Chapter 51 – Mission: Verify Something

Back at NextGen, the last steering committee just happened. Pam is able to attend the last one. The project is finally closing the date for the celebration for their success is happening Friday next week. NextGen has proposed for dinner with some entertainment at the Grand Hyatt ballroom.

"Thank you everyone for a job well done. We wish our partners First Consulting for more projects, thank you for helping us successfully launch this major initiative. I hope everyone can make it in the celebration party on Friday. Pam, we look forward to see the entire project team and Ray" Tim has addressed the group but stressed on attendance from entire project team from First Consulting. After hearing her assignment in Sydney, he thought it would be good to make up with her nicely.

Pam was a bit surprised that Tim called her Pam as opposed to the usual Ms Cruz or Pamela. She felt a better getting called in friendlier manner since they met again after a long time. This time it does not sound too distant and unknown. "I will make sure everyone attends; they deserve the celebration. Ray will definitely be there. Thank you for the partnership."

The project team returned to the war room to pack the remaining documentations of the project for archiving. It was not a lot but leaving the war room, everyone felt a little sad. This was home to them for the past month.

"Pam, let's have a good memory celebrating the party, we need to dress well this is going to be at the Hyatt." Ronna's gloomy mood was replaced with excitement anticipating the closing party.

"Don't overdo it Ronna, dress like a normal lady would." Jim teased Ronna.

"For a change I hope you will not come in your one and only dark blue suit. There is a word called fashion." Ronna rolled her eyes.

"Do you expect me to come in a colored suit, dream on. I don't want to captivate you."

"Oh, you wish!"

Pam laughed at the two who started to bicker, "You know even if I am annoyed at times with your bickering, this is one thing I will certain miss over this project."

"Now that you mentioned it, I will miss you when you go to Sydney. If you have a project there, please recommend me!" Ronna has immediately expressed her intention to fly Sydney when opportunity comes.

"Well that is going to be after me since the company will be looking for good performers." Jim once again teased Ronna.

"OMG here we go again; the best of the best has spoken. Because you are so good, you deserve to be assigned on another government project." No one wants to be assigned on a government project, the budget may be big, but the people are too stretched. Additional requests and changes are common. It is tiring to be in a government project.

Weekend came and Tim just landed in Taipei. This is another surprise visit to Lissy that he planned. However, this time, he also wanted to confirm something.

After checking in on the same hotel where the Xin Technologies are staying. After identifying himself in the reception he is able to confirm that Lissy is in the hotel. It was around 6PM when he called her room. She was answered by her excited but composed voice.

"Hello, are we having dinner now? Isn't it too early?"

"Hello, honey…"

Lissy was a little startled she is not expecting a call from Tim over the hotel phone. She opened her chat app and saw nothing from Tim. "Hey you surprised me, we are having team dinner later so I thought someone form the team." Truth is she is having dinner with Li Bin only.

Tim chuckled as if he find it funny. "Did I disturb you? Let's just catch up later before you sleep." Even if he is physically there, he will not join business dinner. It is inappropriate.

"No, we can talk dinner will be 8PM. I heard the project with First Consulting has completed. Congratulations!"

"Yeah we are expecting for revenue to come in the new system as partners connect to the system by start of next month. Thanks honey. You need to join me in the celebration!"

"Hmmm…" it has hint of uncertainty. Now that she saw an opportunity to join Xin Technologies, she will definitely seal this! "Tim if I get assigned overseas or join another company overseas will you allow me?"

There was a silence for a minute. First Tim knows that Lissy is at peak of her career and he said he will support her the next thing is she called him Tim. Typically, she only do this when they are with colleagues or people not close to them. It was just the two of them talking on the phone.

"I am fine with it I totally support you!" Before Lissy could say 'thank you honey' a follow up statement shocked her, "We can marry legally first then prepare for grand wedding next year." His voice was beaming as he said this.

In as serious tone Lissy responded, "we are engaged why are you so in hurry to marry? Do I not deserve a church wedding?"

"Hey who said you don't deserve to have church wedding? In fact, I just mentioned grand wedding next year. I am excited to make you Mrs. Connor."

"But we talked about it, I would like to focus my career at this point. If we marry next year then we need to plan in the coming months."

"Let the wedding planner do it," Tim retorted.

"Our time would still be needed for so many things." If she agrees to it then there will limited time to execute her plans to jump ship also now she is thinking of the other opportunity that Li Bin is hinting on. "Tim let's talk about this next time."

Tim did not show any sadness in his voice. He just said, "Okay, I get you. I'll catch up with you later. Rest and prepare for your team dinner. Don't be too disturbed with what I said."

"Hmmm, bye."

Lissy was preoccupied with what Tim said and did not really catch on the meaning of his statement. She is thinking of how to further delay this. She is now entertaining the possibilities with Li Bin. It only goes to show that she is not 100% committed to marry Tim. Although she can confirm this to herself, it is obviously wiser to let the career issue be the driving factor. At the end of the day she is a reserved lady.