In Dong Xian's PDA: The 3% share

Eric has gotten hold of the 15% shares outside Korea, so I have accumlated 48% of Hotel Seoul share in my hands already. With another 3%, the game would be over. It is nice to know that even God is on my side: Madam Song, the holder of this crucial 3% shares, is also at the hotel. Victory is in sight, so are you...

Leo called Madam Song to explain our intention, and made an appointment to see her at the Pearl Villa at 2:00pm.

At 2:00pm sharp, we are in front of her door. A plump lady came to open the door and my hunter instinct told me that she would not be an easy person to deal with ... However, business was business: we were willing to pay 20% higher than the market price to secure her share, I told her.

She said she was not interested. No point playing these sort of games with me: I have already checked her background. It has been a good business deal so what else did she want?

After going around in circles for a while, she finally revealed what she wanted, "You are a handsome guy... how are you going to repay me if I sell you the shares?"

This is not the first time I hear comments like this. Sometimes, I use it to my advantage. Usually, I just smile and brush it aside. Right now, I do not even have time or the interest to do so.

Leo jumped in to rescue me but he was rebuked: she wanted to hear it from me.

Fine: I would say it again. Business is business: 20% higher than the market price... the best I could do is to throw in one dinner... as I really needed the shares.

The idea of the dinner appeared to delight her. We were about to close the deal when someone knocked. Madam Song left the sofa to open the door.

I checked my watch: 2:15pm. I have another appointment at 4pm. If she signed the contract now, then, everything will be over by tomorrow. Started to have a warm feeling growing inside me when I thought of you...

"Miss, … lingerie and stockings you requested", Someone at the door spoke softly. This voice is somewhat familiar...

"WHAT is this? …", Madam Song was obviously annoyed.

"Those items were out of stock. I got some new products for you …" This time, I hear that voice clearly.

I turned around. That is you.

What are you doing in this room?

When you noticed me, the classic Xu Zhen Yin smile was frozen.

You might not hear what she was saying, but I heard it loud and clear, "New series? Just get something lousy for me? ... Do you have any taste? No taste at all!"

I saw your face went more and more pale: is she the one who is hurting you or am I the one?

"...Oh, my god! Look at the colour of this pantyhose.." and she threw it back to your face.

DAMN IT!

How could she do this in front of me?

How could you let her to this to you?

How could I let her to this to you?

My leg was pushing me up from the sofa: I was ready to get up and slap this bitch...

My head was pushing me down to the sofa: Her shares... I wanted her shares... war is on. For every war, there would be casualty. What matters is who emerge as the winner in the end...

My heart was caught in the middle: I turned away so that I did not have to witness this. However, the room was too small. Even if I turned away, I could still hear her yelling at you...

Why did I have to sit through this? Why? Because I have no choice, because I needed her shares... Shin Dong Xian: take a deep breath, slowly, just focus on your breathing, switch off and stop thinking ...

I did not know how long, but finally, she was satisfied with her reprimand. I thought it was over, but when she got back to the sofa, she yelled at you one last time, "Why are you still standing there, GET OUT!"

GET OUT????? Even I dared not raise my voice on you like this. Who the hell she think she is? The Empress? Damn it!!! DAMN IT!!!

"Sorry, Miss", I heard your whisper, heard you picking things up, heard you close the door... so you left the room...

Why is Manager Xu doing this sort of thing?

Is it part of your duty?

How could you work for this sort of person?

Where is your pride?

Why do I have to pick this time to be here?

Why do you have to come in at this time?...

Madam Song apologized. Her apology came too late: what is the point of shooting someone on the chest and asked to be excused afterwards?

Work is work, us is us. That is what I told Leo and you. That is what I tell myself, too. I thought I could and have been doing a good job separating these two worlds, but why has it suddenly become so difficult?

I sat there.

My head kept reminding me about the shares, and one have to sacrifice in order to win.

My head kept telling me to move on and close the deal.

However, my head could not force a word through my mouth.

Leo, finding me silent, volunteered to wrap up our visit.

But that bitch wanted me to explain to her again about the contract...

I have nothing more to say: I repeated what Leo told her, stood up and left.

As soon as I opened the door, I regretted about not pushing through the deal on the spot. But I just could not as I needed to cool down... probably have to get Leo to do the follow-up later. What is happening to Shin Dong Xian now? How could I let my emotions get into the way of a business deal, in particular, with you in the bet as well?...

I saw you at the driveway. You are standing there with the plastic bag in your hand, looking at me.

Are you waiting for me... waiting for me to comfort you?

Zhen Yin, I could not.

I could not comfort you as I could not understand why you let yourself to be humiliated like this. More importantly, I could not forgive myself for letting someone humiliate you, and not doing anything ...

But you kept looking at me, begging with tears in your eyes.

My heart went soft. I could not leave you like this.

I gave Leo my briefcase and walked towards you slowly.

I thought you were waiting for me, but as soon as I approached you, you walked off.

I thought you were waiting for me, why are your running away now?

The faster I walk, the faster you tried to escape from me. You started to run, and I gave chase. Running through the walkway, we both ended up at the Diamond Villa.

The door inside the Villa was locked. You kept shaking the door handle, pushing and pulling the door, tried to open it.

Manager Xu: a locked door is a locked door...what happened to your keys...

Realizing that you are trapped, you paced up and down like an animal looking for a way out in a cage.

Zhen Yin, you could not do this forever. Sooner or later, you would have to face me.

Patiently, I stood and waited for you to stop.

You stopped, eventually.

Good: so we can talk now.

However, you needed a place for that plastic bag. Somehow, you decided that you could hide it behind you as if nothing has happened.

What is the point? I witnessed all that already: something has happened and you could not pretend everything has been fine...

I came to talk to you because I couldn't understand how you could despise me for working with Director Jin, yet you are doing this sort of thing. At least, I kept my ego and my pride, and no one can get Shin Dong Xian to do anything for them unless I choose to.

So, explain to me what happened in that room just now: How you could still hold your head high, having to work for these so-called guests of the hotel? They paid, but it did not mean they owned you. Where has your pride gone to?

But, instead of answering my question, you told me in tears that you are ashamed.

I asked for A, and you gave me B.... I am more confused now.

I couldn't understand: why are you telling me that you are ashamed? How could you be proud of a job that make you feel shameful? What did the hotel mean to you?

"Is the hotel really so important to you?", I probed. The answer was instant: Yes. There is pride in the answer. It is the same pride I saw back at the mansion, "If you go to Korea, do visit Hotel Seoul, I'll let you experience what is premium service"  ... So, it is the Hotel after all, not Han Tai Jun.

Then, I still couldn't understand: if the Hotel is important to you, then, why did you feel ashamed? "Because it is the work I like, the work I choose. Before you came along, I never felt so ashamed", you said emotionally.

You were doing it again: I asked for A, and you gave me B... What are you trying to tell me? Are you telling me that if I was not in that room, then, you would be running the errand happily. However, as I was there, you felt shameful. Somehow, work is not only work, us is not only us. Somehow, my presence in that room hurt your ego...

Is that what you were trying to tell me? If that is what you are trying to tell me, even it made no sense to me, I wanted to let you know that I have never looked down on you for a moment.

With this clarified, things become simple, "If the Hotel is so important to you, and if you have turned me down because of this Hotel, then, I swear, I would clinch the Hotel." This is my promise: to you, and to myself.

"Mister Dong Xian..." I am Mister again...

With tears running down your cheek, you begged me to leave the Hotel alone. Please stop crying... please... What wrong have I done now? I am trying to make things simple here. You have to choose between the Hotel and me. If the Hotel is mine, then, you did not need to choose. So, it is only logical for me to clinch the hotel if I wanted to be with you.

Why do you have to make things so difficult for me? Why is female so difficult to understand?

Suddenly, you said the Hotel staff would suffer... Now, you are talking: Hotel staffwill suffer... So, Han Tai Jun would suffer too, right? So, it is NOT the Hotel after all, but is Han Tai Jun.

One moment ago, it is the Hotel, the next moment it is Han Tai Jun. You've been leading me, going around in circles.

That is enough. I did not care anymore. Be it the Hotel, be it Han Tai Jun: no one could stop me, nothing could stop me...

"Tai Jun could sacrifice everything … to save our hotel..." I heard the challenge in your words: if Han Tai Jun could sacrifice all he has, could Shin Dong Xian do the same for you?

Of course, I could, and I could do better than he could.

Besides, you are wrong here. The Hotel should be Shin Dong Xian and Xu Zhen Yin's Hotel, not Han Tai Jun and Xu Zhen Yin's Hotel!

"Why did you have to take away things from others ..." you said with tears in your eyes.

Zhen Yin: you are wrong again. Firstly, the Hotel did not belong to Han Tai Jun. He only work here. When I close the deal this afternoon, I shall be the rightful owner of Hotel Seoul.

Secondly, everything has been done legally. It is not my style to take anything that did not belong to me; but if it mine, I shall fight to keep it with my last breath.

Lastly, it is strictly business: selling and buying hotel is only normal business activities... Why do you have trouble understanding such simple things?

"If you give up the Hotel, I would ..." You would what? Even if I give up the Hotel, you would not come back to me as Han Tai Jun is around.

I did not see any point of further discussions. Three points are clear now:

To get to you, I have to get to the Hotel.

To get to the Hotel, I have to remove Han Tai Jun.

If you are not coming to me, then, I will go to you.

I miss you terribly but I regretted for letting my heart rule. The more time I waste here, the more likely I would lose the war. Sorry to leave you like this but I have to go. Just bear the pain for a little longer as I shall be coming back for you very very soon.

I turned, walked out of the Villa, and left you standing.

...

I went to the Business Centre to fax something to Eric.

Through the glass window, I saw the man I wanted to see walked by. Han Tai Jun saw and nodded to me.

I signaled to him. Unwillingly, he came in.

"I am just wondering how your game preparation is going?" with the victory in sight, I could afford to flash the cards I held in my hand.

"So you still don't have the Ace", he checked.

I just smiled: I did not have the Ace yet. But I know where it is, and it will be in my hands soon...

However, this was not I called him in for, " ... I wanted to voice my displeasure... Hotel Manager should have their ego too...don't you think it is not appropriate for them to buy undergarments for hotel guest?"

As the GM, you have the responsibility to look after your staff, in particular, I only let you to keep Zhen Yin for the moment and it would be your job to take good care of her until I return ...

From the look on his face, apparently, he did not know about the undergarments. In any case, it did not matter as I said what I have to say already...

...

I am about to go for my 4pm appointment when Madam Song called. Over the phone, she told Leo that she has sold the shares to Han Tai Jun.

Han Tai Jun? Han Tai Jun!

Damn it!

I got my fingers onto victory but it slipped through.

How did he manage that?

How did he find out?

Have I underestimated him?

I should have closed the deal in her room. This is a costly reminder: as a hunter, I should not let my heart rule.

"Now what?", Leo asked.

Now what: they are holding 51% of the shares. We lost this round.

I phoned Director Jin, telling him the bad news, and my suspicion that someone has leaked the information. Maybe it is Jin Yun Xi... she was at the dinner when I told Director Jin the plan. However, she is his daughter so she should be on his side. If it is not her, then, who could it be...

Leo suggested that it might be you, as you saw us in Madam Song's room.

I know that you could not have anything to do with this...

OK! No point in dwelling on this anymore. A lost battle is a lost battle. The key is to win the war.

With Han Tai Jun, he disrupted my plan, and I would make sure he paid for this handsomely.

With you, until the war is won, I have to treat you as if you did not exist... as a hunter cannot shoot when he sees the eyes of his prey...

With me, I need to think about my battle plan again...

Zhen Yin's thoughts: ... Trapped...

Feeling quite tired, but I braced myself up and kept on the move. Other than you, work is part of me too. Although I have inexpensive meals, common clothing, fewer luxuries, but all these add up to my common existence. How to explain to you that hotelier work is not only work, it's pride, it's for Hotel Seoul, it's also the staff, it's teamwork, the rapport, Madam Cui, GM Han, Chef, Jenny, … You left me standing, you walked past me …

… "Good afternoon! May I help you?", I bowed …

"May I ﾉ" I took a better look at the lady who just walked into the lobby. Isn't she, isn't she ﾉ Madam Song? She is picking on a quarrel? I mustn't fall for it.

Madam Song has caused some chaos in Hotel Seoul 3 years ago. I see her to Pearl personally, with Xuan Zhe ... No other demands? … "Miss, do rest well. We'll take our leave now." I bowed. "Wait!", I turned at hearing Madam Song. What is that? She instructed. Buy lingerie, stockings and undergarments for her? She handed me a piece of paper. What? … Manager Xu, Guest, she is a guest … I swallowed. "Yes", I left.

I strictly told Manager Lee not to leak Madam Song's arrival. Madam Song might cause some unfavourable rumours in the Hotel. Better be safe than sorry … Hotel Seoul's reputation is at stake, GM Han's reputation is at stake …

I went to the departmental store, walked into the lingerie section. "Hello … I need to get the following items, as listed", I smiled to the salesperson. Ah? No more stock? … Manager Xu, think, think …Browsed through the showcase and display, let me take a look at that catalogue … "Is this series similar?" These are the latest and more popular designs. "Please help me choose similar designs. Please ensure the sizes and measurements are correct. Thanks." Ok, got them. Although not under the exact brand name and colour tone, should be close. Wow, expensive stuff.

I walked past the front desk. She is a guest. I wouldn't make fun of her, no matter how unpleasant she is. I proceeded to Pearl Villa. Madam Song. At the door, I knocked, once, twice … waited … Madam Song opened the door. I squeezed out a smile and cheerful tone, "Miss, I have got the lingerie and stockings you requested", I bowed politely. I have to. I handed the bag to her.

She dug into the bag. She rummaged through it. "What is this? DIDN'T you follow my list?", she shouted. This is the guest's request, and I have tried my best to meet. Calm down, Manager Xu, keep your cool, "Those items were out of stock. I got some new products for you …" While explaining, I noticed you inside Pearl, seated on the sofa, looking at me. Lost … I froze ...

"New series? Just get something lousy for me? ... Do you have any taste? No taste at all!", heard Madam Song scolding me. Manager Xu, keep your cool. I wasn't listening much, was too affected by your presence. The scoldings kept raining on me. Being humiliated in front of you … somehow … somehow … will you look down on me? Feel ashamed because of me? I … I …

"Will a Manager from a superior Hotel buy this? Wrong colour! Awful! …", she continued. I felt things fell on me. She is throwing the stockings and lingerie and stockings on me! … Shocked, humiliated … Cool, Manager Xu, she is a GUEST! … Embarrassed …

"TAKE IT BACK! … I don't care what you do with them … Why are you still standing there? GET OUT!", she roared. I heard, I am not DEAF! Manager Xu, keeeeep … CALM. Manager Xu swallowed. "Sorry, Miss", I apologised. Manager Xu humbled herself, bent and pick up the mess of lingerie and placed into the bag. Can't even turn my back to face her … I bowed and closed the door.

I left Pearl, walked a few steps, stopped … being reprimanded, hurt, … unreasonable Madam Song … why I do I have to be there at the moment? What were you inside Pearl just now? Why do you have to witness what just happened to me? …

I have rarely been humiliated so badly. Even my parents couldn't bear to scold me in such a manner. I feel so bad already. Embarrassment has been compounded by … you saw and heard, you witnessed my disgrace. You can't understand my work as a hotelier of Hotel Seoul, now … even … harder to let you comprehend … harder to get through my humiliation … crossed with myself … so much so … felt angry tears …

You appeared at the entrance of Pearl … from a distance … we stood … looking at each other …

I feel ashamed now … why did you see what you saw? … How to face you now? How to explain to you? Zhen Yin, how? … Don't know …

You walked fast towards me, approaching … I, I, I ran … some tinging sound from behind, you are close … turned and got into Diamond Villa. The inner door was locked. Key? Where is the key? No key ... I kept shaking the door handle...

Trapped … can't go through the inner door, you are right behind me … I paced left and right … trapped … You remained stationary. I felt your glance on me. I paced faster. I turned, facing you, suddenly realised the bag of stockings and lingerie. Nowhere to hide. Not really necessary as you have just seen what happened to me actually. I still shelved that bag behind myself. Maybe that's due to the little running … your characteristic scent linger in the air.

Your calmness somehow irritated me. I am so confused, and yet you are so serene?

"Your ideal job as a hotel manager … does it include getting lingerie for guests?", you asked. Why do you have to witness that scene? How to explain? …

You persisted, "For such a job … you despise me?" I don't despise you. No, I don't.

I feel so depressed that I couldn't raise my head. In the past, there is only Hotel Seoul, Madam Cui, Tai Jun, Hotel staff … and me. We are on the same side, fighting the daily battles together...

Now? I met you. I fell in love with you. I miss you terribly. You affect me so much. However, you are on the opposite side, you come for Hotel Seoul … I find … find myself trapped … right in the centre.

I have been holding on to my tears, "Now … I feel bad ..." Humiliated — yes. I swallowed that. That is for the Hotel. Being embarrassed after the scolding is normal. Being a hotelier is the job I desire and the occupation I chose. Hotel is in the service industry. This is premium service. The professionism of a hotelier is also involved.

There is this strong feel for you within myself … that, that seem to make me not in line with the Hotel anymore. Many people misunderstand me. Despite all those, I know I miss you. Nothing, nothing can change that.

YES, the hotel is important, the staff is important! Fast answer, not in doubt. You are vital too … Somehow, I panicked … I could neither express coherently nor explain well …

"Please look at me …", u asked. Slowly, I looked up at you, with eyes full of conflicting tears. Why is your prey Hotel Seoul? Can't you spare Hotel Seoul? I plead you, for the Hotel, for the 1200 staff, for Madam Cui, for GM Han, … let them off … this Hotel is also late President Cui's lifelong-effort …

I just blurred out something, "Tai Jun could sacrifice everything … to save our hotel" Tai Jun left, for the reputation of Hotel Seoul 3 years ago.

"Miss Zhen Yin, I'll make this 'our hotel'!", you raised your voice. I saw the determination, the determination to get Hotel Seoul, in your eyes. I am afraid of this side of you.

Dong Xian … as Manager Xu, you are "mister"; as Zhen Yin, you are not "mister". Why must you be the hunter here? Why take something away from the staff, the Hotel? Why? Why do we have to meet this way? Tears in my eyes ... Shouldn't love be sweet?

I'll come to you, I hope to go to you … if you could spare the Hotel, the barrier will be gone … "If I spare the Hotel, you'll return to my side?", you rushed in. I noted your line.

"Can you give up everything and return to my side?", you asked. This question at this moment? I shivered. I am already trapped and …

"If you can't come to my side, then … I'll have to go to you", you said to me. I heard. Your words lingered in the air.

You left. You left me standing alone in Diamond Villa, which is the place where our sweet memories staged, the pieces of memories that belonged exclusively to us. The memorable place remained, somehow, the emotion icons differed, the entire situation altered …

I dumped that bag. I paced left and right again … Madam Song! Arghhh! Damn it! G…GUEST!!!! … I sat and tried to calm down before facing Madam Song later. GM Han came in. Got a dressing-down. Humiliation. Trapped. Why can't I be doing something right? What wrong did I do? … Yes, I know. I am silly. I can't even explain myself coherently. I broke down again, at my desk, for sadness, for the grievances suffered … Annoyed, irritated, … took the rest of the day off and headed for home.

That night, Tai Jun asked me about the necklaces.

I threw one into the bushes … lost ...

The other is … in Sapphire? …