Chapter 1
THE BUSINESS EMPIRE
At 7:30am, the airplane landed at the Chinese airport in Hong Kong. The employees all stood before the work building waiting for the arrival of the newly elected president of the LI group company. One of the greatest companies in china which deals with various areas in the business world such as building planning, marketing, clothing, fishery, gadgets and other investments.
As Mr. Cheng steps down from the plane, his escorts escorted him to his Mercedes Benz and drove him to the company.
After Zhen LI Mr. Cheng’s father died, Cheng had to take over as the president of LI Group Company since he was the only heir to his father. He initially runs a French cuisine in France which was also passed down to him by his late grandfather at the age of twenty. He owns five seaports in Africa, three ranch in Mexico and seven hotels in America. He was well know as the seventh richest man in china yet still prefers keeping a low profile.
His capacity, ability and intelligence in running and managing his organization are tremendous. Won seven awards and always finds ways to surpass and oppress his rivals.
The board meeting was going on
“Han, how are the business transactions and the stock market going? Mr. Cheng asks.
Well sir, he answered while looking at the chart.
“Judging by the chart the business transactions has been doing well since then and the stock market had been taken cared off.
“That’s good to hear, Cheng said with satisfaction.
Han, a half Chinese half American man who is the vice president of LI group also Mr. Cheng best friend right from childhood. Han’s parent lives in London and his sister actress Leo Ruth who had always liked Cheng since little age lives with her brother.
“Should I prepare the proposer for the next meeting agenda? Han asked.
“Not yet, Cheng replied.
MR Cheng glanced at his monitor and picked up a paper from his desk to take a closer look.
Come take a look Han, there a little mistake at the heading.
The external transactions are supposed to come after the local transactions.
It true sir, I will see it gets corrected. He then collected the paper from Cheng and left.
MR Cheng who was tidying up his work in the office began to wander, his thoughts drifting to his children. He picked up a photo of his son from the table; memories of playing baseball with his little boy who was six years then, flooded his mind and warm smile spread across his face.
He turned his gaze to the picture of his late wife, his eyes locking into her gentle smile. Time seems to stand as he stared, lost in thought.
The door opened and a beautiful lady steps in.
“You didn’t knock? Cheng said.
“Oh forgive me sir must have slipped my mind, she apologies.
“Is there any problem? Cheng asked.
“Just need you to sign these documents.
Ok bring them let’s see. As Mie was directing Cheng where to sign, Han walked in.
“We have a meeting with the deputy director of Wu Kai group enterprise.
“What? Right now!!?
Why didn’t I get informed by my secretary?
That’s because I just scheduled it, so she probably won’t have an idea, han replied.
Since when did you start rescheduling my schedules? Besides it hasn’t been long I got back.
“Am just doing my job sir, also the meeting was a sudden one because the boards are involved.
It wasn’t easy to convince them to come.
“Seriously, am stressed out!!
Well that’s why you are the president.
“That’s not fair, I thought we were friends.
But friends chuckled on their way to the meeting leaving Mei left out.
“At the meeting, the directors, secretaries and the board were all seated as Mr. Cheng turned on the projector to address his proposal.
Everyone was astonished by the outstanding proposal, and unanimous agreement was reached to collaborate with Mr. Cheng on the next project.
The meeting was then adjourned. After the meeting, Mr. Cheng went out to meet Ruth, who was waiting for him by the car. They then headed to a nearby restaurant for afternoon lunch.
As they settled into the restaurant, Ruth removed her coat and handed it to the nearby waitress. She gazed at Cheng, who was engrossed in his phone.
She thought to herself, “I wish he’d put that phone away and focus on me.
“Don’t I look stunning and captivating, especially after all the effort I put into getting ready?
Noticing the silence, Cheng finally looked up and asked
“What would you like to eat? He handed her the menu. Ruth took it, thinking, “finally he noticed me.
“I will have the French salad,” she said. Cheng replied “that a great choice. Is that all?” Ruth nodded
Cheng handed the menu to the waitress and ordered salad for Ruth and sandwich for himself.
As they waited for their food, Ruth brought up her trip to Japan, sharing stories about her journey. Meanwhile, Cheng was distracted by his phone, scrolling though headlines and watching newscast.
When the food arrived the waitress presented Ruth with a smile, she said a silent prayer before beginning to eating.
Cheng received his food, examined it, and began to eat. As he ate slowly, Ruth looked up at him and was struck by his charming and handsome appearance. She found herself captivated by his sky-blue eyes, which sparkled like stars. Her heart skipped a beat; she felt a flutter in her belly. She was smitten.
Cheng looked up, catching Ruth staring at him.
“Why are you staring at me?” he asked a hint of amusement in his voice. “Is something wrong with my face?”
Ruth’s gaze faltered, and she stuttered, “Oh, no, nothing’s wrong with your face. It’s just… never mind.”
They continued eating, the tension between them palpable.
After finishing their meal, Cheng paid the bill and dropped Ruth off her apartment. As they parted ways, Ruth couldn’t shake off her thoughts.
“What kind of guy is he?” she lamented in her room. “He’s incredibly handsome, yet he didn’t even notice the beauty right in front of him. What a waste of time. Her heart ached as she admitted to herself, “I really love him, but he doesn’t value me.
