Fake Girlfriend

Lena called Hazel's driver to come to pick her up. She was really drunk by the time she left. Lena made sure there were no paparazzi around in case they snap a photo of Hazel drunk. Lena knew that something else was bothering Hazel, but did not insist.

She knew that Hazel will tell her when she wants too. However, Lena did get some good gossips about the Yang family from her.

Lena was able to finish a few basic designs before she headed out for the night. James went ahead to pull the car out front. Some of the employees were leaving too. Lena was stood outside the driveway and waiting for James.

*Beep Beep*

A car swerved in front of her and opened its window. Lena peeked inside the car.

"Ming Zhao?"

Ming Zhao moved his body closer to the passenger window. "I am glad I caught you before you left. Had you have dinner yet?"

"No, I have not." Lena looked up to see her own car coming up the driveway.

"Can I have you for tonight? It's about the favor."

"Ok. One moment."

Lena walked to James and told him that she was going to go with Ming Zhao for dinner. But, he should still follow her the way there. She was not planning to have Ming Zhao drop her off at her apartment. Lena opened the front door of Ming's car and sat inside.

Lena looked around the car. If was different from the other car was in last time.

"I expect an expensive dinner from you," Lena demanded.

"Hahaha, of course." Ming hit the gas and the car sped off to the main road.

They drove for a while before they reached the beach-side area of the city. Ming pulled up to a top star tourist restaurant. Lena observed the unique style of the restaurant. The main entrance and the walls were made of red stone bricks. The building was swarm with vines and leaves.

"Italian?" She questioned.

"Mhm… you don't like."

"No. You are treating anyways."

Ming parked the car and walked over to open the door for Lena. He tossed the keys to the valet and they both entered the fancy Western-themed restaurant. Lena could smell the aroma of freshly baked bread and a mixture of sauces.

"It's a beautiful night. Is dining outside okay?"

"Mhm."

Ming already booked a table this morning when he texted her. His mother actually owns this restaurant from her side of the family so it was easy getting a reservation. The hostess led them to their table and gave them their menu. Ming pulled the chair for Lena and she sat down.

Lena looked at the menu. It was in Italian but also in English. She panicked for a second there, she did not know Italian.

"Do know how to read in Italian?" Ming asked.

Lena looked up from her menu. "No, but I know English."

The hostess came and took their order. Lena ordered a Linguine with lobster while Ming went with pasta with black truffles.

"So… Do you speak Italian?" Lena knew that he was half Italian but it does not mean he can speak it.

"I do."

"I chose to learn French and Spanish."

"I can speak those too."

"I usually cook my own food." Lena rubbed in a skill she knew he won't have.

Ming did not reply, instead, he just smiled. He did not mean to imply that he knew more languages than Lena. He knew that her years of education was to please her family and Andy.

"I am sorry that I was not able to come to visit you at all in the hospital." Ming sipped his wine.

"Busy?" Lena asked. "Does it have to do with your grandfather's upcoming birthday celebration?"

"So you've heard?"

Lena smiled. She's a nosey person. "How's Project Crystal? Last time I read the reports you sent, seemed like you have it all under your control?"

"The project is a success, thanks to you. However, I am still a single man. I am sure that if my brother gets married before I do, it will cause some tensions."

"And that is your favor? For me to be your stand-in until you can take care of your brother." Lena speculated.

"Woawww." Ming clapped his hands. "You had my plans all figured out already."

The Shen family may not be one of the wealthiest families of China, but many of the upper families did not have daughters. Likewise, the net growth of the Shen company has drastically increased. Its investors and continuing expansions are reaching towards the top.

"Sorry, but I can't be your fake girlfriend. I have an enemy of my own. If our relationship gets any more than professional, it'll put me in a difficult position."

Lena knew that she had to keep her relationship on the surface with both Ming and Kris as a business aspect. Any more than that will alert Madam Yang and can trigger the dragon to take more drastic actions again.

"I cannot help you with that part, but I am willing to help you with anything else."

"Asking that was already too much. I am already thankful for help so far."

"If I may ask, why me?"

"You're a businesswoman, but also someone who would take advantage of something too if it is worth your time. You know how to control yourself, so I know I don't need to be a concern with that. And you don't ask questions."

Their food arrived and they slowly enjoyed the dinner, under the beautiful twilight. Ming Zhao talked some more about Mike Zhao. Lena offered some insight into his plans. Time quickly passed and Lena left first.

Ming said that even if Lena could not attend the event as his partner, she should still attend it. After all, Ming will be revealing the research on Project Crystal.