Chapter 4. A meeting with the MD

Chapter 4. A meeting with the MD

She knew that Hotel d' Elites was top-notch but this one was on another level. She was awed by the sight before her but remained calm and collected. A lady was at the door to direct her to where the MD was. Her steps were light and collected not in a rush to meet the money bag but clenching and unclenching of her fists were evidence of her nervousness.

A man sat next to the window, his consciousness drawn to the tablet in his hands. He didn't seem to notice the arrival of the visitor.

"Sir", his assistant called.

"Yes?", the man responded without taking his eyes off the tablet. "What's the matter?"

"Miss Zhang is here".

This was a wake up call for the man. He paused on his work and raised his eyes to see the 'queen of fashion', Royale itself. When he did, he wasn't disappointed at the view before him. She was just exactly as people described her. In fact, he concluded that their description did her no good.

"Miss Zhang", he called her standing up.

"Managing director Lim ", she called with that professional smile she had learned over the years gracing her lips.

The man stretched forth his hand for a shake which Leilani politely took. She could feel the scales on the back of his palms indicating that he was an elderly.

"It's nice seeing you", the man said.

"My pleasure", she replied.

"Joshua Lim, that's the name".

Leilani smiled. "Leilani..."

"Don't worry", the man said cutting her off, "No need for the intro. I know you. Welcome to EssDee".

"Thank you sir".

"I just had this meeting to do some tiny introductions. You'll meet the rest of us tomorrow".

"Okay. That's fine ".

"So, I'd just give a rough description on what you've come here to do".

"Sure".

"But, before that, let's have something to eat. Guess you haven't had dinner ".

"I reserved it for the one you've prepared".

The duo chuckled. "You've got quite the humor ".

"Not really".

The dish was served. As they ate, he asked her another question.

"Why did you accept the collaboration?"

Leilani smiled. It was a simple yet tricky question. She looked at the man in the eyes which were brimming with great wisdom.

"Everyone wants a better place. EssDee is quite a place. I agreed because the collab will take me to heights", she said bluntly. She didn't like running in circles. To her, that was pretence.

Mr Lim smiled. He wasn't really expecting that answer but he was grateful that she was honest.

"You're quite open aren't you?"

"There's no need to run in circles. I'd rather say my reason now than paint it with unreal strokes".

This time, the man was satisfied at her attitude towards everything he had asked and how she answered them. He praised himself for finding such treasure for EssDee.

"You're really as people say you're".

"What do they say?"

"She's unparalleled in her dealings with people ".

"Thanks for the compliment ".

He raised his brows. "Why're you thanking me?"

"Because that compliment was coming from you".

"Wow", he blurted. "Miss Zhang, you're quite something", he said with a chuckle.

"You read people too well".

"That's also part of business. If I can't even point such small details, I might as well sell Royale"

This earned a hearty laughter from the old man. "You're going to be EssDee's treasure", he concluded with a smile.