonies. If not for them, I wouldn’t have known how to go about organizing a prayer ceremony.”

“Alright. Do what you think it’s best. What I really want to talk about is this.” He then waved the name list at Shan Mei. “I don’t even know half the people on this list. Who the devil are they?”

“I’m not surprised! Many of them are your cousins and their spouses. I have been told that you rarely show up at family gatherings and haven’t attended any of the weddings of your cousins in recent years. Your younger brother and his wife have met them all, but not you.”

Xiang Zhe, out of habit whenever he was at a loss for words, the first thing he automatically did was scratched a spot on his head. He then looked about shame-faced, a sheepish smile slowly creeping up on his face, as he asked impatiently, “And what about these names I’m not familiar with?” He began rattling off the names of some ladies.

“Oh, those?” Shan Mei echoed hesitantly, her turn to look guilty. “You were out of the office most days so I wasn’t able to get clearance from you, but I knew you wouldn’t refuse.”

Xiang Zhe looked at her sharply and waited …… Then seeing that Shan Mei was now nervously twisting her hands about, he prodded in a softer tone, “Yes, they are ……?”

“According to Mrs. Chairman Chung, they are your mother’s best friends from their schooling days.”

Before Shan Mei could continue further, Xiang Zhe cut in, “And how did Chairman Chung’s wife become involved in this? I wanted a simple ceremony, but it seems this thing is turning into some kind of a circus.” He dropped his shoulders and slumped back against the sofa, closed his eyes and then flung an arm over his forehead as if nursing a headache. He didn’t have to say it but Shan Mei could see he was getting really, really fed-up with her.

In a quiet voice, she continued, “I am sorry Director Yin. But these people were doing something special for your mother and you, so I didn’t have the heart to refuse them the invitation. I …. I….thought …you…..”

Xiang Zhe, still slumped against the sofa, cocked an eye open and staring at her, he asked, “What special thing?”

“It seemed that before your mother passed away, the group began meeting 3 times a week at Mrs. Chairman Chung’s place after you entered university. They were helping your mother design and sew 2 silk patch-work quilt covers, one for you and one for your younger brother, supposedly to be kept for your wedding day. Mrs. President Chung was in charge of the group sewing yours and Mrs. Director Chung was in charge of the group sewing your brother’s. Mrs. Chairman Chung was responsible for overall supervision because she was very talented and knowledgeable in needlecraft. The project was shelved after your mother died. But they did continue with the work when the group met up occasionally to talk about old times. Now that they knew you were dedicating a prayer ceremony for your mother, they are meeting up daily to complete the patch-work. And, they told me they would be bringing some of your mother’s favourite desserts to the ceremony. So, you tell me, how could I refuse them?”

“I never realized before that Mum might feel lonely with me away at university. Did they tell you what sweets they would be bringing?”

Shan Mei hid a smile behind a hand. This Director Yin! Food was the one thing that would surely get a reaction from him. She decided not to be too specific but to whet his appetite a bit to end his grumpy mood. “Well, they did say your mother was very partial to nuts. They mentioned something about gingko and chestnuts.”

Xiang Zhe removed his tired body from the back of the sofa and was again sitting upright, a sneaky crooked grin appearing slowly when he thought of his mother’s special gingko nuts stuffed with almond and sesame paste and mouth-watering honey-glazed roasted chestnuts.

He tried to appear nonchalant about the whole thing and waved a hand about, saying blandly, “Let them come. After all, they may not be still around when I decide to hold the next prayer ceremony. What difference do a few more people make, right, Shan Mei?” When he finished his little statement, he winked an eye at her.

Shan Mei breathed a sigh of relief and nodded her head briskly in reply.

To let the matter pass smoothly, she asked sweetly, “Director Yin, you must be thirsty after finishing off those chocolate chip cookies in the cookie jar. How about a cup of hot coffee?”

“Good suggestion. Too bad I finished off the milk otherwise it would make the coffee taste better.”

“Didn’t you notice? This morning I put 2 fresh bottles in your fridge.”

“You did? I’ll go get a bottle while you start on the coffee.”

“Director Yin, I can always bring the cup of coffee to you. There’s no need for you to walk back in here again.”

“It’s okay. I like having coffee in your office.” Giving her no time to come up with another meaningless excuse, Xiang Zhe quickly walked off.

When he was back in Shan Mei’s office and enjoying his coffee, he asked her for some details of her planning.

“Nothing to divulge.”

He arched a brow and said jovially, “Is that so? I notice from the list showing the people attending the hospital cocktail reception, that the current Miss Korea has been invited as well. What’s she got to do with the Dialysis Centre? She’s a patient needing treatment too? Or was inviting her your idea?”

“Of course not! The list was given to me by the Byeok’s matron. She even told me apart from the press, the MBC, SBS and KBS television news teams would be there too, all because Miss Korea would be attending. She said it would be very good publicity for 3A. And Miss Korea had personally told her she was looking forward to meeting you. So, Director Yin, please make sure you turn up at the reception in your most impressive get-up.”

Shan Mei then rummaged through some papers in the folder marked ‘Prayer’ and pulled out a sheet. She extended it to Director Yin. “Here’s a print-out profile on the current Miss Korea, to give you some of her background info. This should help when you converse with her.”

Director Yin scanned quickly through the sheet, gave a disgusted snort, then squashed the sheet of paper into a ball and threw it into the trash bin by Shan Mei’s desk.

She tightened her lips with displeasure when she saw what the Director did and was about to chastise him when he put up a hand to stop her. “I am only at the reception for my mother, not for anybody else. If I was interested in meeting the current Miss Korea, I would have accepted the beauty pageant’s organizing committee’s invitation to be one of the judges. When they approached me, I turned them down. I have no time for such frivolities.

And, take my advice, don’t get too star-struck by this beauty pageant stuff. Their world is dark, shady and cut-throat, not at all suitable for an innocent like you.” When he finished saying that, he looked at her in a funny way with an enigmatic crooked smile on his face which gave away nothing.

Shan Mei became flustered when she could find no words to throw back at him. She then looked at her wrist watch, and began straightening the folders on her desk, hoping the boss would take that as a subtle hint that she was preparing to leave.

In fact, Xiang Zhe had been waiting for her to do just that. He straightened up when he got up from the sofa and went to stand next to her desk. “I am sorry I have delayed you. Why don’t I take you out for a quick dinner and then send you home. If you don’t accept, it means you are still angry with me. If it will make you any happier, I’ll take back that stupid bit of paper from the trash bin.” And crafty fellow that he was, he bent down and slowly began looking for the ball of crushed paper.

“Stop that, as if you don’t already realize anything retrieved from the trash bin is dirty. Go, wash your hands. After I tidy up here, I’ll meet up with you at the lift lobby. But I don’t want dinner at some fancy place.”

Xiang Zhe was happy he was able to turn that stupid print-out on Miss Korea into a golden opportunity. “I’ll go and wash up right now. But before I go, how about a smile instead of that pout, to let me know you are no longer angry with me?”

Shan Mei couldn’t hold a glum-looking straight face any longer. This Director Yin was a hopeless tease and effortlessly, she burst into a sweet smile, no longer able to harbour any anger at him, no matter how slight.

Chapter 5

On the day of the Prayer Ceremony, Xiang Zhe hid himself in his office all morning and waited till it was exactly a quarter to noon before he made his way down to the 18th floor.

As soon as he emerged from the lift, he was greeted by his 2 aunties and 2 uncles from his mother’s side. His 2 aunts hugged him, one on each side of him and his uncles, each grabbing a hand, almost shook his arms off. They kept praising him for being such a filial son and for organizing such a beautiful ceremony. They had never attended one more meaningful and so well organized with such perfect taste. The aunts pointed to the display of the most exotic orchids on both sides of the prayer table and the two colourful, silk patchwork quilt covers hanging on both sides of the wall, facing one another. Xiang Zhe was surprised, wondering how Shan Mei knew his mother’s favourite flowers were orchids.

“Look what your mother and her friends did for you and Xiang Jie! So absolutely exquisite pieces of art! We never even thought of doing that for our children. Remember to use your quilt cover for your wedding night.”

Then, they dragged him over to a group of young people and introduced them as his cousins – cousins he had not seen in a long while because many of them lived overseas; and cousins-in-law he had never met because he never attended their weddings!

A waiter walked past with a tray of drinks and Xiang Zhe grabbed a glass. He looked around the room. Everyone seemed to know everyone. Even little Shan Mei was busy moving around the room, talking and addressing everybody by name. And everyone – and he meant EVERYONE in the room – knew her by name too.

Mrs. Chairman Chung, standing by the patchwork quilt that was supposedly meant for him, was engrossed in explaining the intricacies of the design and the meaning behind the choice of colours, the cut of the fabric and the overall design to a rapt audience.

Mrs. President Chung and her group explained how the layering of fabric and needlework was done to the many questions asked. Their audience was not only the guests but also the news reporters present who were eager to write an elaborate article on this long-neglected traditional craft. According to many in the audience, the young people nowadays were more interested in attractive packaging – packaging of gifts, of flowers, and of themselves.

While this was going on, Chairman Chung went up to Shan Mei and quietly asked her where she managed to dig out those rare antique pieces standing on either side of the 2 quilt covers. If he was not mistaken, he was sure they were real pieces from the Joseon Dynasty. He didn’t remember seeing the antiques and pots of rare orchids in the Yin’s collection.

Shan Mei whispered back into his ear, “From my father’s collection.” Before Chairman Chung could pursue the subject further, someone already appeared and dragged her off to another group of guests.

Just then, a voice came over the microphone, announcing the prayer ceremony was ready to begin and invited the guests to stand in proper line by naming persons for the 1st row. Mr. Yin was to stand in the middle in front of the prayer table, flanked by his two sons, Yin Xiang Zhe to his right, and Yin Xiang Jie and his wife to Mr. Yin’s left.

For 2nd to 4th rows, the Lee clan members were to stand, 10 to a row, according to seniority.

For 5th and 6th rows, the Chung family members and Madam Lee Soon-mi’s school friends.

The rest of the guests were told to organize themselves into 10 to a row, in order of seniority. Liu Yong Xi who was there with her father was miffed, complaining that they should have been allocated a row ahead of the Chung family, seeing that she was going to marry Xiang Zhe one day in the future.

Yin Senior was supposed to give the dedication speech, but standing there in front of his first wife’s beautiful photograph, he became too choked up with past memories and became so emotionally affected that he was barely able to stand properly, let alone, talk. Both Xiang Jie and his wife stood on either side of the old man to give him support. Xiang Zhe went up to the microphone to give the dedication speech even though he too was overcome with such emotion that he could barely make himself heard.

The Lee siblings, standing right behind Yin Senior and seeing the state he was in, curled up their lips in disgust. If he had really felt this way, why in the hell did he marry a woman who was the exact opposite of their beloved sister just 3 years after her death? He should have waited for the right woman to come along. Shan Mei had assured them that Xiang Zhe’s stepmother wouldn’t be attending the ceremony otherwise they wouldn’t have shown up. And if she did now, they would have walked out en masse.

Mrs. Chairman Chung, Mrs. President Chung, Mrs. Director Chung and their close-knit girl friends were bewildered by this display of tragic loss from Yin Senior. He seemed a man so in love with his wife – why did he remarry? If there were no children from the marriage, they could understand. But the Yin couple had two gorgeous sons, both brilliant and filial. Most men in his situation wouldn’t remarry.

The actual prayer ceremony was very brief. After it was over, the guests were invited to partake of the buffet lunch laid out lavishly on a long white linen-covered table.

Half an hour after the lunch began, Shan Mei went up to the microphone and made several announcements.

First, she thanked all the guests for accepting the invitation to attend not only the prayer ceremony but also the cocktail reception at Byeok Hospital at 4 p.m. later than afternoon.

Then, she began to thank the people who had contributed items to make the ceremony more meaningful: “Madam Lee Seo-yi for lending the beautifully framed photograph of her eldest sister Madam Lee Seo-mi; and the entire Lee clan for access to many private family photographs, mementoes and stories that appeared in the video being shown on the TV screen. The Chung family and Madam Lee Seo-mi’s school friends for contributing the many private photos, mementoes and food for the occasion, many of the desserts being the late Mrs. Yin Lee Seo-mi’s favourites. I want to thank the afore-mentioned people for their invaluable help and advice without which I would not have been able to organize this event according to Director Yin Xiang Zhe’s expectations. Many guests have come up to me asking for a copy of the CD now playing on the TV screen. We intend to incorporate today’s event at 3A, together with the reception on Byeok Hospital into a set of CDs. Anyone interested to receive a set, please put down your name and address and the number of copies you would like to receive in the register provided on the table near the lift. As soon as the CDs become available, we will courier them to you. And to the few interested collectors asking about the antiques on display, we wish to advise that the pieces are for display purposes only and not for sale. Our Director Yin and his family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation for your show of love, respect and support to the late Madam Yin Senior by your esteemed presence here today. May the gracious and benevolent Madam Lee Seo-mi, our Director Yin’s beloved mother who passed away so unexpectedly this day 15 years ago bless each and every one of you all abundantly for the generous love offering which we didn’t expect. The money will be handed to the Madam Lee Seo-mi Dialysis Centre this afternoon by our Director. When you leave, please remember to get your gift pack of Sweetness and Joy from our 2 ushers in attendance in front of the lifts. It’s just a small token of appreciation and we hope that sweetness and joy will be with you while you go on your way. Thank you again.”

After giving a low bow, Shan Mei quickly left the microphone, to the applause of all those present, and she shyly made her way to the kitchen.

Xiang Zhe, who was standing next to his younger brother listening attentively to her speech, was very much impressed and his whole demeanour showed how proud he was of Shan Mei. Xiang Jie gave his elder brother an elbow nudge on his lower arm, followed by a mischievous eye-wink that signaled, “What are you waiting for, man? Get moving before someone whisks her away from under your very nose!”

Xiang Zhe didn’t know the guests had given monetary gifts at this function neither had he been advised by his bossy ‘event coordinator’ that he would be handing over the contribution at the hospital’s reception. And “What does she mean by sweetness and joy?” Xiang Zhe asked himself. He went up to an office assistant who was acting as usher and asked for a gift pack. When he opened it, he saw 2 honey-glazed roasted chestnuts on one side of the pack. In the other half was a small sample bottle of Moet and Chandon champagne, especially packed for Vinoflora & Gift Hampers, named ‘JOY’. He smiled and thought how clever that was of Miss Zhen. And that Koo must be offering his advice and assistance at every available opportunity. If he didn’t know that Koo preferred the other sex, he was sure Koo had designs on Shan Mei.

Then his eyes began following Shan Mei’s movements. He saw her emerge from the kitchen with a plateful of food and made her way to the chap who was busy filming the ‘going-ons’ in the room from his high rotary platform. Shan Mei stood on a stool next to the platform and began feeding him small spoonfuls of food as he concentrated on the filming.

Xiang Zhe almost dropped his own plate of food when he saw what she was doing and soon lost track of the conversation he had been carrying on half-heartedly with his best friend, Sung Jung Woo.

“Hey, Xiang Zhe, what’s with you?” Jung Woo snapped his fingers a few times, trying to wake Xiang Zhe from his reverie. “Look back over here, man! What happened?”

“Oh….. I was just caught up with something that my Aunt Seo-yi was showing on the TV screen. Sorry. What were you saying?”

“The TV screen? Hey, buddy, what do you take me for? An idiot? The TV screen in over that corner,” and Jung Woo pointed his thumb to a spot on his left, “While your eyes were boring into something or someone over there,” then Jung Woo indicated with his head the opposite direction where the rotary platform with the videographer atop it was, “I was asking you what that Liu Yong Xi was doing here. I was surprised you invited her. Come on, be honest. If my guess is not wrong, you were eyeing Miss Zhen, your Event Coordinator. Admit it, you sly old fox.”

“Shoosh,” Xiang Zhe hissed. “News reporters are crawling all over the place. Do you want them to hear you? Do you want to get me into trouble with Shan Mei? And for your info, I didn’t invite Yong Xi. She insisted on coming along with her father. Shan Mei couldn’t refuse.”

“Aaah, so I wasn’t that far off the mark. When and how did it happen? Tell!”

When Xiang Zhe remained silent, his face glum and expressionless, Jung Woo laughed wickedly and he bent forward and in a very low voice, he told Xiang Zhe, “She’s feeding another spoonful of food into his mouth. Wow …so lovey-dovey.” And Jung Woo gave a low whistle. “Wish she’d start feeding me too.”

Xiang Zhe stared at him angrily and wondered how come no one in the room seemed to be bothered by such an open display of intimacy. Usually, his prude of an aunt would be the first one to censor such blatant public display. Funnily enough, she was happily chatting away with the 3 Chung madams about Xiang Jie’s quilt cover. Then he saw his aunt frantically beckoning to Shan Mei. When Shan Mei arrived at her side, she lovingly took her arm and drew Shan Mei closer to her and whispered something into Shan Mei’s ears. Shan Mei nodded her head in response and then smiled. His aunt then took a lacy white handkerchief out of her handbag and wiped the perspiration off Shan Mei’s forehead. The 3 Chung madams also said something to Shan Mei in very low voices. Whatever they said must be complimentary because from Shan Mei’s bows and body language, he could tell she was thanking them. Then they waved her off, back to the platform where the video camera stood on its stand.

“What’s going on?” Xiang Zhe thought irritably to himself. He even forgot about the delicious ginkgo nuts and honey-glazed roasted chestnuts he had on his plate as he tried to figure out the relationship between the videographer guy and Shan Mei. He turned to see whether Shan Mei was still at the platform. There she was, still feeding him food again. After 3 more spoonfuls, the plate was empty and she made her way back to the kitchen. His brows were knitted into ugly knots and the scowl on his face was enough to frighten off anyone blocking his view of Shan Mei.

“Seen enough?” Jung Woo laughingly asked. “Let’s go up to your office and you can cool off there.”

“No! I am not leaving this place until that guy disappears from my sight.”

“Want a gun? I’ve got one somewhere in one of my pockets.”

Xiang Zhe lifted a questioning brow as Jung Woo rummaged through the breast pocket of his jacket. “Ah, here it is!” And he took out a cigarette lighter in the shape of a shotgun.

Xiang Zhe roared with laughter and after that, his mood became more congenial.

“Don’t tell me she’s the ONE after all these years of searching?”

Xiang Zhe nodded his head slightly and with a hand on Jung Woo’s shoulder, he gently shepherded him to a quiet corner and warned him, “Not a word to anyone; not even to our own group, understand?”

“Come on, buddy, introduce me properly to her. I’ve only spoken to her over the phone and she does sound intriguing.”

“No way. She’s too innocent to know how to ward off wolves like you!”

“You’re sure we are talking of the same Miss Zhen? When I tried to ask her out, she put me very nicely in my place.”

Xiang Zhe smiled, surprised with this bit of admission from Jung Woo. “What did she tell you?”

Jung Woo then repeated the incident in a high-pitched lady’s voice. In a very serious tone he mimicked, “Mr. Sung, we run a very reputable and efficient agency here for leasing, selling and buying of property. If it’s a dating agency you want, then I suggest you call this number. I’m sure the person will be more than happy to make a date with you. Then, she rattled off a phone number. I was hoping she had given me a phone number of one of her girl friends so I tried the number immediately and you know what? It was the number for an undertaker! That brat. Come on, introduce us so I can pay her back for her prank.”

Laughingly, Xiang Zhe moved his shoulder away from Jung Woo’s prodding. “No way. You deserve it, you Casanova. Now you know why she’s adorable. She’s such a natural and I love her for it.” Oops, Xiang Zhe realized too late – he had mentioned the word ‘love’ in front of Jung Woo. Now, he was sure this rascal would never stop teasing him.

After giving his best friend a pitiful look, Jung Woo finally said, “But that guy over there ……. They seem to be on very familiar footing with each other. I saw him pinching her cheek playfully. In return she pinched his nose. How do you see the situation?”

Sounding confident, but not feeling it one bit, Xiang Zhe tried to put on a brave smile and said reassuringly, “Don’t worry. I’ll be staking my claim very soon.”

“Staking a claim? You think you’re prospecting for gold? This is a girl we are talking about!”

“She’s far more precious than gold or diamonds. Now that I’ve found her, I won’t let her get away, though I have to admit she’s a tough nut to crack. Sometimes I wonder whether she realizes I’m a man, and not simply her boss.”

Jung Woo, eyes wide open in surprise, waved a hand from Xiang Zhe’s head down to his feet and said with astonishment, “Not realizing you’re a man when she sees this every day at work? Tell me, is she a normal female?”

Xiang Zhe laughed softly when he answered, “Sometimes I have wondered.”

“Does she know how much you’re worth?”

“She’s not interested in such things but I’m positively sure the girls from the other office departments must have told her. In return they must have also tried to elicit from her personal information about me. Luckily for me, she likes minding her own business.”

“In that case, buddy, I’ll leave the challenge to melt that iceberg to you. I’ve plenty of hotties waiting for me to ask them out and all of them are more than willing to show me how ‘female’ they can be. Good luck, old man, and I really mean it. You deserve to have your happiness after years of preferring to stay alone rather than play the field. Sometimes, I wonder how you manage to cope all these years without a woman.”

“Simple, man. Work, work and more work. When the going gets tough, I simply take out my clubs and start hitting hard at my golf balls to work out my frustrations.”

Just then, Shan Mei appeared next to him. She gave the boss’s friend a look, and then apologized to them for the interruption. “Director Yin, it’s almost 2 o’clock. Your father and younger brother are already at the door waiting to send the guests off. Will you please go and join them now?”

“Ah, there you are Shan Mei. What’s that thing you mentioned about love offering?”

“The man who organized the ceremony warned me that some people might want to make some monetary donations and asked me to have a collection bowl ready. I was surprised every one of the guests came prepared. Don’t worry; I haven’t opened any of the envelopes. All the money given is still in their original envelopes. I’ve put them into a very nice larger gift envelope which you can hand over to the hospital chief or someone during your speech at this afternoon’s reception.” After she gave him a brief nod, she hurried off saying she had to get extra gift packs for Madam Lee Seo-yi.

Xiang Zhe looked over and noticed that the videographer had now stationed himself near the lift lobby and several people were preparing to leave because they were already filling out the required details in the Registry Book, and the ushers were standing by ready with the gift packs. He asked Jung Woo to hang around, then he went to join his father and Xiang Jie. His aunties and uncles were again exuberant in their praises and told him they would be waiting to see him later at the reception.

When almost all the guests had left, Xiang Zhe looked around trying to find Shan Mei, but she was nowhere around. The videographer guy had already left. The video camera rotary platform had disappeared too. Xiang Zhe went to the buffet table and began picking at some roasted chestnuts. He had not eaten much. He felt somewhat hungry but when he tried to get some food down, he felt his stomach bloated up and he was full – with jealousy.

He walked into the kitchen. Auntie Zhen was there trying to organize the packing up while the 2 helpers she brought along were doing the dishes.

“Xiang Zhe, are you in here looking for some warm food?”

“No. I thought Shan Mei was in here.”

“Shan Mei? I think she has gone with Youzhen over to the hospital, to help set up the video camera rotary platform. Also, Mr. Koo from Vinoflora is already there organizing the floral arrangements. Shan Mei told me Koo had to make several trips to deliver the flowers that were ordered by your relatives and friends for the opening. There were about 80 floral stands and baskets; even the hospital matron is having a headache where to place everything. And the hotel catering team is already there to set up the tables.

Sure you don’t want any food? I noticed you didn’t eat much just now. Anyway I’ll be here till Shan Mei returns. Come back if you want food later. We are waiting to clear and clean up this place.”

Xiang Zhe thanked Auntie Zhen and just as he emerged from the kitchen, Xiang Jie came bounding up to him. “There you are, brother. I’ve been trying to get you alone to ask you a question.”

Xiang Zhe took a sip of his champagne and gave his younger brother a questioning look.

“Do you think your Shan Mei will let us take that quilt cover home with us later today? Laura simply can’t get over the idea that that beautiful quilt cover is meant for us. Ever since she laid eyes on it, she has been telling me that quilt cover is too exquisite to be used. She wants to frame it up and have it hung up in our bedroom, like how the Japanese hang up their one-of-a-kind kimonos, for display. She’s so excited she wants to email a picture of it right away to her parents.”

“Since you already know that Shan Mei is in charge of everything here, why ask me and not her?”

“Because 2nd Auntie has also asked me to talk to you and find out whether you are feeling alright. She was worried seeing you looked spaced-out most of the time, during the function. You hardly ate anything. You didn’t find the food good? I thought every dish on the buffet table was great, seeing most of them were Mum’s favourite food.”

Xiang Zhe clasped a hand around his brother’s nape and pulled him gently close to him. “I’m fine. It’s just that ……” He looked down into his champagne flute, his mind all of sudden blank and he didn’t know how to continue.

His younger brother suddenly felt so guilty for having a fulfilling life with a loving wife and two beautiful sons while his older brother had no one to go home to. Very softly, he whispered into Xiang Zhe’s ears, “Hey, cheer up. I have the weekend free 3 weeks from now. Let’s go down to Chonan with Dad and visit Shan Mei’s parents, and then spend the night at Yeosong. Let’s see whether their poached eggs are still as good as they once were.”

A grateful smile appeared immediately on Xiang Zhe’s glum face. He looked up and searched around the room for his father. He saw his father standing next to Chairman Chung listening attentively while the chairman was talking animatedly, in a very low tone, his thin, bony forefinger pointing to the antiques and to the many pots of orchids displayed around the room.

Finally, Xiang Zhe turned to his younger brother and said casually, “We’ll decide next week. Anyway, remember to keep that weekend free. Thanks. I’ll talk to Shan Mei about that quilt cover. But why the big rush? It will be quite safe here.”

“Aiya, you don’t know my Laura. If she doesn’t have it within her hands, she may wake me up in the middle of the night and ask me to come back here to get it. I’m sure Shan Mei will understand even if you don’t. These women! They understand one another’s inexplicable quirks very well.”

When Xiang Zhe finally arrived at the Dialysis Centre Opening Ceremony, he almost made a U-turn and went back the way he came, until Sung Jung Woo who was with him, stopped him. “The show must go on, buddy.”

Including the invited VIPs who were the senior hospital staff, the Minister from the Hospital Ministry and the current Miss Korea to officiate the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the crowd present was almost a hundred. The one who caught his eye first was not Shan Mei but the videographer guy perched on his so-called director’s chair busily filming away, the video camera most definitely now focusing on himself, the Director of 3A. He could tell that Miss Korea was eyeing him too.

After a loud burst of applause, many came forward to offer their hands for handshakes. Xiang Zhe smiled politely and quickly went up to the crowd and joined his father and younger brother. Matron was there to introduce Director Yin to Miss Korea, Miss Honey Yoo.

Immediately after the ribbon cutting ceremony and speech, Shan Mei then appeared very quietly from somewhere and discreetly handed a beautifully-wrapped envelope to him. After Xiang Zhe officially handed the envelope of love offerings from the late Madam Lee’s prayer ceremony to Matron, the doors to the Dialysis Centre were thrown open and every one present wanted to enter to inspect the facilities available. Director Yin was flanked by his many Lee relatives who never stopped asking questions and whenever they saw the name Madam Lee Seo-mi etched on the walls, on plaques, on the backs of wheel chairs, on the backs of the dialysis machines, they became very emotional and promised Xiang Zhe that at the end of the first 6 months the centre was in operation, the Lee family would donate another 6 dialysis machines in addition to the 6 that were just installed. Xiang Zhe, when he heard this, was very happy.

After all the initial curiosity was quenched, the guests gathered at the reception tables for drinks and snacks. Xiang Zhe avoided the crowd and again snuck to a quiet corner with Jung Woo with their champagne flutes. He was trying to convince Jung Woo to make a move for that Miss Korea.

“Why don’t you want her for yourself? After all, you’re the one she has been eyeing since we arrived.”

“You think I’m nuts or something, wanting a girlfriend with a name like Honey?”

Jung Woo smiled secretly and mused, “Sounds rather sweet.”

“Not when a million and one other men are calling your girlfriend ‘Honey’ through no fault of theirs!”

Both men threw back their heads and roared with laughter when Xiang Zhe heard a familiar and soft voice next to him. He stopped laughing immediately and again put on his serious look. “Yes, Shan Mei?”

“Director Yin, Ma had Pa deliver these, afraid that you may be hungry by now. The filling for these rolls is fried sesame anchovy made according to your mother’s favourite recipe.” Shan Mei took the champagne flute from him and handed it to his friend, and then she placed the plate and chopsticks in his hands. “I am going back to 3A now, to supervise the clearing and cleaning up. Pa is waiting for me.”

“Oh ……” Xiang Zhe finally managed to say when he found his voice. “Thank your ma for me. But I don’t know why; I seem to have lost my appetite somehow. I am not hungry.”

“Of course you are.” She frowned sternly at him. “Eat.”

A flicker of amusement that held an element of tenderness crossed his face. “As you wish, Miss Zhen. By the way, Xiang Jie wants to know whether he can take his quilt cover home with him later this evening. You know, both he and his wife are like easily excitable children.”

“No problem. I can understand how they must be feeling. I’ll have the quilt cover packed and waiting for them if they would drop by 18th floor around 6. Director Yin, thank you for the Dialysis Centre. You have helped many patients in dire need of this service.”

“Shan Mei …….” Before he could finish his sentence, Shan Mei had already turned around and disappeared quickly through the crowd to her Pa’s van waiting at a nearby side lane, most probably.

“Easily excitable children ….my foot! Speak for yourself. Be a good boy now and eat up your sushi rolls. Notice how she ignored me and only concerned herself with your welfare. I’d say you have a pretty good chance where she is concerned, if you want to risk having an iceberg for a wife!”

“Iceberg, did you say? Didn’t the so-called experts claim that the coolest ones, when courted slowly, handled correctly and properly, can turn into towering infernos?” Xiang Zhe shot back at Jung Woo and then gave him an eye-wink.

After Xiang Zhe finished off the sushi rolls, he couldn’t wait to get back to 3A office now that he knew she was there and that videographer guy was here. But he was trapped, having to make polite conversation with the dignitaries and invited guests. And that Miss Korea was intent on latching on to him, and wouldn’t take his hint that his friend Sung Jung Woo was himself a very brilliant lawyer, the principal partner of Sung and Jang Solicitors, and a very eligible bachelor.

Finally, he managed to escape for a few minutes to get himself a fresh glass of juice. He immediately called Shan Mei on the mobile phone. “Shan Mei, it’s me. Where are you now?”

“I’m still on Showroom floor.”

“Has Xiang Jie collected his quilt cover? Do you want me to come and collect you? The crowd is still here although the hotel catering team has cleared out their stuff. So has your videographer friend. I can try to make an excuse to leave early.”

“No, you shouldn’t do that. I think your Aunt Seo-yi wants to invite you to her house for dinner. Mr. Yin Xiang Jie has just been here to collect his stuff. Pa is here to help us finish up cleaning. Mr. Kwon and three of his staff have moved the furniture back into place. Ma and I will be having supper with Pa here. Mr. Kwon and his staff will be eating here too, later. There’s still some food left over.”

“Don’t forget to leave some for me for breakfast tomorrow.”

“I’ve left some food for you in your office fridge. I’m sure you were too busy to watch the video on the TV screen this morning. I’ve left a copy on your office table. I’ve put your quilt cover on your sofa, too. Good night, Director Yin.”

“Shan Mei, take care and thank you for everything. I love the gift pack. You did a brilliant job today. Goodnight.”

Jung Woo had long left after he received a call from his father. After several rounds of polite small talk, Xiang Zhe left the party as early as good manners allowed. Then he drove off, back to 3A, thinking there was still time to catch Shan Mei back at the office. When he arrived at the front of the office building later, he noticed Zhen Senior’s blue MPV parked in one of the visitors’ car park spaces within the grounds of 3A. He parked his car discreetly on the opposite side of the road, smoked a cigarette while he waited patiently. Half an hour later he saw Shan Mei, the two kitchen helpers and her parents leaving the building and getting into Zhen Senior’s MPV. He saw Kwon and his men carrying the potted orchids and placing them into the back of the MPV; on a later round they brought down the antiques and placed them carefully one each on the laps of the 4 ladies in the van. Kwon and his men then stepped aside and waved Mr. Zhen off when the van moved slowly away. Xiang Zhe, from his spot, was watching Zhen Senior drive away too. The videographer chap was not there with them. He saw Kwon and his men hurrying back into the lift lobby.

Xiang Zhe flung away his unfinished cigarette – this being his third while he was waiting. He should have been so relieved to know that Shan Mei was now safely on her way home. But he wasn’t. Everything inside of him ached and all he really wanted to do was pull her into his arms and never let her go

Chapter 6

Time really flew by very quickly when all things appeared to be going smoothly – in fact too quickly. Shan Mei had now been organizing events at 3A for two years.

Xiang Zhe had been in Shan Mei’s office for the past half hour enjoying his lunch. Then at that precise moment, his usual robust appetite left him when he finally took in what Shan Mei had just told him. He leaned back against the sofa and stared dumbly at her with accusing eyes. Finally he managed to squeeze out some words through his parched throat. “So, today’s luncheon invitation has a purpose? Trying to soften the blow that you have just so heartlessly hurled at me?”

Shan Mei’s voice, fraught with misgivings, began to sound distraught. “No, no, Director Yin. Please do not think like this. I’ve enjoyed working here, organizing all the events for 3A. Everyone has been so helpful and kind. If it wasn’t for such an important personal reason, wild horses wouldn’t have been able to run me out of here.”

“Important personal reason?” Xiang Zhe questioned tiredly, his eyes now closed, his mind still unable to function at its usual alertness. “You’re emigrating overseas? You have to move back to Chonan?”

Suddenly, remembering that videographer guy, he rose from the sofa pulling his body to its full height, his hands loosely tucked in his trouser pockets, he asked sharply, “You are getting married?” Not waiting for an answer from Shan Mei, he walked quickly to the window that looked out to the Golf Club; he didn’t want her to see he was shaken. What an utter fool he had been, thinking that she would be forever working alongside him diligently, quietly and without any word of complaint of anything. Of course, she had to get married some day! Didn’t Zhen Senior believe that his father, Yin Senior, was serious 1-1/2 years ago when the 3 Yin men went down together one weekend to Chonan, to see Zhen Senior and his wife, to submit a proposal of marriage for Shan Mei, as well as to visit the hot spring spas? At that time when Zhen Senior was told that Shan Mei was unaware of Xiang Zhe’s feelings for her, the senior gentleman had himself declared that he would keep the marriage proposal ‘top secret’ until his own daughter told him that she was ready for marriage. In the Zhen family, it was always understood that Shan Mei would be free to choose her marriage partner – the Zhen Seniors would not pressure her into any arrangement. In any case, in the meantime, if either Shan Mei or Director Yin found someone either one would like to marry, Zhen Senior would not hold Xiang Zhe to his commitment. So the Yins left Chonan that weekend to return to Seoul, after having spent a pleasant weekend visiting with the Zhens. Yin Senior liked Zhen Senior on sight and after being given a tour of the Zhen’s extensive farming lands and orchid gardens, he liked the Chonan native even more. It was obvious that Zhen Senior was a hard-working and prosperous farmer but he was a simple and humble man in nature and outlook.

After Shan Mei had been at her new post for 18 months, Xiang Zhe thought at that time she would be ready if he hinted that he wanted her to mean more to him than merely an employee. He simply didn’t know how to broach the subject seeing she never offered him an opportunity or the slightest bit of encouragement. Even a chance trying to suggest giving her a lift to Vinoflora to the collect the floral arrangements was no longer available. After that Xu Ying Mei incident, Shan Mei made sure the florist delivered everything directly to the 3A office. On the eve of conference days, she never wanted to stay later than 7 at the office again. That night when they returned from Vinoflora, and hearing the sirens and seeing the police really left her badly shaken.

Now, after a little more than two years at her job making all the branch managers and their families so happy with her efficient conference organisation, she suddenly dropped her bombshell – just as he was spooning into his mouth the last bit of anchovy rice! She was resigning from the company and was serving him a month’s notice along with today’s special luncheon fare!

Suddenly he arrived at a decision – he would ask her to delay her departure by 3 months and he would use this time to woo her relentlessly. He wasn’t going to stand by and watch her fall into another man’s arms without a fair fight. No more tip-toeing around her. Bold and fast action was needed this time around.

He turned back from the window and slowly walked back to face Shan Mei. “Since your mind is made up, I only have one special request. Instead of one month’s notice, how about giving me 3 months? You have to be fair too, you know? You simply can’t walk out, just like this?”

“Director Yin, I wish I could but I do have some personal legal matters to settle, and to settle within a certain time frame.”

Suddenly, all semblance of composure and reasoning left Xiang Zhe as he began to fling his hands, arms and temper about. “I knew it!!! So, you mean you are REALLY getting MARRIED, right???!!!!”

Shan Mei covered her mouth with a hand as she tinkled with laughter, her eyes went wide with surprise. “Heaven forbid!! Nothing so dramatic and life-changing, thank goodness! But something most unexpected and exciting has turned up in the family and I am legally obligated to follow it through. Calm down please, Director Yin. I was going to suggest an alternative arrangement in case you can’t find a suitable person to take over as event coordinator before I leave. Ma, with her two regular helpers, has promised she will continue to provide the catering in case you still want the conferences to be held on the 18th floor – the meals according to the present plan. I’m sure Koo will assist in any way possible. Meanwhile I’ll simply hand to your secretary Miss Lee a list of the people to contact for the necessary information. I’ll ask Zhao Di to provide Miss Lee with all the statistics graphs and relevant market information. I don’t foresee any problems for you, so don’t try to make a mountain out of a tiny hill. If you don’t think this arrangement is a good idea, you can always fall back to your previous Grand Hyatt venue.” She was beginning to lose patience and she showed it by giving him a frown.

“Yeah, great idea – you think it’s so easy to accept that everything is going to be running smooth like oil work, after you’ve spoilt every one of us all this time?”

“Well, for starters, throwing a tantrum isn’t going to make me change my mind,” Shan Mei chastised her boss with a pout. “The best I can promise at this stage is that I will arrange for some spare time to help with editing of the pertinent information from the Real Estate Association. I know the branch managers have found this information very helpful.”

Xiang Zhe noticed her pout and smiled sheepishly, thinking at least this last concession was better than nothing. At least he could still find an excuse to discuss the Real Estate Association’s issues with her.

“Director Yin, your vision is to make 3A the best property agency in the country. You’ve done that. I too have my dream and I now have been given an opportunity to fulfill my dream. I ask for your understanding.”

“Want to tell me something about your dream, Shan Mei? Maybe I can help and there’s no need to resign from the company,” Xiang Zhe coaxed gently but he was feeling anything but gentle inside his stomach.

The first thought that ran through his mind was that most probably Yong Bok Hwa from Yongsan had made her some fantastic kind of an offer. He was aware that Yong had been trying to invite Shan Mei out on several occasions, many times sending her flowers and chocolates. He had heard her calling Yong back telling him not to, as she was allergic to flowers and chocolates! When Xiang Zhe heard her blatant lie, he had grinned with satisfaction. He knew it was a lie because the two times he was lucky enough to be at her house for dinner, he saw her father putting out a plate of chocolate truffles with almond or pistachio filling for dessert after dinner, saying those were her favourite chocolates.

“It’s still early days yet. When I’m ready, within 6 – 8 months I hope, of course I will let you know. I’ll definitely need your help at that time.”

“So secretive with not even a tiny clue?”

“The only thing I am prepared to say at this time is maybe there’s a distinct possibility that we may have the opportunity to cooperate again.”

Even though Xiang Zhe did not have any idea what Shan Mei would be up to, when he heard the last comment from her, his heart did a double flip and a smile broke out on his face. “Alright. I respect your wish. But I hope this does not mean it will also mean the end of our friendship. I have come to rely on you for advice and counsel, not simply as an employee but also as a friend. You too can come to me any time in case you need anything. Understand? In the meantime, we’ll continue with our usual arrangement for the BM conference meetings as you have suggested, until you’re ready to tell me what kind of surprise you have in store for me.”

“Thank you Director Yin. You’re very kind.”

“Not so kind when you hear the rest of the bargain. I want an invitation to lunch in your office every day until the day you no longer occupy this room.”

“That’s not a problem at all, Director Yin. Now, how about some coffee?”

“And from the day you’re no longer under 3A’s employment, I want you to stop addressing me as Director Yin. Call me Xiang Zhe, please. If you don’t, I’ll feel slighted. Now, I’ll have that cup of coffee you offered just a minute ago.”

About 3 weeks later Xiang Jie was up at his brother’s office to discuss a complicated case they had been given. At the end of the meeting, Xiang Jie sighed because Miss Zhen wasn’t in her office and Xiang Zhe explained it would be rude to go into her office and take her chocolate chip cookies without permission. “When Shan Mei bakes her next batch, I’ll ask her to include an extra batch for you, okay little brother?”

Xiang Jie was on his way out of the office, but at the door he paused and, looking back at his elder brother, he smiled and said by way of a little light relief, “May I ask how things are going with ……” his voice dropped “…. Miss Zhen?”

“Oh, now, don’t you start on that again.”

“I won’t; but how are things?”

“I can do nothing. She told me that she’s definitely going at the end of the month. She has said it’s not because I’ve upset her in any way.”

“And what did it come to?”

“Nothing, except I told her that I would miss her a lot.”

“Did you just say that, or did you add, ‘in all sorts of ways’?”

“Get yourself out of here you little rascal before I start swearing. Go on!”

“In today’s papers, your horoscope says your star’s in the ascendant where romance is concerned.” Then Xiang Jie made a hasty escape before his elder brother could make a comment.

Six months after Shan Mei left 3A, her newly set-up establishment in Gangnam – Joseon House – signed its first business deal. An open contract from 3A nominating Joseon House as its official venue for BM Seoul and provincial conferences and any other functions that 3A might deem necessary and suitable. Director Yin thought it was a good choice because ‘Joseon House’ also offered accommodation, making it extremely convenient for their out-of-town branch managers.

To be honest, long before he ever met Shan Mei, Yin Xiang Zhe had always been enchanted with the Joseon House place ever since he first set eyes on the property – he had not actually been inside – he had seen the outside wall circumventing very extensive grounds, and the quaint rooftops of some of the buildings making up this complex. He had passed by this place many times during his drives over the years and had always admired its old-world charming architecture, a small version reminiscent of Korea’s famous Bi Won (Secret Garden). He thought the place was abandoned and had been told, when he made enquiries that the owner had migrated to America a long time ago. He had tried to buy the place for future development, and was informed when he sent his people to do a search with the Land Office that the title deed had many stipulations attached to it but selling it was not one of them. The Korean Heritage Trust Committee had been eyeing it, too.

Therefore, he was rather pleasantly surprised when Shan Mei advised him in an email, just before Joseon House was ready to open for business, that she had set up a place to handle events of all kinds, including meetings, seminars, weddings, birthday and anniversary parties, etc. and invited him to have a look over the place to see whether it could be a possible venue for 3A’s events. He had gone and looked over the place a few times and was thrilled right to the core of his heart when he realized what she had been up to during the months after she left 3A.

She had kept its original name: Joseon House. The place was so named most probably because it followed the architectural style of the Joseon Dynasty. Besides being completely restored to its original splendour, Shan Mei had incorporated many modern improvements – like modern kitchen; modern wash and toilet facilities; air conditioning throughout; sun-roofs to let light through brightening up the place, even an underground cellar to store wines. Many of the separate buildings, which were supposed to be the master’s concubines’ living quarters and work areas, were now converted into spacious suites on par with 5-star hotel standards. Other wings and building annexes, serving as function rooms in various area sizes, and private work and living areas combined to make up the whole Joseon House. The property, hidden discreetly behind high walls, offered privacy and was spread out over an extensive area of soft and lush rolling grounds; in one corner of which was a specially-designed 5-hole miniature golf course that concentrated on greens and putting incorporating an enclosed area used as a golf driving range where guests could practice their putting and swings. A helipad was installed very near to this spot, because of the flatness of the ground with no hindering trees grown nearby. What vision!

Shan Mei had divided the place into the West wing – for Weddings and other kinds of celebrating functions; and the East Wing – for meetings and seminars. The few buildings at the back of the estate were converted into Shan Mei’s private living area. It even had a sizeable charming courtyard and on a good day, the courtyard offered the ideal atmosphere for a meal outdoors under its trellised gazebo. Xiang Zhe had learned from Shan Mei that 3A managed to sell the Zhen’s previous house at a very good price and her father was happy with that.

Yin Xiang Zhe was indeed impressed that Shan Mei managed to complete total restoration and design of the place in less than 6 months.

Because of this new venture, Shan Mei’s Ma was no longer available to do outside catering, wanting to help Shan Mei with her in-house catering. Since Joseon House’s opening barely a month ago, business has been good – 2 wedding functions, 6 birthday parties, 8 seminars and several weekend guests, making full use of their ‘Special Opening’ weekend package, just staying over to relax, play a little bit of golf as exercise and enjoy their spa and massage facilities.

Zhao Di, recently married to her colleague Chen Sui, the Building Maintenance Manager with 3A, had also resigned from 3A to assist Shan Mei on a part-time basis with the accounting and some office work. It was a good arrangement since Zhao Di was required to stay home and help care for Chen Sui’s mother who had recently suffered a relapse of several heart problems. They too lived in Seocho quite near to the Gangnam area.

Today was the fourth month, 9th event being organized for 3A. All the things needed for today’s 3A’s Local Branch Managers’ monthly conference was ready. Xiang Zhe had brought over all the necessary paperwork the night before and Shan Mei had set them out on the conference table.

This morning the conference was to begin at 8. By 7.30 a.m. Ma and Shan Mei had already set out the buffet breakfast on the dining table. In another reception area usually reserved for wedding functions, Shan Mei had also set on a centre table a cardboard model of a new apartment block that 3A would be pre-selling in six months’ time.

The conference broke up at 3 p.m. for tea-time, and some Branch Managers began inspecting the cardboard model of the apartment building. Others were enjoying afternoon tea and going over the advertising brochures that Shan Mei had left out on a display counter.

At the wedding annex, Shan Mei’s other workers were hanging up decorations and preparing for a wedding to be held that Saturday.

After viewing the cardboard model, some of the branch managers walked over to the wedding annex to nose around. Manager Shum from Incheon-gu area was very impressed. “This would be a good place to hold my daughter’s wedding at the end of the year. Shan Mei, what’s the seating capacity like?”

Shan Mei looked over from where she was refilling the cups with coffee. “Manager Shum, Joseon House can hold 100 pax at most but we can only accommodate only 50 guests at most on double room sharing basis. We also provide a wedding suite for the newly married couple in case they want to spend a few days in Seoul.”

Manager Shum was pleased. “Just about the perfect size for my daughter’s wedding, with rooms for 50 guests staying over in Seoul for a few days.” He then turned to Liu Yong Xi and shouted across the room, “Yong Xi, are you going to consider Joseon House for your wedding too?”

Yong Xi walked over to Manager Shum and gave a slight smirk. “This place would be too small to hold the number of guests we want to invite.” She looked over to Xiang Zhe and asked. “Isn’t that so, Xiang Zhe?”

Xiang Zhe was at that time carrying on a conversation with Song Soo-lin, the manager for 3A’s Anyang branch and didn’t quite catch what Yong Xi and Manager Shum were discussing. But, by the tone of her voice, Xiang Zhe suspected she was up to no good. Without preamble, he asked, “Wedding? Whose wedding?”

Yong Xi walked over to him, laid her hand on his lower arm with a proprietary air and answered sweetly, “Ours.”

Xiang Zhe was so stunned, he dropped his cup of coffee to the floor and almost choked on the tuna fish finger-sandwich he had just popped into his mouth. The cup and plate smashed into a hundred pieces on contact with the hard, slated floor. Having difficulty in reining in his fury and with eyes flashing dangerously, he ground out, “I don’t remember having proposed to anyone.”

“Xiang Zhe, we are engaged to be married!!” Yong Xi cried out almost hysterically, not believing Xiang Zhe would refute such a claim.

“I wasn’t aware I was engaged to anyone too. However, I do remember I’ve refused all the marriage proposals handed to my father.” His voice was caustic.

Yong Xi flinched at his cutting little look. “But you asked me to be manager of the Daehwa branch office. Didn’t that mean you wanted me to share in your business?”

“If you assume that meant proposing to you, then I’m sorry. I’ve also invited Song Soo-lin to be manager of Anyang branch long before 3A established the Daehwa office.” Xiang Zhe turned to face Song Soo-lin who was standing at a corner. She was quite surprised when she heard Yong Xi talking about marriage with Xiang Zhe. She had attended the same university as Xiang Zhe and knew all along that he was not interested in marriage to any girl. Not to even mention the word ‘marriage’ – he wasn’t even interested in having any relationship or liaison with any girl, and there had been many willing candidates, both in Seoul and over in America.

“Hey, Song Soo-lin, does this mean you’re expecting me to marry you too. And by right, you should be No. 1 wife, since Anyang branch was set up 4 years ago.” A hollow laugh came from him.

“Get away with your flirty tongue, you handsome scoundrel. At university, weren’t the girls forever running after you and Jung Woo?” Song Soo-lin threw back at Xiang Zhe, chortling throatily.

“But you always treat me so nicely during conference days.” Yong Xi was trying to find reasons for her assumption.

“It’s not me, but Shan Mei, who has been inordinately patient with you. Pandering to your whining…. ..Shan Mei, this water is too hot, change the glass for me. Shan Mei, this water is too cold, get me something warmer. Shan Mei, the air conditioner is too cold, turn the temperature up higher. Shan Mei, I think the air conditioner is not working properly; it’s blowing out hot air…….” Xiang Zhe’s face became more heated as he recalled more of her unreasonable complaints, treating Shan Mei with no respect and more like a maid than his very efficient Event Coordinator. The other managers who were present tried to hold down wicked grins – the way Director Yin mimicked Yong Xi’s unreasonable demands on Shan Mei were dead right in tone and manner.

Xiang Zhe stood in the middle of the room, his hands loosely resting on his hips as he stared at Yong Xi with a hard, defiant look. He wiped his face with both his hands, dropped them, then after releasing an explosive sigh, with an effort of will that was second to him, he walked away without another word from the room in a huff.

Yong Xi felt she had lost face by such a public snub. She shouted after him, telling him to expect to hear from her lawyers.

The press, who had been invited to the afternoon session of the conference where 3A would answer questions about the new housing project, was surprised they were witnessing a different kind of reporting, and they were lapping up this tabloid-type of fodder.

Shan Mei felt slightly relieved, believing that Director Yin had left. At least, she could make the newsmen leave.

Song Soo-lin and a few other managers turned aside to hide their smirks. Yong Xi seemed to have forgotten Xiang Zhe was a very good litigation lawyer, not to mention his father’s legal firm was one of the best in Seoul.

All the other managers knew Yong Xi was obsessed with their Director Yin and had always tried to engage him in private conversations during their monthly manager conferences. Time and again, Xiang Zhe had rebuffed her by declaring that he would not entertain private meetings with any branch manager during conference days. All matters whether good or bad had to put on the table for open discussion.

Song Soo-lin also knew why Xiang Zhe wanted to take the Branch Manager monthly conferences away from the Grand Hyatt. He was tired of looking for excuses to shake Yong Xi off at the end of each conference at the Grand Hyatt. She would have their common friends call up Xiang Zhe, suggesting going here, going there for supper, night cap, etc., making it difficult for him, with his innate good manners, to refuse.

With the monthly conferences transferred to 3A offices, Xiang Zhe refused to go anywhere after the end of the sessions, saying he had to have meeting with the organizing committee, the caterer, to work out an agenda, a menu for the managers from the provinces. And he wouldn’t like to be disturbed, so Yong Xi got the hint.

When Xiang Zhe again moved the conferences to Shan Mei’s Joseon House, he had claimed this was perfect arrangement. Since Shan Mei was familiar with the conference proceedings, after dinner, Xiang Zhe would disappear before anyone would notice his absence, leaving Shan Mei to handle sending the managers off and making arrangements for the next meeting. Also, Shan Mei had a policy of no ‘gate-crashing’ by either press or potential clients, apart from those invited, when an event was in progress.

It was much later when all the commotion with the press had died down and everybody had left after dinner that Auntie Pei, Shan Mei’s in-house helper, came in search of her and told her that Director Yin was still in his suite, making it impossible for her to clean up the room.

Shan Mei looked surprised. She thought he had left ages ago. “Oh, leave him alone for the time being. Today has not been an easy day for him. We’ll give him dinner and then send him off.”

When Shan Mei had dinner ready that night, in the kitchen at Joseon House, Xiang Zhe appeared. After politely seating her, he took his own place – seeing the table setting was for 2 – unfolding a napkin and spreading it across his lap, as if nothing was amiss.

“I’m glad what happened today happened. Perhaps this was the instance which showed I had been too concerned about appearances, and not concerned enough about reality.” He spooned some rice into his mouth, using his pair of chopsticks to pick some kimchi to place in his bowl. “This is great. I’m even hungrier that I thought. Amazing, what hiding out here can do to my appetite,” he said, speaking like a man reprieved rather than a disappointed one.

For a while they ate in silence, and then Xiang Zhe glanced over her way. “Considering this is a workroom, your kitchen is very cosy. As a matter of fact, I like the whole house.”

“Thanks,” Shan Mei said with a flash of pride, pleased by the compliment and amazed at the speed with which her former boss could put his anger aside and exchange pleasantries over a meal. Still, she couldn’t bring herself to address him by his given name, unless it was necessary. She thought there would be plenty of time to get him packing later.

He dabbed his mouth with his napkin. “How did you come to own Joseon House?”

“In a way, it just fell into my lap. This was my grand uncle’s home. He inherited it from his father. He never married and when he died, his whole estate was supposed to go to his nearest male descendent, assuming there would be one. If none existed, the next nearest and dearest female would be entitled to inherit. The lawyers searched for several years and finally found my father. He surrendered his right and passed it on to me. There was also enough money in a trust fund to restore this place to its former glory.”

“This place is a gem. Property of this size with this kind of grounds is almost unheard of nowadays in the Gangnam area. Even I cannot name a price to this.”

Numerous companies had sought her out about listing it. Despite the fact he specialized in large commercial ventures, Xiang Zhe himself might be motivated to latch on to a plum property such as Joseon House. After all, this area was practically in the shadows of the downtown skyscrapers with every square inch coveted by developers.

“Another bowl of rice?” Shan Mei asked changing the subject.

“Thank you,” Xiang Zhe said and he extended his bowl to her for refilling. “This pork is simply too delicious.”

When he started on his second bowl of rice, Xiang Zhe didn’t bat an eyelid when Shan Mei asked him why Miss Liu Yong Xi had assumed he was going to marry her.

“Most probably when her family members and friends were constantly badgering me why I was dithering with wedding plans, and I never rebutted them, keeping quiet all the time, trying not to embarrass her. Yong Xi took it for granted that she was the intended bride. I myself am at a loss too. I’ve never gone out alone with her. Whenever we were out, it was always with a group, and the outings were arranged by our mutual friends; never by me.

I’ve always treated her like a younger sister. Her family and mine were very close, going back a long way. When 3A was setting up a branch in Daehwa I asked her whether she was interested to be the manager of that branch office – to keep her busy and from dropping in at my office whenever she liked. She agreed straight way. Shouldn’t she have received the hint I was not interested in her, by sending her so far away? If I was really interested in her I would have kept her by my side. Follow the logic?”

“Surely you were capable of handling a bunch of frustrated cupids,” she said.

“I chose to ignore those cupids who were most probably working in her interest and according to her instructions. She shouldn’t have gone and announced to the world so publicly that she was engaged to me when I had never proposed to her and had never given her a ring. In fact, I haven’t even got a ring in my possession. If she thought I wouldn’t refute her claim in front of that crowd, she was wrong. I’m tired of behaving like a gentleman anymore where my future happiness is concerned.”

“Let’s talk about something else.”

“Sure,” he said, unperturbed. Resting his elbows on the table, he studied her. Shan Mei wondered whether resting his elbows on the table and staring at people was a habit of his. “Let’s see…as I remember, we were discussing Joseon House. A lot of talent had gone into restoring those old oak mouldings. You’ve done a fantastic job with the furnishings, too. The house is really lovely.”

“Thank you,” Shan Mei said warily. “Pa brought from Daejeon some craftsmen experienced in antique work up from to finish off the interior and exterior of the guest houses surrounding the courtyard. The only modern additions are bathrooms; a karaoke room; a spa area; a helipad; the putting miniature golf course and driving range they carved out of one corner of the grounds; and the Jogger’s Trail fitted with exercising apparatus at some spots around the perimeter of these grounds. Even that seemed to blend into the background perfectly.”

Not once during his previous visits, and he had visited at least 4 times before 3A held its first managers’ conference at Joseon House, had Xiang Zhe mentioned the surroundings, yet tonight he’d practically turned himself into an interior designer. She didn’t know what to make of this conversational gambit.

“I must admit I’m happy with the way it’s turning out,” she volunteered cautiously. “It was good I didn’t let you talk me into staying another 3 months at the job. After leaving 3A, when all legal hassles were completed, I spent every bit of my spare time supervising renovation of this place. My Gugu came from London to help me set up the kitchen, and taught me many new recipes.”

“No wonder this kitchen feels just right, and the meals you serve are simply divine. I can eat like this every day for the rest of my life.”

“Also, with a letter of recommendation from City & Guilds London, I was able to make some kind of arrangement with the local Hotel Management Training College for students to work part-time at my place. The College also helped me with other services, most notably, laundry.”

“I normally prefer more contemporary furniture, but the antiques you’ve acquired for this place are just right.” He leaned back and clasped his hands behind his head. “Yes, as long as I have to hole up somewhere for a week or so, this is as good a place as I could hope to find.”

“What?” Shan Mei gasped, rising to her feet. Surely she hadn’t heard correctly. “What do you mean?” she managed somewhat more calmly, even though her voice squeaked tellingly.

“Exactly what I said. The smartest thing is for me to hide out here. Two reporters have already expounding the story on today’s debacle. Several will soon follow. I’m not inclined to talk to any news types just yet and this would probably be the last place they’d look.”

“Well, I’m sorry, Director Yin,” she said, propping her hands on the table and leaning towards him, “you’ll have to find somewhere else to ‘hide out’. Joseon House isn’t a sanctuary. Or a hotel.”

“Really?” He tilted farther back in his chair, stretching out his legs, his relaxed posture a contrast to the obstinacy in his eyes. “You have all those unoccupied guest suites in all those buildings scattered around the grounds but you’d rather throw your boss out as dead meat to those vultures?”

“Ex-boss! We accommodate out-of-town guests attending business conferences or seminars for the duration of the event and some weekend couples wanting to make use of our weekend retreat package unless there’s a weekend event on. 3A’s conference today was a one-day event and there weren’t any out-of-town participants, so no reservations were made for 3A for the guest suites.”

Chapter 7

“Shan Mei, have a heart. I’m not talking about a year’s lease ……just a few days, and the guest suite you assigned to me this morning is fine. I’ve got a small overnight case in my car, parked in the back garage of your property.”

“I told you… the guest suite was for you to refresh yourself while the conference was being held here, like for day use.” Shan Mei paused and counted to ten. “I had hoped that after dinner, you would pack and leave.

We don’t cater to sleeping guests.”

“Oh, I doubt I’ll be doing a lot of sleeping. Actually….” His eyes met hers in a long stare. “Look….I’m too weary to spar with you anymore. Can’t we save the rest of this conversation for tomorrow?”

“You won’t be here tomorrow.

Laughing, he stood up and moved closer.

“What’s so amusing?” Shan Mei asked, gritting her teeth, self conscious and aggravated that she’d given way to her emotions. She could feel the betraying heat of that blush on her cheeks.

“Were you afraid I’d suggest that you join me in the guest suite?” He gently stroked his knuckles across her chin. “Never fear. I plan to spend the night alone. Although, it’s an awfully big bed for one person.”

She could tell he was teasing; nevertheless, Shan Mei’s discomfort worsened.

He put his hand on her shoulder. “Listen, all I want is refuge from the media. To remain here until the coast is clear.”

She tried to instill some authority in her voice. “The press is persistent. They’ll keep hunting for you. You should talk to the press – issue a statement or something and get it over with. You’re always good with that.”

“I’m not up to issuing statements at this point. Later perhaps, but not now. In the meantime, I won’t be booted out.”

What’s the use, she thought. He’d made it clear he wasn’t budging, so she might as well go easy on herself and concede defeat in this skirmish, for tonight. Xiang Zhe was going, whether he liked it or not – tomorrow. She went to the paulownia-crafted cabinet, a house-warming present from her Pa, and pulled out a bottle of cognac. “Care for an after-dinner drink?” With luck, the alcohol would mellow him enough that she could persuade him to leave.

Xiang Zhe accepted the glass of brandy and took an evaluative swallow.

“Hmm, not bad.”

“Wouldn’t you be more comfortable in your own home?” Shan Mei asked, her voice soft and coaxing.

“Are you on that again? Haven’t I made it crystal clear I’m settling in?” He spoke slowly and precisely as if correcting a willful child.

Their eyes locked for several moments, his letting her know her cajolery was wasted on him, before Shan Mei gave up. “Okay,” she said with resignation, “you’re welcome to stay for tonight. But beyond then is out of the question.”

Xiang Zhe turned, glass in hand, and started for the door leading to a maze of corridors that connect to the buildings out to the garden to his guest suite. “We’ll see.”

Shan Mei trailed after him. “I’m afraid I must put my foot down,” she called to his back. “I have a wedding on soon and I need these few days to prepare.” She hoped he recognized the determination in her tone. “Besides, I distinctly recollect that you were going to depart for Cheju Island before noon tomorrow for golf with your mates.”

Xiang Zhe leaned against the door frame, his brandy snifter in his hands, his eyes twinkling in contentious amusement. “Why do you care that I pacify the newshounds?”

“Be honest and don’t go into denial. The whole town is agog with curiosity. A woman spurned…. And so publicly, and the woman had claimed she was your betrothed?”

At that moment, suddenly gazing into those dark, dancing eyes, Shan Mei could not blame Yong Xi for wanting to keep him for herself, by hook or by crook. He was more than handsome – there was an aura about him that couldn’t be ignored. Charisma was the word?

“Cheju Island, perfect?” she repeated enticingly. “A great spot to hide out. You could spend your days on the golf course. Much better than Joseon House. Surely no reporter would be looking for you there?” Yin Xiang Zhe might be hot topic in Seoul, but on Cheju Island, he’d simply be another tourist.

Xiang Zhe’s eyebrows moved together in a quizzical frown. “What in heaven’s name would I do on Cheju Island now? After that bombshell from Yong Xi, my business associates not wanting to be involved in upsetting me or Yong Xi’s father, are keeping a wide berth from me even for a free round of golf. A trip for golf by myself? I don’t think so.” He straightened up, and took a sip of his brandy. His eyes suddenly rested on Shan Mei. “Why don’t you come with me?” he challenged.

“Gee, I’m sorry,” she said insincerely, “but I’ve already made plans. Remember, I’ve got a wedding to tend to.”

“So instead, I’ll hang around to help you. Then we’ll head to Cheju. I’ll book a later flight.”

“Hold it. I’m not going to Cheju……I’m not going anywhere with you, unless it’s to drive you home….. you’ve created enough news. Joseon House is fully booked out for the entire coming week.”

“Oh? You just mentioned only a very simple wedding. I didn’t hear you mention anything else, or did you just think up of the stupid excuse, hoping to clear me out?

“It’s something pre-booked 3 months ago but I’ve promised confidentiality.”

“How very convenient?”

“Think what you like, but you have to go.”

When Xiang Zhe was deliberating over her answer, Shan Mei continued, “It would have been so easy, if you had simply agreed to fall in with Yong Xi’s plan. After all, you do need a wife, and both families are long time friends. The press would have no scoop to report then.”

“For your information, little Miss Simpleton, my father has spoken to Yong Xi’s father about this fiasco when the news editor from Yonhap phoned him just after work for an interview. Uncle Liu wanted to save some face for his daughter and begged my father to delay the interview until Yong Xi flies out to the U.S. in a few days’ time, so that she won’t be here to answer to the press.”

Xiang Zhe while taking another slow sip of his brandy, thinking he did want to get married – but only with the right woman; after all, he was human too – he needed love. With an intake of breath, he continued, “Yes, you are right, I do need a wife. What if I told you, you’re my intended bride? I cannot accept Yong Xi because I don’t love her; I’ve never been in love with her. But you…..” This man of the world, who always spoke with a mixture of authority and humour, hesitated as he stood at the door staring into Shan Mei’s clear liquid eyes; his own eyes were clear and serious. “What if I told you I was smitten the very first time I saw you. You fell into my arms, and I fell under your spell.”

Shan Mei shuddered inwardly at his words. “Director Yin, you’re drunk and you’ve caused enough scandal today. Stop spouting nonsense, by diverting the media’s attention to me. They’re camping out everywhere to get you. I can’t afford to have the media camp outside Joseon House. Go to Cheju.”

He shrugged. “No way, unless you’re going with me. We just revert to Plan A. I stay here. Just take note, I won’t budge from here. And how many times do I have to remind you, my name is Xiang Zhe and not Director Yin.”

“Then stay,” she shrieked. “But tonight’s it. I want you packed and gone tomorrow. And let me inform you, until you learn to behave like a normal, understanding friend, to me, you’ll always be Director Yin.”

She didn’t wait for his response. Not wanting to hear another word from him, she stormed off to her own private annex which led down a hallway from the kitchen.

Back in her private quarters, after her bath, all thoughts of Yin Xiang Zhe vanished and she reflected on the people getting married at 4 tomorrow afternoon ….Mama Woon and Papa Kim, both nearing seventy. Shan Mei occasionally volunteered at a local retirement centre and it was there she’d met the two. It pleased her to see how they’d giggled like teenagers when they told her about their romance. Later when they asked to be married at Joseon House, she was thrilled.

The gathering would include a short service, then food for approximately 30 guests. They had asked for a bare-bones ceremony, to be followed by a cake and punch reception. Shan Mei insisted on adding food, as her gift to them. But the caterers who usually provided food to the retirement centre jumped in and insisted on providing finger food and light snacks for the occasion.

This union proved to her that love had no barriers of time. It could happen at any age.

What Shan Mei had told Xiang Zhe was only half – no, actually a quarter – of the truth.

Earlier in the day when she had mentioned a wedding, she did not let him know exactly when, thinking that he would have come to his senses and be gone before the day was over. Well, apparently not, because he was still around.

For Mama Woon and Papa Kim’s wedding was to take place tomorrow. Shan Mei had planned to spend the morning setting up the wedding annex – no frills, simple and functional were the key words being repeated time and again by the couple, that Shan Mei didn’t want to go against their wishes. She kept the floral arrangements which were still very fresh from 3A’s BM conference for the occasion. For food, there was nothing that she needed to prepare except cordials, tea or coffee. Shan Mei had ordered the cake – her gift – which would be delivered round about noon tomorrow. Apart from the cake, Shan Mei had insisted that the newly married couple spend their wedding night in Joseon House’s Honeymoon Suite for the night. The couple had been grateful and agreed to this arrangement. But they would leave early the next morning, to take a bus to visit their ancestral village.

Then, the immediate following 6 days were reserved by Yong Bok Hwa for his company’s corporate retreat. She had intentionally not revealed this fact to Xiang Zhe, because seeing the state he was in, she did not have the heart to add further to his misery and fury, knowing how he detested even the mention of Yong Bok Hwa’s name in his presence. For what reason Xiang Zhe felt this way, she did not understand and had no wish to fathom.

The next morning, after a restless night, Xiang Zhe stumbled along the maze of corridors, made his way to the main kitchen and before he could open his mouth with a morning greeting, the sight of Shan Mei sitting at the kitchen table in a homely environment totally stumped and silenced him as he looked on in fascination. He studied her, sitting crossed-legged, at the kitchen table reading the newspapers, with her hair precariously bundled-up into a topknot. There was no particular style to the design of the topknot. The rich mass had obviously been twisted into position in a hurry, anchored with a clip, and left to flounder under its own weight as she moved her head about, turning the pages of the newspapers.

“It’s every bit as bad as I feared,” Shan Mei thought to herself. She sat at the kitchen table engrossed in the morning newspaper. She’d expected coverage in the social columns, possibly even a small news item, but definitely not anything like this piece at the bottom half of the front page. Not only did the reporter give chapter and verse of yesterday’s doings, but he went into elaborate details of the match-makers who were asked to act as go-between by many families wanting to propose marriage to the Yin family, when Yin Xiang Zhe was barely 20 years of age.

Shan Mei was surprised at this bit of information. All the marriage brokers interviewed said they had been reluctant to take up the commission. This Yin Xiang Zhe never showed up for appointments, and no girl in Seoul had successfully nabbed him yet although many eager mamas hadn’t stopped trying.

The reporter pressed on. “If this was the case, how did Miss Liu Yong Xi claim, at 3A’s conference that Joseon House would not be the venue for her wedding to Yin Xiang Zhe, because the place would not be big enough to accommodate all the guests they intend to invite to their wedding?”

The match maker laughed. “Only God and the Liu family know when Yin Xiang Zhe had agreed to any marriage proposal. I’ve asked around our members and one said she had it on good authority that Yin Xiang Zhe had flatly refused the engagement to Miss Liu a long time ago. The reliable source claimed that Yin Xiang Zhe has always treated Liu Yong Xi like a sister. That was the reason he left Seoul to further his studies in America for two years, after he obtained his law degree from a local university, to avoid further pressure to marry.”

Shan Mei herself too hadn’t slept well last night. Unconsciously, as if out of habit, she removed the clip atop her head. Her top knot immediately loosened and cascaded down around her shoulders. She shook it out about a bit, then bunched up the hair again, twisted it into a tighter knot, positioned it somewhere near the centre at the top of her head and clipped it back into place. After that, she uncrossed her leggings-clad legs and went to the cabinet and pulled out a bottle of aspirin. Aspirin was becoming her new best friend since she started hosting 3A’s monthly branch managers’ conferences, and Professor Ban’s once-a-month 3-day motivational seminars, at Joseon House.

“May I have a couple of those?”

Shan Mei turned around and felt a twinge of guilt at her self-absorption. The consequences of yesterday might be traumatic for her, but obviously they were much worse for Yin Xiang Zhe, whose appearance suggested someone who’d been on a three-day bender.

His hair was uncombed. There were dark circles under his rather dark, large, glassy eyes, and a shadow on his jaw that said he hadn’t shaved since he had been holing out at Joseon House’s since yesterday. Only his pressed jeans and neat navy T-shirt indicated any semblance of order, and healthy or not, he looked like he was ready to cave in.

She filled a tumbler with ice cubes and water, handed the glass to him and spilled two of the tablets into his palm.

“Thanks. And don’t say it……. I know I look like hell.”

The two of them silently watched the dripping of coffee into the carafe, then Shan Mei rose and filled china cups. “Do you care for some breakfast?”

Xiang Zhe grimaced. “I’d better wait and see if the aspirin and coffee can work. Of all the stupid stunts….. a hangover! This hasn’t happened since I was in college.” He rubbed his temples. “Ouch. My head’s pounding like the top will blow off any second.” He slumped over the kitchen table, pulling another morning newspaper closer.

It took only an instant for a scowl to form as he studied the picture and the caption about yesterday’s incident, the frown deepening as he read the accompanying article. The article didn’t say much, but the descriptions of the bewildered 3A colleagues still clutching on to their 3A folders, the aggrieved supposed-to-be ‘fiancée’ threatening the ‘fiancé’ who claimed he-never-was with lawsuit, and the flabbergasted Mr. Yin Xiang Zhe, trying to keep his anger under control; nevertheless his face was red when he shouted ‘whose wedding? What wedding?’ The reporter added that up to very late last night, he was still not able to contact Mr. Yin for his side of the story.

Shan Mei couldn’t help but feel sorry for Xiang Zhe. She brought the carafe to him and topped up his coffee. “So what happens now?”

“Nothing. I sit tight and stay here…..just like I said.” He gave her a wry smile. “You didn’t really think you’d get rid of me this morning, did you, Miss Zhen?” Xiang Zhe might have a hangover, but there was still a gleam in those bloodshot eyes. “Come on, be a sport.”

“Alright, I’ll be honest with you. The wedding I told you about is actually going to take place this afternoon. Please remember, you are to keep to your room and not allowed to gate-crush the wedding function. From tomorrow, Joseon House has been booked out an entire week for a corporate retreat.”

When Xiang Zhe looked at her with skepticism, a flash of annoyance appeared in Shan Mei’s eyes, thinking he could think she was lying. Taking into account his current unstable emotional imbalance, her annoyance vanished almost instantly.

Very slowly and plainly, she put it to him. “It’s very true, whether you want to believe it or not. In fact, my Ma will be arriving tomorrow lunch time to help me prepare much of the food needed for the weekend and next week.”

“Is that so? So, who is this big client who wants to book out Joseon House for an entire week and Mrs. Zhen coming up from Chonan to personally supervise the kitchen hands with Miss Zhen dancing in attendance? I know booking out the whole of Joseon House won’t be cheap.”

Shan Mei stalled somewhat before answering, “Yongsan Property Development,” instinctively knowing the answer would not please Yin Xiang Zhe and he, being in his present bull-headed mood, might be anything but cooperative in moving.

“Yongsan? You really mean Yong Bok Hwa, don’t you? Booking out the entire place? So he could have complete privacy with just the two of you enjoying a tête-à-tête? What does he intend to do with you?”

“Director Yin, I find your remark highly offensive. Their Chairman, President and shareholders would be here for a series of top level company strategic planning meetings, so they planned something like a corporate retreat week. They want complete privacy – that was the main reason they chose Joseon House. I’m letting you know so you will understand and make yourself scarce because I am sure, you as a corporate man will understand my position when I say I’ve signed a contract promising privacy and confidentiality.”

After letting the fact of the matter slowly sink into his dense mind, which under normal circumstances was usually most logical, Shan Mei tried to help as best as she could in a gentle and understanding voice. “Director Yin, hiding out here is not the best solution. I think you’d better get a firm grip of yourself and start working on some ways to deflect the newshounds. The longer you avoid them, the more time you give them to come with all kinds of nonsense.”

“So what do you suggest I do?” Xiang Zhe asked, his eyes speculative knowing Shan Mei was right, and he had to begin to face reality again.

Shan Mei hastily and automatically put a hand to her throat even though it was covered by the collar of her light sweater, while she surreptitiously tried to lick the small smear of jam from her toast off the fingers of the other. She looked apologetic for the messiness and then took a bite of her toast, giving her some time to think before she would hand out some advice.

“To start with, maybe you could call one of your trusted aides in 3A to help you get out of this mess – maybe help you pack some clothes so you can go somewhere outside of Seoul for a few days. Then you need to make some arrangements for the office if you intend to play the disappearing act, instead of sitting around here drinking yourself senseless.”

“Shan Mei, you’ve got a very good point there.” Xiang Zhe then fished his mobile phone from one of his pockets and put a call through to Mrs. Li, his trusted H.R. Manager.

Talking in whispers into his phone, he identified himself when he heard Mrs. Li over the line.

“Mrs. Li, how are things over at the office?”

“Director Yin ,,,, “

“Shoosh … Don’t mention my name at all. Just answer my questions.”

“Well…….not that good. Miss Liu and her father had been calling your office a few times already. The secretary didn’t know how to handle them so she passed their calls onto me. Apparently, Miss Liu hasn’t been into the Daehwa branch office and has threatened to resign unless she gets a personal apology.”

Xiang Zhe snorted a short, disdainful laugh. “Wishful thinking. Just issue her a letter accepting her resignation and pay her in full whatever is due to her. Sign the letter on my behalf. Inform her in the letter that I have accepted her resignation with immediate effect.”

“Who will replace her?”

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Li. I’ll work out something. Meanwhile, I’ll ask Miss Song Soo-lin to assist in overseeing the Daehwa branch as well, for the next 3 to 4 weeks at least. And what did Uncle Liu want?”

“From the tone of his voice, I think he wanted to apologise that Miss Liu had made such a public outburst. He ……”

“Enough. If he calls again, ask him to call my father. He should have known better how to keep that spoilt daughter of his under tighter control. He should have made her understand and accept that I didn’t want to marry her. Mrs. Li, just before lunch go down to the 28th floor to see my brother. Ask him to buy me about 3 days’ change of clothes. I’ll phone him later tonight and let him know where to deliver the clothes. Yes, one more thing, I’ll be away from the office for about 3 weeks. I trust you to hold the fort.”

Shan Mei had been following the one side of the conversation and she couldn’t believe Xiang Zhe told his H.R. Manager that he would be staying 3 weeks away from the office. Did that mean he intended to remain 3 weeks in Joseon House?

As soon as Xiang Zhe snapped his phone shut, she glared at him, her eyes flaring. “You can’t stay here for 3 weeks. I’ve been more than kind, allowing you to stay the night and feeding you. It’s simply not convenient for you to stay a moment longer. I’ve already explained my situation very clearly.”

“I know. You heard part of the conversation, right? Yong Xi thought she was so indispensable to 3A, she threatened to resign. Fantastic! With this new development, I have worked out a very good plan, but I need your help. Since your father is driving your mother up to Seoul tomorrow, maybe he can drive me back to Chonan and be kind enough to invite me to stay on his farm for one or two days? After that, I’ll disappear for 3 weeks. At the end of that time, I’ll be ready to face the press.”

When he saw Shan Mei wavering, and her expression full of mistrust, he looked subdued and beseeched her good nature for her understanding. “Shan Mei, what has come over you? You used to be so helpful, kind and considerate. I don’t understand what I did wrong? I’m actually the victim in this case and a ready prey for the news vultures, and not of my own doing. Come on, take pity on me and let me stay one more night. I promise I won’t drink or bother you. I need tonight to work over very carefully my plans that will greatly impact my future. Please, Shan Mei.” He bit at his lower lip nervously and his eyes were already going red.

Shan Mei didn’t have the heart to refuse. She turned away and put a call to her father in Chonan.

After she finished talking to her Pa, she turned back to face Xiang Zhe and grudgingly told him, “Pa has agreed that you can stay at our place in Chonan for three days or more, to sort your things out.”

So…., Xiang Zhe hated to admit, in the end Shan Mei had managed to destroy his defences in her own gentle fashion. Xiang Zhe was not pleased at all that he agreed to leave the place, the way she wanted.

At that moment, he glanced across the room and saw a young woman with short, honey-blonde hair, obviously dyed, emerging from Shan Mei’s office just beyond the kitchen. He was quite shocked as he recognized her as Zhao Di who worked in 3A’s Research and Statistics Department. He wondered what she was doing here since he had never before seen her around the place.

“Zhao Di, isn’t it, from 3A? What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” he asked.

“Oh, good morning Director Yin. I now work part-time for Shan Mei. Since my marriage to Chen Sui, I have resigned from 3A because I need to stay home to help care for my mother-in-law.”

“You mean Chen Sui, our Maintenance Manager?”

“That’s my husband.”

“What a God-send. Can you call him and ask him to get me some clothes?” When he saw the surprised look on Zhao Di’s face, he immediately assured her, “No, no, not from my house. Just go to shop for fresh ones to avoid suspicion. I’ll give you a list in a moment. He simply goes to Mrs. Li of H.R. who’ll give him some money. Bring the stuff back here this evening because I’ll need them tomorrow. All top secret, understand?” Xiang Zhe gave Zhao Di a grateful smile, then as an afterthought, he murmured “Thank you very much” before he went off to make a list of the clothes he would need in Chonan to blend in nicely with the locals.

Later that evening, after all the wedding guests had left, the part-time helpers rushed about busy cleaning up the place. After they left, Shan Mei went about in the kitchen trying to put together some dinner. She put together a presentable meal which Auntie Pei delivered to the newly-weds in the Honeymoon suite.

Soon, Xiang Zhe ambled in. One look at the kitchen table, he began sulking. He had seen the dishes that Shan Mei had put on the table. “I’ve behaved well all afternoon, cooped myself in my suite and that is all you’re giving me for dinner?”

“Actually, that’s not all. There’s something else. After dinner, make yourself useful. Here’s a list of names and suite numbers. The name tags are in a clear plastic bag on the desk in my office. There is space on each room door for a name tag. Assign the rooms according to the names. I’m too tired to do anything more for tonight.” And with that, she pressed the list into his hand.

Immediately after dinner, she disappeared to her private quarters through a door at the rear of the kitchen.

Later that evening, Xiang Zhe came to a halt in front of the door that opened into Shan Mei’s private living quarters. He paused, gathering his courage, then pressed a finger to the door bell.

It seemed to take forever before he heard Shan Mei’s footsteps on the terrazzo floor on the other side of the door. Shan Mei slowly opened the door and peered out through the crack. Her hair was wrapped up in a white towel, turban style. He had interrupted her while she was washing her hair, Xiang Zhe realised.

“Is something wrong?” she asked politely and guardedly.

“I would like to clarify the sleeping arrangements,” Xiang Zhe said with great care.

Shan Mei’s brows snapped together in a frown of concern. “Is there a problem with one of the room assignments?”

“Yes,” Xiang Zhe said evenly. “Mine.”

Shan Mei’s fingers clenched abruptly around the edge of the door. “Yours?”

“I was just wondering where I’m supposed to sleep tonight?”

Shan Mei stared at him. “Didn’t the part-time housekeeping staff tell you before they left? I thought I told them to pack your things and put them in the servants’ quarters.”

Xiang Zhe, a finger pointing in the direction of the East wing, let off an impatient breath of air and he asked, “But the guest rooms, even though all assigned, are empty. Your guests will not be arriving until tomorrow. Why can’t I spend the night on a perfectly comfortable bed instead of the narrow cots in the servants’ quarters?”

“Director Yin, Yongsan’s people will be arriving tomorrow but no definite time has been given. It may be early in the morning. The part-time students helping with housekeeping won’t be here tomorrow, so there will be no one to change the sheets and make up the room after you spend the night in one of the assigned rooms. I was only thinking of your comfort by moving you to the servants’ quarters. You can sleep in as late as you like, then take your meal in the kitchen – the servants’ kitchen – and after that pack and be ready to leave with my Pa when my parents arrive at noon. Remember, you are not allowed to show your face in the front section of Joseon House.”

“Jeez – you’re sounding like one of those vengeful women with an axe to grind. I can’t believe it of you – making me sleep with the servants.”

“I too can’t believe it of you – you must have a perfectly nice place of your own with a comfortable bed. Why do you want to slog it out here? Your car is very conveniently parked in my back garage. You can leave anytime – no one will notice. If you are afraid of the newshounds waiting around your place, go to your father’s or your brother’s. Goodnight.”

Before Shan Mei could slam her door shut, Xiang Zhe wedged the toe of his shoe into the narrow opening between the door and its frame. “I understand. So you need the whole place for Yongsan, fine, I’ll then take one of the rooms in the Wedding Wing.”

“No, no, no. Please don’t disturb anything in any of the West Wing Rooms. The couple who booked our place for their wedding for the following Sunday will be here early tomorrow morning to inspect the rooms. Mr. Koo from Vinoflora will be coming with them because he wanted to show them how he plans to display the floral arrangement for the entire set-up.”

By this time, Xiang Zhe was raging and trying his best to tamp down his temper. He was tired and a headache was threatening to split his head into fragments. “In that case, I’ll make myself comfortable in your private quarters. I suppose you have more than one bedroom in your private quarters.”

“I don’t believe this! Not satisfied with making Liu Yong Xi headline news, now in the space of just 2 days, you want to compromise my position and my reputation by saying you want to spend the night in my private apartment when you know well enough that I live by myself. I believe you are purposely setting out to irritate me. I thought you were more of a gentleman than that, Director Yin.”

“So I see – all this play is to make me leave tonight. Okay, Miss Zhen, I’ll play along. I’m a very patient man. I’m sure Uncle Zhen, when he hears of the unreasonable way you have treated me, will make me feel doubly welcome in Chonan and pamper me no end.”

Shan Mei didn’t deign to answer him. What, after all, would be the point?

Shaking his head with weary patience and shoulders drooping with accepted resignation, Xiang Zhe walked off, not believing what she was doing to him. Sully her reputation? – that would be something he would never do to his dear Shan Mei.

Chapter 8

Very early the next morning, the whole place was already humming with activity when Xiang Zhe walked into the kitchen and immediately came to a halt. That videographer guy whom he had seen but was never introduced to, was sitting at the table having breakfast. It was only 6 a.m. in the morning. The guy must have spent the night here at Joseon House with Shan Mei.

Xiang Zhe was suddenly gripped with an intense feeling of jealousy, heart raging and in turmoil, not knowing how to keep this sudden irate attack under control. He paused, counted silently to 10, then took a deep breath – fighting for a semblance of some sort – as he greeted Shan Mei and the man in as calm a voice as he could muster, “Good morning, Shan Mei. I see you already have an early visitor. Is there any breakfast for me?”

The videographer friend immediately got up from his seat and pulled out a chair at the table for the Director. Then smilingly he introduced himself. “Good morning, Director Yin. I am Kim Youzhen. It’s a luxury for me to stay in bed later than 5. This morning was an exception – I managed to lie in till 5.30 a.m.” Youzhen then turned to Shan Mei and said, “That mattress you have bought for the bed is fantastic. I slept like a babe as soon as I hit the sack though it was all new to me. Remember to let me have the brand name of the mattress so I can buy the same one when I want to change the furniture in my place later this year.”

So he was right, Xiang Zhe thought to himself. That man spent the night here last night. Since he knew Shan Mei wouldn’t want any of the guest suites disturbed, the man must have spent the night in her private quarters, while he was left stewing in the servants’ quarters. Luckily, he wasn’t that stupid. This morning, he had snuck into the guest suite furthest away from Shan Mei’s private quarters and used the bathroom facilities – especially enjoying a long, luxurious warm soak in the large tub. And, thanks to Shan Mei, he had also become good friends with the two Daejeon natives, Uncle and Auntie Pei, whom she had retained at Joseon House to help her with the daily chores. Auntie Pei had encouraged him to use the bathroom and had promised to clean up after him so Shan Mei wouldn’t suspect a thing. Ha! At least he had 2 friends on his side in Joseon House.

To Youzhen now sitting at the kitchen table, Xiang Zhe offered his most charming smile, and then said silkily but his glance was like a barbed sword as he turned to Youzhen. “Lucky you, getting a good mattress. The best I could manage last night was getting to sleep in a narrow cot in the servants’ quarters. And I was also told to have my breakfast in the servants’ kitchen. Auntie Pei wouldn’t hear of it and sent me here.”

Youzhen, trying hard to hold down a chuckle, looked at Shan Mei aghast. “Hey, you imp, you didn’t, did you? How could you do that to Director Yin? I know you are expecting some VIPs today. At least, you could offer one of the rooms in the West Wing to the Director. Shame on you, Zhen Shan Mei! Wait till I tell you-know-who about this.”

Then to Xiang Zhe, Youzhen continued, “Ignore her. Come on, sit down here next to me, you are to share breakfast with us. In fact, Minnie made this especially for us.”

Xiang Zhe quickly took the seat that Youzhen had offered and before he could ask who Minnie was when a young woman walked through the door of Shan Mei’s private apartments and appeared in the kitchen.

“Good morning, everybody,” she greeted cheerfully.

“Come here,” Youzhen ordered Minnie in a loving way. “Minnie, this is Director Yin.”

To Xiang Zhe, Youzhen introduced, “Director Yin, please meet my fiancée, Minnie.”

At once, Xiang Zhe relaxed – so Youzhen was not a love rival, after all. His usual robust appetite came rushing back. He was famished and began helping himself to the delicious food on the table. “Hmm, this sure tastes good. Thank you Miss Minnie.”

When Shan Mei came to the table, she noticed a sneaky smirk on Xiang Zhe’s face as he helped himself to more portions of the food. She wondered how the man could eat so much.

“Sister Shan Mei,” began Minnie, “what do you actually want me to do when the Ryu couple comes later this morning?”

“Mr. Koo, their florist will be with the couple. You’re to show them around the honeymoon suite, one of the guest suites, and discuss with them the menu that I have suggested. The folder is on the table in the main banquet room. I have already set out the table as sample. Do not worry about floral arrangements – they will work that out with the florist directly. Just make notes on whatever addition they want. And please don’t be nervous. Mr. Koo will remind you in case you miss out on any items. He’s very familiar with our wedding packages. Once you have the final list, you can tell Mr. Ryu that I’ll email to them a new quotation for the additional requirements, if any are required.”

Shan Mei then turned toward Youzhen and looking rather annoyed at him for pandering to Xiang Zhe, she said, “You simply work out with the Ryu couple what they want and quote them directly. If you have samples of any CDs, you know where the audio visual equipment is. Did you remember to bring your photo album with samples to show them? The complete file for the Ryu wedding planning is on my desk in the office. By the way, someone will be here in a van from the retirement centre to pick up the senior couple who got married yesterday to send them to the Express Bus Terminal. Can you take a photo of them before they leave? I think the van will be here around 8.”

Youzhen gave a gentle nod of his head. He could read Shan Mei’s mood very well. She was definitely NOT in a playful mood. He gave Minnie a slight pinch on her thigh under the table. She got the message. After all, she and Shan Mei attended the same junior and high school in Chonan; she was 2 classes lower than Shan Mei. She too could read her mood very well. They both finished their breakfast and quickly left the table together, with the excuse that they wanted to make sure everything was ready for the Ryu couple who was supposed to arrive at Joseon House at 8 a.m.

When only Shan Mei and he were left in the kitchen, Xiang Zhe quietly asked, “Who is Kim Youzhen? He seems to be very close to you.”

Shan Mei paused as she was about to take a sip of her coffee. She put down the mug and slanted Xiang Zhe a long glassy look. “He’s my brother.”

“Brother? But he’s a Kim.”

Shan Mei swallowed hard, moistening her lips, whenever she was confronted by that same question as soon as Youzhen was introduced as her brother.

Xiang Zhe could tell her lips had begun trembling and her eyes were getting watery. He at once regretted his inquisitiveness. He gave her cheek a gentle caress, and then very softly told her, “Tell me another time. I can see how deeply you are being affected. It must be something tragic.”

Shan Mei simply nodded in agreement. “Thank you. Today is going to be a very busy and important day for me. I must not foul up. In fact, I must put on an impressionable show for the entire week.”

On hearing this, Xiang Zhe got rankled and couldn’t help asking harshly, “Why is it so important to impress the Yongs?”

“Mr. Yong told me his father, the Chairman of the Yongsan group, had heard a bit about our new operation, and he would consider giving Joseon House a 12-month contract as the venue to hold their incentive sales seminars, if he was happy with the place and our service.”

“That’s just a ruse. I’m sure the old goat is only here to give you the look-over. Yong must have conveniently forgotten to mention to you that his father has been putting the pressure on him to marry a good, old-fashioned girl.”

“And, may I ask, Mr. Director, how Joseon House is going to fit that bill?”

“Joseon House may not, but you, my dear Miss Zhen, are the perfect fit. Do your best to make a good impression for business’s sake only, nothing else. Remember, I saw you first.”

“As long as you keep out of the way and don’t bring any more scandals my way, I will be able to concentrate well on my job. I’m only worried Miss Liu may come here looking for you.”

“She wouldn’t dare show her face publicly in Seoul for at least a few months, after the fiasco she created all on her own. This is what happens when someone cuts off her nose to spite her face. Ha, I want to see what kind of other mischief she has up her sleeves now, since my father gave her father a real ticking-down.”

Shan Mei didn’t want to dwell further on other non-relevant issues at this point. She had to clear up the kitchen table and get herself ready to receive the first guest from Yongsan, and also the Ryu couple. She shooed Xiang Zhe out of the way and told him to keep to his own quarters until her parents arrived.

“You mean I’m confined to the servants’ quarters or the kitchen. How very mean-hearted!”

Liu Yong Xi, when she was at the airport checking in at an airline counter for a flight to Los Angeles, some news reporters normally stationed at the airport, espied her and immediately besieged her with questions.

“Miss Liu, going off somewhere?”

“Yes. As if you haven’t noticed by the information board displayed that the flight I just checked in to will be flying to Los Angeles.”

“Has Mr. Yin given you a holiday to put you back into better mood?”

Being reminded of Xiang Zhe brought to Yong Xi’s mind the way he had put her down in front of her colleagues a week ago, especially the part chastising her for treating that insipid event coordinator like a maid. She became more incensed when she remembered how Xiang Zhe defended that Zhen Shan Mei. Sure, she had treated her like a maid, so what – she was after all a nobody – and now trying to act high and mighty simply because she ran Joseon House. Yong Xi thought she would play a little bit of mischief, to get back at Xiang Zhe.

“Don’t mention that rake’s name. I’ve left 3A and I’d say I’m rather relieved. I never liked attending the company’s conferences at that Joseon House anyway. The place doesn’t have good vibes. Nothing has gone right for me since we moved the conference venue from 3A office to that horrid old place. I’m sure the other branch managers feel the same although they would be too polite to mention it.”

“No good vibes about Joseon House? What is that supposed to mean?”

“I think the place is just plain creepy. Worst place to hold a wedding, I’d say. Anyway, boys, I’m in a hurry. Talk to you when I get back.”

When Zhao Di showed her the news article a few days later, Shan Mei was flabbergasted. Why did Liu Yong Xi say something like that? After all, it was Director Yin, and not her, who had upset her.

Several worried frowns appeared on her unlined forehead. Would business be affected? She had on her books reservations for 6 weddings during the coming 2 months and she had been busy coming up with various themes accordingly for the soon-to-be-married couples. Would these couples cancel? At this stage, there was nothing much she could do. She would have to wait and see.

Later that day, Mr. Koo from Vinoflora did drop by to see her. Shan Mei guessed it was on account of Liu Yong Xi’s article in the newspaper, too. She invited Mr. Koo to stay for a simple lunch.

“Shan Mei,” Mr. Koo began hesitantly, “has anyone canceled any functions with Joseon House?”

“Not today? Is something bothering you? I’d like to know from you, rather than from someone else.”

“Well, you know we like your place very much and have highly recommended it as the perfect venue for small weddings to our clients wanting flower arrangements from us. This morning, we have received several calls from our clients asking whether it was still okay to hold their weddings at Joseon House. I’ve personally advised them not to take any notice of what Miss Liu had said in the press. In fact, I’m rather annoyed with her for talking so irresponsibly like this.”

“Mr. Koo, I’m quite surprised myself. The engaged couples have been here several times looking over the place and they have been very pleased and happy with the arrangements. If they want to cancel their reservation, there is nothing I can do, but I give them more brains than being easily swayed by unfounded talk by a woman who had been refused marriage here. If they had been following the news reports in the papers, they would know it was simply the reaction of a woman spurned. She could strike out at Director Yin, fine, but why use me as the flogged horse.”

Koo smiled gently at Shan Mei’s understanding and sincerely assured her, “You don’t have to worry. I like what you have done to the place and will continue to recommend it to our clients if they want to hold functions within a certain size. They’ll never be able to find a better place.”

“Thank you Mr. Koo for being so kind and helpful.”

“Have you heard from Director Yin after his father’s interview appeared in Yonhap yesterday? I didn’t realize he was courting anyone?”

“No, not since the day of the fiasco. Anyway, I too was quite surprised by what Yin Senior revealed in his interview. This should clarify things in the readers’ minds that Director Yin was not the rake that Miss Liu made him out to be. Didn’t Yin Senior say very clearly that the first marriage proposal from the Liu family was rejected outright? A few years later when Mr. Liu suggested maybe Director Yin’s younger brother would consider the proposal, he too refused and quickly married a girl he met at university in America? The Liu family knew very well after that there was no way for the two families to merge.”

“Any idea who the girl might be? Yin Senior said Director Yin had known the girl for almost 4 years. That’s quite a long while. According to him, they had submitted a proposal of marriage to the girl’s father who still had not given a definite answer. But there is an understanding, I think. Strange I haven’t seen Director Yin coming into Vinoflora with any girl, and he has never ordered flowers to be sent to anyone special either. You work in his office, haven’t you noticed anything?”

“Koo, I was only the Event Coordinator, what was I supposed to know. The mysterious lady may not even live in Seoul, for all we know. Anyway, I am not too concerned with the going-ons of the Yin and Liu families. My job is to ensure the 3A branch managers’ conferences are carried out without a glitch whether Director Yin is here or not.”

As Shan Mei bustled around the kitchen counter getting more beef soup from the pot, she changed the subject and suggested to Koo, “After lunch, maybe you can go look at our main courtyard and let me know what flowering plants I should have planted to ensure blossoms all year round?”

Koo seemed pleased. He had wanted to recommend the plants that would further enhance the environment of the large central courtyard but he did not offer any advice, thinking Shan Mei’s helpers would have long given her tips on what to plant. “Shan Mei, there’s no need to plant them. I know of a very reliable nursery nearby that will do plant rotation all year round so you have the best blooms, even in winter. It’s more cost efficient this way than maintaining a full time gardener and gardening tools and fertilizers.”

Ever since he knew that Yongsan had booked out the entire Joseon House for a week, Xiang Zhe couldn’t sleep most nights wondering what kind of no-good tricks that rake Yong Bok Hwa would get up to. Chairman Yong would surely be charmed by Shan Mei, he had no doubt. Maybe, they were now discussing wedding plans between that rake and Shan Mei. So far, he knew Uncle Zhen had not received any marriage proposal from the Yongs. Even if he did, he would refuse, unless Shan Mei herself agreed to marry Yong. Xiang Zhe knew he couldn’t delay anymore. He had to step up faster his plans to get Shan Mei to accept him. That girl could be quite difficult at times. She was quick when it came to work, but when it concerned matters of the heart, she was thick. Many times he was frustrated with her when she didn’t take his hints. What was wrong with this Shan Mei – not normal at all!, he lamented. Other girls were just the opposite – slow when it came to work but quick and sly like a fox when it came to trapping their men. Disgusted with himself for mooning about like some love-sick pup, Xiang Zhe mustered all his courage and reached for the phone. When someone answered, he swallowed. “Shan Mei, it’s me.”

There was silence for several seconds. Xiang Zhe had trouble breathing. “Shan Mei?”

There was such utter silence on the other end that he feared she’d hung up.

“Stay with me,” he begged. “Please don’t hang up. I’ve wanted to call you for such a long time. Still she said nothing. His heart thundered. “Shan Mei?”

“Yes?” she whispered, finally. “What do you want?”

“How are things going at Joseon House? I hope no one has cancelled any bookings? I’m truly sorry for the adverse publicity the media hype has brought to your place.”

“Nothing to worry about – in fact we are getting more business than we can handle, thanks to the good word passed around the corporations by 3A’s provincial managers. Vinoflora have been very helpful too, sending much business our way. In fact, we have never seen so many bookings for birthday and anniversary parties for the coming few months. And Chairman Yong’s recent press interview in Chosun Daily has generated many corporate enquiries. I have never seen so many top corporate directors walking in and out of Joseon House, looking the place over and wanting to book weekend retreats. Only problem is we don’t have so many weekends free.”

“I want to apologise for that time before you sent me packing off. Can I come and see you, one of these evenings?”

“No, you can’t because I am very busy most evenings. Got to go.” Without another word, Shan Mei hung up the phone, wondering where he called up from because according to the branch managers, he was out of Seoul.

Yin Xiang Zhe emerged from the Customs check point at the airport with an attractive Japanese lady by his side. Several Japanese assistants followed closely behind with trolley-loads of luggage. The barrage of reporters and their photographers, waiting impatiently in the Arrival Hall, approached them for photographs and questions, although four security officers from 3A who were waiting at the airport for their Director’s arrival tried to keep the over-zealous photographers from getting too close. Many eagle-eyed photographers noticed the big diamond ring on the lady’s engagement finger and they were speculating whether this was the lady Yin Senior had talked about. They began snapping away at the lady’s left hand, trying most hard to get near for a close-up of the left ring finger.

Xiang Zhe put up a hand and in a friendly tone advised the media present that if they wanted photographs and answers, they were invited to Joseon House that same afternoon at 3 for a press conference. With that, he cordially asked for privacy and carefully escorted his attractive companion out of the airport arrival hall and into a waiting limousine.

Needless to say, the paparazzi converged on Joseon House like hungry vultures ready for a kill because the Liu Yong Xi diabolical almost 4 weeks ago was still very much gossip fodder for the popular tabloids. Columnists had been doing their independent best trying to ferret out as many juicy bits on the private life of Yin Xiang Zhe as possible since a major part of his life was still shrouded in mystery and they had managed to find out nothing except his net worth, the vast property portfolio under his control and a couple of other companies, not 3A, where he was the registered director.

Most salivating of all would be what role – as all newshounds wanted to find out – the attractive, mysterious Japanese lady would play in Yin Xiang Zhe’s future plans and, more importantly, who she was – his fiancée maybe, seeing the diamond ring on her engagement finger? The local media was aware that Yin Xiang Zhe was involved with business ventures in Japan and had been visiting Japan for several years on a regular basis. This spurred wild speculation that the Japanese lady in question appeared in all likelihood to be his betrothed, seeing how protective he was of her when he shielded her from encroaching photographers earlier this morning at the airport.

Fear meshed with actuality when Xiang Zhe left Miss Yukiko Muranta in the meeting room confidently fielding questions, in very fluent Korean and English, from the press as he moved toward the kitchen where Shan Mei was busy arranging more food on fresh platters.

Oh no, not now please! Shan Mei prayed. The last time she’d talked to Xiang Zhe, she’d hung up on him and he’d been none too happy about it. It would be her luck for him to use the situation for meting out some public punishment. Shan Mei had no intention of giving him the chance. She executed a fast 180 degree turn in the other direction, but Xiang Zhe was speedier, catching up with her before she could go duck behind the door and hide in her private quarters on the pretext of getting refreshed which wouldn’t be too far from the truth, seeing the fluster she was thrown into when almost 80 press people turned up at Joseon House when she was originally told to expect 30 reps from the press.

“Zhao Di told me you’d be here. I figured coming inside here when every one is busy outside would force you to talk to me.”

“Zhao Di’s got a big mouth. I may have to resort to murder to silence her.”

“No way. I thank my guardian angel for Zhao Di and her big mouth,” Xiang Zhe answered, grabbing Shan Mei’s hand. “Come, let’s take a quiet walk in the garden.”

“You know I can’t.”

“Can’t walk or won’t walk?” His eyes glimmered. “It’s only for a short while. We need to talk. I have so much to tell you.”

“Quit being obtuse and a pest. If I go for a quiet walk with you, believe me, people WILL notice; you’re still gossip fodder.”

“Who cares?”

“The press and I do, especially when your fiancée is sitting out there and must be wondering where her ‘intended’ has gone to. I’m not going to feed to gossip mongers, especially, since I used to work for you. I don’t want people to think wrongly.”

“Yuki is going to be the new manager of 3A’s Seodaemun branch office while the current Seodaemun branch manager will be transferred to manage the Daehwa branch office. Didn’t you hear me make the announcement? She’s not my fiancée as so many news reporters seemed to have assumed. Well, then you’d better take that stroll with me…otherwise I’m likely to do something guaranteed to ignite the crowd.”

“Like what?”

“Like kissing you….the way I’ve been thinking what kissing you would be like all this time away from you.” His hand slid up her arm. “In fact, I think I’d rather do that than take a stroll.”

Shan Mei lifted a hand to signal ‘stop’. “Okay, you win. Let’s just sit down in a quiet corner and have some coffee, if you stop talking nonsense. I can afford only a brief 5-minute’s break, that’s all.”

“What are you doing when this thing is over?” he asked when Shan Mei had finished pouring out the coffee.

“I doubt I’ll be finished before midnight.”

He raised a skeptical eyebrow.

“In this kind of weather, cleaning up takes a long while,” she said defensively. “We’ll have to dismantle the tables we have set up outside for the news reporters, pack away….”

She was a soft, gentle woman. She shouldn’t have to work so hard. But he supposed it was the choice she’d made for herself. In her present mood, he was afraid to ask her to leave all the hard work to him, but he could suggest.

“I’ll wait. I’ll even roll up my sleeves and help.”

“That’s not necessary. Besides, you have to take Miss Yukiko Muranta home.”

“I can come back.”

“No thanks. Despite what you just told me, I get the impression Miss Yukiko Muranta is important to you. I suggest you give her more of your attention instead of trying to spread it around like butter.”

When the 5-minutes were up, Shan Mei slanted Xiang Zhe an apologetic look, collected the soiled cups and scooted away to the servants’ kitchen, successfully avoiding privacy because many of the helpers were in the kitchen doing the washing up.

Persistent as ever, Xiang Zhe followed her into the kitchen, and ignored the many curious eyes watching him. “Yuki is important,” he agreed good-naturedly. “But she’ll understand. She won’t mind if I return here.”

Shan Mei took him aside to a quiet nook, her fists clenched at her sides. “I mind. Maybe this is how life is with your set, but I’m not so blasé, so Movie Star world. Leave me alone, Director Yin Xiang Zhe.”

“That’s one thing I can’t do,” he whispered softly into her ear, and then ambled off, without a backward glance.

Later that evening after dropping Yuki off at her apartment, Xiang Zhe was feeling depressed when he cruised around the city with no place he particularly wanted to go to, so he eventually drove himself home. He had wanted very badly to return to Joseon House but Shan Mei had not only given him the snub again but went out of her way to avoid him since their brief coffee break. And there wasn’t much he could do about it because the press was all over the place.

He walked into his apartment which seemed quiet, dark and cold. The place had never seemed so cold. He switched on some low lights and checked the thermostat – it appeared alright – but he still frowned and nudged the setting up a few degrees.

He knew it was not the apartment that was cold, it was him. He had been on his own for so long that he rarely thought twice about coming home to an empty place. Now, since returning from Joseon House, though, he felt lonely. He changed into some comfy clothes and poured him a glass of wine. He would have thought that after being with so many people the whole of that day, he would welcome the solitude. But being with Shan Mei wasn’t like being with ‘other people.’ She was easy and, aside from the occasional ranting, totally agreeable. She was fun, smart, caring. And she was certainly brave – brave enough to face the world and brave enough to go against his wishes, sometimes.

Chapter 9

“Joonmin Property Management Company Limited?” Zhao Di was setting up the breakfast buffet one Monday while Shan Mei filled the electric coffee urn with water. “Never heard of them.”

“Me neither. But after thumbing through this directory from the Chamber of Commerce, I realized there must be thousands of businesses in Seoul we’ve never heard of. All of them are potential clients.” She plugged in the coffee maker and went to pour the orange juice.

Tables were lined up according to Joonmin’s specifications, flip charts in place and an overhead project at the ready when members of the new group filtered in. In need of more assistance today, Shan Mei had 2 extra part-time college students, on top of her normal 4 answering the door and handing out packets.

Shan Mei was placing little sushi rolls on the buffet table when she felt a tap on the shoulder. She glanced up and saw it was Joonmin’s Sales Director, Mr. Woo. Removing her working gloves, Shan Mei turned to greet him.

“Miss Zhen, have you met our CEO?”

Shan Mei looked at the gentleman behind Mr. Woo and became too flabbergasted to immediately speak. She stood numbly as Sales Director Woo introduced her to their CEO, Director Yin Xiang Zhe.

“Director Yin,” Shan Mei managed, keeping her acknowledgement detached, purposefully setting the tone for any subsequent encounters between them. Xiang Zhe was more devious than she’d given him credit for, catching her off guard like this. “Welcome again to Joseon House. Let me know if there’s anything we can do for you and please tell everyone to help themselves.” She gestured toward the food, then swiftly moved from the table into the kitchen, hoping she could suppress the overwhelming urge to cry. The shock of seeing Xiang Zhe again was too much to bear.

He followed after her. “Shan Mei……”

“I’m sorry but I’m extremely busy right now.” She took a tray from under the counter and filled it with glasses of juice.

“But you asked whether there was anything you could do for me. I can think of a number of things……” He ran a hand down her arm, distracting Shan Mei further and causing her to tip a glass over.

“Look what you’ve made me do,” she fussed, grabbing a cloth to mop up the sticky mess.

“If you’d only listen…..”

Xiang Zhe was interrupted by the approach of one of his division managers seeking advice on a scheduling mix-up and, in the process, earning Shan Mei’s gratitude.

She needed a chance to adjust to Xiang Zhe being here. Her relief was doubled when the two men wandered out of the kitchen and into the roomy annex where the meeting was to take place.

If she’d known of Xiang Zhe’s association with this company, Shan Mei would not have accepted the business. To knowingly put herself in Xiang Zhe’s presence for two days would be akin to self destruction. Her nerves would begin to fray if he was constantly underfoot.

Nevertheless, she was thrilled to see him, because she had missed him after she last snubbed him, yet also determined that Xiang Zhe would not discover just how thrilled – he wasn’t going to get a scrap of her attention during these meetings.

Xiang Zhe had attempted to speak with Shan Mei all morning and she’d rebuffed every overture. She might TRY to ignore him, but Xiang Zhe had no intention of allowing the snubs to continue.

“The pencils need sharpening.” It was midmorning and Xiang Zhe had tracked Shan Mei to her office. He stood at her elbow, his breath warm in her ear, his hand clutching a box of new pencils.

“What?”

“A hearing disorder, Miss Zhen? I said the pencils need sharpening. It’s not complicated. You find a sharpener, insert them in and voila! They’re much more useful with points,” he teased as his eyes glinted devilishly.

“I’ll get you a new box of pencils from our stores, Director Yin.”

Xiang Zhe could tell she was speaking through clenched teeth and the rosy colour of her cheeks said she wasn’t as indifferent to his attentions as she’d been trying to pretend. By now, Xiang Zhe knew Shan Mei like a book ….. that revealing blush he was glimpsing, her quick temper when she felt wronged, the protective barrier she threw up each time he came near. He was going to use that temper of hers to his advantage by poking and prodding until it sizzled.

He almost felt guilty over his next words. Almost, but not quite. “Before you get the pencils, would you check on the coffee? It’s so weak a baby could drink it. Trying to cut corners on expenses?” That had to get to her. Shan Mei’s coffee was perfect……she probably made the best coffee in the whole of Seoul.

As he’d expected, Shan Mei snapped at the bait. “Do you enjoy pestering me?” she hissed, tamping down her voice as she glared at him. “What’s going to be your next complaint…..that the orange juice is too pulpy?”

Xiang Zhe grinned. “Nope, the orange juice is fine. The only problem is the coffee. Oh, and the pencils, of course.”

“If you knew what’s good for you, you’d be glad the pencils are dull. A sane man would avoid equipping me with anything sharp right now.” Thankfully, they were alone with no witnesses in hearing distance. Shan Mei heaved a sigh. She couldn’t continue to vent her frustrations like this…. Not in a business environment.

However, once he’d provoked that reaction, Xiang Zhe let up. He’d gotten what he wanted; he didn’t want Shan Mei furious. He was tired of being slighted. At the noon recess, he’d apologise and invite her to dinner. Then maybe they could pick up from where they left off. They used to work so well together.

“Dinner? You have the nerve to ask me to waste another hour with you when I’ve spent the morning making enough trips between the kitchen and conference hall to wear a path on the flooring? No way.”

Xiang Zhe thought [Okay, little Miss. Apparently the morning didn’t do it. If you think I’ve been obnoxious so far, just wait and see what else I can dish out.]

Xiang Zhe glanced gleefully at the dining table with its sparkling crystal, china and silver, all readied for an elegant sit-down meal as Shan Mei announced, “Please be seated and we’ll serve lunch.”

“Hold on, gang,” Xiang Zhe broke in, “we’re running way behind.” He turned to Shan Mei. “Would you mind serving us while we work?”

She minded, just as Xiang Zhe knew she would. The flame in those dark eyes said Shan Mei would like to dump the meal over his head. Xiang Zhe realized he wouldn’t care. It might be messy, but at least it would alleviate the tension between them. Then he could kiss her silly and ……[Better not think about kissing her anymore if I want to make it through the rest of this meeting.]

As the part-time staff served the lunch, she stewed in the kitchen. Shan Mei concluded that Xiang Zhe hadn’t spent a single moment doing whatever a CEO was supposed to do at these events. He’d been too busy inventing ways of getting under her skin to have accomplished any real work. Replacing another of her prized Royal Wedgwood Rose china plates back into the cabinet in the pantry, Shan Mei said a blessing that she’d controlled the impulse to sail one at Xiang Zhe’s head.

There was no way she could endure more of his aggravation today. She wasn’t one of those minions who had to bow and scrape to the big boss. Let him abuse them for a while. That settled, she asked Zhao Di to take charge, then escaped to the back garden to her private annex and sanctuary.

“He’s gone,” Zhao Di assured her a few hours later when she found Shan Mei tidying a linen cupboard.

As she thought about Xiang Zhe’s behaviour, the harassment, his demands, she slowly began to comprehend that he was yanking her chain just as he’d done the same with just about everyone. And she, twice the fool, was yanking back, causing grief only to herself. Well, it was time to even the score. Tomorrow’s round would belong to her.

For Tuesday’s session, Shan Mei tripled the amount of coffee grounds so that the final brew resembled India ink.

When she saw Xiang Zhe walking towards the coffee urn, Shan Mei waited patiently for him to press the spigot and take a sip. YES ! she congratulated, as the movement of his throat gave evidence of his struggle to fight back a grimace. When his eyes caught hers across the room, Shan Mei feigned the most innocent of expressions. He boldly took another swallow, then saluted her with the cup.

Shan Mei had planned a simple lunch pasta salad, finger sandwiches and sushi rolls; a menu that would travel just fine no matter where Xiang Zhe chose to eat, even in the garden at the side of Joseon House.

However, her spirit was deflated when the group began trooping out the front door toward the Joonmin vans – on their way, according to Xiang Zhe, to a nearby restaurant. She hadn’t bested him at all. He was just biding his time before letting go with today’s zinger.

“A treat for my staff,” he proclaimed proudly. “We’ve gotten so much done I decided they deserved a reward.”

“If you were planning this, why didn’t you tell me sooner and save us the work and the washing up?”

“Perhaps I should have.” His regret was unconvincing. “Let me make it up to you; why don’t you and Zhao Di come along?”

“Can’t. I’ll be too busy packing away the leftover food and delivering it to some shelter. But I’m sure Zhao Di would like to go.”

“Your choice,” he said. “See you at two.”

The more she reflected on Xiang Zhe’s antics, the more she realized what they really signaled. He meant no harm, just the opposite. Only a man who cared a lot would go to so much effort to penetrate a woman’s indifference. Surrounded by the packages of left-over food, Shan Mei suddenly broke into laughter, it was time to wave the white flag and admit that Xiang Zhe had won.

“Thank you for everything. It was wonderful. We’ll be using your facilities again.” The words echoed repeatedly as Joonmin’s managers filed out late that afternoon.

Shan Mei shook hands and smiled as she stood in the foyer, bidding goodbye to the participants and telling each how much she enjoyed serving as hostess, feeling the fraud as she uttered the inanities. It had been a traumatic two days, at best.

Xiang Zhe wasn’t one of those departing and when Shan Mei returned to the kitchen, he was there, leaning against the counter and chatting with Zhao Di.

“He’s all yours,” Zhao Di said, taking off her apron and handing it to Shan Mei. “See you in the morning.” Taking 6 of the boxes of packed food with her, she was out of the door.

“I’m all yours,” Xiang Zhe echoed, his mouth curved in a crooked smile.

“Seems that way.” Shan Mei hung Zhao Di’s apron on the peg, waiting to see what he’d do next.

“You’ve had a long day. Why don’t I take you out to dinner?”

Shan Mei eyed him skeptically. “What makes you think I’d consider going anywhere with you after the way you’ve picked on me?”

Showing no contrition, Xiang Zhe replied, “That’s your fault for ignoring me. I only did what was necessary to get noticed. So now you can even the score at dinner. I’ll be a sitting duck for you all through the meal. Come on, join me. Any place you say.”

The twinge of pleasure for revenge that rippled through her couldn’t be denied. While she now recognized Xiang Zhe’s heckling for what it was, his confession helped eradicate any remaining hostility.

“You showed off like a schoolboy making faces at the teacher.”

“I wasn’t feeling at all like a little boy,” he drawled provocatively.

“I could hardly do my job for trying to keep ahead of your pranks. It was diabolical of you to get so much pleasure out of them.”

“Guilty as charged.” He hung his head, rolling those bewitching eyes up to meet hers. “If you’ll forgive me and accept my invitation, I promise I’ll reform and be good,” he said.

“Then you’re admitting you’ve been bad.”

Xiang Zhe smiled; the sort of smile that always tore down her defenses.

But she wasn’t going to cave in before giving him one last dose of his own medicine. “I’m too tired for dinner tonight. Maybe another time when I’m in the mood.”

“You sure know how to pander to a guy’s ego.”

“Your ego doesn’t need pandering; it’s sufficiently inflated without any input from me. Go away, Director Yin.” She made a swatting motion, as though shooshing a pesky fly.

“NOW, please take note. You’re not welcome to visit Joseon House in any private capacity, unless you’re here during 3A conference or event days. And I mean it. Since you’ve been forewarned, please don’t feel slighted when I don’t open the entrance gate when you arrive at other times.”

Before she led the way to the door to send Xiang Zhe off, she put 4 boxes of the packed untouched food into a bag and handed the bag to him, telling him, “Here’s your TV dinner.”

“How about including 2 bottles of fresh milk for this naughty schoolboy?”

“Shan Mei, Shan Mei!”

Shan Mei looked up from the Master Consignment Note she was about to sign for receipt of a couriered letter and turned her head toward the direction of the voice which sounded very familiar.

Before she could let off a quiet hiss, Shan Mei’s heart pounded as Xiang Zhe approached from across the road and she was appalled when she saw him up close. Nothing about him suggested privilege, or power or confidence. He was dressed in a loose fitting round-neck tee-shirt and a pair of wrinkled denims and he looked tired and wan. Hollow. Even apprehensive.

She went back to finish signing the Master Consignment Note and returned it to the courier. It was not necessary for her to study the letter – she knew it was a confirmation from Professor Jimmy Ban, a graduate of Stanford University and an acknowledged guru on motivation. He had been holding his monthly motivational seminars in Joseon House for several months already. The letter would most probably contain his bank draft for full payment together with a list of the seminar participants so Shan Mei would have enough time to prepare the rooms, the food and the seminar equipment. Professor Ban was a stickler for perfection and he wanted everything just right.

“What are you doing here? Didn’t I tell you not to come, unless it’s on official business?”

“I’m here on official business. Our accountant wanted to know why 3A hasn’t received an invoice yet for the press meeting that was held at Joseon House for Yuki? The accountant needed it to finalise last month’s accounts. The other matter I want is something similar to Yongsan’s corporate retreat – highly confidential stuff.”

Shan Mei looked flustered and was temporarily stumped for an answer. Accountant Kim could have easily phoned and asked – no need to bother the Director of 3A.

“I have been very busy recently and I was just discussing with Zhao Di how we should invoice 3A. It was just use of the place for the press and catering of light snacks and drinks for 30, even though we finally ended up providing for 80. Seeing 3A is our regular client, we decided to bill only for the refreshments and food at cost. Zhao Di was in yesterday. She might have the invoice ready. Come in. Since you are having fun acting as errand boy, you may as well bring the invoice back to Accountant Kim, if I can find it.”

When Xiang Zhe was seated in her office, she went off to get him a cup of coffee.

After Xiang Zhe took a few sips of the coffee, she asked impishly, “This coffee tastes right – not too weak or too strong?”

“Perfect, as usual.”

After she found the invoice and its envelope lying in its pigeonhole mailing box, she handed it to Xiang Zhe. And then she began hesitantly, “Director Yin, I have to ask you something.”

His heart beat a little faster. Finally, he thought, she was interested. He was ready for a personal question, like whether he was seeing anyone, or whether he found her aggravating. He could answer these questions. Truly he could.

“I’m listening,” he said and giving her a soft smile. “Ask me whatever.”

“Did you give me the Joonmin business because you felt guilty for what Miss Liu told the press about Joseon House not being a suitable venue for weddings, meetings, etc.?”

“Is something wrong?”

“No, I just thought maybe because you felt sorry for me, seeing Joseon House was my first business venture and of course I had high hopes for it.”

“No,” he answered honestly. “I didn’t think that. And Shan Mei, I want you to know, I feel a lot of emotions for you, but ‘sorry’ is not one of them.”

“I just want you to know that I don’t need your business if that’s the way you feel – I mean about being sorry.” She sniffled, as if a cold was coming. “I’m sorry; it’s been rough these last couple of days. Maybe I’m doing too much.”

“I’m sorry too. I know I behaved like an idiot. But Joseon House is really the best deal in town for holding events.”

Shan Mei didn’t say anything to that. With a letter opener, she ran through the flap of Prof. Ban’s letter she had just received and pulled out its contents. Sure enough, there was Professor Ban’s bank draft and a list of names. A quick glance through the list showed 20 participants this time.

She put the papers to one side of her desk, looked up at Xiang Zhe and asked politely with her usual natural smile, “What is this other thing you mentioned about a corporate retreat?”

“Oh!” his mouth puckered into a little round O. “I almost forget. I’m expecting a small group of 6 extremely important Japanese guests on Tuesday. We’d need your cosy solarium ready on standy-by 24 hours for meetings during their stay, because during the day time, we’ll be visiting property sites, etc. I’d want them to stay the whole duration of their visit in Seoul at Joseon House in your guest suites. Only the best of everything to be provided – meals, drinks and service. Maybe, also make sure the grass on your putting range is mowed down as short as possible. I hope you haven’t got any other bookings for next week. This meeting is highly confidential. In fact, just name your price – I want to book out the whole place for one week beginning Tuesday. Free flowing supply of main-course- and finger-food available throughout the entire day, not to mention constant supply of green tea, Chinese black tea, whisky and sake.”

“Not so fast please, Director Yin. I’ll have to check our schedule first. I think we have a weekend booking for next week.” Shan Mei went to her computer and scrolling down the screen, she stopped at a couple of dates. “Just as I thought – there’s Jimmy Ban’s motivational seminar for 3 days and the week after, we have a workshop for a group from one of the new factories near Incheon and 3 other one-day seminars, 2 company anniversaries. Let me see …..” Shan Mei was talking to herself as she scrolled further down and then stopped.

“Yes, you’re in luck. A month from now. That weekend, we only have a Sunday wedding, the newly-weds will be spending Wedding eve and wedding night in our Honeymoon suite before flying off on Monday.” She looked up from her screen and asked Xiang Zhe, “Will that be convenient for you, Director Yin? I am sorry we can’t do better.”

“I’ll take that week – from Tuesday till the following Monday. Six visitors from Japan but I’ll need an extra room – I’ll be staying here and so will Miss Yuki Muranta.”

Shan Mei didn’t bat an eyelid when she heard that. She carried on typing some details, then turned back to Xiang Zhe and asked nonchalantly, “When can I have the guests’ names? Do you need me to arrange for a limo to pick up the VIPs? I presume you don’t want the newshounds based at the airport to see you with any of your VIPs and ask difficult questions.”

Xiang Zhe smiled, his mind easing off a bit because from the sound of her voice and the sweetness in her smile, he knew she was no longer angry with him. “I’ll let you have the names and flight details in a couple of days. I don’t think a limo is a good idea because these people want to travel together. Book a luxury coach that can seat 8 or 9 comfortably. And ask Koo to deliver at least two dozen bottles of the best champagne he has at Vinoflora. And yes, before I forget, Vinoflora to deliver daily fresh bouquets of Lily of The Valley for Miss Muranta during her week here.”

“Since you have so many companies under your control, where shall I invoice this?”

“To me personally. I don’t want you to lose out so bill me like you would any normal client for the flowers and the champagne. No need to get extra outside help. Just your two regular Daejeon helpers will be good enough. I really won’t feel comfortable with strangers weaving in and out of the place while our meetings are in progress.”

“You need me to bring in the sharpest Special Police Force too?”

Xiang Zhe looked at her and smiled, swiping a finger across her lips at the same time. “Think before you utter, you little imp !”

“You did say the business meeting was highly confidential. I don’t want you to blame me if some information managed to leak out. Do you also want me to sign a confidentiality clause?”

“For your ears only; I’m in the process of negotiating with this Japanese consortium to buy over my business. They represent high-profile Japanese interests and I want to keep the details ‘hush-hush’ until all the necessary papers have been signed.”

“Sell the business? You’re ill or something? Are you sure this is what you want, after all the hard work you’ve put in?”

“I’ve been breaking my back for the business these past fifteen years. It’s time I live for myself. I’m working on another project right now. If it comes through, it will need all my attention 24/7. I cannot afford to muck this new project up. Will you help me?”

Shan Mei looked at him with his pleading eyes and lost-little-boy look. She gave him an ‘I promise’ smile. “Alright. It will mean bringing in Ma to provide the food and I myself will have to wait on them hand and foot during their stay?”

“No. You’ll only have to wait on me hand and foot while I’m an in-house resident guest when the Japanese are here.”

Xiang Zhe wanted to say more, but Shan Mei had already turned away and was making her way to the kitchen to take some pears from the fridge and working on them at the cutting board. He followed and stood close by, looking at her back as she worked in silence, his eyes never leaving her even for a second.

Shan Mei placed the fruit platter, with the pear slices beautifully arranged, in front of him, the dainty fork for the fruit resting on the small fork porcelain holder. She placed a damp towel on a plate and a bowl of washing water next to the fruit platter. “This service up to your expectation, Director Yin?”

He shook his head and laughed softly. “A long way to go! I thought you were going to sit on my lap and feed me. After that, you wipe my mouth and hands clean, reward me with a kiss for being a ‘good boy’.”

“I wouldn’t even do that for half your fortune,” she smirked at him.

“I was going to give you my entire fortune but I want more service than just wiping my mouth and hands.”

“Come on, be serious!” She carried the dirty fruit knife and cutting board to the dish washer.

Xiang Zhe didn’t reply to that. He simply smiled crookedly at her back and said nothing. He picked at the pear slices. “Hmm, this pear is so sweet and delicious,” he cooed, his face still bearing an enigmatic smile.

After that, she looked at him as if to let him know the business with him was concluded. When Xiang Zhe didn’t move, she asked, “Don’t you have things to do at the office?”

“Aren’t you going to offer me even ONE cup of coffee before sending a thirsty man on his way?”

She laughed faintly and went to the coffee percolator. “And I want fresh milk from your Pa’s dairy to go with my coffee.”

Shan Mei not only gave him coffee with fresh milk, but also some chocolate chip cookies she had baked the night before.

When he was ready to leave, she packed some cookies and 2 bottles of fresh milk and gave the brown paper bag to him. She saw him walked through the main gate and across the road to his car.

Shan Mei watched Xiang Zhe from the corner of her left eye as he drove away. He really was an exceptional man. Not just handsome and a whiz at business, but genuinely nice too …usually, anyway. Everyone who dealt with him appeared to like him, all of her workers included.

Chapter 10

On the appointed day and time, a 14-seater Mercedes Benz luxury tour coach was sent to the airport to pick up the Japanese visitors. As soon as the coach entered the front compound of Joseon House through the automatic gate, Yin Xiang Zhe was already at the front porch, ready to receive the guests. He went up to the van, opened the door and helped the older members out of the vehicle.

“But this isn’t a hotel,” protested the Japanese visitors.

“No, it isn’t a hotel.” Xiang Zhe responded calmly. “It’s something even better. It’s a private home with a long and interesting history. The charming owner, when she came into inheritance of this property, decided to convert the charming place into a venue for holding events. She is exceptional, not just an excellent cook having trained in UK, but also thorough when it comes to organizing events. I am sure you will enjoy your stay here because, besides being a first-rate hostess, she is also skilled in making one feels comfortable. I chose this place because total privacy is assured. Yuki knows this place well because 3A holds its monthly branch managers conferences here.”

Mr. Muranta, apparently the leader of the group, nodded in agreement while happily saying, “Excellent, excellent.”

Shan Mei appeared with her group of student helpers. The Japanese visitors were surprised. They assumed she was the chief housekeeper and was much younger that any one of them had expected.

While the driver offloaded the luggage, Xiang Zhe personally escorted the visitors to the visitors’ foyer, also commonly referred to as the main lobby and led them to their suites.

Shan Mei and her helpers hurried off to bring the luggage and tea to the suites, Xiang Zhe had earlier given her a name list but she wasn’t sure who was who so she simply addressed all as ‘Sir’ and informed them that lunch would be ready in an hour’s time. If they wanted to go anywhere within the estate, Shan Mei was sure they would know where to go by referring to the leaflets in their suites. She had these translated into Japanese, for convenience’s sake.

Xiang Zhe didn’t carry anything with him. He had brought his things and several files over to his assigned guest suite the night before, giving himself an excuse to call on Shan Mei. After seeing the last Japanese visitor into his room, Xiang Zhe went into his room and was surprised to see a vase of the flowers he had ordered for Miss Muranta. He immediately called Shan Mei on her mobile phone.

“Hey, what are Yuki’s flowers doing in my room?”

“Oh it’s you Director Yin. Since you didn’t book a separate room for Miss Muranta, I assume she would be sharing your room.”

“Well, Little Miss Efficient, this time you assume wrong. She’s going to be sharing room with Nakajima. Get the flowers over to his room at your convenience. Thank you. And, how about a fresh cup of your delicious coffee?”

“Aren’t you aware there are tea and coffee making facilities in your room?”

“Come on, Shan Mei. I don’t know how you brew your coffee. It simply tastes better than any other.”

“Flatterer!” Shan Mei chided. “But not now, Director Yin. If one of your guests catches me delivering a cup of coffee to your room, it will mean I have to do the same for them. I’ll give you one at the end of lunch, okay?”

“Guess I’ll have to accept it. I’ll see you in an hour’s time for lunch.”

Half an hour later, Miss Yukiko Muranta arrived just as Xiang Zhe was wandering around the main lobby to see where Shan Mei had disappeared to. Feeling very much at home, he told one of the student helpers to help Miss Muranta with her bag and he himself personally led Yuki to Mr. Tommy Nakajima’s room.

As expected, Shan Mei didn’t realize that Miss Muranta had already arrived when Xiang Zhe found her in the main dining room, hovering over last minute settings on the table. He didn’t know how she did it but she had managed to transform the whole ambience of the room into being more formal, more Japanese, in spite of using her priceless Korean celadon dining set. Delicate antique pieces he had never seen before around the place were now placed on corner wooden stands around the room. On closer inspection these delicate wooden stands looked like antique pieces too.

“Hello Shan Mei,” Xiang Zhe coughed softly so as not to scare her. She swiveled around and smiled delightfully seeing the approval on his face.

Before he could answer, he heard familiar voices from the hallway and a moment later, Yuki was leading the group into the dining room.

“Ah, Mr. Muranta,” Xiang Zhe greeted, and immediately went up to the senior elderly gentleman and extended a hand. Let me formally introduce the owner of Joseon House.”

Beckoning Shan Mei to come forward, he began, “This is Zhen Shan Mei and she will be your hostess during the duration of your stay. Just ask her for whatever you need. Shan Mei, this is Mr. Muranta, Yuki’s father.” Shan Mei gave the compulsory respectful bow.

Going from man to man down the line, Xiang Zhe continued, “That is Mr. Tanaka; Mr. Endo; Mr. Sawada; Mr. Yamaguchi and the youngest gentleman of the lot is Mr. Tommy Nakajima, Yuki’s fiancé.” Shan Mei had never done so many simultaneous bows and worried she might have gotten some of the angles wrong. She had been told Japanese were sticklers for such etiquette.

“Director Yin, maybe you would like to help in pouring the drinks for your guests? I’ll go and see to the serving of the lunch.” With that, she quickly escaped from the dining room and went straight to the kitchen to see how her Ma was coping. Luckily, for her, Mrs. Zhen was experienced enough to know that Shan Mei would be harried if she had to cope alone in serving. She had brought along two of her friends who acted as serving maids and were dressed very nicely in traditional wear. Ma knew Shan Mei had to make a good impression and Xiang Zhe had said the whole thing was very ‘top secret’.

When Pa and Ma were told that from Shan Mei, they had laughed almost non-stop. “Top-secret?” they both echoed. “No problem. We are very good at keeping secrets,” they assured Shan Mei, thinking of another ‘top secret’ Xiang Zhe had made them sworn to secrecy from their daughter more than two years ago.

When the lunch was in progress, Shan Mei had sneaked into Nakajima’s room and placed the vase of flowers that she had wrongly delivered to Xiang Zhe’s room very early that morning. She didn’t want any embarrassment by placing Miss Muranta’s flowers in the wrong room, because Xiang Zhe had not specifically said he would not be sharing his room with Yuki. The press and employees at 3A had speculated that Miss Muranta was most probably the lady Yin Senior had meant his son was courting privately in his press interview, seeing the big rock on her engagement finger and Xiang Zhe had invited her to sit in at the provincial manager’s conference too. Besides the conferences, she had spent quite a bit of time talking at length with each of the provincial managers. Also, from what she had heard, apart from the Seodaemun branch office, Yukiko had visited all the 3A departments; other property sites and the 10 main 3A provincial branches.

So, Miss Muranta was not Director Yin’s fiancée, but the eyes and ears of her father and the group that was interested to buy over Xiang Zhe’s business. Most probably, she would base herself in Seoul. That fiancé of hers, Tommy Nakajima, appeared to be eager to join her in Seoul.

On the day before their departure from Seoul, after lunch, Mr. Muranta called Shan Mei back into the dining room. “Shan Mei, thank you for your wonderful hospitality during this past week. My daughter has told me a lot about you. For this evening’s dinner, I would like you to join us at the table. Leave the serving to your capable helpers. Since we are leaving already tomorrow morning, I hope you will grant this old man his wish.” He looked around the table, then jovially said, “Do me the honour and sit next to me tonight.”

Shan Mei didn’t know what to say. She looked over to Director Yin since he was the main host. He was too surprised to think of something – that wily old Muranta-san wanting to monopolise Shan Mei’s company when rightfully she should be sitting next to him.

“Please do not refuse. It would be nice to have another lady at the table. Since tonight is some kind of farewell dinner, Shan Mei, let’s dress up and knock these guys off their seats. Do say yes, please?” Yuki Muranta knew Shan Mei was hesitating because of protocol. She didn’t want to give Shan Mei a chance to refuse because she really liked her.

That evening, when Shan Mei entered the dining room, her fears that she might feel awkward and uncomfortable among the people that she did not know were very quickly dispelled when everyone at the table greeted her enthusiastically. Especially when Mr. Muranta came forward and personally escorted her to her seat, exclaiming that he had never seen a lovelier vision.

Xiang Zhe almost choked on his own saliva, lost his voice and concentration when he saw Shan Mei enter the dining room quietly. All the other gentlemen in the room had stopped talking and turned to give her the look-over – appreciatively. She was dressed in a stunning little black velvet and silk taffeta dress in a classic design; it had a black velvet bodice with an almost off-the-shoulder slightly scooped neckline and long, tight sleeves. The bodice fitted snugly over the waist and the silk taffeta skirt flared out from just above the hips. The richness of the velvet seemed to emphasise the creamy texture of her skin. The expensive fabric and simple masterful cutting and stitching gave the dress sophistication and it definitely looked like a French couture exclusive. Her hair was bunched and rolled up into a chignon and sat neatly at the top of her head, the loose tendrils around her nape seemed to caress the unfamiliar bareness of her exposed shoulders giving her a slightly vulnerable look that added to her appeal. The only jewelery she wore was a pair of earrings – small platinum loops dangling with small loose diamonds. The whole ensemble accentuated her youthful elegance perfectly.

It was not so much the design of the garment – but it was the first time Xiang Zhe was seeing her – bare around her neck. He was sure if he ran his fingers across the exposed skin, he would feel the silkiness of it. He reined in his thoughts before they begin to run wild and raunchy. Before this, Xiang Zhe had always suspected there was some kind of skin blemish or unsightly birth mark somewhere on that part of her body just below her neck. Now he knew better – her skin was creamy and flawless.

During the entire course of dinner, he couldn’t concentrate on the conversation or the food. All he could think of was Shan Mei sitting across the table next to Mr. Muranta and charming the old man no end. Throughout, he would steal frequent glances at Shan Mei and sometimes, he would stare, forgetting he was with a room full of people.

“My daughter and Tommy will be marrying as soon as our new company takes over ownership of Xiang Zhe’s current business and Tommy relocates to Seoul to helm the group. So Shan Mei, tell me, when do you intend to marry Xiang Zhe? I understand the boy has waited long enough.”

“Mr. Muranta! I beg your pardon? You must have misunderstood Director Yin’s statements. I have no intention of marrying Director Yin!” answered Shan Mei rather flustered.

Muranta at once gave Xiang Zhe a hot glare and asked, mystified and embarrassed, “Xiang Zhe, I thought you told me you had made known your intention to Miss Zhen?”

“I did. Only she didn’t take me seriously and accused me of being drunk at that time and trying to cause another scandal.”

“Surely you’re not drunk now, and are well aware of what you’re going to say. Do you still intend to marry Miss Zhen Shan Mei?”

Without raising his voice or turning his head, and still looking directly at Shan Mei, Xiang Zhe answered, “Of course I want to. Every time I mentioned marriage, she kept harping on about wanting to be a career woman. If not that, then she claimed that we come from different worlds. Maybe you can talk some sense into her.”

Mr. Muranta’s eyes twinkled with understanding. “Now, now Shan Mei, forget about different social background and social standings. The first time I saw my wife was at the Lake Gardens in Tokyo. That day was a school outing for her. She was busy collecting flowers. I was at the garden doing some sketching. I immediately committed her pose on paper. When I told my father I want her for my wife, my father was happy and went about finding which family the girl came from. He was told she was the daughter of a tofu-maker of the Saijo family. My father refused to approach the family with a marriage proposal and insisted I marry someone of similar social background to ours. I refused and ran away from home. Six months later, when my mother lamented that she would rather see me married to a girl of lower social class and have me happy at home rather than have me alone roaming the streets of Tokyo like a homeless bum, my father finally gave in and went to see the Saijo family. When he found out the Saijos were Koreans too, he at once agreed. Shortly after that, Meiko and I were married and we have been very happy since. Our marriage is blessed with 3 handsome sons and 2 lovely daughters. Their mother loved and taught them very well and she is a filial and attentive daughter-in-law to my parents.”

Shan Mei was losing some of the calmness she had when she first began dinner. Now, she felt somewhat bereft by what Mr. Muranta had related. She was also aware that the kind elderly gentleman was only trying to help Xiang Zhe further his cause.

When dinner ended, Mr. Muranta reminded Shan Mei, “Go take a walk about in the grounds. There’s a nice spot near the brook on the fringe of this vast estate. It’s lovely and quiet for some heart-to-heart talk. Please make an old man happy by putting Xiang Zhe out of his misery.”

Giving her no chance to excuse herself, Yuki came up to her, took her by the arm and led her out to the courtyard while the other older gentlemen insisted they would have their after-dinner drinks in the karaoke lounge – they were in the mood for some singing.

Tommy soon appeared with Xiang Zhe and the four young people ventured from the courtyard further along to the outer grounds. Tommy went up to Yuki and walked off with her, leaving Xiang Zhe with no choice but to go forward and walked beside Shan Mei. They walked along in silence. The grounds were not too dark as occasional lighted lamp-posts dotted the estate grounds.

Xiang Zhe wanted so badly to put out a hand to hold onto Shan Mei’s, but he did not dare, knowing she had been wary and confused ever since Mr. Muranta had so publicly revealed Xiang Zhe’s feelings for her.

After a while, even though not by design or intention, they arrived at the spot by the brook, which meant they had walked a fairly long distance away from the main cluster of buildings. There were benches scattered about. Xiang Zhe led Shan Mei to one and they sat down.

Clasping both her hands within his, his voice had dropped to a soft whisper that was almost a hypnotic caress when he said, “Shan Mei, I am sorry you were put on the spot by Mr. Muranta’s probing of something which should have been a private matter between the two of us. You see, the man was anxious to know whether it was true when I told you that I wanted to marry you. While I was in Japan he had suggested not only a merger of our companies but also of our families by my marriage to his younger daughter. I refused him flatly claiming that I have plans to marry a girl back in Korea. Shan Mei, I’m not rushing you. I just want you to know that I meant it when I told you that all along you were my intended bride.”

Xiang Zhe was looking at her – looking at her, Shan Mei recognized, in sudden, dizzy confusion, in a way she had never envisioned seeing him look at any woman, and most especially not her. He had always been so cool and business-like. She blinked a little, her own eyes darkening as they were caught and held in a gaze of such smouldering sensuality that it actually made her shudder physically. When had Xiang Zhe’s eyes developed the ability to turn from cool, business-like into hot, smouldering embers of heat?

Slipping her hands from his warm grasp, she left the bench and walked over to a nearby cypress tree. The trunk was huge and she leaned against the rough bark, looking silently at the shimmering waters in the brook. She stared into the brook as if mesmerized by the moonbeams dancing on the flowing waters.

Xiang Zhe then rose from the bench and stood close by the cypress tree to Shan Mei. With slow deliberation, he finally said, “Shan Mei, you look very beautiful tonight. Did you wear this stunning little number when the Yongsan people were here for their retreat?”

“Of course not! There never was a right occasion to wear this dress until tonight even though I bought it just before I left London so many years ago.”

“I just wondered, thinking you must have charmed that Chairman Yong beyond reason seeing how he came to your defence in the papers by praising Joseon House to the heavens. And the way the old goat was going on about you, I thought he was ready to take you on as his junior wife. I assume more business will be coming your way from them?”

Nervously, Shan Mei caught her bottom lip between her teeth to stop herself from answering. She didn’t want to prove his assumption right by claiming that Yongsan had already given her a 3-year contract to hold their high-powered quarterly 2-day sales meetings with overnight stay, and bi-annual sales incentive conferences with 5 nights’ stay at Joseon House.

“Don’t do that,” she heard Xiang Zhe protest. “If you do that one more time, I won’t be held responsible for what I’m going to do, and that is to kiss you.” His voice sounded different now – thicker, slower, less determined, more …. And as if he meant to carry out his threat, he moved closer to her.

Her heartbeat had become dangerously unsteady. The warmth of Xiang Zhe’s breath against her skin told her just how close his mouth was to her throat, so close that if she just moved the tiniest little bit ……she shivered, her pulse rate accelerating frantically as she felt his mouth brush her skin.

“Shan Mei, look at me,” he demanded softly. “Please …” he beseeched, his voice suddenly becoming very gentle and persuasive.

When she still looked down on the ground, Xiang Zhe reached out a hand to cup her face, gently tilting it upwards so that he could look into her eyes which had become misty.

“I’m sorry. I know I raved like an idiot during dinner. I needed you to understand one thing you’d never understood before. Especially now, that I have sealed the deal in selling 3A to Muranta’s group.”

Shan Mei licked her lips and swallowed. “So what is that ……?”

“So you would be able to believe me when I tell you why I asked you to marry me.” He paused, then went on. “I can remember it so clearly the first time I saw you. You had been crying, you had on a charcoal grey trouser suit, with little pearl buttons down the front of your silk blouse with a lace peter pan collar, how clean and shining your hair was, how unhappy you looked. And I knew in a flash that I wanted to protect and love you, needed you ……”

“When was that?” Shan Mei gulped in air nervously, not used to conversation of this nature.

“When your Pa dropped you off at 3A on your first day of work. A year later when you began organizing 3A’s events, I found that you were not only unique to me, you were simply unique. All these years you have become a very important part of me, not a child any more. Suddenly, I found I wanted you,” he said barely audibly, “in the most desperate way a man can want a woman.”

She stared at him. How had the conversation suddenly become so personal?

Xiang Zhe could see her mind recoiling, still he pushed on. “I mean, don’t you hope some day to marry? To have a husband and babies?”

“I don’t know,” she answered honestly. “I mean, I’ve never really thought about it.”

“Why haven’t you?” He smiled gently. “Surely a woman as lovely as you has had proposals.”

Her head came up immediately. “What is that supposed to mean?”

Xiang Zhe’s brows lifted. “Only that I cannot believe that no man has yet asked you to marry him.”

“Oh.” Shan Mei looked down at some rockery nearby the brook. “Sorry,” she said with an apologetic little laugh. “I thought ….. “

“But there have been men in your life, Shan Mei. Haven’t there?”

She looked at him. He was smiling still, but there was something about the smile that sent a warning tingle dancing along her spine. What kind of questions were these to ask her?

“Of course there have been men who had approached my Pa,” she replied with a toss of her head.

And there had been. About half a dozen, anyway, from very well-connected families in Chonan and Daejeon – none of who she would consider, but what business was this of his?

Xiang Zhe leaned forward. “Men,” he said pleasantly. “But no commitment.” He nodded, as if she had told him something very clever. “Why is that, hmmm?”

The answer was almost painfully simple – because she had never fallen in love, the with-all-your-heart kind of love that made a woman’s world centre on one man for the rest of her life.

She looked at Xiang Zhe, not wanting to bare her heart to him. “Well,” she said with a shrug, “I’ve been busy, building a career. I want to do something challenging with my life and since Joseon House has fallen into my hands, I intend to make my event management company one of the most successful ones in Seoul. I have been told most hotels and seminar halls are only interested in large numbers. For gatherings of 20 or under, the organizers would have to pay premium prices per head. I want to cater to this niche market. So, I won’t have time for a husband or babies.”

“You won’t consider marriage even when the man vows to be supportive of your career?”

“It’s not just a simple matter of ‘support’. I believe love plays a part in a marriage. For me, love is the most important part. Without love, there will be no marriage.” She at once bit back her tongue – what made her bare her heart?

“Yes, Love…. To love or be loved?”

Shan Mei didn’t answer. Instead she looked agitated and felt that they had been missing long enough from the house.

Xiang Zhe realized she was feeling edgy but he was not ready to return to the main party. It was the first time he was enjoying such a quiet time with Shan Mei in such tranquil and serene surroundings. He wanted to prolong the time of togetherness. He led her back to the bench, looked at her wordlessly, and then lowering his head closer to Shan Mei’s, he asked softly, “Feel like telling me about Kim Youzhen?”

She sighed, then looked up towards the heavens. After several long seconds, she turned to face Xiang Zhe and in a very small voice, she told him slowly.

“The Kims and the Zhens were very good neighbours, Pa and Uncle Kim having grown up together in the same area. Uncle Kim was a construction contractor and whenever he worked near the area, his wife Auntie Shen Shu would provide the catering. One day, she was asked to report to school because Youzhen’s class teacher wanted to see her. Because Auntie Shen Shu had to be at school that day, my mother volunteered to handle the catering for her, while she took me along with Youzhen to school. Usually, it was my mother dropping both Youzhen and I at school each morning and picking us up again after school.

Unfortunately, that morning the construction site was hit by flash storms and it seemed the building they were constructing simply tumbled down like building blocks. All the people around the vicinity were trapped under the rubble. We were told my mother was caught under the heavy metal work lift. The storm was so fierce, the whole site was flooded like a small lake within minutes. No rescue operation could be carried out because all access to the site were either flooded or blocked. All were lost – human lives and the work.”

As she recalled sadly, no longer looking at him, her vision all inwards, dwelled on the past, on memories of her mother. She smiled sadly at the memory, that smile fading as quickly as it appeared and painful memories were assailing her anew. She shook her head and added brokenly, “At that time, Youzhen Ge was 10 and I was 6. I didn’t understand. I could not accept. A long time after that, I still couldn’t.”

Again, she sighed heavily. She fought the control she always lost when talking about the incident. She looked at Xiang Zhe with tear-wet eyes. “If Youzhen was left an orphan, my parents would have adopted him, there was no question about that. My Pa had always loved Youzhen like a son to make up for the son he never had. My mother suffered a miscarriage during her first fifth month of pregnancy that time when she helped in the fields. It was a boy. Pa never allowed her to do any heavy work around the fields after that. A few years later they had me. So no matter how, Youzhen was destined to be my brother. Auntie Shu worked doubly hard to help Pa take care of me, and also helped in the fields. Being the strong character she is, she would not accept any financial assistance from Pa, saying the insurance money the construction company paid her was enough. She set up a small eatery place in the local market square. Pa gave her vegetables from his farms. Youzhen Ge woke up every morning at 4 a.m. to help Pa milk the cows and sort out the vegetables into bundles for delivery to the buyers. When Youzhen went away to university when he was 18, Auntie Shu being alone, not only took over milking of the cows but spent more time in helping us, even though by that time, Pa had been employing several farm helpers. Two years later, I nagged Pa to marry Auntie Shu, so she and we would be able to form a real family unit. After they married, Pa told Auntie Shu to give up the eatery and enjoy herself as a housewife. That’s how Auntie Shu became my Ma. I am so thankful that even though my mother was so tragically taken away from us, Pa and I had been compensated in so many ways by the good Lord for our loss,” she added brokenly. She began crying in earnest now.

Xiang Zhe sank down on his haunches by the bench beside her. He angrily berated himself. “I had no idea, Shan Mei. I am so sorry. Please don’t cry,” he groaned. “I do know what it’s like to lose someone you love. When my mother died so unexpectedly, I was left with the same bewilderment you obviously were. I didn’t mean to make you cry just now,” he continued. “I only….. I just …… I was so jealous,’ he admitted. “I thought Youzhen was the man you loved.” He took out a handkerchief and began to wipe away her tears.

“Shan Mei …..Shan Mei, look at me. Please do not cry anymore. I want you to try to forget that I’m still your employer or ex-employer. I want you to look upon me as a friend. More importantly, look upon me as a man, an ordinary man – a fact that you seem to have overlooked for a long time – a man with all the usual needs who wants to spend the rest of his life, taking care of you, loving you,” he added with quiet yet provocative challenge.

She drew in a ragged breath. ‘I’m not sure I can,’ she told him honestly.

He arched a brow in a questioning look. “I’ll try and make it easy for you.” He leaned forward and brushed his lips gently against hers. “There, that wasn’t so difficult, was it? How does it feel to be kissed by a man?”

When she didn’t respond to his question, he reached out and touched her mouth with his thumb. She could feel the flesh of her bottom lip prickling sensitively where he had touched it; instinctively she went to catch it between her teeth and then stopped abruptly, remembering what he had threatened earlier when she caught him looking at her.

“I hope you are going to give me a fair chance in courting you.”

Shan Mei did not give an answer to his question. Let him wonder. He had managed to wring too much of her secrets out of her these last few minutes, simply using his gentle, persuasive voice.

“I think today has been a tiring day for you. Thank goodness the Japanese visitors will be leaving tomorrow morning. Let’s walk back to the house.” Xiang Zhe then gently pulled her up from the bench.

As they walked along, afraid that Shan Mei might feel the night wind that was slowly creeping up on them, Xiang Zhe removed his jacket and draped it around her almost bare shoulders. A tiny frisson of sensation ran over her skin, an odd and unfamiliar awareness of Xiang Zhe, not as she had always thought of him – Director Yin, her employer – but as a man. Mortified by the extraordinary direction of own her thoughts – so new and alien to her – she looked down at the ground as they walked.

Shan Mei was surprised at the gesture and grateful for his thoughtfulness. As they strolled in silence along the lighted pathway, she thought it wasn’t bad to have a man around, after all.

When they reached the main complex, he sent Shan Mei back to her private quarters. “Don’t worry about Muranta-san and the others. I’ll go and see whether they are still in the karaoke lounge. Goodnight, Shan Mei.”

“Director Yin, ….”

Xiang Zhe glowered at her with determination and in silence, his dark eyes letting her know that he would remain standing there until he heard his personal name.

“Erh …., I mean Xiang Zhe, here’s ……”

Xiang Zhe chuckled. “That sounded so much better. Once again, that wasn’t too difficult, was it?”

Shan Mei deigned to answer. Instead, she took his jacket off her shoulders and handed it back to him. “You forgot this. Thank you very much and goodnight.” Then, very quickly she disappeared through the door to her unit, her face betraying an embarrassing blush.

Xiang Zhe, holding on to his jacket, stood there a minute looking at the closed door and then with a slight shake of his head, he walked away, smiling softly and sweetly to himself – silently congratulating himself that much had been accomplished that evening.

That night in bed, Shan Mei had trouble finding sleep. She turned about the whole night, thinking over what had transpired earlier between Director Yin – no, Xiang Zhe – and herself. Had she perhaps overreacted to the whole incident, built it up in her own shock and embarrassment into something much more than it had actually been? Had she been lying awake half the night, dreading having to face Xiang Zhe in the morning? Finally, she did manage to drift off to sleep.

Chapter 11

The next morning, too busy to think of anything else, Shan Mei made sure the breakfast presented at the breakfast table met with the Japanese guests’ approval.

Mr. Muranta only had praises for her and before the guests boarded the coach that would take them to the airport, Mr. Muranta handed to Shan Mei a ‘thank you’ gift wrapped especially in Japanese silk. “Thank you, Shan Mei, for a lovely week. You will be hearing from me sometime during the week. I love this place so much, I am going to organize something for my sales people over here as a part of our company’s sales incentive scheme.” When Muranta had finished his talk with Shan Mei, Xiang Zhe, who was standing by, helped Mr. Muranta back to his seat in the coach. He then boarded the coach himself to accompany his guests to the airport. He slammed the door shut, gave Shan Mei a small hand wave and then indicated to the driver to drive off.

That same evening, Xiang Zhe, casually dressed in denims and a loose pullover under a sports jacket, was at Joseon House for dinner because Auntie Zhen had invited him. Throughout the evening, Ma kept gushing over Xiang Zhe and his Japanese guests. “Here, Xiang Zhe, take more of this nourishing soup. Auntie Zhen could see you have been working very hard the whole week, taking your guests here, there and everywhere, never sparing even one moment to make their stay memorable. I hope everything went well for you?”

“Yes, very well indeed,” he declared, with some pride. And why not, since he had closed the biggest financial deal of his life. The 10% down-payment had already been received 3 days ago; the rest of the money would be coming as per payment schedule agreed, the final settlement within 4 months upon signing of the Mergers & Acquisitions Agreement. He should be laughing all the way to the bank when the final payment was received. On top of that, Mr. Muranta and Company had retained his services as legal advisor to handle all their future transactions in Korea.

When dinner was over and they were enjoying coffee, Ma brought out the presents from Mr. Muranta. “Xiang Zhe, can you believe this? Even that kind Mr. Muranta gave me a present. Aren’t these bags beautiful?”

Xiang Zhe was impressed. The bag for Mrs. Zhen was made of black horse-hair leather and the one for Miss Zhen was made of turquoise-green ostrich skin leather. Both were the newest baguette-style bags from Hermes’ latest designer collection.

Holding onto to the bag meant for Shan Mei, he looked at her, carefully choosing his words. “He has excellent taste,” Xiang Zhe said so sweetly, so gently, that Shan Mei was left bewildered, wondering whether his words had a double entendre.

He was sitting too close for comfort. He was very attentive, and handsome sitting there – definitely handsome with his soft, floppy hair falling loosely all over his forehead – again inspecting the bags with great care, when a card fell out from one of them. The card read: ‘Shan Mei, please accept this present as a small gesture of appreciation for the wonderful hospitality from a charming and beautiful hostess. My associates and I enjoyed our time at Joseon House very much. We’ll definitely meet again, H. Muranta’

Xiang Zhe simply smiled softly when he finished reading the card, then he handed it to Shan Mei. “It seems you have made a very deep impression on Muranta-san.” In front of Mrs. Zhen, he made no reference at all to the incident by the brook, calmly behaving towards Shan Mei just as he had always behaved – treating her with great respect and care – but his eyes were asking her whether this was another love competitor, ridiculous as it might seem.

When he had finished his second cup of coffee, he indicated it was late and he didn’t want to overstay his welcome. He thanked Auntie Zhen for the lovely dinner and then turned to Shan Mei and said, “It’s certainly been a very pleasant evening. See me to the door?” he prompted throatily.

Even if he had not asked, Shan Mei would have seen him to the door – it was basic good manners. She felt shy and did not offer anything in the way of conversation, except thanking Xiang Zhe for the business.

“My pleasure, as always.”

“I hope you will still feel the same way, when you receive the invoice.”

By this time, they had just stepped outside the main entrance and were standing under the front porch. She could see Xiang Zhe’s car parked nearby. Uncle Ang, the night watchman, had seen them and was opening the electronic gate. “Xiang Zhe, good night, and do drive carefully.”

There was no time for further thought as Xiang Zhe pulled her easily and very suddenly into his arms, bent down and planted a light kiss full on her closed mouth. Then he released her as suddenly as he had kissed her, and very quickly ran down the few front steps, made his way to his car, slid into it and drove off, before he could see the shock on her face. He knew he had shocked her and he was not ready to face her scolding.

He was dead on right – she was shocked! She couldn’t move. She simply stood there, rooted, and watched him zoomed out of sight. Then she suddenly remembered Uncle Ang at the gate and wondered whether he saw the kiss. Seconds later, she came to her senses and smiled secretly to herself as she lightly ran a finger over her lips. Was this what he meant – the difference between being an employer and an ordinary man? He was always on his best behaviour when he was in 3A office as Director Yin – she never suspected a thing. Now, he wanted to be addressed as Xiang Zhe and be looked upon as a ‘man’ – and as a man, Shan Mei discovered, he liked kissing her at the slightest chance and asking very personal questions. Hmm, she didn’t know whether she liked this change. She only knew he was creating havoc with her feelings like now, as she cupped her hands to both her cheeks and felt them growing hot!

The following three weeks, Shan Mei was kept very busy with two 3A branch managers’ conferences; Yongsan’s 2-day sales seminar, which included an overnight stay, attended by their sales directors; two weddings; and two promotional seminars by EverYoung Skincare, each included an overnight stay. The demonstrators wanted their sales agents to go to bed with their overnight face mask on – this mask only to be cleansed off the morning after they began their early seminar, to see the difference in their skin texture.

Surprisingly, Yin Xiang Zhe did not show up for 3A conferences. Miss Yuki Muranta was the one chairing the conferences. But, that didn’t mean Shan Mei was free of him. He had phoned up a few times, but seeing that Shan Mei was too shy to speak up, he gave up calling after his 5th call.

Shan Mei left the university hall at 8, after a hectic day, assisting in organizing an alumni function since morning. She was so tired, she didn’t feel like eating at all and thought what she needed most was a long, warm soak in her large tub to ease her aching muscles, so she left the university hall as soon as her presence was no longer required.

When she drove her van into the back yard of Joseon House, her headlights illuminating the back porch revealed Xiang Zhe sprawled lazily on the wooden swing sitting in one quiet corner of the back yard after she pressed the automatic control to close the gate. Shan Mei parked along the driveway and glanced over his direction. A cardboard box filled with food containers sat beside him.

Shan Mei wished she could curb the stupid streak of emotion which kept sabotaging her. All reason said she should be angry, ready to lash out at Xiang Zhe……. she being not pleased to find him waiting for her. But the streak wouldn’t be denied.

Xiang Zhe was dressed casually, now wearing boots, Levi’s denims and a checked flannel shirt, sleeves rolled to the elbow. Slightly weak-kneed, she climbed from the vehicle and walked over to the porch.

One look at her and Xiang Zhe asked, “Tired?”

“Exhausted. What are you doing here and how did you get in?” Shan Mei suddenly became aware of the droopy state she must appear. Her hair had surrendered to the afternoon’s humidity, and her flax coloured linen suit was wrinkled and stained with cranberry punch spilled on her by an apologetic fellow student when she was with Zhao Di, at that time, deep in conversation about the recovery of her mother-in-law. Even though she’d worn low-heeled pumps, her feet were killing her because she had stood and helped all day with food preparation in the kitchen.

“Uncle Ang, on one of his night rounds, saw me and let me into the backyard, saying you usually parked in the back garage. He did not dare let me into the house. I didn’t insist because I did not want to get him into trouble with you.”

Xiang Zhe grabbed his box of food and stood up. “Why don’t you change into something more comfortable while I make us a drink?”

“Iced coffee please,” she said, unlocking the door and leading him inside. Shan Mei decided on a fast shower to wash away the grime and the tension of the day. Feeling slightly better after the shower’s stinging spray, she dried off then dressed in a pair of capris and a cotton blouse, she sought Xiang Zhe in the kitchen.

He handed her the iced coffee and joined her at the table, opening cartons containing an assortment of fast-food entrees. ‘I didn’t know what food you liked, so I got an assortment – different types of fried dumplings and chicken salad.”

“I’m not choosy.” She picked up a prawn dumpling and nibbled at it.

“Been out with your boyfriend?” Xiang Zhe teased.

“Why do you want to know? Aren’t you busy enough with your many girlfriends?” she countered.

“For your information, I only have one girl in mind …… and it’s not anyone else you’ve conjured up. Why won’t you listen to me, Shan Mei? What can I do to convince you I’m not the Casanova you’ve made me out to be?”

“It’ll be difficult, considering there’s always a group of females around eyeing you like you’re the honey tree and they’re a bunch of hungry bear cubs.”

“If you want to put it that way, then be informed that this honey tree is interested in producing honey for only this one adorable bear cub.” He then brushed a knuckle tenderly across Shan Mei’s cheek, giving her an indulgent smile.

“Xiang Zhe, be serious please,” she chided and gave him a frown.

“It seems you aren’t in a listening mood tonight. You must have had a bad day at the university.” He sounded a bit cross.

“How did you know about my day at the university?”

“Zhao Di told me.”

Shan Mei’s calm response surprised him. “Say no more,” she said. Xiang Zhe was right. “Let’s enjoy the dinner you brought.” She wanted the evening to be pleasant again, now that she had had a cool drink.

Xiang Zhe apparently agreed, his ill humour vanishing as quickly as it had surfaced. As they ate, Xiang Zhe and Shan Mei talked of this and that, the conversation flowed easily. They shared family stories and tales of their childhoods. Suddenly, she asked, “Tell me about your mother.”

He was surprised. He never thought she would be interested enough to know such an important part of him. After a long moment, he began, “My mother was a very lovely person, not only was she beautiful but benevolent and also gracious to everyone she knew. She would have loved you. As you are aware from the dedication ceremony you helped organize to commemorate the 15th anniversary of her death, she was a member from the Lee family, those people involved in mining and oil. My brother and I still receive our mother’s share in dividends. That day you met many of my uncles and aunties from my mother’s side. One day during lunch with my brother, who was about 16 at that time, she choked on something – either a piece of meat or her own saliva – she couldn’t breathe and my brother didn’t know what was happening. When he realized something was wrong, he called my father and by the time they knew what to do, it was too late. She was already dead when the paramedics arrived at our house with the ambulance. That time, I was boarding at university and only received the news telling me to go to the hospital. My poor brother! He took it very badly, feeling responsible for our mother’s death and for a long time after that, he was still deeply depressed. You see, we were very close to our mother, especially, Xiang Jie. Mum always treated him like a baby. I moved back home and spent all my spare time with him trying my best to cheer up him.

Uncle Liu tried to use this chance, to convince my father that a woman’s presence was needed in the household to help make Xiang Jie feel better and suggested a marriage between Yong Xi and me. I flatly refused; my father didn’t agree too knowing how I disliked her. I only tolerated her as some kind of sister. Finally, when I realized the Liu’s next possible target would be Xiang Jie after I refused to marry Yong Xi, I persuaded my father to send him to America to stay with a doctor friend, hoping this doctor could help. This maneuver was a pure stroke of luck, maybe a blessing from our dead mother, who knows. The doctor has a daughter who finally managed to help Xiang Jie find a new lease on life. Then he followed her to university and eventually, they ended up being husband and wife – a true happily-after love story.”

After the sad story with a happy outcome, he continued with his story about his escapade in Chonan. And the way he described his 3-day stay with her Pa in Chonan was hilarious; how he helped out in the fields. Instead he gave more trouble, digging up the wrong plots of land that had newly been sown with new seeds. And how he disguised himself to take the train for Busan airport for him to board the plane to Tokyo – he had his baseball cap sitting low over his forehead and had on a new pair of sunglasses so dark, he could hardly see and almost boarded the wrong train – instead of taking the south-bound he almost boarded the north-bound – and tripped over himself, everywhere he went.

The glimpse into his past helped Shan Mei realize how much she now liked Xiang Zhe, despite all her apprehensions. And liking for Shan Mei was almost as essential an ingredient for a good life together as love itself was.

“Mind telling me why you happened to be here at my back door, when I arrived home tonight?”

Xiang Zhe didn’t answer, he just kept on eating. After quite a lengthy silence, he suddenly looked up from his food and said without rancour, “I had an inexplicable urge to see you. I’ve missed you so much. And I knew making phone calls to you was pointless – you refuse to answer the phone or when you did, you refuse to talk.” With an honest answer like that, Shan Mei didn’t know how to hit back.

An hour later, the meal consumed and the kitchen tidied up, she strolled outside with him and the two sat under the trellised gazebo in the main courtyard to enjoy their coffee. The night was pleasant, the humidity even tolerable. Xiang Zhe’s glance went skyward. “Do you ever miss the stars?”

Shan Mei looked up also. She could see more than a smattering of lights that could usually be seen in the heavens, typical of large cities where the reflection from the spangled skyline competed with Mother Nature. “Occasionally, but then I suppose I accept it as part of city life. But not when I’m here. The space around is wide and open enough to give me a good vantage spot. When I visit Pa, I still make it a point to visit my secret spot for star gazing.”

“I’ll have to take you to my countryside cabin on the hills. From the veranda, you can gaze up into eternity and discover that the stars in the endless skies sparkle like the incandescent offering of a billion fireflies.”

“That’s almost poetic. You……”

Shan Mei’s comment was lost when Xiang Zhe leaned over and pecked her lightly on her cheek. He was tempted to lean forward to touch her lips with his. But something held him back – a queer tenderness and regard that her innocence had aroused in him. He knew she was an innocent where such games were concerned, because the last time he kissed her, she had kept her mouth closed – like a little girl!

Shan Mei pulled back almost immediately and asked in a frightened voice, “Why did you do that for?” Those eyes, wide opened, looked crossed and questioning.

“Because I wanted to. It won’t be just a peck the next time, but a real kiss.”

“Xiang Zhe, please stop. Just because I didn’t complain those two other times you took advantage, meant you could continue to behave in this way. Do you want Joseon House to terminate its Event Management contract with 3A?”

Xiang Zhe laughed. “Okay, you’ve gained another reprieve. You’re about to use up your quota, though, pretty lady. One of these nights….”

But when he saw Shan Mei’s confused and agitated look, he realized maybe he had acted in haste. He didn’t want her to banish him from within her sight again. Those times when she wouldn’t talk to him were very dark hours for him.

“How about dinner one evening next week? I haven’t really taken you out for a real meal. I know of a nice, quiet place where discretion is its main attraction and its fantastic food only a secondary consideration?”

When Shan Mei didn’t give an immediate answer, he continued, “Zhao Di mentioned that you have two evenings free next week.”

“Zhao Di’s mouth gets bigger by the day. One of these days, I’ll have to stitch a zipper to it.”

He gave a short laugh before answering, “I’ll make a reservation for Friday and if you aren’t too tired, we’ll go. I’ll call before I come over.”

Xiang Zhe knew when to stop pressuring her for an answer. If he continued to pursue the subject, she would crawl back into her shell and hide behind her excuse of work. He left her, through the back gate, though he was most reluctant to leave.

After seeing Xiang Zhe off, Shan Mei went back to the gazebo in the courtyard and wondered how all this came so suddenly about. Xiang Zhe sounded very serious and as if he had given the matter of courting her a lot of thought. But she didn’t really know him as a person, only as an employer.

As an employer, he was faultless, generous with his time and his advice. Yes, they did work very well together and most time she understood what he wanted before he even voiced his needs. She wished there was some way to banish her concerns. No matter how much chemistry existed between them, reality couldn’t be avoided. Their differences in background and social status, the fact their acquaintance even though could be numbered in years, those two years as employer and subordinate, or was she some kind of a rebound romance for Xiang Zhe? Like a drowning man holding on to anything afloat on the open sea – someone to fill in the place left empty by Yong Xi’s ardent idolization? It didn’t seem so because time and time again, he had insisted that he had been sick of her clinging onto to him like a limpet.

As a man, he was even more devastating in his caring attitude and generosity. If she didn’t believe it herself, Mr. Koo from Vinoflora would only be too willing to remind her. Every time any good wine was on offer at his shop, Xiang Zhe would ask Koo to deliver at least a dozen bottles to Joseon House. And while the wine was to be delivered, he also asked that at least two dozen of the best roses be delivered at the same time. To make light of the gesture, he would joked that Joseon House was so big, that place could easily eat up ten dozen roses, if every room was to have a flower. Koo readily agreed with that and usually threw in an assortment of the less expensive flowers, since Director Yin was paying premium prices for the best and largest blooms – Koo would have her know, confidentially, that Director Yin had never sent any girl any flowers before Joseon House came into existence. And when he then purposely asked trying to sound innocent, “Director Yin, what colour roses?”, the man had answered without even pausing, “I think red would look good around Shan Mei!” Ever since then, Koo would tease incessantly, in a low voice of course, “Shan Mei, I think the man is stuck on you.”

“Koo, please be careful what you are saying. Do you want to create a scandal? You know how the press is?”

“Shan Mei, you don’t have to worry. My lips are sealed. Director Yin knows he can trust me, that’s why he simply places his orders, knowing I won’t be blabbering about them to anyone except to you.”

She was still confused when she dropped into bed that night.

When Xiang Zhe phoned on Friday, Shan Mei was unable to take the call, but Zhao Di could. She confirmed that Shan Mei would be free that evening. “If you want to take her out for dinner, forget it. Youzhen dropped by earlier and brought her home-cooked food from Chonan. If you want to scam some food off her, I suggest you scoot over here round about 6ish and help her clear up. She could do with some help because we are all leaving in about an hour’s time. If she gets upset with you, you can tell her that I told you to drop by.”

Xiang Zhe was happy beyond belief and thanked Zhao Di no end. He left the office and went home to wash up and change into casuals so it would look more convincing to tell that Miss Busy Bee that he was there to help.

As soon as he arrived at the back gate, Uncle Pei let him in. He indicated with his head that Shan Mei was in the seminar room, clearing up. Auntie Pei was in the kitchen doing the washing up.

“Here, let me carry that overhead projector.” Shan Mei was, at that time, unplugging the cord from the socket and was surprised to find Xiang Zhe in the room.

“Hey, what are you doing here? I thought you were going to phone before coming over?”

His hands were already on the equipment when he said, “I did call. You were busy somewhere and Zhao Di told me I should come over to help you clear up the stuff because the part-time students had to leave early. Apparently, there was some activity going on at their college this evening. Where do you want me to put this?”

Shan Mei gave him a grateful smile and led the way to the Equipment Stores. “This is where all the equipment is kept. Remember this if you want to help again next time.”

“Always, at your service. All you have to do is call me and I’ll come running.” Without waiting for further instructions, he went back to get other equipment back into the stores. It was very easy to work, because the spaces for the equipment were clearly indicated by labels. He saw a vacuum cleaner and asked Shan Mei whether the floor needed to be vacuumed.

“You know how?”

“Of course. I took care of myself when I studied at Harvard for 2 years. You don’t have to worry. After the babies come, you take care of the babies, I’ll take care of the household chores. Your Ma simply delivers food to us every day.” There was a playful twinkle in his eyes when he said that.

“I see – someone is in a playful mood this evening. Too bad that I don’t feel like playing. I was going to invite you to stay for dinner seeing you have been so helpful, but now I’ve changed my mind. I’ll give the extra food to the babies – Auntie and Uncle Pei.”

He immediately sidled over to Shan Mei’s side and, with woeful eyes, appealed to her to take pity on a hungry, growing boy. He had not even taken lunch, but rushed over to Joseon House as soon as he was told she needed help. “I can see that you are tired. Why don’t you go for a nice, warm shower, while I run out and buy a pizza for the Pei’s. I am sure this will make them quite happy. When I return I’ll finish up the cleaning of the seminar room for you. After that, we will have all the time to relax and enjoy the delicious dinner that your Ma asked Youzhen to deliver to you.”

Shan Mei was surprised that Xiang Zhe seemed to know everything that was going on in Joseon House. How did he know Youzhen delivered food earlier in the day? And how did he know that Uncle and Auntie Pei had recently been passing hints that they didn’t know what a pizza tasted like when they saw a pizza advertisement on TV? It must be that Zhao Di trying to play matchmaker, no doubt. Yes, Shan Mei admitted truthfully to herself, she was delighted when she saw him but since he cracked the joke about babies, she became wary again. And, yes, she was definitely confused – confused by the ways she felt. Sometimes when she needed to discuss her problems, she wished Xiang Zhe was there to offer counsel. But whenever he asked whether there was anything he could help with, she was reluctant to burden him. Was it pride that was holding her back or something else she still could not fathom, seeing she was a novice in matters of love? She knew she was warming towards him. It would be difficult not to – after all he was not only good-looking and charismatic, he really was very caring, helpful and attentive in every way.

She didn’t know what to say so she decided to take Xiang Zhe’s advice and go have a bath. As soon as she disappeared through her door, Xiang Zhe went to check on Auntie Pei. She was almost done cleaning up the kitchen.

“Auntie Pei, after you finish here, why don’t you take a rest in your quarters? I’m going out now to get you a pizza for dinner. Don’t touch any of the things in the seminar room. I’ll finish cleaning the room when I return. I think Shan Mei is having her bath now.”

“Thank you Director Yin. You are a very good man. Our Shan Mei is so blessed to have you as a true friend.”

“What about having me for a husband? You think she’ll be interested?”

“Director Yin, do you really mean it? If you do, you don’t have to worry. I know our Shan Miss is an innocent where men are concerned but your Uncle Pei and I will help you in every way we can to make Shan Mei begin to think of marriage. After all, she is not getting any younger. She can still have her career and a family – that silly girl always thinks it’s either one or the other.”

Before he left for his errand, Auntie Pei showed him where the main dinner was kept. She would set the table and lay out the kimchi dishes when she was ready to leave.

Auntie Pei happily hurried off to tell the good news to her husband and see how they could help promote Director Yin’s chances. The wily lady had suspected for some time already that this Director was sweet on their Shan Mei. She had argued with her husband that Shan Mei would be too innocent to even notice the poor man.

So, later, when Shan Mei entered the kitchen, she was rather surprised that Xiang Zhe had the meal ready and was waiting for her. She could see he was impatient to start. Half way through the meal, Xiang Zhe received a call from his father. He didn’t look too happy after that as he continued eating.

“What did your father want?”

“He wanted to spend a weekend here. He and some clients were at the Country Club and they bumped into Chairman Yong. He was telling them about the wonderful corporate retreat Yongsan had here some time back. Dad said he wanted the same and asked me to arrange something.”

“Didn’t you tell your father Joseon House is not a hotel. We run events.”

“Come on Shan Mei, what’s the difference. People get to stay here anyway.”

“There’s a big difference. Joseon House was awarded a special license not similar to a hotel- or inn-keeper because of its heritage value. If you go back and check your invoices for the provincial BM conferences, you will note that we never bill for the rooms separately. The prices are quoted for each participant as a package deal. The lodgings are provided in conjunction with the conference as a convenience. In this way, Joseon House’s tax scheme is different to a hotel’s – we pay almost no tax because all our profits are used to maintaining this place.”

“So what do you want me to tell my father? That his future daughter-in-law won’t let him stay even a weekend in her house?”

“Stop your jesting, please. How many people does he plan to invite?”

“The 3 old Chung brothers. Remember them, from the mini thing you organized for Dad in his office and the prayer ceremony? I think he is going to ask Xiang Jie. Five in total, I suppose.”

“Then I suggest you book the party in under the pretext of some kind of meeting.”

Xiang Zhe was back in good humour. “In that case, I’ll ask Dad to include Laura.” Seeing the quizzical arch of her brows, he said, “Xiang Jie’s wife. She is a lawyer too. Both Xiang Jie and Laura graduated the same year from Harvard, I a year before them. Including me, I think we’ll make a nice little group for a top secret ‘Strategy Meeting’ for the Chung’s corporation. Shan Mei, book out the place for 4 days. If Dad wants to stay, he’s got to pay. Of course, Auntie Zhen will be here to provide her special food, right? The Chungs are still stuck in the Middle Ages. They’ll definitely love this place seeing it’s so steeped in history.”

“Then I suppose I’ll have to dig out my hanboks, to add more realism to the Joseon Dynasty. But, first thing first.” Shan Mei sat, working out dates mentally in her mind. “They want a weekend followed with a Monday and Tuesday ……..hmm, what dates I wonder are available?”

Shan Mei’s comment was lost when Xiang Zhe leaned over and pecked her lightly on her cheek.

She pulled back almost immediately and asked in a frightened voice, “Why did you do that for? Didn’t I warn you not to again?” Those eyes, wide opened, looked confused and questioning.

“I wanted to because you looked so cute sitting there engrossed in your thoughts. Are you complaining because I didn’t kiss you on the lips?” he asked lightly to cover up the fact that he had held back because he didn’t want anything to spoil the pleasant mood they were enjoying.

Chapter 12

Not knowing what to do next, Shan Mei simply said, “I’ll confirm the dates with you next week. Do you want some coffee before you leave?”

“Of course I want your coffee. And why do we have to wait until next week to find out the dates. We can do that just as well while having coffee in your office. My father is a very impatient man, just like me. The sooner I let him know, the better they can organize their office planner. You may not be aware, but my step-uncle is always waiting for an opportunity to have the whole office to himself so he can plan his dirty business. He’s a real slimy snake; I don’t know how my father can tolerate him. When I am back there, I’ll have him work on nothing more important that taking care of the stationery stores. That’ll keep him in his place. He hates my guts.”

“You’re going back to join your father?”

“That was the plan, but only part-time, even though Dad keeps reminding me that half the business is mine and I should be more involved. The other half is supposed to go to Xiang Jie’s. In order to make Muranta’s acquisition of 3A easy, the take-over will look like a merger. At the first EGM, I will relinquish my Director post to Tommy and will take up the newly-created post of Director of Legal Advisory Board. Tommy wants me to work from 3A office, so I’ll make the office that used to be yours mine. After the first 12 months, when everything can be turned over to the Muranta Group, I’ll ‘officially’ leave 3A. After that time I’ll need a base since I’ve been retained as legal advisor to help Tommy and Yuki in their local property acquisitions. It’s the least I can do for Muranta-san.”

When the dates were confirmed for the ‘Strategy Meeting’, two weeks from that day, Shan Mei shut down her computer expecting Xiang Zhe to make a move but he remained in his seat, pretending not to take the hint. He took a pencil from her pencil holder and began twirling it about, keeping his eyes on her and his mouth curved up in a sexy smile.

“Are you aware of the time? I’ve had a long day. I’m tired and I need to go to bed.”

“I was waiting to hear you say that. May I join you?”

“Xiang Zhe, what’s the matter with you tonight, talking nonsense most of the time? I suppose you want me to throw you out.”

“Alright, I’ll go but I have a small favour to ask. I’ll be leaving for Tokyo tomorrow and will be away for a whole week. Will you allow me to give you a hug? Please don’t refuse me this request. I’m going to miss you.”

Shan Mei looked at him a long second and then twisted her mouth in frustration at him. He had again put on his woeful expression. She suddenly gave a short laugh – when she worked for him, he was straight as an arrow; where did all these different facial expressions suddenly spring from?

“Only if you promise to leave immediately after.” Then she rose from her seat.

“Scout’s honour,” he replied, and gave her a smart salute.

He immediately got up from the chair and moved toward Shan Mei. She tensed as she waited for him to imprison her in his arms, but instead, when he was standing in front of her, he slowly lifted his hand and gently brushed her hair back off her face.

“This is how a man deeply in love touches the woman he loves, Shan Mei,” he told her quietly. “To the man, his beloved seems so vulnerable, so delicate, so precious that he’s half afraid to touch her, half afraid that the merest sensation of her skin against his fingertips will ignite a passion within him that he cannot control. He wants her ….wants her desperately and overpoweringly, and yet at the same time he wants to go oh, so slowly with her, to savour and hold on to every millisecond of contact with her.”

Mesmerized by the softness of Xiang Zhe’s words, Shan Mei didn’t even blink as he lifted her hand to his jaw. “And then, as his need for her overwhelms ………”

“And then, I think it’s time for you to leave,” she snapped indignantly, suddenly arousing herself awake from his hypnotic voice and eyes.

“But I haven’t even given you a hug,” Xiang Zhe protested.

“I think you’ve done enough for one night. I’m impressed. I now know what to avoid – a man in love babbling all sorts of nonsense at …..” she looked down at her watch, “….at 1 a.m. in the morning. I know you’ll understand if I don’t walk you to the door. You know the way out anyway.”

“Yes, you avoid a man in love, but I am not a man in love – I am a man de.e.s.ppp..eraaately in love! You simply don’t understand the difference.” Xiang Zhe turned away and walked towards the door leading out to the courtyard. As he reached the door, he turned back towards Shan Mei and warned her, “You still owe me a hug. I’m not going to forget it, neither am I going to forget you while I’m in Tokyo. Don’t forget to dream of me every night. Goodnight.” And he disappeared quickly into the darkness.

While Xiang Zhe was in Tokyo, Joseon House hosted Professor Ban’s 3-day motivational seminar. There were 20 participants this month and the last one who arrived had proved rather difficult when he complained almost non-stop about the weather and how he was going to miss out enjoying the in-house facilities that Professor Ban had highlighted.

Shan Mei, usually ready with a smile at the Welcome Lounge situated outside her office to greet and check-in the guests, was at the end of her tether with this Mr. Park, and it had only partly to do with Mr. Park’s incessant complaints. She discovered, much to her chagrin, she was beginning to miss Xiang Zhe. Normally, he would call at least once a day, if not for business or a chat, then to simply ask how she was doing. He had been gone 4 days, yet he had not called even once. She wondered whether he was alright?

She forced herself to give more attention to the guest with her. “Mr. Park, I’m sure you’ll find that at this time of the year, rain does fall unexpectedly. Please feel free to drop by our Joseon Museum Building which provides an interesting, educational insight into the historical background of the Joseon Dynasty and imperial life. Apart from the museum, we have a very nice spa. By the way, tea and coffee-making facilities are available in your suite.” Shan Mei then handed the guest a leaflet with layout of the plan of Joseon House and a description of the services available.

“Actually, I was hoping to practice my putting while I am here. Obviously, this won’t be possible now. I suppose it isn’t advisable to use the jogging trail as well?”

“If the weather permits, the jogging and exercise trail will be open for users. You will understand the trail may be slippery in some spots and flooded in others. We do not want to risk any harm coming to our guests. Before you go out, please check the day’s information posted on our notice board. Have a good stay, Mr. Park.”

She then asked her student helper to help carry Mr. Park’s carry-all bag to Suite 112. As she watched them walk away, she wrinkled her nose at Mr. Park’s back as he disappeared down the corridor to make his way to his suite.

“You know something, Zhao Di? I think Professor Jimmy’s seminar participants are beginning to think this is the Professor’s home. They are becoming too demanding,” Shan Mei complained as she entered the office.

Zhao Di stuck her head around the computer screen and laughed. “Sure they are demanding but they spend a lot too in their room’s mini-bar. Last month, one participant spent more than Won 300,000 for room service, spa treatment and drinks from the mini-bar during his 3-day stay.”

“Anyway, I’m glad we get to see Professor Ban only once a month. He gives me the jitters – always wanting everything perfect, even the weather. As if I could control the rain, the storms and the snow. In fact, he reminds me of someone.”

“Who?”

“Director Yin.”

Zhao Di chuckled. “You’ve got a point. But there’s a big difference between Director Yin and Professor Ban.”

“What’s that?”

“You love one and you’re not particularly fond of the other.”

Shan Mei froze. Then she spun around. “What do you mean?”

“You heard me. Even if you don’t think so now, sooner or later you’ll realize you do.”

“That’s impossible. We come from two different worlds. He’s a friend, Zhao Di, that’s all.”

“How different? No matter how you want to look at it, I think Director Yin has more than friendship in mind when he’s with you. With a guy like that, you should be thinking about having a deeper relationship with him? I like him and I think you’re perfect for one another.”

“Don’t be silly. We come from two different worlds. He comes from old money, the best schools, a long line of socially acceptable ancestors, a legal eagle, and he runs his own real estate empire. He’s rich, for heaven’s sake.”

“Oh, Shan Mei,” Zhao Di reminded under her breath, “so are you.”

“Not like he is. He’s city, he’s society. His father and younger brother live in townhouses in the wealthiest section of the city. So does our Director, if I remember correctly – not a townhouse but a penthouse in one of the most exclusive alcoves of newer Seoul. I think Koo from Vinoflora told me once when I phoned to order some flowers for Xiang Zhe supposedly to be sent to his father’s house but I forgot to ask for the address. Koo told me not to worry and assured me they had it on their records. Just so that I had everything for my records too, he rattled 3 addresses off to me – Yin Senior’s, Director Yin’s and the younger brother’s. Even though we’ve lived in Daejeon and Chonan for generations, we’re only country well-off, not rich – with residential land and property in Daejeon and some property, farm lands and crops in Chonan. And that, for your information, is a vast difference.”

Shan Mei, during her employment with Yin Xiang Zhe, had never thought of him being anything except her employer. Would a relationship, beyond friendship, work for them? She knew she was a very sensitive sort of person. On top of that, she was country-bred and had led a quiet, sheltered life. Put her beside someone like Yukiko Muranta or Liu Yong Xi who knew what society expected of them, Shan Mei knew she would have her moments of lingering insecurity and unease. No, putting on airs for high society was definitely not for her. She liked being her natural self the best and there was no way she would sacrifice it. But it was a pleasant feeling to be told by one of the most eligible and handsome bachelors in town that he had strong feelings for her.

That night back in her own quarters, she recalled Zhao Di’s comments about her loving Xiang Zhe even though she might not realize it yet. She liked him a lot, but anything deeper? She was beginning to wonder about her constant protests. Did missing a person mean one was in love with that person? If it did, then it meant she was in love. “How much?” she asked herself. “Quite a bit” she answered herself – because she was beginning to miss hearing from Xiang Zhe quite a bit.

And Auntie Pei had been dropping a lot of hints about her age recently, as if trying to marry her off before she ended up being an old maid. And the way both husband and wife were forever going on about Xiang Zhe, it seemed as if he was the last man left on this earth. She got so fed-up just listening to them that she ordered pizza for lunch today hoping to shut them up, but this evening Auntie Pei was at it again – singing praises virtually non-stop.

Just as she was getting up from bed, wanting to go pour herself a glass of water, her mobile phone began ringing.

It was Xiang Zhe. Shan Mei peered over to the bedside clock as she ran her fingers to comb through her tangled hair – it was 5 minutes past midnight, Doesn’t this man ever sleep, she asked herself.

“Everything going smoothly for you over there?”

“Yes ….,” she mumbled sleepily.

“Did you miss me?”

When no answer came from her, he continued, “Shan Mei, I want you to listen very carefully to what I’m going to tell you. I know you must be already in bed – you sound it. Best if you have paper and pen by your bedside.”

When she noticed the somberness in his voice, she became at once alert.

“Where are you? What’s happening?”

“I’m in L.A. right now. Don’t ask, just listen and jot down the important points. You remember Mr. Gordon, Dad’s legal associate in L.A.?”

“Y..e..s …..,” Shan Mei answered slowly, wondering what that American man had to do with her. She had only met him once and that time her only duty was to serve him breakfast, lunch and tea-time tit-bits.

“His secretary will be faxing some papers to you. All you have to do is fill in your proper name according to your passport, enter your passport number, sign in the spaces where she would indicate, and re-fax the papers together with photocopy of your passport back to them. Ah, one more thing. Tommy has agreed to release Chen Sui to Joseon House. After Chen Sui leaves 3A, he’ll get a man from Japan to replace him. And don’t argue – I’ve worked out a very attractive compensation package for Chen Sui. Mrs. Li from H.R. has all the details. Chen Sui will be able to help you a lot with the maintenance work around the place.”

“Xiang Zhe, what’s going on?”

“Calm down, my dear. Tommy Nakajima and I flew in yesterday from Tokyo to look over some real estate investment for their group. I encountered a small health problem. I’m scheduled for a scan sometime tonight. If they find something, I may remain here a few extra days for a minor surgery procedure. Just in case, complications do arise, I’ve instructed Gordon to prepare a will, suddenly remembering I don’t have one. I am taking precautions because I don’t want my stepmother to be able to lay her greedy hands even on one cent of my money. Almost everything that I own will go to you, with the remaining something to go to my two nephews, Xiang Jie’s children. This is important. The fax from Gordon’s office should be going through within the next half hour. Get that sorted before you go back to sleep.”

“Xiang Zhe, I can’t accept this. Nothing is going to happen to you. Nothing must happen. What about your father’s weekend visit next Saturday? Surely you’d be back in Seoul by then? Don’t scare me….”

“If scaring you is the only way I can get your full attention, then I’m glad I’m scaring the piss out of you. I don’t know what’s going to happen. If I’m not back by next Saturday, you just carry on as if everything is fine. You’ll see me when I show up but I can’t promise anything. Even the doctors here can’t promise me anything.”

“Do you want me there with you?”

“Of course I want you with me any time, but there are other more important things for you to take care of right now. If anything should happen to me, you go see Comptroller Park, H.R.’s Mrs. Li and Song Soo-lin. They will be able to help you sort through my mess.”

“What’s wrong with you? Which hospital are you in?”

“I have checked into L.A.’s St. John’s Medical Centre. You only come when Tommy informs you that I’ve gone. You come and bring my ashes and urn back to Seoul.” A heavy sigh came from Xiang Zhe. “Maybe, after death, you will let me stay by your side. Keep my urn beside your bed – that’s one of my requests. The other is that you kindly treat Dad as your father-in-law. I know there’s Laura, but she has been born and brought up in the States, she doesn’t understand too much our old Confucian ways. You agree?”

By this time, Shan Mei was sobbing her poor heart out and she could barely make her words heard. “Stop talking nonsense. And how could you expect me to act as if everything is okay when I know you’re laid up in a hospital, with God knows what kind of illness? And to make matters worse, you are now rambling on as if you’re not going to walk out alive from the hospital.”

“Shan Mei, you can make me feel better. Just say the words you know I want to hear from you.”

“If you want to hear them, then you had better make sure you get yourself back here alive and well!”

“I think you should have received the fax from Gordon’s office by now. Go, do the needful. This is important. I am tired, I want to rest now. Don’t call me.” Without even a goodnight, Xiang Zhe disconnected the line.

Shan Mei sat there on her bed, badly shaken because she didn’t want to believe what she had just been told. Not even a goodnight wish – she then knew Xiang Zhe was feeling very nervous himself otherwise he would never have forgotten his manners. Slowly, she wiped the tears from her face with the palms of her hands. She had better go check and see whether any fax had come through. She must do what Xiang Zhe had instructed – because she knew how he despised his stepmother and his step-uncle.

She had met the stepmother only once when Yin Senior, Mr. Gordon, Chairman Chung, Xiang Jie and Xiang Zhe were having a tea break that time when she was down at the 28th floor office taking care of the food for the visiting lawyer. Shan Mei was quite surprised when she saw that his stepmother was about 20 years younger than his father. In fact, she appeared to be only older than Xiang Zhe by a few years. That woman, when she walked into the office, was looking at Xiang Zhe in such a way that every other person in that room was instantly conscious of her desire for him. No wonder Xiang Zhe never liked dropping in at his father’s house, and wherever he had a meal with his father at a restaurant, he made sure his father understood the invitation did not include his stepmother or his step-uncle. Yin Senior was embarrassed and quickly hustled his wife out of the room. After they were gone, Chairman Chung passed some uncomplimentary remarks about the woman which Shan Mei found too rude to repeat.

Shan Mei led Yin Senior; Yin Xiang Jie and his wife Laura; and the 3 Chung gentlemen – familiarly greeted as the Chairman, the President, and the Director – through the front porch into the main lobby. Her helpers greeted each of the guests in turn, while some other helpers went out to the cars to collect the luggage.

As soon as they walked along the corridor, past the main courtyard, the 3 Chung brothers were immediately enchanted with the place. The eldest Chung, Mr. Chairman, reminded Yin Senior that he wanted to inspect the place thoroughly after lunch.

During lunch, Yin Senior approached Shan Mei and asked, “Isn’t Xiang Zhe joining us for lunch?”

“He’s still overseas and should be arriving back any one of these days. If he could make it in time, he would be here. If not, he said he would organize something else another time.” Shan Mei almost choked on the lie.

She quickly escaped to her office, closed the door and placed a call to Miss Yukiko Muranta.

“Good afternoon, Miss Muranta, Shan Mei here,” Shan Mei said as soon as Yuki answered the phone.

“Shan Mei, I was just about to call you. Tommy phoned me an hour ago, but because I was with a client, I couldn’t call you back right away. This morning, he arrived with Xiang Zhe back in Tokyo. Seeing how tired Xiang Zhe was, Tommy insisted that he spend the night in Tokyo. Xiang Zhe has been booked on tomorrow’s 11 a.m. flight for Seoul. He told Tommy he would be taking a taxi directly to Joseon House, so he left his heavier luggage with Tommy asking him to carry it back to Seoul the next time Tommy visits me.”

“Miss Muranta, ……”

“Yuki, please.”

“Alright,” and Shan Mei gave a short laugh. “Yuki, can you please tell me what happened in L.A. with Xiang Zhe?”

“According to Tommy, they were having lunch when Xiang Zhe felt nauseous and dizzy. Tommy immediately drove him to St. John’s Medical Centre because he has a friend working there. Dr. Colby, who attended to Xiang Zhe, suggested a scan. Later, they found some minor problem with his liver. If he had continued drinking, within 2 years, the problem in his liver might have turned cancerous. Even though the problem was treated and Xiang Zhe was discharged after 4 days’ hospitalization, he is still under medication. Tommy told me that Xiang Zhe has lost a lot of weight because when he was hospitalized, they put him on a drip diet. He needs complete rest and your care more than ever now but knowing him, I suspect he may be too proud to ask for it. Shan Mei, I’m sure you’ll know what to do. He’s definitely going to give me hell for divulging all this to you. He didn’t want to worry you. Call me if you need my assistance any time.”

After her conversation with Yuki, the first thing Shan Mei did was go looking for her Ma and told her what Yuki had divulged to her. “Ma, can you prepare some light porridge suitable for a recuperating patient. Just something light, nourishing and appetizing, when he’s here tomorrow?”

“I have just the very thing in the freezer. It’s in the Tupperware container labeled ‘porridge’. If I should be busy tomorrow, simply scoop out a small portion from the container and heat it up in the microwave. Add some sliced straw mushrooms. Aiya, Shan Mei, can you make sure this Xiang Zhe doesn’t drink anymore. Go clear out the fridge and mini-bar in his room and put in mineral water and a few bottles of milk.”

The next afternoon, Shan Mei went looking for Bee, the most reliable part-time student helper on her payroll. She had decided several months ago to take him on permanently after he graduated. Bee was in the servants’ kitchen taking his lunch.

“Bee, Director Yin should be arriving in a taxi in about 20-30 minutes’ time. Wait by the front gate. When he arrives, make sure you help him with his bags – don’t let him carry a thing – and show him to Suite 110.”

She turned to Uncle Pei and smiled, “You know, sometimes this Director Yin likes to sneak up on us from the back. You keep watch there. If he does, help him with his bags and show him to Suite 110, then let me know that he has arrived.” Uncle Pei laughed a bit, knowing Shan Mei was right about Director Yin always dropping in at the back gate.

Shan Mei was shocked by Xiang Zhe’s appearance when she brought a bowl of porridge to him. His handsome face looked gaunt and sunken and tired-looking, his complexion sallow, and his suit fitting him loosely, as if he had lost weight. It was only 13 days since she last saw him – how could a man’s appearance changed so drastically in so short a time? She didn’t mention a word about his looks – except passing a comment that he must have worked almost non-stop, depriving himself of sleep and food. “Not to worry, Ma will surely fatten you up in no time.”

He tried to put on a cheery face. “Hi! Long time no see. By the way, are we running a nursery here? There’s nothing in the mini-bar and fridge except water and milk.”

“Detention Class – for fools who get themselves drunk and start calling just about anybody at midnight with scary tales of hospitals, sickness and death.”

Xiang Zhe snorted a brief laugh. “Fine with me if you’re going to be the Detention Class teacher. Going to spend the night here to make sure I behave?”

Shan Mei ignored the question. Instead, as she put down the bowl of porridge, she told him to finish it before taking a rest. “Do you want to join the group for dinner tonight? If you don’t feel up to it, we can always provide room service.”

“Not join them since I’m already here? Dad will then think there is something seriously wrong with me!”

“I’ve told them that you were busy working on a project almost non-stop. They accepted the explanation and appeared to be having a good time, in spite of your absence.”

“Thanks for hinting I’m excess baggage here. The Chungs happy?”

“Deliriously so – morning walking and golf practice; afternoon the President and the Director are at the spa getting a massage from Auntie Pei while the Chairman is in the museum poring over the antique pieces, having great fun and patience trying to date them. You’ll be entertained with his running commentary at dinner time, if you decide to join the group.”

Xiang Zhe eyed the contents in the bowl and curled his lips in disdain. “Am I only going to get such a measly bowl of porridge? Haven’t you noticed this hungry boy needs fattening up?”

“This is for starters only. After you take a rest, Ma will provide you with something more substantial. She’s now in the kitchen whipping up some delicious surprises for you.”

“I need someone to put me to sleep.”

“Don’t start behaving like a brat, otherwise you won’t get your treat tonight.”

“Spoil sport!” he complained. Very quickly he finished the porridge and handed the empty bowl to Shan Mei, and then he took a bottle of milk from the fridge while Shan Mei made a final inspection of the room to make sure all alcoholic drinks had been removed. Taking a pencil out of her blouse pocket, she used it to tap on a sign displayed prominently above the headboard – NO SMOKING IN THE ROOM. He laughed and emptied all his pockets inside out. “See? No cigarettes. If you don’t like me to smoke, I won’t.”

“It’s for your own good health.”

“Worried I’ll die and leave you all alone?”

Shan Mei threw him an exasperating look, then taking the tray of soiled bowl and empty milk bottle with her, she left the room, closing the door quietly behind her. Xiang Zhe stood there, looked at the closed door for a second, then shaking his head slightly, he smiled softly to himself. He then began to get ready for some sleep. She was right – he was tired.

She went around to Yin Senior’s room to let him know that Xiang Zhe had arrived. He was tired and needed some rest, so she suggested maybe they should delay dinner for an hour – having it at 8 and not the usual hour of 7.

When Shan Mei entered the dining room and began serving dinner, she noticed that Xiang Zhe’s place was still vacant. She was thinking of going to check on him when Xiang Jie called out, “Ah, there you are Brother. What happened to you? You look as if someone had put you through a thresh mill! Lord, you look terrible.”

“I know how I look,” Xiang Zhe chastised glumly. “You don’t have to rub it in. I see, dinner has already begun. I am sorry I am late.”

”No worries. We’re just starting on our first course.”

The Chairman then advised Xiang Zhe, “Young man, watch your health – I suppose your Japanese clients have been pouring alcohol down your throat non-stop? I don’t understand how the Japs can drink so much and yet they are supposed to lead long lives.”

Turning his attention now to Shan Mei, the Chairman continued, “Ah, Shan Mei, the hanbok you have on tonight is more beautiful than the one from last night. I must say the hanbok suits you – you look exquisite in it.”

The Chairman now turned his attention to his younger brother. “No. 3, didn’t you mention this afternoon that our Shan Mei is now blossoming into a most beautiful woman? Why don’t you repeat to her what you told us you were going to do to her?” He laughed slyly when he continued to eye his youngest brother.

The Director had gone red in his face. “Why don’t you mind your own business, you old geezer? I suppose you’re jealous because you know you won’t able to do much with a beautiful girl like Shan Mei next to you, being so old. I have heard you’re only good at talking and no action. You are only good at handling those old relics in the museum.”

“You ungrateful man. What about you, only talk and ogle? I haven’t seen any action from you so far. I also heard that you’ve recently been for your annual physical and the report didn’t look too good.”

This time, the middle brother, the President, decided enough was enough. “Stop sparring you two. Both of you seem to find pleasure in interrupting our dinner every night. Let me warn you two, Xiang Zhe has not stopped staring at our beautiful Shan Mei ever since he entered this room. If you two don’t stop teasing her, I’m sure you won’t live to see tomorrow. Looks like someone is ready to stick a knife into your backs.”

The Chairman ignored his No. 2 brother and now, with his attention back on Shan Mei, he said, “Shan Mei, let me tell you that there are really some very rare and fine pieces in that museum collection. I hope you have someone watching them.”

Shan Mei, who was at that time ladling out soup into the soup bowls, smiled softly at the Chairman and then told him, “Yes, we have very tight security for this place. It’s a very complicated system – so complicated even I don’t know how to work it. We have an expert who helped us put this security system into place.”

Chapter 13

On hearing this, Xiang Zhe suddenly seemed to rouse from his reverie – all the time he had been watching Shan Mei closely while keeping his ears on the sparring between the Chung brothers. Of course, he realised they were only having fun at the expense of Shan Mei but, seeing how elegant and gracious Shan Mei looked tonight in her hanbok; he couldn’t tell whether they were half teasing and half wishing they could have her.

“I didn’t think of security for this place. You should have come to me for advice. You know I have the best man in the whole of Seoul where security systems go.”

“Well, rest assured Director Yin, the best security expert in Seoul put this system into place for us.”

“You’re not trying to tell me that Kwon did this for you?” When Shan Mei didn’t refute, Xiang Zhe could only smile and cursed to himself, “That rascal Kwon. He is not supposed to take on any side business. He should have come to me and I would have given him the okay to help you out.”

“I didn’t pay too great heed to those relics in the beginning. My Pa has a house full of these old things and Youzhen and I used to play with them during our young days. But Kwon insisted tight security not only for the museum but for Joseon House saying the place was too big. We didn’t pay him anything so it couldn’t be considered a side business. And he did it during his off-time. He wanted to help us after he saw what we had here. And, he’s always here anyway, especially on conference nights, for Ma’s food. He already began eating with us way back at 3A.”

“That’s right, Xiang Zhe. Leave the poor girl alone. If Mrs. Zhen feeds me every night, I’d do any favour for her too. Let’s drink up this delicious soup before it gets cold.” And the Chairman began spooning the soup into his mouth, and after each swallow of the soup, he would release a satisfying ‘aaah.’

After a few moments, the Chairman laughingly jested, “I see why you’re peeved with Kwon, seeing Shan Mei didn’t give you a bowl of this delicious soup. You’re having special baby food of your own? You poor boy! But if Shan Mei insists that you take it, it must surely mean it’s good for you.”

Mr. Chairman then turned his attention back to Shan Mei. “Shan Mei, did I hear you correctly when you said your father has a house full of these relics? Where did he get them?”

“My great-grandfather and great grand-uncle used to work as artisans for the imperial house, working their craft out of bronze, wood and porcelain. When the Japanese first began arriving from across the ocean, my great grandfather, taking my great-grandmother with him, thought it was a good idea to take as much of the family wealth and artistic creations with them and escaped further south. After their arrival, he and some of his workers decided to settle down in Daejeon. That’s when he invested in as many residential plots of land as possible. Shortly after that, they decided to go into farming also, so they bought a lot of farm land beginning at the northern fringe of Daejeon up a little bit further north to the small town of Chonan where the land was very fertile for farming so they could grow their own crops. My grandfather was born a few years after my great grandparents arrived in Daejeon. A year later, when the invaders ransacked the palace, my great grand-uncle escaped from the north with his wife and baby son, taking as many of their creations and wealth as possible with them and escaped to the south to join the family. My great grand-uncle was the one with the vision to build Joseon House.

After my gugu married and left with her husband for London, my father used her place to store and display many of the relic pieces, reminding us not to forget our family roots. My gugu didn’t return to Korea even after the death of her husband but continued to stay on in London to run her restaurant business.”

Mr. Chairman was listening with interest as Shan Mei related her story but he was not so senile that he didn’t notice that Xiang Jie’s wife was very quiet throughout the meal.

“Shan Mei, I’m very interested in your father’s collection. Do you think it will be possible for us to visit him after we check out of Joseon House?”

“Mr. Chairman, I am sure that can be arranged. I’ll phone my father later.”

“Laura, I notice you have been very quiet these past few days. Are you in the family way again? I know antiques can bore the living daylights out of young people. You don’t have to go with us, you know.”

“It’s not that, Mr. Chairman. Xiang Jie has told me that I’m only allowed to speak in 3 instances – to the children, in the bedroom and in a court room. If Xiang Jie wants to go, I’ll tag along. After all, I haven’t seen much of Korea’s countryside.”

“Ho-ho-ho. Xiang Jie, I’m so proud of you, showing us the way to be the man of the house. Not like your father. Laura, if you are not interested in the antiques, you can admire Mr. Zhen’s orchids. I understand he has some very rare and exotic specimens.”

The Chairman then looked at Yin Senior and chastised, “Bah, you give too much free rein to that woman of yours. She’s becoming more and more impossible. Look at the clothes that she wears all the time around town – not becoming a woman of her age and status. I hate to be demoralizing but you know me – always speak the truth. She has set her sights on our dear boy Xiang Zhe here. Luckily, your elder son is a good and upright man. Otherwise you would have been cuckolded a long time ago, you old geezer. I still can’t understand how you ended up with her? If you had wanted company and a drinking buddy, you could have come to me. After all we are friends from way back. And you didn’t have to marry me. You’re coming with us to Chonan, Xiang Zhe?”

“I think not. I think I’d better take a week or two off. I’m feeling really low. I think the trip will tire me. I’ll pass this time, another time maybe. And if you people don’t mind, I think I’ll return to my suite and have a lie-down. All this talking is beginning to tire me.”

“Don’t expect me to help mind your office while you go on holiday.” Xiang Jie exclaimed at once, expecting his brother to ask him help mind 3A.

“I haven’t even asked and you turn me down. What kind of a brother are you? Anyway, Tommy Nakajima will be here to help me run things while I’m away.”

“You seem to be very ‘in’ with the Japanese nowadays, bringing in that Japanese girl to take over management of one of your 3A branches and now getting in this Nakajima chap for management. Anything exciting going on that way that we should know of? You know your Uncle Chung wouldn’t want to miss out on any fun.”

“For your information, Mr. Chairman, the Muranta’s and the Nakajima’s ancestors were Koreans originally. Their ancestors were brilliant scientists from Manchuria. When the Japanese overran Manchuria, they shipped back to Japan a group of the best scientists and resettled them in Hokkaido to help with research work. They forced these scientists to marry the local girls. But Muranta and Nakajima managed to keep their lineage clean. The original Muranta came from the Manchurian area of Mukanjiang. I met Yuki’s father 10 years ago when he was here to search for lost relatives. He rented an apartment from me and stayed 3 months. I assisted him as best as I could but the search didn’t turn up any thing.”

“Scientist from Mukanjiang area? I’ll try to look up for some clues in my reference books. I remember reading in one of them about scientists being forcefully shipped to Japan. Any idea of the family name?”

“I think it was Tae. To ensure his descendants would remember that they originally came from Mukanjiang area, he chose Muranta as his Japanese family name.”

“I’ll see what I can come up with. Why don’t you go back to your suite and rest?”

As soon as Xiang Zhe left the room, Shan Mei looked apologetically around and said she’d better go see that he was alright.

“Yes, you go and check after him. He doesn’t seem to be feeling well at all.” Yin Senior looked worried as he said that.

“Ah, Shan Mei, a moment please before you run off. I would like to book out the place again for the Harvest Festival holidays – 4 days. About 40 of us will show up. For lunch and dinner, we want picnics and BBQs out around the grounds. I know our children and grandchildren will enjoy this place.”

Mr. Chairman then waved Shan Mei off to do her thing, after which he turned to Yin Senior and asked, “What’s wrong with Xiang Zhe? He doesn’t look pleased at all.”

“Haven’t you noticed? He doesn’t like his stepmother’s name mentioned in front of him. He couldn’t understand why Brother Yin had to go and marry such a woman. Brother Yin could have simply kept her on as a mistress. He couldn’t accept that such a woman took over his mother’s place even if she was dead.” This observation came from Mr. President.

“Can’t you sympathize with me? A man needs a woman to look after him.”

“Take care of you? Ha, I bet someone – not you – is taking care of her right now. Shan Mei’s gugu sounds like a decent and hard-working woman. Now, my friend, she’ll make a good wife for you.” The Chairman looked at Yin Senior behind hooded eyes, a wise smile on his face.

“So, old friend, how do you suggest I go about it?”

“Just get rid of the present one. You would have no trouble digging out lots of ‘infidelity’ evidence to divorce her. Just find yourself a good investigator. If you don’t have one, we have a pretty reliable bloke who handles our problems.” Mr. Chairman then slanted his youngest brother a gaze. “No. 3, next week can you arrange for Old Yin to meet up with our private eye?”

“Gee, Dad, that’s not a bad idea at all. You can play it out by telling her that we need to sell the house. After all, the house is supposed to belong to Elder Brother and me. And that you would have to move to a much smaller house to try to keep household expenses down. Then you cancel her credit cards saying she is spending too much every month anyway. You’re running into heavy debt. After this, we can most probably finally get rid of that brother of hers from our law firm too. This bit of news will surely cheer up Elder Brother no end.”

“Brother Yin, Xiang Jie has a point there. That woman will walk as soon as she realizes that you’re not as loaded as she originally thought you were. After you get rid of her, you can come and stay with us for a while, or maybe fly out to London to get to know Shan Mei’s lovely gugu. I’m sure with your brains, you’ll know how to go about it without advice from us. Your two capable sons will no doubt help you work out a plausible plan.”

After that, Yin Senior kept quiet, as if pondering the whole matter over in his mind. His choice for second wife was a bad one, he admitted. And that, Jin Enqi thought that the old man was so senile he did not know what he was up to in the office? Since his second marriage, the family members from his first wife had never forgiven him and had stopped talking to him. Xiang Zhe and Xiang Jie were the only two still invited to the Lee family’s gatherings. Yes, maybe it was time to get rid of these two tasteless and classless characters.

Shan Mei followed Xiang Zhe back to his suite. She poured him a glass of water and shook out a couple of pills from his medicine bottle. “Take these, then go lie down for a while. I’ll get Ma to bring you some tea that will relax you and help you to sleep. Don’t lock the door, in case you need us later in the night.”

Xiang Zhe grimaced like a little boy when he popped the pills into his mouth. Another time Shan Mei might have been amused by the chagrin in his expression. Checking over the medicine bottle, Shan Mei was surprised. “You mean you have to take these for a whole month, 2 times a day? What actually is wrong with you?” When he didn’t deem it necessary to answer her, she decided to leave quickly because she didn’t want to tire the man with further argument.

Ma hurried back to the kitchen and confronted Shan Mei. “Heavens, Shan Mei, are you sure Xiang Zhe is getting better? He looked terrible when I brought the liver nourishing tea to him just a moment ago.”

Shan Mei knew exactly what she was saying. She herself could barely recognize him when she saw him in his suite when he arrived earlier.

“Shoosh Ma! Do you want the whole house to hear what you’re saying? He doesn’t want to worry his father and brother so he trumped up some excuse about working too hard.”

Crossing her arms across her chest, she bit at her lower lip and wondered whether it was wise to suggest something to her mother. Without hesitating, she did anyway. “Ma, do you think Pa will mind if I ask Xiang Zhe to stay on for a month in my unit after the group leaves tomorrow? I can’t let him occupy any of the suites just in case the tax inspector decides to drop in to do his half-yearly random inspection. He did it one time – luckily we were clear.”

Mrs. Zhen looked at Shan Mei a long time before answering. “Your Pa will get angry if you don’t ask him to stay here so you can look after him. Don’t worry, I’ll stay on a month to help you.”

She hugged her mother and began thanking her profusely.

“You don’t have to thank me. Anyone can see that you are very concerned about him. Though you are reluctant to admit it, I can see that you care a lot for the boy.”

“Ma, what kind of rubbish are you talking about?”

“Come on, my darling girl. Don’t you ‘Ma’ me! Your Pa and I are not blind. We can see how Xiang Zhe feels about you. The boy is lonely. I bet he drinks himself to sleep every night. A man his age needs a wife to keep him company and care for him. If you don’t want Xiang Zhe to drink himself to death, I suggest you give him a clue about the way you feel too. The boy is so shy and such a gentleman, he’s afraid to do anything to upset you. Hasn’t he proposed to you yet? ”

“He simply needs healing, and not any emotional encouragement, I think. What kind of nourishing food are you going to give him?”

“Don’t try to change the subject. If the boy comes to me for advice, I’ll simply tell him to take you to bed and make crazy love to you. That way, you’ll have no choice but agree to marriage with him.”

“What kind of mother are you? Telling a man to do that to your own daughter!”

“You’re not getting younger. If you dilly-dally any longer, both of you will end up old man marrying old maid.”

“Ma, I’m only going to be 30, not some ancient relic.”

“The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be for you to conceive. Take Ma’s advice. Hurry up and get married soon. Your Pa and me won’t have to worry anymore. Youzhen and Minnie have decided to marry at the end of this year. We’ll have complete peace of mind if you’re married too.

Even though we are from the old school, we do know what falling in love is. Nowadays, you young people have so many choices – don’t know which one to choose when confronted with so many opportunities. That is one of the reasons why there are so many divorces. Xiang Zhe is a good man and we feel we can trust him with your future happiness. It’s you, my dear daughter, whom I’m worried about. All your life, we have cosseted and loved you that you take love for granted. Have you ever thought about love? Do you know what real love is? See how we run to help you every time you have a problem? That’s our love for you because we don’t want to see you unhappy. You do the same for us, because you love us.

Remember that time when Youzhen fell asleep in class and his teacher made him write 1,000 times that he would never again fall asleep in class? Instead of helping him with his lines, you wrote a letter to his teacher telling him that Youzhen had to wake up every morning at 4 to milk the cows and finish his chores around the farm before going to school. You asked him whether any one of his students ever had to wake up at 4 a.m. every morning to do a lot of chores around the house before going to school? The teacher felt so mortified for not understanding Youzhen’s situation that he forewent the punishment and even gave him a daily list of homework to be done so he need not copy it down. You did that because you love Youzhen Ge, right? You couldn’t bear to see him punished. Same way you have been treating Xiang Zhe since you began working under his direct supervision – you wanted everything to be organized perfectly so that he didn’t have to worry a thing. You are very loyal to him – his interests and his welfare always come first. See how you are prepared to allow him to spend one month in your unit so that he can be nursed back to heath? That shows how very much you love him. Little girl, I think you have grown up after all without realizing it.”

A small sensation became a deep shudder, a small, painful flowering of knowledge unfurling inside her, which she quickly and fearfully tried to smother.

On Tuesday after lunch, the group left in their cars and drove to Chonan. Shan Mei was in Xiang Zhe’s suite packing, when he walked in after seeing his father, brother and sister-in-law off.

“Why are you packing my bag? I’m not ready to leave yet.”

“Even if you are, I’m not letting you! I’m moving you over to my unit. You are staying with us for the time being so we can take proper care of you, until you get better.”

“Who are ‘we’?”

“Ma and I.”

He was so surprised, yet infinitely happy, that he didn’t even question why he couldn’t continue to stay on in the suite. Finally, he was going to have a chance to check out her private haven – how she lived and what she did when she hid away behind those closed doors.

His gaze narrowed on her face. “You sure you’re not tricking me, actually packing up my things to send me home later?” he asked still in doubt.

“If you tell me you have someone at your place to take care of you, then I’ll definitely send you home.”

“You know there is no one. How long am I allowed to stay?”

“Ma said it would take at least a month of proper care and nourishing food and soup to get you back on track.”

Oooh-la-la, Xiang Zhe sang silently to himself. An entire month – 30 days – sharing a house with Shan Mei! He began to thank his mother up in heaven for her blessings. “Mum, you’re not only going to get your son better, you’re going to get a daughter-in-law very soon.”

For once, he didn’t feel lethargic at all as he set about to plot a way to melt Miss Shan Mei Nightingale’s heart.

Her private unit consisted of 4 interconnected buildings, laid in a square configuration, with a courtyard right in the centre, the 4th building ran along the side of the kitchen wall where her connecting door – from the kitchen to her private quarters – was located.

As soon as one entered through the door, to the left side was the entry hall where slippers and shoes were stored in shoe racks; along the wall was hung a decorative panel with porcelain hooks for hanging of coats, umbrellas and what-nots. There were also several racks of potted plants.

To the right side was a small alcove with racks and racks of her CD and DVD collection. Xiang Zhe looked through her extensive CD collection and noticed that Shan Mei favoured classical music from many renowned violinists.

The next room immediately after was the living room, the main focal point being a rather biggish sofa. Against the side of wall facing the sofa was a complete set of TV and hi-fi equipment. There was a mini CD-player that could store 10 CDs for continuous play. On the hi-fi panel, Xiang Zhe noticed 3 buttons labeled Room A, B and C.

After that was a small kitchen with wash basin, a 3-door fridge, storage cabinets, a microwave oven, a toaster and a small rice cooker.

The building on the opposite side of the building with the living room appeared to be sleeping quarters – Shan Mei’s bedroom with attached bathroom. He noticed the door with a glued on the lettering A. Two guest rooms with attached bathroom in between and with the letters B and C were situated next.

The building facing the entrance door from the main kitchen consisted of store areas, the laundry and drying areas and a door leading to the back garage.

These 4 buildings framed a courtyard that had a small, round marble table and 4 stone stools in the centre. Overhead, there was a sliding rooftop to keep out the rain or the hot afternoon sun.

Xiang Zhe, out of curiosity, tried the bed in the bedroom marked C. Yes, the mattress felt as good as Youzhen had claimed it did. He looked around and was surprised that the room was provided with piped-in music. Ha, he finally understood; those letterings on the hi-fi console corresponded to the Room letterings. Press the alphabet of your choice and the room would automatically get the music. How convenient and clever. He looked very satisfied and knew he was going to enjoy his time staying here.

Uncle Pei following behind Shan Mei came with Xiang Zhe’s bag. Shan Mei told him to deposit the bag in her room. When Xiang Zhe looked at her surprised, she told him it was more convenient for him to have the room with his own private wash facilities, rather than sharing the one bathroom with Ma. He had no fault to find with this arrangement, and was secretly pleased that he was going to be sleeping on her bed.

With Shan Mei, Ma, Uncle and Auntie Pei dancing attention on him all day, Xiang Zhe discovered that he didn’t miss his alcohol, cigarettes and his computer at all. The days became routine. Sometimes Shan Mei would pop in, in between her work, to check on him. Ma and Auntie Pei loved fussing around him and he was simply lapping it all up.

Evenings, when there were no overnight guests, Shan Mei would accompany him for slow, short evening strolls around the grounds. One time, when he felt stronger, by mutual silent agreement they started walking toward the brook. Along the way, Xiang Zhe’s hand would catch hold of hers. She tried to break free, but he held on tight, saying he needed to hold on to her hand for support. It felt warm and right there and for once, Shan Mei didn’t argue further. The motion of his finger on her palm each time was causing little ripples of sensation to tingle up her wrist and arm.

Another time as they strolled along, Shan Mei tried to brush some stray tendrils of hair from her forehead. Remembering that scene where Xiang Zhe told her about the touch of a man in love made her stop her action mid-way and she simply let her hair flutter about. For an instant, she thought she saw a flicker of disappointment in his expression, but she must have been mistaken, for he was now smiling mockingly at her. Later, she noticed the tenderness in his expression as he had looked at her while they were standing by the brook.

Sometimes, instead of strolling around the grounds, they would sit out at the round marble table under the gazebo in the courtyard. He would lightly caress her hands. When she tried to admonish him, he simply smiled and told her. “No one is paying attention.” She knew that was true and his caress was probably not even visible to Uncle or Auntie Pei, half hidden as it was between their bodies. The knowledge did nothing to rid her of this feeling of excruciating intimacy.

Other times, he spent his time napping or watching TV and be fed all kinds of light, tasty and nourishing food. He never had it so good. Sometimes, during his sleep, he thought all this was just a dream. If it was a dream, then he never wanted to wake up ever.

One afternoon when Shan Mei saw Auntie Pei ironing out a pair of Xiang Zhe’s pants, she couldn’t help but complain. “Ma, if you and Auntie Pei continue to wait on him hand and foot, that man will not want to leave. Double-boiling soup and double-steaming rice dishes every meal. Ironing his shirts and t-shirts, I can understand, but ironing out his denims and his underwear as well? I think that’s going a bit too far! Haven’t you noticed how at home he feels around here nowadays?”

“So if he wants to stay longer, let him. At least while he’s here, we know there will always be someone to make sure he eats alright and he doesn’t drink and smoke. If you send him away, your Pa will surely get very angry with you. When Youzhen told Pa that you made Xiang Zhe sleep in the servants’ quarters that one time, he was ready to blast you on the phone until Xiang Zhe stopped him, soothing his anger by telling him that it was understandable since you lived alone in your unit and it would cause gossip having a man spend the night there. In fact, see how he has improved? He looks better than before, and yesterday when he weighed himself, he told me he was only 2 kilos off his normal weight. He should be fine with another week or two of pampering. To be honest, I am going to miss taking care of him when he leaves for home. He has been such a wonderful patient – no complaints and doing everything he’s been told to do or take. The Tochu tea I am giving him every day seems to agree with him. I will insist that your Pa start to take this tea too when he comes up here or when I’m back in Chonan.”

Seeing a pout on her daughter, she calmly and gently advised with a soft smile, “After he has fully recuperated and returns home, try to find time to spend with him. If you don’t, all our good work will all be in vain. Sooner or later, he will go back to his bottle and his cigarettes.”

“He has plenty of other friends only too happy to spend time with him.”

“Doing what? Most probably drinking and eating unhealthy, fried and too oily food from the street food stalls. But, more importantly, a fact you seem to have overlooked – he doesn’t want their company. He wants yours!”

“And when have you become his confidante that you know how he feels?”

“I don’t need to become anything. I’m a mother and I have a son going on to 34. I know my son so well I knew exactly the day Youzhen fell in love with Minnie.”

Despite Shan Mei’s protests, Ma continued to pamper Xiang Zhe with all sorts of good, healthy, nourishing food, and Auntie Pei wouldn’t let him lift a finger to do anything. Every time Pa came up from Chonan, he brought extra bottles of fresh milk for him. Sometimes, Pa even brought the full-cream type specially bottled for Xiang Zhe.

And when Xiang Zhe said he was imposing too much on Auntie Zhen and maybe he should return home, Zhen Senior wouldn’t hear of it.

“Xiang Zhe, you stay here as long as you want. Getting back your good health is more important than making more money. I am a farmer. I should know.”

“Uncle Zhen, it’s not that I need to make more money, but many important matters are awaiting my attention. Even if I don’t leave this week, I’ll have to make a move next week even though I am very reluctant to. Your family has been so kind to me. But I’m expected in Tokyo.”

“That’s the reason you have to stay longer. Shan Mei’s Ma will make sure you are 100% fit and okay before she’ll let you leave. Don’t worry too much now. We’ll see next week how you feel.” With that, Uncle Zhen didn’t want to hear any more about Xiang Zhe leaving, which was fine with him because he was beginning to feel very much at home and comfortable in Shan Mei’s private quarters and especially in her bedroom.

On Thursday the following week, Xiang Zhe couldn’t delay his departure any later because Tommy had called him and said that his presence was needed in Tokyo and L.A.

Xiang Zhe had just finished packing his bag and was waiting to get some private time with Shan Mei before leaving. She walked into his room with a brown paper bag holding 2 bottles of milk. “Remember to warm the milk up a bit before taking it at bedtime. It should help you sleep better.”

“I can only sleep better if I know for certain that I’m the one you intend to marry.”

Shan Mei looked shyly away. He lifted her face to face him and searched her eyes. She asked very softly, “I don’t understand. Why me?”

He laughed as his hands dropped to hold her at her waist. He found her question so funny. “Why you? Very simple. You are my destiny, just as I’m yours. I hate to leave you now. I have so much that I want to say to you but I’ve got some urgent matters to attend to. Your Pa is waiting outside in his van to give me a lift home. I have to run now.” He had run because though he sought words he found none to tell her why he loved her. That he found her to be proud and foolish and wonderful, yet at the same time, kind and compassionate; humble and assuming. That she tilted at life with such glowing joy. That she was gloriously loyal when loyalty was needed. More important, that she was patient and understanding with his set and overbearing ways.

Arms letting go of her waist, Xiang Zhe pulled her to him. He wanted to give her a kiss but thought better of it. Instead he gave her a brief peck on her cheek, and then he whispered, “Let it happen, Shan Mei. All you need to do is say ‘Yes’ and I’ll immediately put my ring on your finger.” After he let go of her, he walked quickly toward the back door. The door opened, then closed and he was gone.

Chapter 14

The day after Xiang Zhe returned to his home, Vinoflora sent over to Joseon House some ‘thank you’ presents from him: for Mr. and Mrs. Zhen a hamper containing carnations, boxes of exclusive chocolates and a bottle of the finest French cognac. For Miss Zhen an exquisite bouquet of roses, boxes of chocolate truffles and tins of French pate foie gras. For Uncle and Auntie Pei, the hamper included chocolates and a bottle of white wine and a bottle of red wine.

Shan Mei herself was busy coping with Joseon House’s business. Some days she felt like giving up because Joseon House was suddenly deluged with bookings for birthday and anniversary parties, so many that she didn’t know how to juggle the space around. One time she had to tackle 6 parties for the same evening!

She was sitting at the kitchen table, finishing off the left-over baked ham and cheese macaroni for dinner, being too tired and lazy to cook something fresh, when it suddenly dawned on her that Xiang Zhe hadn’t called or shown up, since Vinoflora delivered the gift hampers. She wondered how he was doing. It would have been nice if he had called – at least she would have someone to vent her frustrations and complaints on!

Was he preoccupied with his father’s recent filing for divorce? The news did not make front page headlines, but all the juicy bits and pieces of his wife’s indiscretion and extra-marital affairs appeared for several days in a tabloid’s famous Page 6 columns. Her brother was news-worthy item too when it was leaked that he had misappropriated quite a substantial amount of company funds that were being held in trust accounts. Xiang Jie appeared in the papers, to confirm that their legal firm had appointed Sung & Jang Solicitors to handle their suit against Jin Enqi.

The Yin family saga didn’t stop there. Just 2 days ago Yuki, after 3A’s BM conference, took her aside and told her that Tommy and she had bought over Yin Senior’s townhouse. The house was in very good condition and only needed minimal touching-up. The couple wanted to throw a house-warming party for about 50 3A employees in 3 weeks’ time and she had insisted that Shan Mei provide the catering. “Our parents will be arriving for the party too. You know what my father likes. Please email me a menu suggestion as soon as you can.”

Apparently, during these past 6 weeks, a lot of things had been happening, but Xiang Zhe appeared to be nowhere around.

So, Shan Mei was pleasantly surprised when he phoned her one afternoon, after almost 7 weeks’ of silence, to say that he would be collecting her for dinner at 7.30 p.m. that evening and he didn’t even give her a chance to refuse by hanging up the phone almost immediately. When she tried to call him back, she kept getting the ‘out of range’ signal.

Xiang Zhe arrived at Joseon House slightly earlier than Shan Mei had expected, and if the sight of him wearing the expensively tailored dark suit with its equally expensive, crisp white cotton shirt had not been one that was already familiar to her, she suspected she would have found it extremely daunting.

And here he was, at Joseon House, looking pretty satisfied with his work as if taking Shan Mei out to dinner was a daily occurrence. “Hi, Shan Mei, long time no see. You look like you could do with some pampering. Grab your purse and a shawl. Let’s go.”

Knowing the hungry press hounds were forever on his trail, the restaurant he chose was the one he had recommended once before – it had been picked with privacy in mind. Each table secluded in its own booth, the service quietly discreet. By the time they were shown to their reserved booth, she had convinced herself to postpone her worries and seize the moment.

“Where have you been and how has your father been taking things?” she couldn’t wait to ask as the questions tumbled out, one after another.

“Let me see …….,” Xiang Zhe answered slowly.

“Come on, don’t keep me waiting. Out with the answers.”

“I wasn’t referring to that situation.” Xiang Zhe dismissed with a wave of his hand. “I simply don’t know whether to have the black pepper fillet steak or the salmon for dinner. The specials for tonight all sound so tempting.” He pursed his lips thoughtfully as he studied the menu once again.

Shan Mei stared at him incredulously. Did nothing trouble this man? He looked up at her, a smile playing on his lips, and he asked whether she had decided what she wanted, because he was ready to order.

“I’m suddenly not feeling very hungry. I think I’ll wait and see what your steak looks like before I order later.”

Putting down the menu, he reached out to clasp one of her hands with his as it lay on the table top. He laughed softly. “Okay, if that’s the way you feel. Maybe you want a drink first?” When she didn’t answer, he ordered the steak for himself, and a mineral water for her.

She hastily removed her hand from beneath his but he held on firmly, and only let her hand go when his salad order arrived.

It looked great, so he suggested, “Try the avocado salad, Shan Mei.”

“Try it, Shan Mei,” he encouraged gently, holding a forkful of his own avocado temptingly in front of her mouth. Shan Mei gave him a startled glance, slightly alarmed by his close proximity. But the determined look in his eyes told her he wasn’t about to move away until she took the avocado from the fork he held out.

“This is ridiculous,” she muttered as she moved slightly forward to take the food into her mouth. Then she moved back from him, holding up her glass of water for a sip.

“Better?” He nodded his satisfaction with her compliance. He didn’t continue with conversation because his main course had arrived.

She swallowed. “Yes. But where exactly is all this leading to?” she prompted impatiently.

“This is leading to the fact,,,,,” he deliberately sliced through his thick slab of steak and held a morsel of tender meat this time temptingly in front of her, leaning intimately forward as he did so, “that you will soon realize how loving and attentive I can be ….”

“I am not questioning that. I am just wondering whether I’m the right partner for you, seeing the shambles your father’s marriage is right now in. Marry the wrong woman and see what happens?”

Then, pushing back a handful of hair from the side of her forehead, she looked out-of-sorts as she admitted tiredly, “And right now, Joseon House is receiving more bookings than we can handle. Suddenly we have become the favourite haunt of the students from the close-by universities and the athletes from the Sports Complex. Many times, they get too drunk to travel and have to spend the night. They come in groups of 30 or so, and try to cramp 6 or 7 to a room. I am afraid they will break some of my things one day. I want to expand to accommodate these groups but how? What do you suggest?”

His mouth quirked. “That you eat this slice of beef; it’s in danger of falling off my fork.”

“Hmmm,” she thought. That was not the only thing she was thinking – Xiang Zhe, feeding her, would be in danger of causing another scandal, if some press people saw them.

“Are you ready to order now? We’ll talk after we have eaten.”

“In that case I’ll have the avocado salad and the grilled salmon steak special.”

After they left the restaurant and had slid into the car, Shan Mei asked Xiang Zhe whether he was ready to let her have some answers. He was frowning slightly as he fastened his own seat belt, and a hint of impatience tightening his mouth because in spite of her many questions, not once had she asked after his health, as if she had forgotten he had recently been very sick himself. In a resigned voice, he finally promised her, “Later.”

As the car moved away from the curbside, Shan Mei adjusted the radio to a classical station and leaned her head against the leather headrest. The soothing music served to get her mind off negative thoughts.

The meal had been tasty, the conversation easy and flowing, as both of them began to relax under the soft lights and casual atmosphere. After the meal, Xiang Zhe invited her to his condominium, seeing the time was still very early and saying that she had never seen where he lived.

When Shan Mei did not agree at once, he said, “Your choice, either the penthouse or the countryside cabin up on the hills. I just want to take you somewhere tonight.”

Shan Mei realized he was trying to be difficult again so she agreed with some hesitation to go to the condo. She agreed because her curiosity had overcome any remaining caution. Practically all their time together had been spent in her home. Even on their sporadic dates, they’d never gone to his place. Now she felt an inexplicable need to know as much about him as she possibly could. She couldn’t deny herself anymore – finally, she admitted to herself seeing him tonight made her realize she did care for him, did love him, more than just the little bit that she had allowed herself to believe.

In less than half an hour, they had arrived at his place and were now zooming up the high-speed elevator to the penthouse floor. As soon as Xiang Zhe had shown her into the apartment, she knew he had done a lot of preparation before he called on her. There was a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket, the lights were on but turned way down low. In the background, soft, romantic and seductive violin music was playing, at a non-intrusive volume.

At his urging, Shan Mei sat on one of the plump sofas. When he sat next to her, she involuntarily stiffened.

“Scared of me, Shan Mei?” he asked lazily.

“Of course not!”

“Why are you so afraid? I don’t bite, you know. Well… I do nibble a little.” He tilted toward her, playfully clicking his teeth together. “You never used to be.”

She didn’t have to tell Xiang Zhe she was full of mistrust. He could see it all over her, hear it in her voice.

When he began to uncork the champagne, she told him she would prefer a glass of mineral water. “And you’re supposed to stay away from alcohol.”

He let out a short laugh. “Yes, my dear. Anything you say or want.”

Xiang Zhe looked down at her, his gaze on lips that trembled slightly, on eyes that couldn’t hold his for more than a few seconds. He gave a soft laugh as he tucked her hair behind one ear.

“I’m not afraid.” She couldn’t let his taunt stand, regardless of its merit.

“There you go, fibbing again. Yes,” he said, “I do believe that nose is getting longer.” He traced a thumb across her bottom lip, effectively silencing any reply. “I’ve had my quota of ribbing you today though, so I won’t challenge you further; not tonight anyway. I invited you here for a special reason. Remember the prayer ceremony you organized 3 years back?”

Shan Mei nodded her head.

“Aunt Seo-yi phoned my secretary and asked for 10 more sets. I don’t know what she is going to do with them. I was curious so I ran through the CDs on the machine last night and, surprisingly, found them very interesting with a beautiful montage of long-forgotten photos and I learned a lot of things from the excerpts of interviews from the various elders. It seemed you and Youzhen did a lot of filming during your off hours. I recognized your voice, asking those questions. Why didn’t you show your face on the screen?”

“I didn’t want to distract the viewers from the main people telling their stories. And the people relating their stories looked more natural, rather than stiff-like answering questions. The questions were there as prompters.”

“Viewing the CDs also made me think back. I’ve wanted to ask you about that gift pack idea. Sweetness and Joy – brilliant idea! Did Koo help you with that?”

“Well, to be honest, Koo, when he ordered a thousand sample bottles of champagne as giveaways, the Moet people told him they could print for him Vinoflora’s own specific label. When Koo received his shipment, he gave me a couple of bottles. I fell in love immediately with the name JOY. So when you asked for a Prayer ceremony as dedication to your mother, I thought her favourite chestnuts and a sample bottle of JOY would make a meaningful gift for your guests. Sure enough, your Aunt Seo-yi immediately asked for 20 extra gift packs. Maybe you are not aware, but I’ve carried the idea over to Joseon House. For our wedding and other celebratory functions, the guests get to leave with a gift pack containing 2 pieces of strawberry-coated chocolate and a sample bottle of pink Moet especially bottled for Joseon House named ‘Happiness’ so from Joseon House, it’s Sweetness and Happiness.”

Xiang Zhe looked impressed. “At that function, Aunt Seo-yi seemed to be forever talking to you in whispers. What did she want?”

Shan Mei smiled, not ready to give an answer.

“Shan Mei, do you think it’s fair to me? You always want answers from me but when I ask something so simple, you stall.”

“We..l..l ……, your Aunt Seo-yi really liked the way she looked after she viewed the video, and asked me to try to get Youzhen Ge to take photos of her and her family. In fact, the entire Lee family wanted family group photos. The Chung family too. And they all wanted certain shots from the video developed into photos for their albums. You know, Youzhen Ge is busy most of the time, and it took almost 6 months before he could complete the assignment.”

“That vain pot. Is that why she wants 10 extra sets of CD?”

“I’m sure that’s not the reason. I think she is anxious to spread the word around about the dialysis centre. Apart from the 6 machines they have added as promised, last year she has managed to collect enough funds from a group of her American friends to add another 2 dialysis machines to the Madam Lee Seo-mi Centre. Her aim is to get 20 machines into that centre.”

Shan Mei laughed at the thought and she mentioned casually, “When that happens, I think there won’t be enough space in the centre. You’ll have to think of expanding it.”

Xiang Zhe joined in her laughter and began to think seriously about extra space. “I’ll leave that for Muranta-san to contribute after his company has taken over 3A for a year. That’ll be very good publicity for them, as a way to show their civic obligation.” As an afterthought, he asked, “Do you have the extra sets that Aunt Seo-yi wants?”

“All the 150 sets we pressed had already been given out. I’ll ask Youzhen Ge to arrange for another 20 sets if you are serious about giving your aunt 10 sets.”

“Of course I’m serious, just to get her off my back. She can be rather persistent, you do realize?”

Shan Mei didn’t voice her agreement. She only smiled with her lips pressed together and gave a gentle nod of her head. She then looked at Xiang Zhe, her eyes telling him she was waiting.

When he tried to look nonplussed, pretending he didn’t get her message, she very impatiently told him, “Stop stalling. You know very well I’m waiting for answers.”

“Alright, I promise you you’ll get all your answers by this evening’s end. Now I want to know whether you have missed me?”

“Yes.”

“How much?”

“Much,” she answered impatiently.

“Does this mean your resistance is weakening? I was away for almost 7 weeks. Did you miss me all that time?”

“Only when I wanted you to help me move the seminar equipment back into the Store-room.”

Xiang Zhe laughed when he heard that. “So you agree I can be useful at times? Are you ready now to tell me what you promised you would – the words I would most like to hear – when I’m back in Seoul, standing in front of you. I am not standing, only sitting down, but just as anxiously waiting.”

“Xiang Zhe, getting your good health back should be your No. 1 priority right now. I was worried all that time you were away, wondering whether you were feeling alright or whether you suffered a relapse when you didn’t call.”

“I’m glad that you have been thinking of me. For your information, I was in L.A. a couple of weeks ago and consulted Dr. Colby again and he was amazed when he checked up on me. That one month, staying with you, really did wonders for my health, both physical as well as mental. He cleared me and promised that if I stayed away from alcohol and cigarettes, I should not need to see him for a very long time. So, did you miss me and think of me so much that you now know that you love me?”

“Well, yes …. There is love but …….”

Xiang Zhe didn’t let Shan Mei continue any further before he jumped in when he heard the magic word ‘yes’.

“Shan Mei ……Shan Mei.”

She scarcely recognized the stifled, intense voice of Xiang Zhe, the fiercely whispered endearments, the hungry, passionate kisses. Surely she must be imagining them, she thought dizzily. This was Yin Xiang Zhe holding her, kissing her mouth, her face, her throat …… telling her how much he loved her, how much he had always loved her, telling her he had waited for what felt like half his life, to hear her say what she had just said, that she loved him. “Oh Shan Mei, how little you know, you little innocent, how I have waited, keeping the flame in my heart turned low for 3 long years.”

Then he suddenly released an arm. Xiang Zhe took a loosened tendril of her hair and played with it in his fingers, tenderly smoothing the loose wisps of hair from her forehead. “I’ve waited 4 years. I don’t think I can or want to wait a moment longer. Shan Mei, my beautiful Shan Mei. Do you know that I’m going to be a wreck of a man if you put me off anymore?” His voice was low and sensually husky as his arms went round her. He began drawing her closer to him. She could feel his strong sensitive fingers burning through her cotton jacket and blouse.

“Remember how I told you the way a man deeply in love touches the woman he loves?” He slowly lifted his free hand and gently brushed her hair back off her face. “This is how I want to touch you, Shan Mei, every day of our lives together,” he told her quietly.

Shan Mei didn’t know how to respond. All this was so new to her. She was in a daze. She wanted Xiang Zhe to stop but one part of her didn’t want him to. Finally she came to her senses. She managed to muster up enough strength and willpower to push him away. Tried hard as she did, she could not hide her deep blush and awkwardness. Shan Mei could feel her mouth softening again beneath his as Xiang Zhe caught her back into his arms, bent his head and planted another kiss. His voice sounded soft, a husky purr that made small shivers of feeling run up and down her spine.

Xiang Zhe noticed her trembling lips. “See how it can be between us,” he said hoarsely, his laboured breathing matching Shan Mei’s. “What do you think?”

“I think you’re a very good kisser,” she answered carefully when she managed to gather her wits together as she slowly emerged from her daze.

“Very good kisser!” he snorted. “As if you could tell! How many men have you kissed?”

She lowered her eyes and kept silent. He lifted her chin and stared unblinkingly into her eyes. “I am glad I was the first one,” he declared with self satisfaction.

“No, you’re not!” she stubbornly refused to admit.

“Yeah? Who else?”

“Pa and Youzhen Ge.”

Xiang Zhe threw back his head and laughed rakishly and gloriously. “Sweet Shan Mei, they don’t count. They’re family. Let’s get serious. I mean how do you feel about us?”

“That’s what scares me. I feel very uneasy and not at all comfortable with the way you’re behaving. Passion isn’t the same as love, Xiang Zhe.”

“No one said it was. The only emotion I mentioned was love but passion is a good starting point,” he murmured.

“But it isn’t enough ….. for either one of us.” Shan Mei had to make Xiang Zhe understand.

“You mean you don’t love me?”

“Well, that’s not what I actually mean. I think what you’re feeling isn’t love.”

“Well, you think wrong. I know all about love because I’ve been searching for it half of my life. It has eluded me until I met you. Why do you think I never ever thought of marriage until you came into my life?” He pulled her back into his arms, as though trying to persuade her otherwise with kisses. For a few moments, Shan Mei gave in to him, savouring the intense feelings rocketing through her. Then she wriggled out of his arms, playfully fanning the air.

“Do you understand what true love is, the once-in-a-lifetime kind?”

He studied her with a slow sweep of his dark eyes. She had worked with him for 3 years, at close proximity in the 3A office and later at Joseon, yet she had never seen him look at a woman in such a way, with such obvious desire and love, a look that seemed to penetrate deep into the very core of her being?

He simply nodded his head and told her calmly, “Yes. I do believe that respect and trust go hand in hand with love ….. With genuine love, that is, not the far more common and ephemeral lust that so many people confuse it with. Loving someone means loving them as they are, accepting them as themselves, wanting them to be themselves instead of trying to change them to fit into our preconceived image of what the person we love must be. It means loving them because of the person they are. It means wanting to share your most intimate moments with the one you love. That’s when passion comes in making the union more perfect in every way.”

Shan Mei had often wondered whether anyone would ever love her like that, so completely and so honestly? And here was Xiang Zhe proclaiming that he would, and he had – for the last 4 years, if not 4, then at least 3!

She felt heat rising up her throat to her face. To cover her confusion, she immediately changed the subject and asked Xiang Zhe, “What’s going to happen with your father?”

He propped his hands on his knees as though composing an answer. Eventually he straightened, gazing directly into her eyes as he responded, “Don’t be surprised by what I’m going to tell you. The recent events in my family didn’t come as a surprise – in fact it was orchestrated by Chairman Chung. He convinced Dad to get rid of that woman and even arranged for his own private investigator to dig up as much dirt as he possibly could. In only 2 days, the man came back with at least 4 rolls of films, each telling its own story. With such evidence in hand, Dad cancelled all credit cards the woman was using and even told her they couldn’t afford the life-style they were used in the townhouse, they needed to move to a small apartment. Meanwhile, Xiang Jie was aware that Jin Enqi has been misappropriating company funds and produced all the necessary evidence. Chung got his good friend, Chief Inspector Bong onto the case and made sure Jin Enqi knew he would have to spend time in prison. So they negotiated an ‘out-of-court’ deal. That woman signed the divorce papers immediately and quietly, and our legal firm and the police would not pursue the Jin Enqi case.

Anyway, we couldn’t lay all the blame on poor, old Dad. When Mum died, he was lonely and did his mourning for her in his own way, too proud to let his friends see him cry. Xiang Jie and I were both studying in America at the time when he decided to marry that woman who had been consoling him, she thinking he was very rich. Unfortunately, she didn’t know that Dad had gifted all the hard assets to my mother, who in turn, willed everything to my brother and me. Now, that all the divorce papers had been signed, we decided to return the house to Dad. We have sold it, knowing it’s too big for Dad and hold too many memories. My uncle, to show goodwill and that the Lee family has forgiven Dad, transferred to him an old house somewhere near Joseon House that was previously used as a store by their corporation. I’ve sent in some ID people to fix up the place. It has a good sized garden and the house, when renovation is completed, will have 3 bedrooms. Ideal for Xiang Jie when he takes his children to visit Dad; and they can stay overnight sometimes. Meanwhile, Dad is staying with Chairman Chung.”

Gazing steadfastly at Shan Mei, his heart caught in his throat, Xiang Zhe comforted her. “There’s no need to worry any more about Dad and his future. Maybe, as his daughter-in-law, you can invite him every night to Joseon House for dinner. I think he would appreciate that. And I know how caring you will be toward him. Let’s hope he finds a soul mate soon.”

He gathered her into his arms and ran a finger down the graceful line of her throat. “To grow the business at Joseon House, expansion is the only way to go. I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately. I intend to support you totally in your business venture regardless of what you may decide. You now have the East and West wings. Do not dedicate the West wing only for weddings. That separate wing should also be used to cater to large meeting groups of about 20 pax or more. After we convert the 12 suites you have reserved for the wedding guests into single rooms, you will end up with 24 rooms in the West wing. This way the rooms can be put to better use. Anyway, you leave all this to me. I’ll have plenty of time to take care of all the details now that I have so much time on my hands. What do you think about a change in names for the wings – Happiness for the West wing and Great Fortune for the East Wing?

We should employ a few more permanent staff. When you have overnight guests, we’ll stay at Joseon House. Otherwise, we’ll return every evening to the penthouse. That will give us some time of our own. Just think about the sensibility of working this way. I don’t want to see you slave all day, at the back and call of your guests. Don’t think about all this now. We’ll have plenty of time to work out the logistics when we’re on our honeymoon.”

“Honeymoon?”

“Of course. I think that is the usual thing – honeymoon follows marriage ceremony and I am not going to be cheated out of both!”

Seeing Shan Mei was about to argue, Xiang Zhe put a finger to her lips to silence her.

“You are very beautiful tonight, Shan Mei, very alluring, and I have to admit, I am having difficulty in letting you go. Stay here tonight. Don’t leave.”

Shan Mei stared at him, not sure whether she was hearing him correctly.

Sounding distressed and uncomfortable, Shan Mei immediately sat up and moved away from the circle of Xiang Zhe’s arms. “But I must.”

With a hopeful sigh, he said, “Hey, there’s no need to back away from me as though I am some kind of …… I am not going to touch you, I promise. You take the master bedroom or whichever one of the guest rooms you fancy. Lock the door if that will make you feel better. I just want you to be here when I wake up tomorrow morning. I’ve missed you so much all the 7 weeks I have been away that I can’t bear for you to be too far away from me now.”

His arms tightened about her again with a fierce little gesture of controlled passion. His lips brushed gently along hers and slowly deepened to a kiss. Again and again he kissed her, alternating between light nibbles to deep passionate kisses.

As they came up for breath, Xiang Zhe whispered into her ear, “Why don’t you dig into my right side back pocket and see what I’ve got for you?”

Excitement coursed through her as she felt what she thought it was. She took it out and admired it. “Xiang Zhe, it’s so beautiful.”

“It’ll only be totally beautiful when it’s placed right.” He took the third finger on her left hand and carefully slipped the ring on. “Now it looks really beautiful,” he said, still holding on to the hand. Then he kissed her finger. His lips traveled down slowly and tantalizingly across her palm right along until they stopped and lingered at her wrist.

He threw back his head and laughed joyously before picking her up and swinging around her in a circle.

Chapter 15

The next morning, Shan Mei woke up very early – she couldn’t sleep properly, she was too excited about the new feelings she was emoting, as well as spending half the night admiring the ring that Xiang Zhe had put on her finger. She did wonder whether he would object if she took the ring off whenever she had to cook. Well, she couldn’t very well cook while wearing such a ring, she reasoned. She might ruin the big diamond and it really was far too flashy to be worn when serving her guests. As she didn’t feel like sleeping anymore, she went into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

Xiang Zhe on waking, immediately went in search of his betrothed and found her in the kitchen pouring out two cups of coffee.

They were at the breakfast table, about to start on a simple meal of toast and coffee when Xiang Zhe asked very softly, “You still love me?”

“I think I do, more today than yesterday.” Upon hearing such a response from Shan Mei, Xiang Zhe quickly pulled her up from the breakfast table and rushed her to the door of his apartment.

“Hey, what’s this? Even if you want to go out now, we need to clear the table first.”

“Okay. You have 10 minutes to do that and get your things together before we leave.”

After pushing her into his car, he sped off to Joseon House.

“Xiang Zhe, where are we rushing off to?”

“Darling, we’re going to get married today.”

“But Xiang Zhe, how can we? Nothing has been prepared.”

“I’ve already got a special marriage license. I have a certain place in mind where we can elope to and marry soonest possible.”

“I can’t believe I’m agreeing to your crazy plan, if this plan is indeed workable.”

“Now you know what being in love does to a person? Welcome to the club, my darling Shan Mei. Don’t forget, I’m a lawyer. I know how these things get done in cases of emergencies. And this IS an emergency!”

“Where is everybody?” Shan Mei wondered aloud as she let them through the back gate at Joseon House.

“Have you forgotten? Today is Joseon’s once-a-month off day.”

Xiang Zhe gave her one hour to pack. “I’ve booked a helicopter and it would be arriving round about that time.”

As the reality that they were about to elope began to sink in, Shan Mei’s inclination was to hyperventilate. She wasn’t bemoaning her decision to marry, but she was torn as to her next course of action.

Should she call Pa and Ma? As an only child, she’d been close to her father, accustomed to sharing pertinent tidbits about her life with him. And now, there’s also her Ma. She too had been an integral part of her growing-up years.

Since Pa and Ma had known Xiang Zhe as her boss, then as her client at Joseon House, what would they think if she announced she was eloping with him? Would they be horrified, disappointed? There was no way to gauge their response and no way she could adequately explain the situation by a simple telephone call. Perhaps she and Xiang Zhe could stop over at Chonan on their return trip to Seoul.

Then there was Zhao Di. She was away for the day with her husband. She would understand; be thrilled.

“Xiang Zhe, I need to get some new things,” as she looked at the little case she had dragged out from the closet, trying to assemble together a make-shift trousseau.

Xiang Zhe had just walked into her private apartment and looked at the suitcase on her bed. “You don’t need anything like clothes and underwear. I’m not going to spend another night alone beginning tonight. For our honeymoon, all you need is me; not those things you are trying to jam into that case.” He drew her into his arms and gave her a long, deep kiss. “I can’t wait a minute more,” he murmured hoarsely into her ear.

He slammed shut the suitcase, pulled her along as he heard the whirring of a helicopter about to land on the helipad near the driving range. They ran along, Shan Mei in giggles, after she locked up the place.

“And don’t worry about the place. I have already asked Kwon to post some security guards around the place for a couple of days and nights.”

After entering the helicopter, Xiang Zhe fastened a seat belt securely across her chest, and then he blind-folded her eyes, after which he brushed his lips across hers. She immediately asked Xiang Zhe where they were going that he had to be so secretive. “That’s exactly it – to a secret place.”

“This seems like a kidnap,” she giggled.

“You’re so right, before you change your mind.”

Shan Mei tinkled with delirious laughter. Xiang Zhe was so very, very special. She drew in a small, ecstatically happy breath, her whole body glowing with pleasure and love.

The helicopter whirred around in the air for about 30 minutes, slowly descended to land at a spot. The people waiting at the spot were waving excitedly when the door opened and Xiang Zhe stepped out, with a finger to his mouth to pledge silence ‘all around.’ He carried his bride out of the helicopter and simply informed her, “We’re here.”

“Can the blindfold be removed yet?”

“Not yet,” he said teasingly.

They got into a limousine that had been waiting nearby and drove off. When they arrived at their destination, Shan Mei was led into a room and made to sit down in a chair. She became anxious when she no longer heard Xiang Zhe’s teasing voice.

Someone entered the room, and approached her, then removed the blindfold. She almost fell off her chair, and tears came gushing from her eyes. It was Ma; followed by Gugu behind. Shan Mei simply fell into their arms and broke into sobs.

“It’s okay, darling girl. No more tears. You need make-up, and dressing up.”

“Where am I?”

“In the honeymoon suite of the Yeosong Hot Springs Hotel Resort. Xiang Zhe spent the past week here organizing everything.” Ma then went into the private adjoining bedroom, slid open the doors of a wardrobe and pulled out the most beautiful wedding hanbok. Xiang Zhe’s exquisite wedding patchwork quilt cover had also been stored in the cabinet too. Gugu took this out and spread it out carefully over the massive bed.

Gugu then came out to the sitting room of the suite and helped Ma dressed Shan Mei after she finished her bath.

She took some tea to calm her nerves and scolded Xiang Zhe, just as he walked into the room, for keeping this a secret from her, although her mouth was smiling.

Ma laughed. “That boy had us standing by for one month already, always assuring your Pa that you would agree ‘next week.’ What took you so long to decide? Your Pa almost spoiled things by wanting to drive up to Seoul to see what was happening. And Gugu could only fly out of London on our confirmation.”

“Was Pa upset I didn’t inform him personally?”

“How could he be upset? How could you inform him when you didn’t even know it yourself until 3 hours ago? But he’s very happy; he’s been calling Xiang Zhe ‘Son’ ever since he asked for your Pa’s permission to marry you, a few weeks after the prayer ceremony to mark the 15th anniversary of his mother’s death. He’s a great guy. Treasure him.”

Ma and Gugu then left the suite, leaving the young couple alone for some private time before the actual wedding ceremony took place. Xiang Zhe at once caught Shan Mei to him, holding her tightly, and smothered her mouth with kiss after kiss. “Finally, you’re going to be mine. I love you so much.”

“I am just sorry that only the few of us will be here for the wedding,” Shan Mei sighed, looking toward Xiang Zhe after he released her.

“What do you mean? Almost everyone who matters is here. Dad; Xiang Jie with Laura and their boys; my uncles, aunties and cousins from my mother’s side; Yuki and Tommy and their parents; the 3 old Chungs, their wives and their friends; Soo-lin; Zhao Di and Chen Sui; Uncle and Auntie Pei; Uncle Ang as well as some of my personal friends whom I will introduce you to later. Even Kwon managed to arrive in time. And there is a sizeable representation from your Chonan clansmen. And Koo has been here since last night to do the flowers. And everyone invited has been sworn to keep the ceremony secret so we won’t be over-run by the press.”

The marriage ceremony was conducted in a low-key manner, with the local Justice of the Peace, conducting the exchange of rings and signing of the marriage certificate and finally proclaiming the happy couple as man and wife.

The father of the groom and the father of the bride both acted as witnesses. There were wide grins all around and the women shed tears of joy when the groom kissed the bride. The kiss was like none other they’d shared. Here was no tentativeness now. Xiang Zhe crushed Shan Mei against himself as their arms went around each other, his fingers caressing her soft dark hair. One kiss became two, then three, and Shan Mei was lost in the marvel of his kisses and caresses. Thunderous applause resounded in the function room when the newly-wedded couple broke away.

Xiang Zhe received a lot of ribbing about being an ‘eager bridegroom’ as they circulated among the guests and well-wishers.

When they managed to steal a quiet moment to themselves, Xiang Zhe excitedly asked his newly-wedded bride, “Mrs. Yin, happy with the arrangements for your wedding, so far?”

Shan Mei fingered the lapels of Xiang Zhe’s tuxedo gently, and then briefly leaned her face against his chest and whispered softly, “It is perfect. You’re perfect.”

“I want to make everything run smooth for you, to prove to you how deeply, how completely, I’ve fallen in love.”

“So you’ve become an excellent event coordinator, too,” his wife teased.

“Unequivocally. And years later, I’ll be boring people silly bragging about what an extraordinary wife I have; what terrific children.”

“We haven’t talked about having a family.” The realization shocked her. One time, Xiang Zhe had mentioned about wanting children when they talked about things in general and that was as far as the subject had gone. “There are so many things we don’t know about each other.”

“We have a lifetime to discover them. Do you want a baby?”

“More than one.”

“Three or four, then?”

She laughed. “Not quite that many. Let’s just go for one to begin with.”

Xiang Zhe’s eyes burned with desire. “We’ll start on it as soon as I can push everyone out of the door of this resort.”

Shan Mei nestled into his embrace, happy, content. “Could we wait until we have eaten the meal Gugu has especially prepared,” she asked. “I’m sure the family will have lots of questions. And, honestly, I’m feeling rather famished.”

Xiang Zhe smiled ruefully. “If you insist. I guess we can wait until we’ve eaten. Come to think of it, I’ve heard so much of your gugu’s cooking, I can’t wait to try it. After that, we’ll get started with the project, the one I told you I was working on that would require my total commitment 24/7 – a project that will mean devoting all my time to my wife and starting a family. Do you think you can convince your gugu to sell her business in London and move back to Seoul? With our expansion plans for Joseon House, we’ll need her services badly.”

Shan Mei pretended to act innocent. “Are you sure it’s just that? Didn’t I hear Chairman Chung whispering to your Dad that my gugu seems the ideal woman for him?” she asked teasingly.

“Yes,” Xiang Zhe said with absolute certainty. He smiled, his love for her plain to read in his eyes. “If that works out, everything will turn out perfect, finally!”

“I never knew being in love could feel so right and so good.”

“Me neither. Until you came along, I’d convince myself I’d never feel this way about anyone,” he said. “Then we met and it was as though a void I wasn’t aware of had been filled. I’ll cherish you all of my days, my darling wife.” He lifted her face to his for a brief, loving kiss; after that there was no time for more conversation for the rest of the reception as they walked around, hand in hand, to mingle with the crowd and receive well wishes from one guest after another.

When the wedding reception came to its end and the guests trotted out of the function room, Shan Mei, in spite of the excitement of new-found love, began to dread the intimacies of married life for her, for them. Would Xiang Zhe, after his years’ of anticipation, find her a disappointment?

Then the seniors laughingly hurried the newly-weds back to their honeymoon suite, telling Shan Mei and Xiang Zhe at the same time that they were driving back to Seoul to spend a few days at Joseon House to continue the wedding celebration! Before Xiang Jie went off to the join the others, he remembered something. He called out to his brother, “Hey Elder Brother, congratulations again. Here, catch!” then he threw to Xiang Zhe a bunch of keys. Your car is parked just outside by the big, shady chestnut tree.”

Xiang Zhe laughed and then thanked his brother. He pocketed the keys, then taking hold of Shan Mei’s hand again, he led her back to their suite. He knew she was nervous because her hand felt cold. He must remember not to frighten her. “Slow and easy does it,” he kept reminding himself as they walked along.

Once back in their suite, Xiang Zhe pulled off his bow-tie with some relief, discarding his jacket onto a chair too, unbuttoning the top button of his shirt. “Thank goodness that’s over! I thought the noisy crowd was never going to leave.”

He smiled grimly at the memory of Shan Mei in the function room, plying her Pa with two glasses of champagne that he really didn’t want, simply because it was time for the guests to leave, and she was reluctant to let him go, knowing once they were gone, she would be left alone with her new husband.

Xiang Zhe looked across at Shan Mei with dark, unfathomable eyes and asked softly, when he noticed her frown, “Are you nervous?”

She swallowed hard. “A little,” she admitted hoarsely.

He went up to her, took her into his arms and began smoothing tenderly some loose hair from her cheeks. “It’s been a rather long and eventful day for us. We’re both tired. I most definitely am – I haven’t been sleeping well at all since leaving you and Joseon House, and this past week, I haven’t been able to sleep at all. I suggest we both take a shower and then get some sleep. There are two bathrooms in this suite; you take one and I’ll take the other.”

Shan Mei smiled gratefully – she had thought Xiang Zhe would drag her impatiently off to the marriage bed at the first available opportunity and now, he had decided he could wait …..

When he noticed her surprised look, yet grateful smile, he brushed his lips softly gently against hers and sighed, “I can see how tired you are. A shower and then some sleep will be the best thing for you at the moment.”

Xiang Zhe was already in bed when she came through from the bathroom half an hour later, his mother’s beautiful quilt cover neatly folded and resting on the blanket chest at the foot of the massive bed, the white linen sheet resting at his waist, his chest bare, his hair still damp from his shower and he looked ……devastating.

Shan Mei moved about the room, hanging up her wedding hanbok – first the tiny top part with its long, loose sleeves; then the lower part with the full skirt. After hanging the garments up, she began to straighten out the creases.

“Darling, just leave all that and get into bed,” Xiang Zhe told his new wife impatiently. “You’re wearing me out just watching you! It isn’t as if it matters whether or not the dress gets creased; you won’t be wearing it again!”

When she noticed the weariness in his voice, she quickly scrambled into the massive bed beside her new husband – new husband who seemed more like a stranger. Suddenly, she was gripped with fear because it seemed she didn’t know much personally about him.

Xiang Zhe reached out to switch off the bed side lights, and lay back in bed.

Shan Mei lay stiffly on her side of the bed, her eyes adjusting to light filtering in to the room through the curtains at the window. She was exhausted but she knew she would not be able to go to sleep, as she was trying to out work what were his favourite colours, what size shirts he wore, what waist size trousers he took, the hair salon he patronized, who was his manicurist, pedicurist, what brand of toothpaste he used and who was his dentist, and a never-ending list of that went on and on in her mind.

“If it’s not too much to ask …..,” Xiang Zhe spoke softly beside her, “I would like to give my wife a cuddle before we go to sleep.”

She swallowed hard as he propped himself up on one elbow to look down at her. And he looked as if he was smiling!

“Is it too much to ask?” he prompted hoarsely.

“Of course not,” she answered absent-mindedly because her mind was pre-occupied with her list. She moved a little toward Xiang Zhe, then she put her head on his shoulder as he lay back against the pillows, his arm curved around her, his hand resting possessively on her hip, the nearness of his body warming her.

He gave a sigh of contentment, turning to kiss her temple lightly. “This is worth all the hectic circus today has been.” He relaxed against her. Then, taking her hand, he turned the palm side over and planted a soft, lingering kiss on it as he admitted in a shaky voice, “Shan Mei, has it ever occurred to you that you’re not the only one feeling a bit nervous. Maybe I’m a little nervous too?”

“You?” She turned to him, raising her head in surprise.

“Yes. Me,” he confirmed, pushing her head back down onto his shoulder. “I have been thinking a lot of things, mostly things like our age difference.

Can a 40-year old man have the stamina to keep up with someone young and innocent like you? Or maybe I won’t be able to please you. Or will I be able to make and keep you happy? What if I can never father the children you want because of my past drinking and smoking? Will you leave me then for another man who can?” He then gave a deep sigh.

“Xiang Zhe, please stop hunting for unnecessary answers to such stilly questions, as if I would think of leaving you. You’re tired. Go to sleep.” She snuggled closer to him in the semi-darkness, her hand resting lightly on his chest. “Mmm, this is nice,” she murmured contentedly. For the moment she didn’t care for any answers. She was content in Xiang Zhe’s arms, being with him like this. And as she drifted off to sleep she had a feeling she would always be content, as long as she was with him.

When Xiang Zhe heard what Shan Mei had said, he smiled sublimely to himself and pulled her closer to him within his embrace and soon they fell asleep, because they both were really exhausted. And Xiang Zhe slept soundly because, finally, he was sleeping with the woman he loved in his arms.

“What the hell …..?”

Shan Mei woke suddenly to the sound of Xiang Zhe’s swearing in an aggravating sigh; and the reason for it – a loud knocking on the outer door of their suite.

She sat up groggily just in time to see Xiang Zhe pulling on his robe and tying the belt tightly about his waist. He scowled darkly, glaring in the direction of the loud banging. “It had better be for a good reason!”

He didn’t return immediately as she had expected he would. She could hear the murmur of male voices at the outer door.

Soon, Xiang Zhe came in and, with a sheepish smile, he replaced the phone receiver back on to its cradle. He looked at his wife and said softly, “The manager tried to call us on the phone, checking to see whether we wanted some food, seeing it was 2 a.m. and their kitchen staff was ready to leave.

Darling, shall I order something, seeing that they are so concerned for our welfare?”

Talking of food, Shan Mei suddenly felt hungry. She didn’t realize that they had slept so long – almost 11 hours. “Yes, maybe something light for me. Thanks.”

Xiang Zhe came back to the room after 3 minutes, crawled back into the bed to lie next to his wife and told her the manager said an assortment of kimchi, beef stew, bean curd seaweed soup and rice were the easiest things to rustle up in a hurry. “I have ordered the lot with a pot of very hot coffee. Happy?”

Shan Mei smiled in approval and then slid back into her husband’s arms.

“Can you believe we slept for over 10 hours? No wonder the manager was worried.”

“Thinking we must have strangled each other in our eagerness as newlyweds when all he got were busy signals from our phone,” Xiang Zhe snorted derisively. “He apologized but he said he became really worried when we didn’t answer the door bell although he hadn’t lifted his finger off the bell for a full 5 minutes.”

“I suspect it must have been Ma reminding them about our dinner seeing that we didn’t eat much at the wedding, before she left for Seoul. This Ma, I swear all she ever thinks about is filling you up with food. It is your own fault, for taking the phone off its hook,” Shan Mei complained.

“I didn’t want anything to disturb us. I thought your Pa would call to make sure I wasn’t bullying his precious daughter into submission. All I wanted was for us to get a proper rest and you needed to get used to me before I could perform as a husband. You were nervous and I didn’t want to rush you, knowing it was going to be your first time and ….”

At his words, Shan Mei looked down, trying to hide her face, now flushing a deep red. She had wondered when he was going to bring the sensitive subject up.

Xiang Zhe gently raised her chin, his dark eyes looking straight into her equally dark and wide eyes. “I know what you are thinking,” he said gruffly. “Oh yes, I do,” he insisted when he saw she was going to protest.

“The truth of the matter is I’ve waited too long for this moment to want to allow anything to spoil or interrupt it, not even tiredness, when we enjoy each other. You have simply no idea how much I have wanted you ever since I put that ring on your finger.”

She swallowed hard, the desire he spoke of evident in the burning intensity of his gaze. “Are you still tired now?”

She shook her head shyly.

He laughed. “I’m wide awake now too. And we are going to make love, darling, after we have eaten.” He bent his head, his mouth claiming hers, lips moving lovingly against hers, the tip of his tongue lightly caressing the inner moisture of her mouth.

As if hell bent on interrupting the newly-wed’s honeymoon plans, the door bell to their suite buzzed at that very second. When Xiang Zhe went to open the door, the manager was there personally with the serving trolley which he wheeled into the sitting room. After wishing the happy couple a good night, he left hurriedly. From the scowl on Mr. Yin’s face, he realized he had interrupted a very intimate moment.

They were hungry, especially Xiang Zhe! Very quickly they finished off the delicious food. Then, suddenly, Xiang Zhe remembered what Shan Mei had told him about Joseon’s gift packs. “I suppose the gang now celebrating our wedding at Joseon House will receive their gift packs?”

“I suppose so, if Koo remembered to order the chocolates. That man is so efficient I’m sure he did.”

“Remember to call your Ma tomorrow asking her to reserve 10 gift packs for me.”

“But you’re not supposed to take alcohol!”

“You take the champagne; I’ll have the chocolates.”

She smiled as if happy with the sharing formula, and was surprised when she saw her husband picking up his mobile phone which was lying on a side table by the sofa. “Husband, don’t tell me you’re going to call Ma now?”

When Xiang Zhe heard her addressing him as ‘husband’ he almost dropped the phone, never expecting such a salutation so soon from Shan Mei that he leaned over, grins all over his face, and murmured softly, the words coming out on a breath, “Darling, you simply have no idea what you just did to me when I heard you addressed me as ‘husband.’ I’ll make sure I’ll never ever disappoint you as a loving and supportive husband.” With those words, Shan Mei felt strength and support flowing out of his promise enveloping her in a warm haze.

He resumed making his call when he punched a long line of numbers into his phone, his mouth curving into a secret smile. “Gordon, is that you? This is Yin. Am I interrupting something? Alright, I just called with some news. Can you arrange for change in relationship status for the will?” Xiang Zhe laughed at something that his American lawyer said over the phone. “Thank you. Yes, she is now my wife. We got married yesterday. I’ll fax a copy of the marriage certificate over later in the day to your office. It’s now 3 a.m. over here in Korea and we are just about to begin our honeymoon. Will talk to you again next week. Bye and thanks again.” After he snapped shut his hand phone, he looked at his wife with relief. “That takes care of everything and I won’t have any worries anymore.”

Shan Mei’s mouth opened as if she meant to speak, and then she closed it, knowing further protests about the will would make no difference to what he had decided. Then, as if wanting to prolong the moment of reckoning, Shan Mei poured out 2 fresh cups of coffee. She drank hers very, very, very slowly. Xiang Zhe let her, promising himself in delighted silence that this was the final reprieve for his beloved Shan Mei. The quota he had allocated to his special pretty lady was finally used up.

Just as she was to pour herself another fresh cup, she felt Xiang Zhe moving forward and taking the coffee pot out of her hand. “Shan Mei,” he demanded softly, his voice suddenly sounding soft and sensuous, “Shan Mei, look at me.”

She did and Xiang Zhe put the coffee pot back onto the trolley table. She trembled as his hand cupped her face, gently tilting it upwards so he could look into her eyes. “I think you have had enough of coffee for one night. The other thing you can start having for the rest of the night is me!”

He laughed wickedly when he saw her eyes open wide, and the irises enlarged. “Be prepared. I’m going to snatch you up and take you to bed, and show you exactly how much I love you.”

Shan Mei couldn’t conceal the sharp streak of excitement that ran through her, or the hot colour burning her skin.

“Ha, you like that, Shan Mei?” Xiang Zhe asked her thickly, letting her see just how much her reaction was affecting him, exciting him. “I want to take you to bed and stamp the seal of my possession on you so clearly that no man – no man, especially that Yong playboy – would ever doubt that you are mine. Darling, I want to sleep with you, touch and kiss you, love you. I want you to hold me, to touch me, to want me too. Most especially, to love me,” he told her in a husky, wobbly voice.

When he noticed her eyes were getting watery and her lips trembling, he asked quietly, “Have I shocked you?”

Shan Mei shook her head and she burrowed into his chest to hide the happy tears that were threatening to flow. “I love you as a woman loves a man – wholly, completely, forever.”

When she lifted up her face, she trembled as she saw the moisture in his eyes, watching as he reached out his hand to cup her breast and lowered his mouth to kiss her hard on her lips. “Part your lips for me,” he ordered softly.

Her arms curved up about his neck as she held him close to her, heart pounding, his hair feeling soft and silky beneath her fingertips, shoulders and back firmly muscled.

He began moaning with pleasure when he felt her hand kneading his nape. He scooped her up into his arms, his mouth still stuck on hers, and carried her into the bedroom.

He placed her gently on the bed and Shan Mei relaxed against the pillows, pulling Xiang Zhe with her, after which his robe and her nightgown were easily disposed of.

His lips and hands caressed every part of her body during the timeless hours before dawn, encouraging her to touch him in return, to discover how he liked to be caressed too, to be kissed. Untutored though she was in the ways of love, she seemed to know the ways instinctively, reveling in the response her lips and hands evoked, until his tender ministrations reached the most intimate part of her body and she could no longer think straight as heat such as she had never known before consumed her in flames.

And then Xiang Zhe was once more kissing her on the lips, his hands on her breasts as he slowly raised her to fulfillment once again. And again. And again.

When he felt she was ready for him, he asked lovingly, “Want to start on making our first baby now?”

She didn’t want him to stop what he had been doing to her, yet she was ready for something new, so she nodded her head timidly, a shy smile on her lips.

He moved his heated body aside, to the middle of the big bed, propped it up with the help of an elbow; and with his other hand he patted the spot just under him and coaxed, “Come, lie down here.”

-The End-

*** And They Lived Happily Ever After ***

YXZ and ZSM