The Deal (2)

"If he had agreed to meet with one of them, maybe I wouldn't have pushed him too hard to continue my business." continued Joseph.

"You really mean it?" Vincent did not expect his father's support regarding his own business. After all, he did plan to continue his father's business if the older man decided to retire.

Secretly he had studied and mastered the ins and outs of merchandise sold by each shop. He was fully prepared to take his father's place, yet he chose not to show his true skills and play as a happy-go-lucky man.

Of course, he never told anyone this. Even though he was ready to take over his father's business, he was still not prepared to give up his love for his hobby. He just pretended that he didn't want or was not ready to continue the family business.

But he heard his father's proposition, enough to make him tempted. Even so, he still couldn't believe his father's last sentence. How could Joseph give up on his only son?

"Yes, of course. Besides, I'm still healthy and have a lot of energy. When I retire, I'll come back to make you interested in my business."

I knew it. Vincent thought to himself. But at least, that was enough for him. He no longer had to try to think of a way to escape every time his father brought up his business.

"All right. Just meeting one, right. It doesn't matter to me."

"Really?" spontaneously, his mother asked with joy. "In two weeks, there will be a dinner among entrepreneurs. Among them are your father's business partners and other investors. You have to come there representing us both."

"Alone?"

"Of course alone."

"Don't I just have to meet one of them?" why does he feel that he has entered into his parents' trap.

"Yes. You only have to choose one of them."

In other words, he had to meet several... no... dozens of girls on the show, and he should pick one of them??

It's a trap! I knew it!

Well, he already accepted the proposal, and he could neither step back nor turning around.

Vanessa just gave a concerned pat on the arm.

"Only one night. You have nothing to fear."

Fear? He was not afraid to face them. He just too lazy to attend spoiled rich ladies.

Women are strange creatures. If they got praise a little, they would feel happy as if there are two wings behind them. Not to mention, they would always think the compliment giver like them, and they started to make an aggressive advance.

However, if a single word accidentally offended them, they would go on an indistinct rampage and spread nasty rumors about the offender.

He believed the rumors about him were gay, must be the work of one of the women he has offended.

Whenever he talked to a girl, especially a girl from high class, he must be careful in speaking. The woman who went berserk was creepy.

Only facing the tantrums of his mother and sister already exhausted him. They were indeed a harmonious and lovely family. But of course, there were times when an argument will occur, and the two women in his family loved to use violence on him.

Well, their beating was not that hurt, as he claimed all this time. He knew their knocking was not severe, and he only enjoyed exaggerated his whining.

Vincent could be himself only in front of these two women in his family and a small girl who loves eating chocolate and ice cream.

Well, there was one more who could make him talk freely without scared that his words offended the girl. She was his best friend, and he called her a tigress.

He would never call any other woman a nickname, but this one was different. Her nature was very tomboyish and rough. She was nowhere like those spoiled rich brats even though she was one of the prestigious figure's sole daughter. She was the heiress of the Bernz corporation.

As a matter of fact, Vincent didn't even really see her as a woman.

In addition, he also had a nickname from the girl that was no better than the one he gave the girl.

Wait. Vincent began to remember something. If this dinner was for his father's business partner, could it be ...?

"Pst, sis," Vincent whispered to Vanessa, "Is the tigress coming?"

"Of course. Both her parents are major members of the stockholders."

Vincent smiled with relief at the information.

"Don't tell me you're just going to meet her and talk to her."

"I said nothing," he replied with an innocent face.

Vanessa shook her head, not knowing what else to do to make her brother want to find a wife.

***

In the next few days, Vincent did not think about the event as if it was not the most important in his life.

He was busy looking at his work a few days ago, which was now on display in his studio gallery.

"This is the new photo by V,"

"It's amazing. How can V get a beautiful photo like this?"

"I know, right. He's not only talented but a genius!"

Vincent smiled, not because of their compliment but because of their smile. As long as guests who visit his gallery could smile when they see his work, he was satisfied.

"Hey, there's a hotel that wants our services." said one of the employees in a low voice.

"Hotel?"

"Yes. They want to advertise their hotel, so they want V to be their cameraman."

Again?