Never Before

Long Group:

Long Jie worked with his team during most mornings, staying passed dinner on most evenings to prepare the prototypes in time for his pitch. 

He was not going to make it on time for dinner, so he texted Song Luli: "I'm not going to be home in time for dinner. I will be staying behind."

A few minutes later, he received a response from her: "All right. Don't overwork yourself." 

Long Jie smiled to himself when a familiar voice rang behind him.

"Are you ready?" his father, Long Huojin, asked. His father wanted to be present to see his son's pitch, joining the other members of the board.

Long Jie nodded. "Yes," he said. 

He went into the conference room. His team worked hard to prepare for this day, and they wanted to be able to convince the rest of the board to agree with the proposal so that they can proceed with the project for profit. 

He began to explain to the board about the designs he created, the same ones he had shown to Song Luli and proceeded with the information about the costs, manufacturing process, and how it would benefit consumers. 

They all appeared to be impressed by the details, including his father. 

"There are multiple solutions to decrease the alarming effects of climate change. Our canisters will be one of them, but a free alternative is by planting more trees. We can use some of the profits of the canisters to advocate for tree planting," Long Jie proposed. 

At that, the directors arched some brows, giving some concerning looks. "You and your team has done some impressive work," said one of the directors. "But instead, we can promote this product as a sole solution and up the charges."

"But it should be inexpensive—" Long Jie began and was cut off. 

"If you want to launch these products, then think about how it could benefit the company," said the director, dismissively. 

"If I recall, these products will profit more if it's inexpensive. We can build a better reputation for Long Group by showing our consumers that we care."

"That would make you look weak," snapped the director. 

Long Jie shook his head. "No. It wouldn't. Because when we launch something as innovative as this, our competitors wouldn't be able to re-create its authenticity. And there would be nothing more to entice consumers when the prices would be as low as it can be."  

The director considered it, and so did the other members. "Very well then," he said. "I'll leave it to your team to launch it, and we will be monitoring every step going forward. Don't think you have our full approval." 

"I understand," Long Jie responded. 

At that, most of the members left, leaving Long Jie behind with his father. Long Huojin approached him, giving him a slight pitying expression. "You have to be more stern with them," he advised. 

"I know," said Long Jie. "But I don't want to anger them."

Long Huojin smiled, patting him on the shoulder. "Well done," his father said before stalking out of the room. 

Long Jie exhaled, he sat down on a chair, swivelling around. He knew he could only work harder, going forward. So, he sat in the large meeting room by himself, and instead of going to the office, he decided to work in there. 

...

Song Luli had changed into her nightgown, it was black, the colour of her hair. She flicked off the lights in the living room when she noticed that Long Jie still wasn't home. 

She knew he had been working hard, staying late, often going to work before she woke and returning home after she had fallen asleep, and it's been days since they had last seen each other. She was worried. 

Song Luli curled her fingers into fists, feeling conflicted. She then abruptly went to the kitchen, packing some dinner in containers. She took a jacket, placing it over her nightgown, grabbing her keys. She drove to Long Group. 

She knew where it was, but she had never been inside the building before. When she arrived, she hopped out of the car parked by the street. She wouldn't take long, so she didn't bother to park in a designated area. 

Long Group was a tall building that towered all the apartments and hotels next to it. Song Luli shuddered against the cold wind; her hair billowed against her shoulders. She was afraid of heights, but all she had to do was go inside, find him, and give him the dinner she brought. 

The lobby was empty, no less because it was night, and people have gone home. The reception desk was closed, and she felt stumped. 

She decided to call Long Jie's phone and did not receive an answer. 

She waited in the lobby for someone to come by, and after ten minutes, a man had stepped through the elevator. 

"Hey, Mister!" Song Luli called out, trying to grab the man's attention. 

"Can I help you?" he asked, turning and paused. The man's eyes widened. "Mrs. Long?"

Song Luli took a step back. Not many people knew that she was married. "Who are you?" she asked, demanded. 

"Apologies. I am Mr. Long's assistant." 

"Oh," Song Luli responded. 

"Do you need anything?" The assistant asked. 

"I need to see Long Jie," she responded. 

Long Jie's assistant pulled out something from his pocket. "Take my keycard. He's on the 42nd floor. Conference Room 1," he said. 

Song Luli held the swipe card in her hand. "How do I return this to you?" she asked him. 

"No need. I can replace it," he said. "Sorry Mrs. Long, I can't stay for long. I have to get home."

"Oh, yes. Thank you!" 

"Not a problem," he answered, walking away. 

Song Luli swiped the card to enter the elevator, pressing the button for the 42nd floor. She held the bag of food in her hand, hoping it had not gone cold. When the elevator doors opened, she walked through. It was empty for the most part, with low lighting. 

She was fine when she drove to the building and going up the elevator. But once she stepped through, she suddenly felt conscious of herself. She had never been to Long Group before. What if he didn't want her to come? 

Song Luli took a deep breath, forcing herself to take further steps. She glanced at the door numbers and found Conference Room 1 immediately. She opened the door slowly, finding Long Jie with his head down, flat on the table.