Mr. Long's proposal (1)

Several hours before Emma's shift had begun as usual. When she arrived, she quickly got changed into her bartender uniform. It was simple and elegant, appropriate for the upscale club. She had worn her hair in a simple and practical ponytail and used minimum makeup.

Emma was very happy that she worked as a bartender and not as a server, because they had to wear much more revealing uniforms. She very much preferred to stay out of the spotlight.

She had learnt early in life that attracting to much attention was never good Therefore she always dressed simply and never wore eye-catching clothes or accessories. Basically, she did everything she could not to attract attention.

Unfortunately for Emma, this was often not very successful, because no matter how much she tried to disguise herself as plain and normal, she could not disguise that she was an incredibly attractive woman.

In fact, Emma was a stunning beauty, with had a small and elegant figure, and just the right amount of curves. Her face was flawless and her eyes piercing and intense. She had a mysterious air about her, which drew people in, but also a certain aloof air about her that kept people at a distance.

Actually, Emma was a warm and compassionate person to people she felt close to and trusted, but many years of exposure to the scheming, backstabbing world of the elite had thought her to wear her cold and aloof attitude as a shield.

Emma had never been able to make up her mind if her appearance was more of a curse or blessing. On the one hand, she knew that she often was treated better because of it, but at the same time it often the source of unwanted attention.

Like it did today.

After changing into her uniform, Emma had headed up to the VIP lounge to prep the bar. She had been in the middle of doing a count of the various beverages when Mr. Chen, Mr. Long's right hand man approached the bar.

"Miss Huang, Mr. Long wants a word with you in his office."

Not wanting to keep the boss waiting Emma gave Mr. Chen a quick nod and immediately followed him towards a flight of stairs at the back, which led to the big boss's office.

Emma felt increasingly nervous with every step she took. Why did Mr. Long want to see her? She had not worked in the VIP lounge long. Maybe she had accidentally offended some important person? She really hoped she wasn't about to get fired or demoted back the main bar. The pay was pretty good, and she needed the money.

They reached the top of the stairs and Mr. Chen gestured towards the door at the end, before heading back. Emma walked towards the office door with increasing nerves. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she tapped lightly on the door, her a muffled voice from within and entered the office.

Mr. Long was seated on a massive chair behind his desk like it was a throne. Emma swallowed nervously, but showed no other outward sign of nervousness. Growing up in a den of lions had taught her to keep her feelings from showing on her face. Plastering a polite smile on her face she bowed slightly and greeted her boss.

"You wanted to see me, Mr. Long."

She kept her eyes downcast, not out of fear, but because if she had indeed made a mistake it was better to appear submissive. After a few tense seconds where Mr. Long made no reply, she lifted her eyes to look at him. Thank heavens for all the times she had faced the icy stare for her father, or else she might have cowered under the intense stare Mr. Long was levelling at her. Although her heart was racing, she met his eyes calmly. He might have been carved out of stone, he was so still.

"Mr. Long?"

A smile that maybe was supposed to appear friendly, but that looked more like a satisfied smirk broke the passive expression on Mr. Long's face.

"Ms. Huang. Come in."