Chapter 4: The Cigar Lounge, Part 1
**Four weeks ago**
[The Grand Trinidad Cigar Divan, Kuala Lumpur]
It had been a hectic Monday, and Bob felt a welcome calm the moment he walked into the private room. He was greeted with a broad smile from his partner, Tengku Muzaffar. The Grand Trinidad was their regular haunt, and Bob frequently met with him for casual chats here.
Like his partner, Bob loved nothing more than the warm ambiance of dim lights, oak burl and leather, and, of course, swirling cigar fumes. It somehow reminded him of the Moon Mansion.
“The Epicure No. 2, Tengku?” the sommelier asked.
“Yes, please, and bring me the whole box,” he said, then turned enthusiastically to the man opposite him. “Any particular cigar you’d prefer, Bob?”
“No, I’ll have the same, Muz,” he replied, then said to the sommelier, “Can you bring us a bottle of Macallan 18, Sherry Oak?”
“Yes, certainly, Sir. A perfect choice.” The sommelier turned around smartly and left the room.
Tengku leaned to one side, resting an elbow on the armrest and crossing his legs.
“How are you looking to invest in the MyStacks project -- early-stage or pre-profitability?” he asked, referring to the proposal Bob had mentioned during their last phone call.
Enthusiasm was written all over Bob’s face at the mention of this project.
“Early-stage…. They’re just a startup, but they have loads of potential. I’m looking at funding no more than half a million,” he replied, and immediately explained, “We’re investing in their intellectual capital. They’ll need to bring their solution to the next level, so it includes a reasonable allocation for servers. That’s about it.”
“I won’t argue about the commercialization aspect of it, Bob. You’d done your due diligence, I’m sure. Based on their activity costings, I’d propose a drawdown in three tranches.”
“Yup,” came his typically tacit reply.
Tengku grinned, trusting his partner’s judgment. He first came to know Bob as a young business executive who comfortably fielded many hard questions in their first meeting, revealing his grasp of both the commercial and technical aspects of the business.
“Alrighty... I’ll get the documents prepared then,” Tengku responded just as the sommelier returned with a box of Hoya De Monterrey.
“Your cigars, Tengku. Would you like me to cut it for you?” the man asked as he presented an array of cutters for the purpose.
“I’m fine, my good man,” he replied, fishing for his guillotine cutter from his jacket. Then he picked up a Robusto from the box and ran it under his nose passionately, like the cigar aficionado he was.
The sommelier turned to Bob and asked, “And, how about you, Sir? Would you prefer it cut or punched?”
“A wedge-cut, if you please.” The sommelier duly cut the head and torched the cigar before handing it to Bob, who gave it a couple of puffs and drew the smoke.
“I’ll take it from here, thanks,” he said and reached out for Tengku’s torch. The sommelier then proceeded to pour the drink into two crystal whisky tumblers and place the bottle of Macallan on their table, along with a carafe of water.
“Isn’t Ralph supposed to be here? Tengku asked.
“You know him -- better others wait for him than he for others. Besides, he loves making a grand entrance,” Bob replied sardonically.
* * *
[Main entrance of the Ramada Plaza]
A sleek *Diablo red* Aston Martin Vantage drove to the fourth level entrance of the hotel and was instantly attended to by a car valet.
“What happened to my parking spot? I specifically called your manager to reserve that spot!” the well-dressed driver scowled when he alighted from his luxury sports car.
“I’m so sorry, Sir. Um, that’s Mr. Robert Tang’s car, Sir.” The valet pointed meekly to a boxy white Land Cruiser.
“Tsk! I don’t care whose car that is!” the well-dressed man exploded. “This is preposterous. I’ll have a word with your manager. I want my car parked right in front here when I return in an hour!”
“Yes, Sir. I’m sorry, Sir,” the valet replied, bowing repeatedly.
The well-dressed man glowered at the valet before storming off into the hotel lobby.
The seething valet spat as he glared at the man walking off. *Pukimak, kurang ajar!* [1]
Swaggering through the lobby, Ralph Tang glanced at his watch. He wasn’t thrilled to meet Bob and Tengku Muzaffar. They always had more questions than answers and never made it easy for him.
* * *
[The Grand Trinidad Cigar Divan]
Ralph Tang had the demeanor of a man who demanded attention. He made it a point to always be in a jacket and unbuttoned his shirt enough to reveal his thick gold chain, aware of how it would complement his diamond-encrusted Patek Philippe wristwatch and bracelet. He derived a certain narcissistic pleasure, knowing all eyes were on him wherever he went.
He certainly made an entrance when he stepped into the lounge, and a server immediately attended to him. “Welcome, Sir. Are you alone?”
“I’m meeting Tengku Muzaffar. Where can I find him?” Ralph responded somewhat curtly as he looked down his nose at the young man.
“Oh, right this way, Sir. He’s expecting you.”
As he strutted behind the lounge staff, he noticed a tall, slim beauty in a revealing dress, sitting confidently in the corner all by herself. She was enjoying a slender cigar as she glanced over at him coyly. He gave her a charming smile.
She didn’t change her expression, but her eyes locked onto his meaningfully.
He instinctively raised his left hand to his chin, revealing his watch and glittering accessories.
*Mm, very attractive... She must be Eurasian or Northern Indian, perhaps? Makes my visit to this damn smokehouse worth the trouble!*
“Boy, get that lady over there anything she wants… Compliments of Ralph Tang. Send me the bill in the private room.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Ralph continued on his way and didn’t turn to look at her again -- he knew how to play the game.
* * *
“Ah, speak of the devil… look who’s here!”
Leaning back on his plush leather seat, Tengku Muzaffar grinned as Ralph was ushered into the private room.
“Hi, Ralph.” Bob turned around and smiled. “Grab a seat.”
“Good to see you again, gentlemen. I trust things are going well with the business?” he responded, a little pumped up from his little distraction on the way in.
“Macallan okay with you?” Bob asked, and got a nod in return. “Waiter, could you get us another glass, thanks?”
“Have a cigar, my friend.” Tengku opened his box of robustos.
“Well, don’t mind if I do. But, not those… something more, mm… delicate. A Cohiba panetela will do nicely.”
“Huh, ‘delicate?’ Get yourself a Churchill and see if the ladies don’t flock around you!” Tengku teased with a guffaw.
Endnote:
[1] “Pukimak” - a Malay expletive; “Kurang ajar” - uncouth, typically used as a slur in the Malay language
* * *