Words I was Afraid to Hear 62 It's Been Awhile

"It's just been a couple of days. Let him be...for now." Her dark eyes squinted. "Arrange a meeting with Chairman Song. Tell him to bring his daughter." There was a glint in her eyes.

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Midori walked past offices towards the conference room. All employees were shocked by the sudden change. Her long jet black hair which she usually ties in a high ponytail was replaced by an auburn dyed asymmetrical bob. She was wearing a white square-neckline bodycon dress, ending at midthigh, convered by a tan blazer. Her white lace peep-toe heels with the signature red sole complemented the handbag that the CEO secretary carries with her. Her makeup looks natural, with focus retaining on the eyes as her lips were painted light nude.

The executives who had awaited their CEO in nervousness and fear gulped as they took in the sight. The CEO had never shown this much skin in one day. Even Riley's mind was messed up when he saw her from the car. She looked like an ex out for revenge in the most classy way.

However, she maintained the same poker face throughout the day, so they were sure that she is not some imposter. So this is what happens when you survive a ship wreck!

"Secretary Ta, make sure Director Gu's documents are on my desk by the time I arrive tomorrow."

"Yes, CEO." Secretary Ta is a thin woman who looks like she can be swept away by strong winds. She wore half-rim glasses and keeps her hair on a high bun. She had been the secretary to the CEO since the time Masaichi assumed office.

The difference between her job and Riley's would be that hers is limited by the four walls of the company, while he is the personal assistant of Midori Xiu, who does anything under the sun as the CEO deems necessary.

It was barely the end of the afternoon when CEO Xiu declared that she was off work.

Midori drove her red Aston Martin into the underground parking space. She took the elevator and went staight to the penthouse.

Dan opened the door with his shirt buttons still undone and his dark brown hair had just emerged from a towel. His khaki pants were complemented by brown oxfords.

His flustered face from running towards the door morphed into a warm smile. "You're early."

"I thought maybe you need help." she said, smiling back.

She came in, took off her coat and hung it on a rack and followed him in. She saw him continuing to dress up in his walk in closet. She walked in, passing by the drawer of ties under a glass table top. She scanned the colors and designs, trying to pick one out for him. Then she spotted a familiar taupe tie with crazy diamonds design. She took it out and stared at it.

He had finished tucking his shirt and putting on his coat when he saw her staring at it with teary eyes.

"Will you start fulfilling your wish tonight?" His voice was low and warm.

A sniffle was heard before she turned to him, fighting back the tears. She wrapped the tie around his collar, and began tying.

Dan looked at her like how a loving husband would on his wife.

She replaced the collar down, patted his shirt gently and looked up at him.

He was speechless as he saw her work in the mirror. She could have done a simple knot or a windsor, but she did a complicated eldredge knot adding diagonal lines to match the diamonds design.

He looked back at her. "How did you...?"

"I had several years of practice." she giggled. "Can you help me with this in return?" She held up the white gold necklace with the cursive D pendant.

After clasping the necklace on, he moved his arms to wrap around her waist and buried his face on the crook of her neck, taking in her light scent. Then he looked back on their reflection on the full-length mirror.

"I don't mind doing this everyday."

She giggled. "We need to go now. Didn't you have a 7pm reservation? Based on your history of setting up dates, it could be as crazy as in the middle of nowhere."

Dan nodded. Suddenly, his work phone rang. "Park."

"I'm sorry to call when you are resting at home, Sir. The general manager of Zesty just called. He insists on meeting you at this moment."

"Park, if I'll handle every little thing like this personally, I would have dissolved your position long ago." He dropped the call, leaving Michelle Park speechless and scared as f*ck.

"Something's up?" Midori had heard about CEO Zhou being ruthless, but this is the first time he had bared his fangs for her to see. What happened to the amicable boy back then. Then again, she herself gives off an aloof atmosphere at the company.

"Nothing that would concern us." He kissed her temple and led her out.

When they arrived at the garage, he chose a silver SSC Ultimate Aero.

Admiring the flip-up doors and leather interiors, she wondered if she could ask him whether she could drive it back.

Soon, they arrived at the CF Restaurant. The wood planks décor with sawn off bicycle seats at the bar set up a cozy atmosphere. The menu on an iPa* has placed technology in the warm place.

They ordered foie gras sushi, goat cheese salad, cochon noir, la volaille chicken, and tarte au citron with a bottle of 1976 beaujolais nouveau.

As they were dining, Dan remembered their first dinner together at the revolving restaurant. She was also wearing white, but her tastes had matured. She is now a powerful businesswoman, but she is still there, sitting at arm's length.

Midori noticed him staring, with utensils seemed to hang frozen over his plate.

"CEO Zhou, you should eat." She flashed a bright smile.

He came out of his trance and heaved a big sigh. "I'm sorry. It's just that...it's been awhile." He smiled back and continued his meal.

Chapter end