Chapter x

After doing some digging, i found out that Mr. Grey's business has been declining for the past six months because his competitor in China was Chinese by origin so he had culture to back him up when it came to designs. I did my own survey and found the best interior designer that was born and raised in China, they had been in business for ages and no one even knew they existed, they had worked with most influential businessmen in China giving them enough experience that would be useful to Mr. Grey's project. He was in the process of building a mall and i thought it was perfect timing for me to jump in with my proposal.

Cheng helped me get an appointment with Mr. Grey, here we are in the elevator with Cheng and Maggie. Am sweating bullets despite Cheng's constant words of encouragement.

"Chef Young, it's a huge pleasure", he said happily, then greeted Maggie totally ignoring me. "Grey, i would like for you to hear Miss Riverson out and if you think her idea does not make sense we will leave. Just make sure that you understand one thing, you know me better than anyone, i don't trust easily but am here and am requesting you to hear her out. Is that ok with you?", Cheng finished. Mr. Grey nod his head and called in his team as well.

"First of all am truly sorry for what happened, it was my poor judgement that led us to it my Dad had nothing to do with it, i promise you that if we get this opportunity we wont repeat it again". I saw pride in his face, he nod his head allowing me to proceed. "Your designs are remarkable and everyone understands that but as much as China needs to evolve, they are not ones who are willing to leave their culture behind hence for you to succeed in this country you need to adapt. Maggie is part of the number one interior designing company in China as she is willing to lend a helping hand through a partnership of course. Her company will help in introducing a Chinese touch to the current project using it as a way for you to see the difference in acceptance between your mall in Beijing and this one keeping in mind that Shanghai has a bigger population hence you can not make mistakes", i distributed files showing Maggie's work and the men looked impressed. I looked at Cheng who was sitting quietly. He had a smile on his face that made me feel more confident, i was doing the right thing. "Ok Lina, let's say that we agree to this, can you tell me what this deal means to you?", Mr. Grey asked. I was hoping i would be asked this question because even if i made peace with the situation it still hurt me that i lost him as a Father.

"Mr. Grey, you were the first corporate client that my Dad acquired. You have played a huge role in putting Riverson International on the map of people that actually matter. My Dad had never been wrong in anything but my childishness made me question his judgement for the first time ever all because i chose to listen to my heart, it was wrong and that is why am here, i need to make it right for him, i may have lost a Father in the process but i want to do what's right and that is fix my mistake. I know that it's not the question of if i can do this job or not because you know i can make you millions but it's a question of trust. And am here right now asking you to give me a chance to earn your trust again". I was whipped a tear that escaped my eye but never moving my eyes from his. "And what about your Father's trust?", "Am sure i will earn it some day or i will die trying", i said confidently. "Ok Lina, let me discuss with my team and we will answer you at dinner, can you accommodate us Chef Young?", "Consider it done, ribeye steak?", he asked as if he was talking to his long time friend making Mr. Grey smile, "you know me too well. Lina, Maggie we will see you at seven". We said our goodbyes and returned to the hotel after dropping Maggie at her office. "Am gonna go to the diner, you prepare that contract ok?", Cheng was so positive but he didn't know Mr. Grey like i did, he was a quick thinker and i doubted that he was going to accept. "Just do it cupcake, trust me", he kissed my lips with so much passion making my toes curl, i stepped on my toes hoping to get more but he pulled away with a smile. "See you at seven yes?", "Anhaa", i replied and watched him leave. I prepared the contracts then settled for watching TV, honestly i was scared and i didn't even know what to do.

I still didn't know what me and Cheng were, even though i know he is going at my pace i can see the desire in him, i know he wants more with me. He was different and always tried his best to stay connected with me even though he travels alot. I don't feel left out, i have been to one of his restaurants once since this thing between us started. He always made sure to tell me what he was doing so that i didn't feel left out. One thing that i learned was he was friendly to everyone, they were a family not a business. That gave me an idea, i called Jay and told him to start working on it with Kelly making sure that Cheng didn't find out until i gave a go ahead.