In Dong Xian's PDA: Han Tai Jun

Jenny came to the door, surprised to find me there, "Brother, how come you are so early and where is sister Zhen Yin?"

I come in early to spend some time with my sister... Besides, I enjoy the surprise look on your face, when you find me at home, waiting for you...

Now that I am inside your apartment, I realized that the closest that I have ever got to was outside your sandblasted door. Somehow, your apartment is what I imagine it to be: simple, nothing fancy, but warm, as a home should be. The smell of cooked rice and food filled the air, a sensation hard to describe... When I come to think of it: I haven't had a home cooked meal for months. The last time was probably at my foster parents' house for thanksgiving, and that was before we met... I still remembered what I told Leo at <<300 roses>> when he asked me when I planned to get married... things changed, people changed... funny... and now my long lost sister is preparing dinner for me in your house... finally seemed to be home ...

Sitting at the table, looking at Jenny enjoying herself stirring up the bits and pieces in the glass... she really loves to cook. It may be so but I still think she should study some more at her age... probably need to ask you to help talking to her later...

The doorbell rang, and Jenny went to open the door... so, you left your keys somewhere again?

But it was Han Tai Jun: I did not know he was invited as well...

Jenny seems happy to see him. I could see their closeness, as if Han Tai Jun is her brother. "We have guest at home." Jenny told him.

Guest? No, Jenny, I am your brother, not your guest... I guess it will take some time for her to get used to that idea ...

Han Tai Jun was equally surprised to find me in your apartment. Why should he be? If he can be here, why can't I? I agree that he knows you longer, and probably come here often as well. But things have changed, as I am now the man in your life.... So, it is only natural that I stood up to greet our guest.

He nodded at me politely, as if we were still in the Hotel. Then, we both stood there looking at each other.

Finding the situation awkward, Jenny suggested that we take a seat in the living room.

He went straight to the sofa, sat down, as if it is his home.

But then, he kept looking at the photo on your wall, as though he has not been into your apartment before...

Trying to avoid talking to me...

I took the seat next to him.

He noticed my move, but deliberately staying away.

I only wanted to talk, Mr. GM.

I looked toward him, but he kept looking the other way.

I only wanted to talk, nothing more...

As agitated as sitting on pinned cushions, he wanted to leave the seat.

Then, realizing that it was an impolite thing to do, he sat there, getting more and more irritated.

Eventually, he gave up and escaped to the seat furthest away from me.

Mr. GM, I just wanted to talk. That is all I wanted...

I leaned forward to initiate the conversation...

He picked up the handset and started dialing... "What are you doing there? How come you still have not knocked off?" he said...he was calling you, for help...

"It was an emergency ... but you don't need to know. Just come home first." So he said.

I can't quite pinpoint what it is but Han Tai Jun seemed to have this authority over you... which seemed to be more than the authority of a GM over his staff...

"That person is here already. Just come home soon.... I am going back to the Hotel soon, you can come home now", he reinforced his request before putting down the handset.

I felt that I have to make my stance clear now: I came here on the invitation from Jenny, not because of you...

Then, he replied, with a knowing smile, "I could imagine her uneasiness at the front desk." Somehow I felt that he could see you at the front desk from your apartment... which is something I could not do...

In any case, that got him talking...He finally asked, "Zhen Yin begged you not to close the Hotel?"

Good: this is what I wanted to talk to him about: the Hotel...

"No, she has asked me." I corrected him... If there is anything you want, all you need is to ask me, as there is no need for you to beg...

"So, you have changed sides now … It is difficult to imagine that you will give up the Hotel for a woman…", he commented cynically.

I never said that I am giving up the Hotel, Mr. GM, and I would never admit it... But somehow he knew I have changed my mind, or in his own words: he could smell the change... probably the same way I smell your chocolate on him... No matter what, I have to stand firm as I cannot admit that I have been defeated...

"I am pleased to accept if you surrender, but we should discuss the terms in private." He also showed no intention to give in.

Mr. GM, it is not my style to discuss terms in private either: if Shin Dong Xian fights, he will fight until the very end, on the battlefield, not outside...

Then, he pointed out that I was the one who initiated the attack.

Is that important? There is a war here: only winning or losing matters, not who attack first... but I will let him finish what he wanted to say..."With Jenny, and what happened at the driving range... because of this, I cannot quite control my feeling..."

This part, I agree... Somehow, my life is connected to this guy in a complicated way: he is clearly my opponent as he gets in the way to you and the Hotel... at the same time, he has taken such good care of my sister, and he is your good friend... To make things more complicated, I came to admire the way he does things: fighting a war with little strategy and tactic, but with a heart, truly ready to defend at all costs... If anything, I am probably more confused than he is. But, that does not change anything.

As if he could read my mind, he said, "However, nothing has changed."

Yes, I agree: a war is a war, and there can be only one winner. It is a strange kind of feeling that we have such good mutual understanding of one another... Yet, we are still at war.

Suddenly, he shouted into the kitchen, "Jenny, how many portions of shaved ice did you make?"

"Three. Do you want it?" Jenny replied from the kitchen.

"No. Wait till sister come back... the three of you can have it." He said. I heard the sourness in his words...

He asked to be excused, and left. Even though I have not finished our conversation, I cannot force him to stay either... Han Tai Jun: why do you keep avoiding me when all I wanted is a friendly chat?,,, The hunter and the hunted... they simply do not mix: that is probably the law of nature...

Since you are still at the hotel, I might as well go back and pick you up. At least, I get to see you earlier... When I appeared in front of you, while you thought I am still at your apartment... that look of surprise, that smile... I would pay a million dollars for it...

...

On the way to the car, I told you that I had a chat with Han Tai Jun at your apartment, and it is clear that I did not leave any good impression with him. Even though it is understandable, but I came to respect this guy and like to befriend with him.

I need your help again. Last time it was Jenny, this time it is Han Tai Jun: could you help me to arrange for a lunch with him? Cheerfully, you agreed.

Thanks, my love: what am I going to do without you?

But there is one more thing I meant to ask you for a while already: are you happy when you are with him?

You were obviously not prepared for the question, as you did not say anything. When you eventually replied, you did not give me a direct answer either. All you said is that you two are friends now.

That was not what I was asking...

Don't get me wrong. I am not asking this question because I do not trust you. After what we've been through, I came to accept that you and Han Tai Jun had a past. Even though he maybe past tense to you, from my dealings with him, I can see your weight in his heart...

You don't seem to believe what I said.

Zhen Yin, it has been so obvious to me: the way he talked to you, the way he tried to protect you, his concerns for you, his thoughts for you... is much more than a co-worker, a manager... I don't know why you cannot see it.

But it does not matter anyway: my destiny has been chosen long time ago. Even though I went astray along the way, I know where I am heading now.

Nothing and no one could stop me anymore.

I can't wait till the day that you become mine...

Zhen Yin's thoughts: Han Tai Jun

Tonight, I will be having dinner at home, with you, with Jenny, in harmony … I am in smiles all day long … energetic … "Manager Xu, I haven't seen you sit down all day! How could you still look so radiant?" I replied cheerfully, "Thank you!" I rushed off to the next assignment …

It is take-over time. I paced to and fro the front desk … I sat and stood … I took multiple looks at the wall clock … where is GM Han? Why is he is not back to take over yet? … Goodness! I am going to be late again! I have promised you to be home for dinner! … you are waiting for me … Someone shook me, "Manager Xu, Manager Xu, your call" … Oppps! … "Yes, yes … Good evening! This is Manager Xu. How could I help?" …

Minutes went into half an hour … I am late … oh no … I thought I could be off earlier to go to the nearby eatery to get some small dishes for you to try … I was panicky at the front desk … How could a GM disappear like that? I know you will be punctual, but I am always late … GM Han finally called. He said impatiently, "What are you doing there? How come you still have not knocked off?"

What is he muttering about? Shouldn't I be impatient? "Where are you?", I protested. GM is supposed to take over the front desk from me. Have you forgotten, GM?

"It was an emergency ... but you don't need to know. Just come home first", GM said. How can I leave the front desk unattended? What is this? Called me and then tell me I don't need to know? No matter what, just come back to take over quickly, ok? … I look at my watch the n-th time … I am going to meet a very important person, the man in my life … how could he caused me to be late? …

"That person is here already. Just come home soon.... I am going back to the Hotel soon, you can come home now", GM added. That person? How could he address Dong Xian that way? Dong Xian has a name! Dong Xian has saved you … Oh dear, your Zhen Yin is late again … I am sorry … Stupid GM! …

You are at home now, waiting for me … having you to open the door for me … I smile … By the way, what are you guys doing with Jenny in the kitchen? Talk? I wondered ...

…

Oh no … this is getting really late … Xian Zheng signaled to me. What is that? I looked up. I saw you walking towards me, all smiles, all bright … Dong Xian … I smile happily. You don't know how anxious I am to see you, you can't imagine how panic I have been for being late …

"You are here …", I am in a loss of words. My heart found a place on seeing you. "It's a waste of time to wait for you at home", you replied. My face warmed, my heart warmed …

GM Han has got back to office.

I got changed in record time. We took a leisurely stroll across Diamond Villa towards your car.

"Han Tai Jun seemed to have a bad impression of me", you said. Ermmm? … Isn't that feeling mutual?

Dong Xian, you are not alone now. You have me, you have Jenny … will man admire each other?

Since GM Han is a worthy business opponent, will you be giving up then?

"Of course not", you replied, "there is a difference between man and liquidity" Can such a clear line be drawn? "You are really frightening!", I joked. I do know that you have a warm heart …

Invite Tai Jun to a meal? … ok, no problem! I answered you with a smile. I'll ask him and make a reservation the first thing tomorrow. Dong Xian, your wish is my command … just ask me …

"Do you feel happy with Tai Jun?", you suddenly asked. Stunned by the question, I turned to look at you … Dong Xian, why are you asking this? Can't you tell there is only you in my eyes now? … Tai Jun and I are colleagues and good friends now, nothing else.

You said, "Tai Jun's shadow may have faded in your heart … but your shadow … is still in his." No, no … this isn't the case.

You continued, "Yes, I have conquered the river called 'Hotel Seoul' … I didn't expect to meet a mountain called 'Han Tai Jun' … however, the path I shall be taking has already been pre-determined" Dong Xian … I could read the strong will in your eyes. I assure you that my feelings for Tai Jun is platonic. Here, now, you have expressed your feelings to me, in a more subtle way. Dong Xian, I looked at you, similar to you, I have walked far in the emotional road to be with you ...