Games That People Play

Chapter 9: Nearheart

NYC, The Biggest Western City

Lu Jinian was brought to the Medical City and was diagnosed to have a minor heart disease. He was scheduled to undergo a surgery within three months if the oral medicines and physical therapy did not work.

"You have to rest and take things easy for a bit, son..." said his father, Yue Chan. He managed at least 4 hotels and several health spas in the Carribean Islands, assisted by his wife, Wang Lin. They were a formidable duo and the hotel industry respected the couple for their merits and talents.

Lu Jinian's mother made the arrangements with the hospital in an orderly manner, not revealing her worries and concerns over her son's health. She knew that he didn't like a lot of people fussing over him.

"I need to have at least 4 shifts in a day for my son's suite. Please arrange according to my specifications. Thank you." Wang Lin said in a soft voice to the doctor in charge.

"Yes Mrs. Yue, i will make the call right now... you're welcome! If you need something else, please just press the blue button on the left panel above the headboard" pointing to her son's bed.

The doctor left after leaving all the prescriptions.

Lu Jinian immediately began his treatment sessions and was allowed to go out just as long as he did not engage in strenuous activities. His diet was strictly followed and a nutritionist was placed in his suite for that purpose.

"Mo Lian, we are going out today" Lu Jinian said to his assistant.

"Yes, sir! I will make preparations now!" His assistant was visibly happy, and quickly informed the driver. It's the first time since arriving NYC that the master requested to go out. The fresh air and scenery would definitely do him good.

The phone rang and Mo Lian handed the phone to his master. Lu Jinian looked at the screen, it registered 'Lanxin', his younger brother was calling again.

"Hey, big brother! Are you up already? How was your therapy?" Lanxin's voice chirped once Lu Jinian picked up the phone.

"Yes, little brother, everything went well and i have taken my meds" his voice sounded bored.

"Oh, good, good! I know i keep calling you, but it's not really me, you know i'm a busy bee!" He said jovially. "It's actually Mom, she insisted i should call you everyday to check..." Lanxin added lamely.

"I know" Lu Jinian rejoined and said goodbye. He changed into a casual outfit, dark brown slacks and cream polo shirt, he topped it with a black coat. He looked every inch a man with distinction.

His dark hair was tousled in a very attractive way, his deepset eyes were brighter than usual. He felt vibrant today and he wanted to look around, visit the Excelsior, one of their five star hotels in NYC. As the driver drove along the street lined with buogainvillas in full bloom, something caught his eye.

A head with shiny dark brown locks that veiled one side of a woman's face. She was walking along the pathway leading to a park.

"Stop the car, now!" Lu Jinian commanded urgently. The driver immediately maneuvered the car and parked with hazard lights on, near the pavement. Lu Jinian jumped out of the car and chased after the woman, however when he reached the spot where he saw her, he lost her among the many people walking about. He looked around and tried to trace her steps but to no avail. He could not find her. Mo Lian was running after him and he was deeply worried when he caught up with his master.

"Mr. President, sir, the doctors said that you should not get excited or tire yourself" Mo Lian was breathing heavily. Lu Jinian did not reply and went back to the car without a word. His forehead knotted together as though in deep thought. A light of excitement in his eyes flickered.

"Proceed to Excelsior" he snapped. When they reached the hotel, Lu Jinian was greeted by the Excelsior team headed by the manager, Huo Bin.

"Good morning Mr. President, welcome to The Excelsior!" They chorused.

Lu Jinian looked at the fresh young faces of the Excelcior team. Then he nodded at Huo Bin politely before proceeding to the private elevator.

"Mo Lian, i want you to do something for me, but make sure that you do it discreetly." Lu Jinian suddenly said in a low tone. Then he said something to his assistant which drew a resigned sigh from the latter. So, the hunt is on again, this time in this big wretched city! Mo Lian was inwardly exasperated. But he replied, "Yes, of course, Mr. President, as you wish."

BAI DESIGN STUDIO (Aunt Feng's shop)

Xinli was busy doing the new batch of designs for the coming winter when her phone rang.

"Hello" she put the phone to hand-free mode.

"Hello, beautiful girl!" Yuanrou's deep voice echoed in her small cubicle that's her workplace. Xinli smiled.

"What's up?" she answered merrily.

"I was wondering if this beautiful girl i'm talking to would care to have dinner with a lonely guy?" Yuanrou teased.

"Hmnn... let me think..." Xinli was teasing him too. She was tired and she wanted to unwind a little. In the end, both decided to invite Xunan and Huobin for dinner later. The four of them were busy with their respective jobs in the past weeks so they didn't have much time to hang with each other's company.

Huobin was slowly rising in his chosen field while Yuanrou was quite successful in the design world. Xunan did an excellent marketing job with Xinli's designs and her mother's finished products. The four of them agreed to dine at one of the new famous restaurants in the city. They opted for Asian cuisine, of course.

--------------------------------------

HOT POT RESTAURANT

Hot Pot, one of the most famous Chinese restaurants in NYC. Lu Jinian seated himself comfortably while his dark eyes scanned the well dressed customers seating at nearby tables. With him are his brother Lanxin, mother Wang Lin, Cheng Han, a fourth degree uncle who was managing one of the hotels in NYC and his gorgeous daughter Cheng Qian.

"This restaurant serves the best Chinese cuisine in this part of the world!" Lanxin was proud to bring his family in his newly discovered place.

Cheng Qian was a fair and tall girl with the air of a successful model in the city. Many companies line up proposals for her to do a commercial with them. She was highly sought after and she was obviously setting her eyes on the most powerful man of the HLY Group, Inc. and that was Lu Jinian.

--------------------------------------

Houbin was the first to arrive at their designated spot. He took his phone out from his pocket and dialled Xunan's number.

"Sweetie!" Xunan answered promptly.

"I'm going to order our food in advance, please don't forget to bring coats, it's a bit chilly tonight." Houbin was always thoughtful and Xunan couldn't ask for more. She hoped to save enough as her counterpart for their dream wedding.

"Ok, we'll be there in a few... see you, sweetie!" She hung up and checked Xinli who was already standing by the door, looking every inch beautiful and simply elegant in knee-length midnight blue dress. The soft sleeves fell slightly below her elbows, the bodice in lace lined with soft silk accenruated her perfect breasts. Xunan couldn't help but express her appreciation to her cousin's simple yet fresh beauty. Her facial features was simple yet unique. She looked fresh and confident.

"My, my, my! Look at you my dear cousin, you look so beautiful tonight and i think the lonely guy won't be lonely for long." Xunan exclaimed, beaming with pride.

They were waiting for Yuanrou to pick them up. Xinli eyed her cousin too and couldn't help but love Xunan's pretty face and voluptous figure.

"You look gorgeous yourself, so tonight we're gonna break some legs!" Xinli joked and they both laughed.