Games That People Play

NYC He was rooted to the spot. His eyes burned as they gazed into hers. Then the memories slowly crept into his whole being, threatening to undermine what's left of his rational side. "Bai Xinli..." the name that was etched in his heart found its way to his lips. The familiar deep voice halted her steps. Her heart seemed to jump up her throat. She forced herself to stay calm and summoned her courage to look at him straight in the eyes. "Hello, Lu Jinian"... she greeted softly, her eyes clear and unblinking. She wore a simple light clothing in old rose color, emphasizing her smooth fair skin. Her breasts rose and fell at every breath she drew. She clutched at her handbag in an attempt to hide her nervousness. Even now, she remembered his every detail. Who would have thought that they would bump into each other in one of the world's largest city, NYC. "So, this is where you've been hiding all these time..." he said in a menacing tone, his dark eyes seemed to bore a whole into her body as he took a step closer. "No more running away..." his voice was thick and before Xinli could move, he reached her in two long strides! ---------------------------------------- Chapter 1: Chang An, China The cold breeze caught her nose as she peeked out of her window. Xinli squinted at the stream of light coming in between the thick curtain. "I think it's going to snow today" said her roommate, Xiaotian. "I've packed everything you need, those that are still in the closet, i'll keep, so you will still have them when you return." Xiaotian was sad and happy at the same time because finally, Xinli got her promotion and was scheduled to fly to Beijing for leadership training. On the other hand, they would part for 2 long years and she would have to deal with the lady next door who was bent on making troubles for them since the day they moved in. "Oh nooo!" Xinli grimaced and held her face in her palms. She was beautiful in her own simple way. Her long brown hair tumbled forward. "Xiaotian, it's gonna be my 22nd birthday in 2 days! Surely, the snow won't ruin my party? After all, it's gonna be my send off thing too...." she said in a worried tone. "No worries, Lia (an affectionate nickname of Xinli), i sure will pray to the gods that there won't be too much snow on that day." Xiaotian said, picking up her towels. "I go bathe first and you get up now or else, we will be late!" Xinli reluctantly got out of bed and started for the kitchen. She prepared tea and light cookies for the both of them. They worked in the same company and she knew the rules. Who knows what difficulties they would meet if they were late in reporting for work. "Ahhhh..." Xinli stretched her long limbs. She would be 22 in 2 days and she was lucky to get promoted at such an early age. She started working at 19 as a receptionist and after 2 and a half years of hard work, she was going to be manager of the hotel's Receiving Hall. The Zenith Hotel, one of the five stars hotel in the whole of China. This is where Xinli and Xiaotian worked. Then on the right wing of the skyrise building, the gold emblem of the Huang Lu Yue Group, the hotel tycoons who ran and managed about more than a hundred five star hotels and numerous health spas all over the world. Xinli stared at the emblem, a smile lifted the corners of her mouth... then suddenly, a flash of light seemed to catch her line of vision. "What was that?" she asked herself and looked around in confusion. She was about to go to the direction of the parking lot where the light came from... "Lia, we have exactly 4 minutes to punch our cards! Hurry, or we'll be late!" Xiaotian nudged her and both ran accross the pavement towards the employe's entrance of the hotel. Luckily, they were just in time before Master Shangbi appeared in the Receptionist area. He was incharge of HR Department and followed the hotel rules to the hilt. "My, my, my... these two ladies almost didn't make it to the clock..." he said lazily. "Good morning, Master Shangbi!" Xinli chirped with a big smile. "How are you today, Mr. Handsome?" Xiaotian teasingly greeted him. Looking at his straight nose and stern mouth, no matter how strict he was, the kindness in his eyes was visible to these 2 girls that he called friends. Master Shangbi wrinkled his nose and pointed to what looks like a memo on top of Xinli's table. "Starting today, you'll be reporting to the HLY Group." He said casually. Both girls eyes darted to the bright red rectangular envelope on the table. For a moment, Xinli felt nervous and the envelope looked formidably authoritative in her sight. "Why dont you open it and check what's written inside?" Master Shangbi urged. "Open it, quick!" Xiaotian was more excited than Xinli. She picked up the envelope and handed it excitedly at the surprised Xinli. Her eyes wide and clear and displayed the innocence and eagerness of youth. With hands that slightly trembled, she opened the envelope and the other 2 spectators were leaning over to see what was written. On a A4 size cream colored paper with a letterhead that reads "Yue Lu Jinian, CEO" there was only one short line written in the middle: "9:00am". She was flustered. She looked dazed and started to panic. "Hey, are you okay?" Xiaotian gently tapped Xinli's slim shoulders. "Yes, im fine..." she answered lamely. She suddenly wanted to withdraw and run away. She didn't want to see that domineering and egoistic male chauvinist pig! "Let me see..." Master Shangbi interrupted her escape plan. "Well, this is the first time i've known him to send his letterhead in this hotel. He would only send it at extreme situations or to someone who has value to him..." he was deep in thought as he said it in a low voice. "Hmnn..." he absently touched his beard. "Ok now, it's half past eight, you still have time to gather your composure..." he finally said with a twinkle in his eyes, then he moved away from the girls, one excited, one at her wit's end. She was most unwilling to report but etiquette required that she should. She willed herself to keep calm and projected that employee look who is about to face the big boss. She looked at the elevator monitor, it read 11th, she closed her eyes, in a little while, she would be face to face with Lu Jinian. Surely, he must have forgotten that fateful night!