In Dong Xian's PDA: Please marry me

Leo phoned me to let me know that his mission has been completed. With no shares in Director Jin's hands, he would have no control over the Hotel anymore. In order to do this, I have sold all that I have to become the major shareholder of Hotel Seoul.

Leo did not agree with my decision, but he has respected it, and stoodby me... Thanks, Leo.

I have kept my word: Hotel Seoul is finally our Hotel, exactly as I promised you at Diamond Villa. Even though you did not understand how I did it, but that is not important. What is important is your smile, which told me that I have done the right thing.

I started from zero, now, I went back to zero. I am not too concerned though. I know what I am capable of and it will only be a matter of time before I make my comeback.

My real concern now is how to put a brake in Director Jin's plans, as he is not the type that will let go easily. Seems that the only choice would be to collect evidence of the crimes he has committed, and so I have decided to collaborate with the police.

Leo thought it is unwise as I might get hurt during the process. He even offered to do it for me. However, this is my own war. For the final victory, I have to fight it myself. Before I get to that, there is something else I have to do.

My third room service has been delivered to you. With the owner of my necklace agreeing to meet me over dinner, I went to buy a ring, with Leo's money. Hunter buying a ring: this is my first time.

I went into a jewellery shop. A shop-assistant came up to me: "Good morning, Sir. Can I help you?"

I am looking for a ring, I replied.

"What kind of ring are you looking for? Diamond ring? The cut? carat? …", she asked.

What sort? What cut? How many carat? I don't know.

"Sir, may I ask what is the occasion?" she rephrased her question.

Proposal, I am going to propose to my Zhen Yin tonight, I told her.

"What is your budget?"

Money is not the issue here. Please give me a ring, one with magic, that once she puts it on, she will never leave me, I said.

She looked at me, probably thinking that I am crazy.

No, I mean every word I said: I wanted a magic ring that once Zhen Yin puts on, she will never leave me, I repeated again, "Do you have such a ring or not?"

"Sir, please wait a while." Then, she went off to talk to another colleague, both of them kept looking at me as they discuss.

"Sir, I understand that you are looking for a ring for your fiancée." Now, the Manager came over to talk to me.

Yes, I am looking for a special ring for that special person in my life.

"Then, you have come to the right place as we have exactly what you are looking for. Please wait here a moment." When she reappeared from the back of the shop, she emerged with a diamond ring, "I believe this is what you are looking for."

I inspected the ring closely, decided that you would like it and asked her to wrap it for me.

"May I ask what size is your fiancée's finger?"

Size? I do not have the faintest idea. But when I hold your hand, I think your finger is about this size, so I drew a circle on a piece of paper...

Zhen Yin, if you know how much trouble I got myself into to get you this ring, you will not be bear to turn me down... Hunter proposing: this is my first time, and will be the last.

I have made all the necessary arrangements: the limousine, the restaurant, all these financed by the loan from Leo. I have done all I could, and the rest, I will leave it to you.

I travelled many miles, from Las Vegas, to LA, now in Seoul. In the beginning, I do not know what I come for, and what I have been seeking. Through the time I spend with you, in your Hotel, I learnt about love, about people, and about myself. That is you who brought all these into my life and that is you who brought changes in me.

I owe all these to you: I would not have gone this far without you, and would not want to go further without you...

I have walked a long way, finally reaching you empty-handed. If Han Tai Jun can give up all he has, Shin Dong Xian can do the same for you as well.

I have walked a long way, finally it is time to stop. I love you, Zhen Yin. Please marry me: that is all I asked of you...

Zhen Yin's thoughts: I do...

Seeing you in the morning has somehow brightened up my day. I met you outside Diamond Villa. You didn’t even have time to join me for breakfast! I joked that I am out for "revenge" and you agreed to help me … we smiled and I left for my morning meeting.

…

Later that day, you called me at the front desk and asked for GM Han and me to meet you at Sapphire. What? GM Han? What is it about? Nevertheless, I hurried GM Han and proceeded to Sapphire.

Shares? Debt rights? Twice the price? … You and GM Han understand each other but I don’t. I shook my head … Money that went from the left to the right pocket but the value has doubled? … Is that possible? Is that some form of magic? … What are you two talking about? … Although I am not clear how the process went or the technicalities behind … I know and clearly understand the conclusion — Director Jin has no Hotel Seoul’s shares anymore and can’t threaten to close down the Hotel anymore. You have rescued Hotel Seoul. You have become the major shareholder of Hotel Seoul … As GM Han and I walked towards the staff room, happiness started to seep into my mind, my heart, my entire body …

At the staff room, everyone is delighted to know this piece of good news. It has been such a long time … now the dark clouds above Hotel Seoul is cleared … and all these are possible because of you … because of you … you saved Hotel Seoul …

Ring … Ring …

That’s you but Manager Li is busy thanking you over the line. I smiled. Give the phone to me, will you? … Finally, Manager Li handed me the phone. Yes, ok, … but I am still on shift now … can’t go … I have been given the night off … ok, I’ll be waiting …

Everyone is looking at me. Are they expecting me to tell them what you just told me? No … I blushed … you said you’ll be sending a room service to me. They don’t understand. Never mind, room service is between us …

I took over the envelope. Your necklace … my heart warmed … I read your note, nice cursive handwriting, written in dark-blue ink, "I wish to meet the owner of this necklace for dinner. I’ll send a car over to pick you ... Shin Dong Xian"

I beamed from left to right. I am going to shout to the world in happiness …

…

I chose my favourite grey outfit, bun up my hair, completed with your necklace. After so long, so far, so much tears … I can finally put this on …

…

While expecting you to pick me up at the lobby, I was surprised to be greeted with a limousine, just like the one in the desert, when we met. While expecting a French restaurant, similar to where we went on my birthday, I was ushered into an empty restaurant, with small flickering lights shinning everywhere.

You always astonished me, let me feel treasured, pampered. I am delighted, pleasantly surprised. What have I done to deserve all these? … I am seated. However, where are you?

Suddenly, the lights dimmed … a bright beam shone on me … I stood up, turned and saw my gentle knight walking towards me …

"As I said just now … I have used all my money to buy Hotel Seoul’s shares … because of some reasons … I couldn’t sell the shares now … Other than the one-month advancement of Sapphire’s rental and a few suits … I haven’t even prepare our house … I am left with practically nothing now …", you said. Dong Xian, I know all these. Like a magician, you made the Hotel crisis disappeared. You let me feel so treasured … No money, needn’t worry, I have an income. Anyway, money can’t buy the happiness we feel now, isn’t that so? No house, needn’t worry, you can live in my apartment. There is not much problem. You are not left with nothing. You have something else, Dong Xian … you have me … have you forgotten?

"I have walked a long distance … finally reaching you empty-handed … Zhen Yin, I love you … please … marry me", you added. Your words started to sink in. I almost couldn’t believe in my ears and good fortune. You showed me the wedding ring. I am in the limelight, on the top of the world! I nodded. Yes. I nodded. You put the wedding ring on my finger. I trembled. You held on to my hand and pulled me close. We embraced. Tears of happiness clouded my eyes. "Mrs Shin?", you whispered into my ear. Softly, I answered, "Yes, Mr Shin …"

…

Yes, I like your wedding ring. In the beginning, I do not know what and whom I am seeking. Through the time I am with you, I have learnt and understand more about love and life. That is you who brought all these into my life. I have also walked a long way to you ... Besides being touched by your sacrifice of liquidating all your assets to save the Hotel, I am most touched by your sincerity.

The shop attendant chose this for you? Your criteria? A magic ring? No budget? Will anyone buy things this way? You might have spent too much. Bring me along next time, I’ll bargain for you …

No, no … I am not asking for another ring. This is special, this is the only one …

Don’t worry about money, I am earning now … Dong Xian, you have worked too hard, you can take a break now … yes, you are right! You can have a comfortable life from now on … I am serious.

"If … I am saying ‘If’ … if something bad happen to me, or I need to be in somewhere else, or I am injured … will you still remain by my side?", you asked. A married couple shouldn’t part, isn’t it? Why are you asking this? … or are you afraid I’ll run away?

"I grew up alone. Thus, I have no experience in caring for people", you said. My heart sank at this. Let’s change topic … your foster parents? They are kind folks; devoted Christians; took care of you like their own children… Why do you feel so lonely then …

Difference in skin colour, total foreigner in a foreign land, being exceptionally cleverer than the rest … different, out of place … so, that is why …

You broke the window and they are only concerned about your well-being … they are really kind …

Memorable hand-made wooden catapult, only thing from home, being confiscated, you were furious, destroyed the garden, then visited the psychiatrist … your tone changed, you shivered … I stood up, took the seat next to you, held your hand, "Dong Xian, this wouldn’t happen anymore. We’ll live in harmony with our neighbours in future. A happy life is awaiting you", with this hold, I promise you.

Yes, you are in luck. Do not doubt. Why? You seem like asking. Simple … because you have known me! I smiled, looking at you. Our hands are with each other … Dong Xian, you will not be alone again, I am here …

I almost have to drag you to take some neo-prints. This is fun, don’t you agree? Dong Xian, you have the most charming smile, do you know? … some of our happiest moments have been imprinted on several neo-prints …