76 G-Palace

When I was young, I once experienced the life of a commoner. Others might think that I am only making up stories if I tell them this but it is true. I once lived as an orphan in an orphanage my parents founded in K country. I lived there for three months when I was 6 years old. I honestly thought that my parents didn't want me anymore because I was being a bad girl. I was a bit of a spoiled brat at that time. They just left me there without a proper explanation. I was still young! How can they even hand their precious daughter to strangers?! What if someone liked my cute and charming personality and actually adopted me??! It was really too depressing for a young child to have such willful parents, but I am also grateful for what they did.

At first I was crying my lungs out and threw a tantrum everyday. The other children tried coaxing me and even tried to play with me but I was a stuck up little brat at that time. I acted like a rich young miss that I am and was very picky about the things I eat or use in the facility. Honestly, I was upset because I cannot eat or buy my favorite food anymore. I can't shop for new clothes and expensive toys. I even have to share a room with snotty little brats! It took me a while to finally adopt and make friends inside the facility, though that friendship really didn't last long but at least I made some progress. Fortunately, the volunteers there were very patient. They made me understand that for me to survive I must learn to cope up with my situation.

When my parents magically appeared in the orphanage to finally take me home, I glared at them and also didn't talk to them for almost 2 months! How can they be this harsh to a 6 year old child?! Lucky for them, I ended up liking the peaceful life in the orphanage.

My older brother also experienced being brought to an unfamiliar place for a short period of time when he was still young. He was actually left in the temple to strive on his own.Ugh.... Our parents are really something. They rather make us experience the hardship first hand rather than making us believe that life is full of happiness and comfort. This is also a reason why I begged my parents to hide my identity as their daughter for a bit. I am not planning on hiding my true identity forever anyway, I just want to experience being free from my social responsibilities for a while. I want to move freely without leeches or persistent stalkers monitoring my every move.

'Slam'

My mind that is busy wandering in the past suddenly came back to reality as I heard the car door being slammed close. I retracted my gaze away from the window and followed Neo's figure as he walk around the car and into the orphanage compound. I am honestly clueless as to why we are here. The sun is about to set and darkness will finally befall us in a bit so visiting an orphanage this late is really odd.

It took us 40 minutes to arrive in this place. A huge building with a 'Welcome to Smile Orphanage' is engraved by the gate. When we left the residence earlier, I did not bother on starting a conversation with him and it looked like he also felt the same. He only focused on driving as I grabbed my earphone inside my sling bag. The atmosphere inside the vehicle is very eerie. It felt like a single sound may irritate him and might decide to crash his precious car along with us inside.

I looked outside the window as I listened to my playlist. This scene is very calm and dramatic at the same time. It feels like I am shooting a commercial or music video as I blankly stared at the busy streets of Xin City. I felt the car stopped, ending my mini imaginative music video shoot. I was relieved that Neo did not bother my little alone time as he drove us here but where exactly are we? I was very preoccupied with my own thought that I did not notice that we are now in a small town a kilometer away from the town proper.

When I saw the signage ot the orphanage, my past memories suddenly flooded right back to me like a tsunami. "Stay here." Those were the words Neo said before he got out of his seat. I squinted my eyes as I looked at Neo smiling warmly to a middle aged lady. She is wearing a lavender dress and is also smiling warmly to Neo. A little boy with a bright blond hair suddenly came out of nowhere and hugged Neo's legs. I got worried for the boy's safety because he is currently hugging the devil himself. I felt relieved and surprised at the same time as I saw Neo gently patted the little guy's head. 'I must be imagining things' that is what I thought as I observed his actions outside.

Their exchange was only short but I can see the happiness on the woman's face as she accepts the red envelope Neo handed to her. After bidding farewell to the woman and the young boy who I think is a reincarnation of a baby panda, he went back inside the car and without saying a word started the engine and drove away.

I will not deny the fact that I am really curious as to why he suddenly decided to visit the orphanage. Neo must have noticed my curiosity because without looking at me, he said "I gave her the invitation for the charity ball." Neo said in a low emotionless voice.

"I see " I said as I recalled that I am also invited to attend that ball. Ugh! I know that Vincent only wanted to help at that time, but attending this type of big event is really tiresome.

Our conversation did not continue as he focused on driving his expensive car into the bright busy central square of Xin City. It took us about more or less 30 minutes to finally arrive in town. I am starving here!

I did not bother on asking him, where we are going. Exchanging long conversations with him might turn into another battle of wits. I am starving which means, I am not in the mood to start world war X with him yet.

We stopped in front of G-palace. The most well-known hotel and restaurant in X country. The staff gently pulled open the passengers door for me. Ah, what a gentleman unlike someone I know going by the name Neo. I secretly rolled my eyes as he also got out of the car and handed his car keys to the valet.

Neo waited for me to catch up to him before we proceeded on walking side by side towards the entrance of the restaurant. The man guarding the entryway looked at us from head to toe before saying "I'm sorry Miss, you cannot come in if you are not wearing the proper dress code set by the establishment." he said in a low intimidating tone of voice.

I am not offended or anything about the guard's action. I do know that a proper dress code should be followed if you want to eat in such a classy restaurant. He is just doing his job, but I am hungry already.

Neo is wearing a grey suit and tie and he is oozing with a sexy CEO aura with his get up right now. Compared to my tattered jeans and ordinary shirt, the guard have all the right to stop us,but Neo didn't seem to like the delay.

"She is with me. Don't stand in our way." Neo said impatiently. He reached down to hold my hand and dragged me inside the building. I Iooked back to see if the guard is chasing after us or not. Fortunately, he didn't because his co worker walked to him and told him our identities, he looked pale as he listened to his friend's revelation.

"Where are you looking at? Look at where you are going." Neo's clear icy voice.

" I would love to walk elegantly so can you kindly let go of my hand Neo honey~??" I said to him with gritted teeth.

"No. Just smile and act." he said as he continued on walking and dragging me along with him. I honestly do not know what this guy is up to. I wanted to yank my left hand free from his grasp but he is stronger compared to me.

I sighed and let his warm hand cover mine as we walk side by side towards the reserved table. I guess my fashion sense is really eye catching. The other guests can't help turning their heads to look at me while Neo didn't even glance at the women gawking at him as we pass by. I stayed silent and acted nonchalant as we walk towards the table in the balcony but before we even arrive there, a female's voice called out Neo's name. Both Neo and me turned our heads to look for the source of that voice.. When I saw a young girl slightly standing beside her table I instantly sighed and subconsciously face palmed myself.

Fadjie Bar... Will the words "small world" be able to explain the situation I am in right now??!! Or is this a set up planned by this devil who is currently holding my hand??!! Either way, I am starving here! Can the drama start later after I consume enough energy to ward off evil?