Part
9 Helpless Theo
“What’s kind of nonsense this?” Theo tossed the papers
onto the table. His anger terrified all subordinates who were in the meeting
room.
No one dared to open their mouths or even breathing.
“Mr. Qi, do you think a hundred thousand yuan per month
for your salary is worth of this rubbish? I expect at least half of it proves
your competence.”
An older man than Theo, who wearing the blue suit, turned
pale. He swept the sweats in the forehead nervously.
“CEO, I will
revise the plan as soon as possible. My mistake for my carelessness.” He spoke
hurriedly before Theo vented his fury.
When Theo was about to release his wrathfulness, his
secretary approached him.
“CEO, there is an important call for you.” David
interrupted by whispering words.
Theo dismissed the meeting and soon all people quickly
left with a terrifying look could be traced.
“Speak.”
“Mr. Chen, we got the news about the schedule of development
business district plan in C city. The local government will open public tender
in the next few days. I will send all detail about the project.”
The person in the other line ended the call. Not long
after that an icon popped up in Theo’s cellphone.
Theo deep eyes darkened after finished scanning the
attachment in his email.
“David, call out our secret team and organize the meeting
after lunch in my office. I need to go out for a moment.”
David nodded. “CEO, I will tell the driver to prepare a
car.”
“I will drive by myself.”
David was silent. He discreetly took a deep breath. In past
three days, he saw his boss was struggling to escape from the marriage business
after big boss’ s mother visited him in the office.
Joanna had already trapped him with no way out of her
plan. Theo tried to compromise to delay the wedding plan since the family
company has many important businesses to being managed. There are two big
projects from construction and property management. Furthermore, one of the
branch offices faced the legal indictment from the labor association after an
accident happened in the factory. All these troubles required his involvement.
“Then, get the marriage license at least.” Joanna
persuaded.
“David, get out. Now.” Theo shouted in anger when he thought
the private conversation with his mother would be inappropriate in his office.
“Mom, let’s talk about this later. I am so busy.”
Joanna felt Theo’s
coldness rankling her.
“Three years I think it is enough for you to move on,
dear.”
Theo fell silent. He tried to hold down his sorrows.
“Mom, please. Forcing me into the marriage doesn’t mean
relieving your guilt.”
Joanna face went pale. She smiled bitterly.
“Sweetheart, you must still hold grudge towards me.” Her
eyes looked moist.
Theo breathed helplessly. He really hated making his
mother became watery. A bright beam of sun penetrated the room, radiating the
positive energy which made flashback in his mind.
A beautiful face with brilliant smile appeared. She was
laughing heartily as touching his face.
“Theo Chen, I would love to marry you. But we should get
approval from your parents first. Otherwise, I could not marry at ease.”
Theo closed his eyes slightly. He tried to suppress
sorrows which surged and squeezed his chest. Joanna sat quietly while was
observing her son.
After seconds in dead silent, Theo opened his eyes.
“Mom, please give me time after I deal with business.”
Five minutes later, Joanna left. Theo pressed intercom
and David came inside hurriedly. Since then, Theo’s temper was getting worse.
“Hmmm CEO, the car is ready.” David’s voice interrupted
Theo wandering mind.
Without uttering a word, Theo stood up and walked out. David
sighed in irony, then followed the steps.
S City in the broad light looked so lively. Many vehicles
passed by in the highways. The views are bright and warm since summer vibe
spread all over places. Pedestrian streets are occupied by people who want to
have lunch.
In the crossroad, Theo stopped the car when the traffic
light was red. His attention suddenly caught on the giant screen in the
building from opposite road. The news about marriage plan between Chen and Li
family with the pictures of both soon-to-be-brides were attached on.
Theo clenched his fists tightly. Anger fulfilled his
mind.
Well down, Mom! Even though I tried any means to escape, you
knew how to tame me.” Thought Theo helpless.
He pressed his Bluetooth earphone. A busy ring in the
other line.
“Hey, mate.” A cheerful voice welcomed his call.
“Jasper, let’s drink tonight.” Theo said straightforward.
Silence was in the air, making a thick atmosphere.
Jasper, in the other line, gave his wave to his secretary
to leave the room. Something was bothering him.
“Hey, hey. What’s wrong, Theo?”
It was quite odd if Theo invited him for drinking. The
sky must fall apart and his best friend should be stressed-out. He tried to
recall something bad recently. It was none other than …
“How was your progress with daughter from Li family?”
“At 8 pm in our usual place.” Theo hang up the phone, leaving
Jasper dumbfounded.
Theo called Ryan Wu after that. He then drove to the crematorium
where he stood up silently and saw one of small spaces which has one large
frame of someone’s picture, a pearl necklace in front of the frame, some small
stuffs, and a decorated urn.
“Jane …” The murmured in deep low voice. He breathed a long
sigh.
The beautiful woman was smiling brightly like sun shines
in that picture. Theo closed his eyes for a moment, before he stared her
picture intently. No more words came out from his. No matter how long he kept
silent, the answer could never be founded in many ways. He holds the family pride
as same as his reputation. In the past, he even dared not to act recklessly as his
beloved one could get hurt badly.
At the same time, Amy almost lost her calmness as the rumor
about marriage has spread in no time at the office. Many her colleagues were
whispering when seeing her came across. The meeting about monthly sales report
was dismissed a while ago since the lunch time approached.
Selina, one of staff in sales department walked toward
her. She folded arms in front of her chest.
“You are such a lucky woman. How do you manage to make
the eldest son of Chen family falling in love with you?” She spoke in sarcastic
tone with a pout.
Amy ignored her glare. Rather, she passed by, not
intended to respond this annoyed workmate.
“What’s? Now, you act arrogantly just because you are a daughter
from rich family?” Selina raised her voice, clearly got irritated.
Amy turned her back. She tried to compose herself. She
grew up with jealousy around her no matter how hard she gave kindness and
sincerity. This time is no different. Selina always behaved hostile from the first meeting since the team leader usually assigned Amy with important contract
projects and she got those successfully. Even Angela, the head marketing
department always brought her together with the team leader and sales managers.
By the time Selina wanted to release her hatred, Amy’s
cellphone rang. Without hesitation, she went out in a rush to a corner of
corridor.
“Dear Amy, we can not execute our plan accordingly. The
news about your marriage was written all over the internet and papers. They even
had your old photos without make up.”
Amy was frozen. Her holding at the phone was suddenly shaking.
“Carrie, now I'm drowning in a sea of grief.” She spoke
desperately.
The thought about getting married exasperated her yet she
remained calm since she had some plans of escaping. However, this was beyond
her imagination that the press would stir up the news rapidly. They could not simply
deny it because the public would be suspicious, particularly this was about the
reputable image of Chen family as the richest in the S city for three
generations.
