Burning Passion

CHAPTER 71: WHEN MAGIC APPEARS TO BE REAL

In the days followed, Theo was busy preparing his presentation to Nina Shang.

He finished sketching the woman's face, the one he plans to put on the label when Roland knocked on his office door.

"Master Shang, it's about lunchtime. Do you want me to bring over your lunch here?"

"Oh, um…"

Since they were doing a lot of work lately, he allowed Margaret to stay with Roland to a guest room downstairs.

"Okay, it sounds a great idea," he agreed.

Having Margaret staying at his house, things even place in order. So maybe it is better to have a female presence in the house.

But what annoyed him, the couple is all lovey-dovey when they got a chance. And all he could do as a boss he rolls eyes every time he accidentally saw them being sweet in the corner.

Theo was in the middle of his lunch when his phone rings and flashes Nina Shang's name on the screen. Her calls probably are about an answer to his proposal.

Theo picked up his phone and swiped the green button. "Chairman Shang?"

"I read your proposal. But I cannot give you my answer without tasting the wine," the other line spoke.

"I will send someone to bring over the sample."

"Why don't you deliver it by yourself? Since it was your proposal, then I will give you this project if you come to China."

'She got me.' Theo murmured to his head.

Although he prayed to get this project, he has no plan to go back to China and meet everyone again. But he won't give up on this project, and then someone takes over the supervision. He wants to propose the design he already prepared, as he badly wanted to use her image; it will be the mysterious woman on the promotional cover.

Since he had not found her yet, they have to use another model. But the wine image, it should be her… although he doesn't want to reveal her eyes, no one should see her entire face, but only him.

Ah, what was he thinking? Is he losing his mind and becoming obsessed with her?

Maybe he is, as he is badly searching for her.

'But where is she?' he murmurs.

"Director Shang?"

"Okay. But in one condition."

* * *

After the Board of Investors meetings in Paris, Theo flew to China.

Stepping to the land he remembers nothing, he shrugs all the uncertainty and possibility that he will cross to his relatives. He just prepared himself for the possibilities.

He was standing outside the airport and waited for Mr. Long, Nina Shang's driver.

A black Mercedes-Benz park in front of him and a middle-aged man step-out, bowing at him. Nodding at the man, Theo climbed on the backseat, letting the bodyguard places his luggage in the car's trunk.

He did not expect Nina to be bold like this, but whatever. There is no need for a bodyguard to pick him up at the airport.

Drove away from the airport, the man greeted him.

"Welcome home, Young Master."

"Ah… but it doesn't feel home."

It does not mean him to be rude, but truly he feels nothing like one.

Since Mr. Long knew this family, he kept his silence from commenting or comforting this youngest Shang.

Mr. Long brought Theo to The Peninsula Hotel base in Zen City. He requested not to stay in the Shang Mansion and Nina agreed and booked him a Deluxe room at this hotel.

"Young Master, I will pick you up tomorrow by 9:00."

"Okay. That's fine for me. Thank you."

He steps out of the car and the Wait boy helps him unload his luggage from the trunk. He inquired at the desk about his reserve room and the Receptionist quickly assisted once they recognized him as a member of the Shang Empire.

One thing he only hopes of staying in China for days is not to see his father. He is not prepared to meet him again. Or more to say, he doesn't want to see him again. Whatever happens, he could not feel to put a bridge between them, after he learns the reason why Harry Shang doesn't want to see him.

Harry blamed his son for the death of the woman he loves? Is he even asked to be born in this world? If only he had known, he rather trades his life to bring back his mother since there is nothing good that happens to him.

He was alone, and everyone seems distant from him. If everything is his fault then, nothing he could do because he cannot change anything.

Theo dropped his body to the bed and closed his eyes.

"Wait!"

Ah. It's just a dream. I adjusted my eyes from the lights of the ceiling. I felt disappointed and I don't want to wake up yet.

I wanted to stay holding her in my arms.

It is rare for me to dream of her that she was this close to me. Most of the time, either I saw her standing under a beautiful flower tree, or she was facing her back and then partly glanced over her shoulder,

This time, she was trying to whisper something in my ear, so I wonder what it is. Sadly, I don't understand what it was as I cannot hear it.

'Where are you? Can I meet you here in China?'

Although the chances are thin, who knows when magic appears to be real.

I want to sleep back, maybe I will dream of her again. But my eyes were wide awake now.

I glance at my wristwatch, 3:30 in the morning? Really? Did I fall to sleep? It seems this long trip tired me greatly.

Thinking about what to do since I can't go back to sleep, better to order some food since my stomach growling and complaining.

I called up the kitchen and ordered a coffee and a full meal. While waiting for the food, I get my sketchbook and pencil. I tried to remember her in my dream. She was lying down like this while staring at me.

A half-hour passed and my food arrived. I sip on the coffee, which wakes me up further. After a full meal dinner-breakfast, I take a rest for two hours before I prepared to see Nina Shang.

* * *

Mr. Long picks him up five minutes before nine in the morning. Glancing at a Shang Tower, these 50-floor building standing proudly at the central prefecture of Zen City. There is an extended 30-floor building on the right side stands as the Main Office of Li-Shang DC.

His father now acted as a Chairman after the old Shang been ill.

In this building, there are two desks opposite each other. One reception counter for Shang Empire and one for the Li-Shang Distributor Co.

"Mr. Long, I will take the Parking Lot elevator."

The old man understood. Theo does not want anyone to see him. Probably rumors have already been rising that this young Shang arrives in the country. He parked the car to an exclusive elevator that Harry Shang using and the other one is for Nina Shang.

Theo stepped out of the car. The men guarding the elevator surprise seeing him. They bowed and observe him taking the lift toward Nina Shang's office. Arriving at the extension building which top floor is the LS Chairman taking office.

Li-Shang Distributor Company

Before her empire grows, she only has a one-floor office. After she builds her building as an extension to the Shang Tower, she expanded more offices for her empire. Even his husband does not love her, but he spoiled her a lot by allowing her to run her own business.

"Chairman Shang? The young master has arrived."

Nina Shang's secretary entered her office.

"Let him in."

Nina place down the folder she's reviewing and waited for the man to come inside her office. She lifted her head and watch Theo walking toward her.

"Welcome back."

"Not really."

She smirks at the way Theo replied rudely at her. Raising him is like a sledgehammer knocking on her head. He does not only look a lot of his father, except for the eyes. But he also got many traits from her husband.

By treating her coldly and showing how unimportant she was? It is the same treatment Theo giving her as to how her husband treated her that way... Something she used to anyway.

Nina tilted her head. She sat up from her armchair and strode toward the settee in her office.

"Well, I did not much expect you to accept my warm welcome. Now, please have a seat." She offers the couch across from her.

"I was exiled to Switzerland, so I haven't anticipated any welcome home greetings."

Nina laughs and shook her head. "Alright. But remember that I am not the one who sent you there."

"Is it?" Theo did not avert a gaze at his stepmother.

"Okay. I am not your enemy here. But it was what do you want, right? To go far away from us?"

Theo did not respond.

"Now then, let's get down to business."