Chapter 25: Being made aware of her position

Jianyu then understood what was in that bag. When you get a chance as grand as this, then only talking doesn’t help. You have to practically prove them as well.

In his mind, he gave her a thumbs up.

Huian was taken aback.

I never thought that this will even cross her mind. I thought she would think that she won’t need to prove herself because Jianyu himself has chosen her.

Nana was feeling really nervous. It was exam time.

“That’s great. We will try them.”

“Okay.” And Nana started taking out all her dishes one by one.

She laid out five dishes – sweet and sour fish, fried rice, Kung Pao chicken, spring rolls and chocolate-coffee cake as the dessert.

The aroma instantly filled the whole office. It smelled so delectable.

“Mr. Liu, Mrs. Liu, and Chen Jianyu, please try the dishes.”

Chen Jianyu was the first one to dig in. Obviously, he knew how well she can cook, so he didn’t stand on any ceremony.

Huian had to admit that they looked very savory and appetizing.

Jinhai and Huian tasted all the dishes one by one. And clearly, they were impressed. Even Jinhai’s cold face cracked a little. Huian didn’t want to but was unable to hide her satisfaction. It was only for taste testing but all three could not help but take bites after bites.

“Mmm..so delicious!”, Jianyu praised.

Nana carefully gauged their reactions and came to the conclusion that they liked her food. Phew! I think there is hope.

Huian realized that she was supposed to give the decision. Taste-testing was already over a long time ago. She felt embarrassed. She was not a foodie and it surprised her that she could not stop herself.

She cleared her throat and said, “Dear, what do you think?”

“En. It’s good”, was the only reply.

“Yes. I also liked it very much. It was really delicious. Now I understood why both Jianyu and Aunt keep praising you. You are truly worthy of all the praise.”

“See, I told you. You won’t regret it.”, smiled Jianyu.

“Thank you, Mr. Liu. Mrs. Liu.”, Nana smiled.

“Alright. I don’t think there is any need to think about this any further. I am now sure that all the guests will love your food. So yes, we give this contract to you. Okay, dear?”

“En.”

Nana was over the clouds. Her first big contract. She won it.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Liu. Mrs. Liu. This really means so much to me. Thank you so much for giving me the chance.”

Jianyu said, “C’mon now, you have earned it.”

They spent some time in negotiating all contract details and pay. It had been forty-five minutes when the meeting got over.

Huian then received a call. She talked for a few minutes and said, “Dear, it’s the venue manager. I have to go there now. There are some things that need my personal supervision.”

“Okay.”, he smiled.

“Jianyu. Will you take me there? It’s on your way right?”

“Ah..but Nana..”, he hesitated.

“Oh don’t worry about me. I won’t be going to Natsukashi directly. I need to take a detour. So you can go ahead.”

“Thanks, Nana. I will leave now. Again, it’s a pleasure working with you.”

“Same here Mrs. Liu.”

“Bye dear.” She kissed him on his cheek and left.

Now only Nana and Jinhai were left. She remembered their conversation and she no more wanted to dwell on it.

“So…Mr. Liu. I will be taking my leave as well.”

In a hurry, she left. She got a little farther till she realized she did not have her phone with her.

My phone? Where is it? Oh no! I forgot about it in his office. Stupid Nana! You finally came out of there. Now I will have to go back again.

She came in front of his office door and knocked.

“Come in.”

She slowly opened the door and came inside.

“I’m sorry Mr. Liu for disturbing you, but I forgot my phone here. I will just take it and quickly leave.”

He stared at her.

She found her phone on the couch. There it is!

“Got it, Mr. Liu. I will leave-“

“You should be aware of your position.”, he suddenly said.

“Huh?”, Nana couldn’t understand. But she saw the same expression on his face just before when Jianyu and Mrs. Liu had entered – distaste.

“Wasn’t forgetting your phone an excuse to come back again and meet me?”

“Excuse? Why would I make any excuse?”

I want to get out of here as soon as possible. Why would I want to lengthen my stay?

“Even before that, wasn’t tripping at the elevator door also your idea to make me hold you?”

“I don’t understand Mr. Liu.”

“Weren’t you trying to seduce me?”

Nana froze.

“First you came to know that maybe I work under the CEO so you tried to extra butter me up. And then you knew I am the CEO myself. So, didn’t you plan all this?”

She turned pale. She slowly raised her eyes to meet his. There it was – the same distaste. Was that what he thought at that time?

She was shaking all over. Again those memories flashed in her mind. She wanted to refute but not a word came out of her mouth.

‘I-I’m sorry.”, was what she could only utter and she ran away.