Yao Changying was fiddling with the strap of her side bag as she waited for the waiter to find her table booking. 

The waiter could see that Yao Changying was quite nervous. He tried to lighten the mood by making a hospital-related joke: "Please follow me, Dr Yao. I apologize for the waiting time." 

Yao Changying nervously laughed in response. 

The waiter smiled politely in response to the horse-esque laugh. 

Yao Changying berated herself internally 'What the h.e.l.l was that laugh?! It wasn't even that funny. Pull yourself together Changying. Be more like an alpaca, not a horse.'

Yao Changying calmed herself down. She glanced at the decor and at the guests already seated at their tables. Eventually, her eye landed on Lai s.h.i.+-on. He was sitting at a table for two by a large window that faced the terrace. 

Lai s.h.i.+-on smiled as he spotted her ad stood from his chair.

The waiter was about to pull the seat out for Yao Changying when Lai s.h.i.+-on placed his hand on the chair and pulled it out. 

The waiter took a step back: "I'll be back with your drinks."

Yao Changying sat in the chair: "Thank you." 

Lai s.h.i.+-on tucked her in and then sat at his chair.

Yao Changying: "Isn't it a bit presumptuous to order for someone you barely know?"

Lai s.h.i.+-on: "I ordered you a Southside c.o.c.ktail. You had mint mojito's and other fruity c.o.c.ktails yesterday, so I thought you may enjoy a similar drink."

Yao Changying: "Mmm."

Lai s.h.i.+-on smiled: "I'm glad you decided to show up."

Yao Changying noticed he had a small dimple in his right cheek; which added to his boyish good looks.

The waiter came over and placed the drinks on the table. 

Yao Changying put the straw in her mouth to take a Sip: "Don't make things awkward and no more of your playboy lines."

Lai s.h.i.+-on; "I can do that. So how was your day today?"

Yao Changying took a huge sip of her drink and bolstered her courage: "Listen, I think that..."

Female voice: "Senior Lai! I didn't expect to see you here. I was worried when I didn't see you in cla.s.ses today." She completely ignored Yao Changying's existence. 

Lai s.h.i.+-on briefly glanced at his junior from the university: "Changying this is Ning Biyu, she's a junior on my course."

Changying nodded.

Ning Biyu briefly a.s.sessed Yao Changying. She faked an amicable smile: "h.e.l.lo, are you a new professor at university?"

Lai s.h.i.+-on: "If she were I would actually attend uni a lot more."

Yao Changying: "That was cringe-worthy." 

Lai s.h.i.+-on: "But also flattering and cute right?"

Ning Biyu: "Are you a relative of some sort?"

Lai s.h.i.+-on frowned: "Miss Ning, I'm busy with my date right now. I'll see you when I see you."

Ning Biyu forced a smile then reluctantly went back to her table: "I'll see you tomorrow at uni. Professor Ling has timetabled seniors to meet and help the year ones with the business model a.s.signment."

Lai s.h.i.+-on disregarded Ning Biyu: "Now where were we? Have a look at the menu, I recommend any of the pasta dishes."

Yao changying: "Who was that? One of the members of your harem?"

Lai s.h.i.+-on laughed: "She's just a girl from uni. She's liked me ever since I helped to host a welcoming event for the new year. I saved her from some drunk guy trying to make a pa.s.s at her."

Yao Changying: "And now she thinks you're her own personal hero."

Lai s.h.i.+-on: "I would rather be your hero."

Yao Changying grimaced: "I just cringed so hard I pulled a muscle in my face."

Lai s.h.i.+-on: "Even I had to cringe a little at that one."

They both laughed and the conversation began to flow naturally.

...

Qin Enterprises 

Qin Song sat at his desk with his PA; Wu Xing Standing behind him.

Qin Song checked his wrist.w.a.tch. 

The phone on Qin Song's desk rang. Wu Xing put the call on speaker: "h.e.l.lo."

Secretary: "CEO Qin, Mr Zhou TingFeng is here to see you."

Qin Song gave a subtle nod. 

Wu Xing: "Let them in."

Moments later Qin Song's secretary led a young well-dressed man into the office. 

Qin song stood up and put his hand out. 

Zhou TingFeng: "Brother-in-law you are a difficult person to meet. Even family members are not exempt from the constraints of your schedule."

Qin Song: "Please have a seat."

Zhou Ting Feng sat in the chair in a relaxed manner and crossed his ankle over his knee. 

Qin Song: "I was expecting to meet your father today."

Zhou TingFeng: "He was unfortunately called away to an urgent matter at the last minute and I am here in his stead."

Qin Song: "I was told you wanted to discuss a future enterprise of some sort?"

Zhou TingFeng: "Yes. The Zhou corporation is looking to break into the beauty industry. As you know we have a history in the health food industry; that range from Chinese supplements to western health food products. We believe it is time to grow our business repertoire and beauty was a natural step forward. We want to take our ingredients and create 100% natural beauty products; such as face packs, hand creams, moisturizers, lip care etc. We would like Qin enterprises to be a part of this venture."

Qin Song: "Hmmm. I will look at the business proposal. I will have my secretary arrange a meeting with you at the same time next week so we can have an in-depth discussion."

Zhou TingFeng: "It would be preferable if you look at it now and give us a decision regarding the contract. As you are well aware of; time is money. We are weighing up investments from several companies. However, since you are going to become family we would prefer to give you this opportunity before inviting those unrelated." 

Qin Song: "As you wish." 

Wu Xing stepped forward and took the contract from Zhou TingFeng and flicked it open to the first page. 

Qin Song began skimming through the contents. 

When the PA noticed Qin Song's eyes had reached the bottom of the page he flipped to the next page.

Zhou TingFeng:"..."

Zhou TingFeng was speechless 'Is he allergic to paper or something? What's with this weird display of power.'

Qin Song was in fact showing off his power in retaliation to Zhou TingFeng trying to pressure him to make a decision. Qin Song could be petty and creative with his displays of dominance and power and his methods always left people unable to respond. 

When Qin Song was done he clasped his fingers together casually and leaned forward on his desk. 

Qin Song: "I think it would be best if you redraft this doc.u.ment. I will schedule a meeting for next week."

Zhou TingFeng became a little defensive: "Is there something wrong with our business plan?"

Qin Song maintained an amicable smile as he thought 'Are you a moron? If there wasn't something wrong with the business plan would I be suggesting a redraft?'

Qin Song: "I am giving you time to redraft your proposal before I pa.s.s judgment. Most other people don't get a second chance. "

Zhou TingFeng: "Perhaps you could give me an example of what you are not amenable too? Then I can address your concerns."

Qin Song: "I'm not amenable to any of the contents of this doc.u.ment."

Zhou TingFeng kept his voice steady: "This is a business plan that is solid in its foundations. We have closely studied and improved the business model of our compet.i.tors. Our data a.n.a.lysts have a.s.sessed the numbers of other companies and we predict our beauty range will turn a profit at the end of the first year. In addition, we will be able to return the Qin Enterprises investment within 5 to 6 years."

Qin Song shook his head and tutted: "Wu Xing, see this is what I was talking to you about earlier. People are always so unappreciative of my kindness and mercy."

Wu Xing: "Yes CEO Qin. Perhaps people just enjoy preparing their graves?"

Qin Song: "I think so too. There are always advertis.e.m.e.nts about funerals these days, so maybe people are being financially savvy and preparing early."

Zhou TingFeng: "Can we get back to discussing business?"

Qin Song: "Wu Xing you are always causing people to become infuriated with me because of your morbid riddles. Everyone leaves my office unhappy. It's as if my office has the power to break people."

Wu Xing bowed slightly towards Zhou TingFeng: "I apologize for suggesting you are digging your own grave. My father was an undertaker."