The Recommendation

"Mr. Director, if it is not too troublesome, I come to talk to you about the dinner tonight," began Qing Qing.

"Of course not. What about it? Do you have a place you would like to recommend?"

"As a matter of fact, I do," answered Qing Qing as she pulled out a business card for a local restaurant from her back pocket, she placed the card on the table the director was sitting at before adding, "I have recently attended a birthday party that my friend held at this location. The party was huge, it was about 100 people in attendance so the place is definitely big enough to fit the whole film crew.

"The restaurant serves wonderful and delicious western cuisine. Depending on our preference, we can have the chef prepare individual meals for every crew member or we can have it buffet style. I have asked the proprietor when I asked for their business card, they can handle either dinner style provided that we give them a heads up if the number of guests is too large. We can definitely do that when we book the place.

"Mr. Director, they also provide an extensive list for liquor so you do not need to worry about the atmosphere being too dry and awkward. Plus, the place is double-storey so we can book the entire second floor. That way we do not need to worry about privacy or disturbing other guests.

"If we dine on the second floor, we will also be offered a marvelous view because the walls are floor-length windows, they open up to the sky. It is truly a million dollar view.

"The best of all is the place just recently opened so it is still relatively unknown. This means that we will have a low possibility of attracting unwanted attention or crowd."

"That sounds perfect. You definitely have done your research. I will get on the phone to book the venue after I review this cut. Thank you so much, Qing Qing. It is going to be a wonderful party to mark the end of the shooting for 'Bringing the Nation's Husband Home'. You have worked hard for the film, thank you," said the director.

"Mr. Director, you are too kind. I still have much to learn from everyone. If Mr. Director is busy, then I will not take up any more of your time. I will see you at the party tonight," Qing Qing paused before bowing in a show of respect as she retreated out of the editing room, adding in a sincere tone, "Mr. Director, thank you for giving me this opportunity."

The director smiled good-naturedly and his impression of Qing Qing only improved.

As he turned back to the monitor to do his work, Qing Qing pulled a purse out from her pocket and dropped it onto the floor. The leather purse landed noiselessly and without attracting the attention of anyone in the room other than the young woman who dropped it. She smiled sinfully as she slid the door close.

…

Back at the set, Qing Qing approached Joann who was by then alone. Lee Mu had wandered off to work on his script.

"Sister Joann, I am so sorry for brushing you off earlier," began Qing Qing.

"Don't mention it. Although where were you rushing to then?" asked Joann with a smile.

Qing Qing answered, "I was going to meet the director. I have a recommendation I wanted to give him for the crew's dinner later tonight."

"That's wonderful. I hope you have recommended a good place."

"I hope so. Hopefully the crew will be able to enjoy themselves. Speaking of which, Sister Joann, do you mind if I fetch a ride with you to go to the venue after the afternoon shoot with Brother Lee Mu? I don't think there is enough time for us to go home to rest or change after the shooting wraps up. Perhaps we can take a little break among ourselves after the shooting finishes to unwind before leaving for the party," Qing Qing said.

"That is not a bad idea, I would love to have your company."

"Thank you, Sister Joann. You are the best," chirped Qing Qing.

The two chatted for a little while longer until Qing Qing's gaze moved conspicuously to fall on Lee Mu who was standing not far away from them. When Qing Qing noticed Joann was following her gaze, she saw the opportunity and changed the subject, "By the way, Sister Joann, what have you been talking about with Brother Lee Mu earlier?" After a moment's pause, Qing Qing purposely added, "I wonder how Brother Lee Mu is doing lately. I have not seen him ever since his birthday party."

"As a matter of fact, we have been talking about his birthday party earlier. In fact, I feel you should go to talk to him because he might have something to say to you," Joann suggested and this came as quite a genuine surprise to Qing Qing. She was about to direct the topic of conversation that way so she could have a reason to excuse herself to talk to Lee Mu but who would have thought things would be so coincidental. It felt like even God was helping her, validating her plan.

"Then, I better not make him wait. Thank you, Sister Joann. I will see you later," Qing Qing said and made to walk away from Joann. The building blocks of her plan were slowly falling into place, it was a very nice feeling, one that made the smile on her face grew brighter.

Before she made the first step however, Qing Qing suddenly turned back to Joann and said in a shy voice, "Sister Joann, before I go, do you mind borrowing me your lip balm. I wish to freshen up my make-up."

It was not uncommon for girls to tidy up their appearances before meeting their crush.

Based on the knowing smile that blossomed on Joann's face, Qing Qing knew that was the impression she had. Joann probably thought she had interest in Lee Mu. Since it was not unbeneficial to her plan, Qing Qing did not correct Joann and allow her to keep that impression.