A Warm Welcome

Terminal 2, Shanghai International airport, Arrivals

Pan Yingjie waited anxiously at the gate. In his hand was a small A4 sign, on it was the name 'Mr. Henry Xin'

An announcement blinked on the computerized screen above the gate, 'Flight 1072 from Chicago landed'

The first class passengers started to file out of the gate first, all being scooped up by their drivers. Their bags being immediately taken and they were escorted on their way out of the terminal. Pan Yingjie grew a little worried when no sign of the Zen heir was to be seen. Business class were now coming out, soon the economy passengers followed.

"Thank you young man," said an elderly woman, as a young man returned her luggage to her. "So kind," she added and patted the tall man's shoulder.

The man approached secretary Pan and held out a hand, "Henry," he said, introducing himself.

Pan Yingjie immediately bowed his head in respect. "Mr. Xin," he stuttered.

Pan Yingjie tried to hide his confusion. The young man was handsome, dressed in a pair of dark navy slacks, white sneakers and a fitted white t-shirt. His build was athletic and his dark hair was short but long on top and fell around his dark eyebrows. Not exactly the image Pan Yingjie had in mind.

"Ehh.. do you have any luggage?" the secretary asked.

"Just this," Henry said gesturing to the brown leather backpack he wore on his broad shoulders. A pair of headphones hung around the young heir's neck and he gestured for them to start walking.

"First we'll head to the hotel. If you need any clothing or any supplies be sure to let me know and I will arrange for everything to be sent to your room," Pan Yingjie assured the young man who was both walking and scrolling on his phone.

Henry followed until they got to the car. It was a black Mercedes, top of the range. The secretary opened the door to the back seats and bowed his head.

Henry threw his backpack onto the seats and swiftly opened the door to the passenger seat in the front. "Shall we?" he smiled.

Secretary Pan felt a little awkward as they drove into the heart of the city. It was unlike anything he'd ever experienced. The young man sat beside him on the journey, reclining his seat back in order to stretch his long legs and made comments on the buildings that zoomed by on the way.

"Ah I used to love their food," Henry commented, pointing to a hotpot restaurant on the right side. "I haven't had good food in years," he joked.

Pan Yingjie was unsure if he should laugh along at the humorous comments made by the handsome individual. Usually President Liu would deduct from his salary if he dared join in on a joke.

"We're here," the secretary announced as they pulled up to The Ritz-Carlton.

It was a luxury five star hotel with stunning views of Shanghai and the Bund river. Tall like a staircase to heaven, wealth dripped from the crystal chandeliers that hung in the lobby. "Henry Xin," said secretary Pan as he got them checked in at the front desk.

Rouged lips whispered as the female hotel workers eyed the tall, well-built young man standing behind the suited secretary. Their eyes scanning every outline of his body in the tight white t-shirt. The expensive Rolex on his wrist that contrasted with the white Nike air-force's he wore on his large feet. His foreign mannerisms, his shy smiles he gave the flirty women and his habit of running his veiny hands through his dark shiny hair. He had the tiniest shadow of facial hair peeking through that only made his face more handsome.

"Welcome Mr. Xin," the women spoke melodically, standing to welcome him.

Henry gave them a nod and snatched the room keycard.

Secretary Pan hurriedly followed along.

"What's the time now?" Henry asked on the elevator ride up to the 20th floor.

"Oh it's 10:20," Pan responded and watched the Zen heir adjust his watch before slipping it back on.

They arrived at the room. It was a state of the art suite. Fully kitted out with a massive king-sized bed, 80 inch smart TV, surround sound speakers, remote controlled blinds and curtains, an en-suite bathroom complete with a rain shower and a fully stocked mini-bar and most importantly a striking view of the city.

Henry threw his backpack onto the large bed and paced around the room.

"I hope the accommodations are to your liking."

Henry barely nodded and looked around silently, "What's the Wi-Fi password?" he asked.

"Oh?" Secretary Pan was surprised, "I'll ask the front desk for you. Anyway, make yourself comfortable, room service will be bringing your meal and your massage is at twelve."

Henry looked unentertained, "Massage?" he frowned.

"The hotel staff provide experts masseuses, the girls are very good and since you've come on a long flight-"

"That's not necessary," Henry spoke as he cracked open a can of cola from the mini-bar and chugged it down. "What are your plans for today?"

"Me?" Pan Yingjie almost coughed, "Uh, well I have some errands to run before I head back to the company, but if you need me-"

"I'll come with you then," Henry smiled and pulled off his t-shirt revealing his muscular but slim physique. A small dragon tattoo was visible on the right side of his chest, just under his collar bone and his complexion was a healthy golden tan.

Pan looked away awkwardly while the twenty-five year old pulled out a white button down shirt from his back pack and slipped it on quickly.

Henry fiddled with rolling up his long sleeves to mid-forearm, as they made their ways back down to the lobby. They passed a confused pair of hotel staff holding trays of food. Secretary Pan apologized briefly before rushing to get in the elevator with Henry.

"So... I have some paintings to pick up from a gallery," Pan explained on the drive, "But it shouldn't take long. The gallery is directly opposite the company so perhaps you'd like to wait there."

"No, I want you to go about your day as normal," Henry explained, "Just pretend like I'm your assistant today," he smiled cheekily.

"Ha? ha... ha..." Pan Yingjie laughed nervously.

Was this son of the Xin family testing him in some way? Would this day end in a demotion or worse, a termination?

Pan Yingjie parked directly outside of the gallery entrance, he pointed over to Zen Tower. "That is Zen Tower," He explained, "Just one branch, the others are in other locations all around the city, but this is the primary building-"

"Yes, I remember it," Henry interrupted, "Father would sometimes bring me as a child..."

Pan Yingjie looked embarrassed, his face turned red, "Of course, my apologies."

He hadn't meant to bring up memories of Henry's dead father. This day was already going downhill.

The two men entered the gallery.

A waft of cool air hit their faces. Henry looked around. It was unlike any other place in Shanghai. It had a European vibe. Black glossy floors and white walls adorned with colorful canvases. Sculptures were dotted around, displayed on white sleek pedestals and numerous young women wearing white blouses and black short skirts clicked around in heels talking to customers, mostly wealthy older men with young wives to impress.

"Welcome to Gallery 40," spoke a sweet sounding voice, "Are you looking for a specific piece or just browsing?"

"I am secretary Pan Yingjie from Zen Investments. I'm here to pick up the collection we commissioned."

"Right," the young woman smiled professionally, and glanced over at Henry. Her big golden-brown eyes scanned him, silently judging him. Henry almost smiled seeing her pretty long eyelashes lower then lift as she raised an eyebrow when she saw his sneakers.

Her complexion was fair, and she was slim like many of the girls walking around but there was something so unique about her. Her face was both sweet and angelic, but her eyes were sultry. Her make-up was simple, dewy and highlighted her features. Her dark brown cute romantic hairstyle fell just short of her regal looking shoulders. She had pink juicy lips and a cute little nose, her beauty was like that of a painting although not comparable to the sculptures around the gallery floor. She was even more beautiful.

Henry was rarely stunned but right now he was thinking of a word; none came to mind.

"I'm Maeve," she spoke, addressing Pan Yingjie first then glancing at Henry.

"I'm his assistant," Henry grinned. Maeve glared at him with an unconvinced expression.

"Your order is ready in the back," she said, "Follow me."

Henry followed close behind the young woman. His eyes betrayed him by focusing on her curvy behind and slim thighs. Pan Yingjie walked behind them. The secretary's phone began to ring.

"Oh, pardon me. It's the president. I should answer,"

"Go ahead, I've got this," Henry assured him.

Pan Yingjie looked a little reluctant, but he was worried about ignoring a call from his boss, so he left Henry to go through the back to the storage area with the young woman.

Maeve navigated her way through the long narrow room. It was dark, but she flicked on a light which illuminated the treasure trove.

Rows and rows of carefully packaged canvases and boxes were leaning against the walls and placed on steel shelves. She took a minute to bend down and read the labels until she stopped at a large stack of bubble wrapped canvases.

"Do you want to check the condition before you sign off?" she asked.

Henry was temporarily distracted by her interesting position; squatted in those black high heels, one arm gripping the steel shelf. Her sheer tights made her fair legs look shiny and flawless.

Who would have known that 'home' had such gorgeous girls?

Maeve caught the young man's eyes on her legs. She sprung up and folded her arms against her chest, "Well?" she said, glaring at him with an annoyed expression.

"Huh?" Henry had lost his train of thought completely.

"Do you want to check the condition of the paintings before you sign?!" she spoke again, much louder this time.

Henry realized that he must look stupid. "Right, of course," he coughed and pretended to look interested in the canvases.

---

Maeve watched him for a few minutes. He didn't seem to have a clue about what he should be looking at or touching. Usually buyers would check the signature on a piece before buying. They'd also inspect the quality of the materials used, check the frames and whatnot but this guy was fiddling with the bubble wrap like a child.

"How long have you been an assistant at Zen Investments?" she asked.

Henry straightened up and smiled, "Actually," he snickered, "This is my first day."

Maeve nodded and almost smiled, "Really? Wow! I'd never guess," she spoke sarcastically, "And how are you finding it? Do you like your boss, the president?"

"My boss?" Henry looked confused, then switched his expression into a charming smile, "I'm going there after this. Why, do you know him?" he looked a little peeved on his last word.

"Nope," Maeve replied, "But I know OF him," she continued, "he works his employees like dogs. They always come out of the company late at night and looking drained. I know many small business that were driven out of the market by them. You know, you should probably invest in some formal shoes," she commented and looked down at Henry's feet, "In the elite circle, these things matter a lot. We are judged based on how we dress."

"Really?" Henry smiled and stepped a little closer.

"Is everything okay?" Pan Yingjie asked as he entered.

Maeve backed up a little when the other man entered the tight room.

"Fine," Henry replied.

"Good," Pan said and grabbed the clipboard from Maeve's hands. He scribbled a quick signature and looked flustered. "I'm sorry, but the president has requested that we get back quickly."

Maeve gave Henry a knowing look, "Of course."

Henry lifted the large stack of paintings, and with a handsome smile he said, "It was great meeting you, Maeve."

"Umm, you too... good luck," she said a little bewildered and confused.

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