Special Client

The car screeched to a halt as Mia urgently instructed Mr. Tao, "Take a turn, we need to rush to the airport."

He nodded in understanding, replying, "No worries."

Swiftly, he maneuvered the car towards the airport, the chauffeur inquiring, "Is there trouble again?"

Mia confirmed, "The staff member meant to pick up Mr. Martin had an accident. We must hurry before he gets upset; he's a special client."

"Rest assured, we're almost there," the chauffeur reassured.

Soon, they arrived at the airport, where Mia instructed Mr. Tao, "Come with me."

He followed her closely. A tall, imposing figure stood there, his broad shoulders wrapped in a long fur coat that exuded an air of sophistication. His sunglasses hid his eyes, adding an aura of mystery. He appeared to be in his early thirties, his golden brown hair shimmering brightly in the sunlight, highlighting his distinctly American features. Beside him stood a lady of similar age, her blonde hair neatly tied up in a bun atop her head. Despite her shorter stature, she emanated confidence. Their luggage was neatly placed beside them. 

The lady appeared impatient, her forehead creased in a frown. Glancing at her watch, she remarked, "Sir, these people aren't punctual. You might want to reconsider your agreement with them."

The man, observing his surroundings, grinned at her urgency. "Mrs. Duval, your decisions are swift. Allow me to suggest a more deliberate approach."

"Mr. Martin," a voice hailed him from behind. He smiled, glancing back at Mrs. Duval. "See?"

She nodded. When he turned around, Mia and Mr. Tao stood there.

"Welcome, Mr. Martin," Mia greeted with a smile. They exchanged smiles and firm handshakes.

"I am Mia Chi, President of C & B Corporation. This is my personal secretary and chauffeur, Mr. Tao. I sincerely apologize for our tardiness and the lack of a proper welcome," Mia said, expressing her regret.

He chuckled, "No need for apologies. Having President Chi personally welcome us is an honor. Your tardiness was certainly worth the meeting. I'm Liam Martin, and this is my assistant, Mrs. Duval."

"Thanks for your understanding," Mia replied with a warm smile.

"Mr. Tao, please assist with their luggage," she directed him. He swiftly loaded the luggage into the car.

Once settled, Mia and Mr. Martin occupied the backseat, while Mrs. Duval sat next to the driver.

As they began their journey to the company, Mia explained, "The staff member designated to pick you up had a car accident on route to the airport, leaving me no choice but to come myself. I appreciate your patience; I hope you understand the situation."

He smiled warmly, "It's quite alright. Meeting you in person has been a pleasure. I must confess, I had a certain image of you in my mind—someone as successful as you, adorned in the latest fashion, and perhaps a bit unapproachable. I'm glad to find out I was mistaken."

Mia laughed, "Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you."

They shared a lighthearted moment until they arrived at the company.

Mr. De welcomed them, and Mia inquired, "Has everyone arrived?"

"Almost everyone, except both of you," Mr. De replied.

In the meeting room, all members stood up and greeted them. As the meeting commenced, Mr. Tao whispered something to Mia. When it was time for his presentation, Mia stood up instead of him, surprising everyone.

A member questioned, "President Chi, isn't Mr. Tao supposed to do the presentation? Why are you here?"

Mia calmly responded, "Mr. Tao's presentation was stolen. Since he is my secretary, I take responsibility for his oversight. I will deliver the presentation. If any of you interrupt before I finish, you'll have to leave this room. If there's further disruption, I'll find the culprit myself, and you can imagine the consequences."

The room fell silent as Mia confidently began her presentation. When she concluded, Mr. Martin applauded, expressing his approval. "This is precisely what the presentation should be. I agree to the terms of the cooperation," he announced, sealing the success of the meeting.

Afterward, Mia and Mr. Tao exited the room. Later, in her office, there was a knock on the door. "Come in," she welcomed.

Mr. Martin, accompanied by Mrs. Duval, entered. "I hope I'm not interrupting your work," he said.

Mia stood and gestured toward a couch. "Not at all. You're not disturbing me; I was just about to leave."

"Oh, I won't keep you long," he assured.

Another knock sounded. "Come in," Mia invited.

Lin Yang entered but hesitated. "I can leave if you're busy," he offered.

Mr. Martin intervened, "Hey buddy, don't go. You can join us. I was here for some general discussion."

"You're welcome," Mia added, and Lin Yang took a seat.

Smiling, Liam turned to Lin. "Alongside President Mia, I've heard a lot about your accomplishments," he said.

Lin smiled back modestly, "You're flattering me, Mr. Martin. Your own business achievements are remarkable too."

Yet, an underlying tension hung between them, as if a lingering grudge from the past weighed on their interaction.

"Thanks for your kind words," Liam responded. "I look forward to our collaboration ahead." He then turned his attention back to Mia. "Then I'll be on my way. We can catch up another time," Mr. Martin said, excusing himself.

Mia smiled, "Certainly. Mr. Tao, please ensure they reach their apartments safely."

Mr. Tao nodded and escorted them out. Together, they walked to the parking area, where he guided them to the same black car Mia had used earlier that morning. During the drive to the apartments, Mr. Martin wore a constant smile, lost in thought as he gazed out of the car window. Eventually, they reached the apartment designated for Mr. Martin's stay.

Mr. Tao placed a business card on the table. "Here's my card. Feel free to call if you need anything."

"Sure, thanks," Mr. Martin replied, accepting the card.

Once Mr. Tao left, Mr. Martin chuckled and settled onto the couch. "Interesting, Mia. You are quite interesting," he mused, laughing heartily.