That guy surely came from Camotes same time with him. He transferred from one bus to another to test his speculations but never thought his speculations were true. The other guy also took the same buses as he did.

Ronald felt he's almost getting crazy. Who is this guy? What's his purpose? How can he let him off his trail?

He ran as he planned. He found a jeepney(a ma.s.s public vehicle in the Philippines) that was almost full, only one more pa.s.senger needed. He stepped right in and sat. The jeepney left and the man stopped from running after him.

"Whew!" That was intense. He hoped that guy won't follow him anymore. Ronald took a deep breath while wiping his sweat.

Minutes after, a taxicab followed them. That guy was sitting at the front, frustrating him a lot. He was now trying to get the man's full features or get a photo using his mobile phone. Suddenly, the man lifted a paper which said 'Fancy and Elegant Food Ltd owner wants to see you.' Another paper was shown, 'come with me now to have dinner with him.'

Ronald got bonkers. Why would he easily believe him? No way he would allow himself to be trapped. He didn't care about that even if he wanted to meet the owner. He preferred to be alive.

An hour pa.s.sed, still no movement from Ronald until he reached his destination, his home. The taxicab stopped as well and the man went down and purposely not hiding. Ronald started to get irritated seeing the guy got down near his own house too, his own turf.

"I'll show you that in my turf, you can't just easily come and go, you annoying sc.u.m. . . Why are you following me and who are you to that company you said?" As he shouted, everyone from nearby stores started paying attention to them. One man ran fast going somewhere.

"Who I am is of no importance but the guy who wants to meet you is important. Don't you want to know the truth?" The man unhurriedly talked to him unafraid.

"Why should I believe you?" hollered Ronald.

"In five minutes, he will arrive soon. Just ask him yourself."

"Fine, if he comes I'll talk with him. If not then this people here will skin you alive. This turf is our clan's territory so you better behave yourself."

"Sure," that guy carelessly answered him with a poker face.

Surely, a black BMW came and a man in a black suit was seating at the back alone. Without waiting for anyone to open the door, he went out of the car then extended his right hand to Ronald.

"Hi, I'm Clyde Peres of Fancy and Elegant Food company. Nice to meet you."

Ronald was stunned seeing the s.h.i.+ny BMW and the man, whose face he only saw on food and business magazines, was there speaking to him face to face.

"Ah . . . oh, hi, ahem, I'm Ronald Kidlat of City's Home Newspaper Daily. Nice to meet you, too." He abruptly forgot he was angry. He stuttered at first, being astounded by the presence of the man but he collected himself at once. He extended his hand to shake hands as well.

"Can we talk somewhere else? I already have a reservation. Please accompany me."

"Ronald, you're back. Oh . . . hi, Sir, I'm this boy's mother." A plump lady about in her forties went beside them.

"Ma, what are you doing here?"

"I thought you're in trouble. Yoyoy went to the store and told us."

"I'm fine. Sir, this is my mother, Rizza. Mom, this is . . ."

". . . Clyde, I'm your son's acquaintance. I have a business proposition with him. I hope you don't mind if I'll borrow your son for a while." Clyde interrupted courteously as he extended his right hand to shake hands with the mother.

"No problem, please take good care of him. Hey, you, be a good boy." She was so good-natured to Clyde but concerned for his son might annoy this rich man.

"Ma, I'm already 26 years old. Stop calling me boy. . . We're going now. I'll explain to you and Pa later."

"Please, Sir" Clyde lead Ronald to the car.

The car and men left living the bystanders awestruck with the stylish BMW they had seen for the first time in their life. Gossip would start soon about Ronald getting rich. That was urban life in the slums.

. . . . .

"This is my wife, Claire, and son, Clarence. This is Ronald from a local newspaper. He already met Beauty." The last sentence was for Clarence.

Having seen another young man who met Beauty made Clarence agitated and regretful all the more. However, as a cultured man, he restrained himself.

They were in an exclusive room reserved for them in one of the high-cla.s.s restaurants. The three of them sat while waiters were standing at the side ready to serve.

"Let's eat first before we talk," Clyde declared.

Waiters served different kinds of sus.h.i.+, and sas.h.i.+mi, steamed fish with chili, roasted boneless chicken with fillings, a big plate of Caesar's green salad, a big bowl of clear vegetable soup and a platter of rice.

Ronald was so taken with the special dishes that he started to chatter while eating.

"This chicken is well balanced. The meat and cheese filling didn't overpower the chicken. My taste buds are not arguing with each other. But I prefer if it was already sliced when it's served."

"Hmm, this steamed fish does not smell fishy at all. I believe ginger and sesame oil were placed in the water or in the fish itself while it was steamed. The chili sauce placed is also perfect, well combined. Not so hot and not so sweet. The only lacking is the presentation. Beauty can make this look alive if it was her. Somehow, you hired a good cook. Congratulations."

Clyde never thought to hear these words from the mouth of an aspiring news writer. A cunning grin was seen on his face indicating a new revelation discovered: Ronald had an affinity with food. He could recognize ingredients in the food from its smell and taste. The way he described the food was like a seasoned food critic Seeing his talent he wanted to offer him a very important job, as hidden food investigator for his and other restaurants.

At the same moment, Clarence's curiosity over Beauty perked up all the more. At first, Ronald's professional-like comments did not even cross his mind nor this man himself. However, when Beauty's name was mentioned he began to take notice to this amiable looking guy.

Claire caught the expressions of the two important men in her life. She saw Clarence's eyes sparkled when Beauty's name was spoken. She started guessing what will her son's request later. She, also, saw Clyde grin towards Ronald. 'This guy is now trapped in my husband's hands. Interesting.'

Unexpectedly, Clyde stood up right away and extended his hand to Ronald and blurted, "Be my hidden food investigator."

This would be the start of an odd partners.h.i.+p between Clarence and Ronald entangled with Beauty.