Consider it a bribe

"Really? That's a very expensive necklace. Your friend is very generous." There was a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Aryana was speechless. 'Is he angry?'

"He just graduated from high school. Besides, all five of them gave me gifts. It must be customary for them to do so." Aryana explained.

"Hmmm," Erik hummed.

The rest of the plane ride was spent in silence.

When they finally landed, it was nearing lunchtime. They took the airport service to the hotel. Aryana was so excited as this was the first time she was visiting another country. She watched with child-like delight the scenery they passed by the road.

"Are we staying in the same hotel?" she asked Erik who was calmly sitting beside her.

"Yes. We booked the same hotel as you. Your friends have pretty good taste." Erik answered coldly.

Mu Chen and the Lao siblings insisted to pick her up at the airport but she explained she has the company so in the end, they relented.

When they arrived at the hotel, Aryana was dumbstruck. She did a virtual tour of the hotel on the internet but seeing it with her own eyes was a totally different experience.

"Reserve that expression when you get inside and when you see the rooms." Marlon smiled when he looked back and saw how shocked she was.

Indeed, Marlon was right. The moment they set foot inside the lobby, Aryana felt that she entered a different world. She was awed by the grandiosity of the hotel. The decors and furniture were exquisite.

They checked in quickly and more surprises awaited Aryana when she entered her room. She has a good view of the Neon City below. The skin care products in the bathroom are from well-known brands.

She was admiring the oil painting of scenery on the wall when her cell phone rang.

"Hi, Flora."

"How's your flight"

"It was good. The weather was fine so no turbulence."

"That's great! It means we can go shopping later. We will pick you up in two hours."

Oh uh. See you later Flora."

Aryana hung up. Worry flashed across her eyes

'Shopping on the first day of my vacation. Sigh!'

Just when she was about to start unpacking her cell phone started ringing. It was Mu Chen. Amongst the five of them, she developed a certain kinship with Mu Chen. Maybe it was because they interacted more often or maybe it was because he was such an introvert and she wanted to help him come out of his shell. She spent 3 hours a week tutoring him.

"Hey Aryana, are you in the hotel?" He asked eagerly.

"Yeah… this hotel is awesome. I didn't know that there is a seven-star hotel. I will have another interesting topic for my vlog."

"I'm glad you like it."

"Are you kidding me? I don't like it."

Mu Chen's grip tightened on the phone. 'Was she disappointed?'

"I love it!" She laughed delightfully.

He sighed in relief. Mu Chen couldn't help but smile while listening to Aryana describing everything in the room like a little excited child.

When their call ended, she quickly unpacked and decided to freshen up. She was tempted to use the bathtub but decided against it as there was no time. She can leave that for later. She took a quick shower instead and changed into jeans and a sleeveless white blouse with a v-neckline making the jade pendant looked more conspicuous. She wore the jade bangle that Amy gave her. The color matched the necklace. She tied back her hair with a ponytail and decided to wear sandals.

She was putting on nude lipstick when she heard the buzzer.

"Are you ready for a late lunch?" It was Marlon. "That's a pretty nice outfit." He complimented her after taking in her appearance.

"Thank you." She said while closing the door behind her.

Erik was standing near the elevator waiting for them. He frowned in disapproval when his gaze fell on Aryana's chest. She was showing a little bit of cleavage but then he did not say anything.

Aryana subconsciously looked down but didn't think her dress was inappropriate.

"Do you have plans for today?" He asked her.

"The Lao sisters invited me to go shopping" she hesitated. "I might buy a few necessities and do a lot of window shopping." She said grinning. How can she shop when she had little money?

Marlon laughed.

Erik took something from his wallet and handed her a bank card.

"The pin is your birthday."

"Erik,  I cannot accept this." She was so shy that she blushed.

Erik just stared at her.

"Consider that as a bribe for you to join my company." He said in a formal tone.

Before she can say anything, the elevator opened and Erik walked out.

"Don't be stupid. Accept it and buy anything you want. He has a lot of money and no one is spending it." Marlon whispered before pulling Aryana by the hand to catch up with Erik.

Erik looked at the hand that was gripping Aryana's wrist and Marlon felt a chill running down his spine. He quickly let go of Aryana's wrist and walked ahead of them.

Erik slowed down and allow Aryana to catch up.

"I have an invitation for a banquet tomorrow night. It's the company anniversary of my business partner. Buy something appropriate to wear." He said, his gaze straight ahead.

Aryana averted her gaze from him in surprise. She did not notice that there was a step in front of her.

"Watch out," Erik shouted but it was too late. She tripped.

A strong arm automatically reached out to break her fall and keep her steady.

"Thank you." Her face was flushed. She thanked Erik for saving her from an embarrassing fall.

"Be careful when you are going out later. Always pay attention to your surrounding."

Aryana nodded and smiled reluctantly.

'Why do I feel like I am a child being reminded by my parent on my first field trip?'