Invitations

************

Mrs Lu was surprised by her son's sudden revelation. She scooted closer to the table, curiosity painted all over her face.

"You mean you charmed a girl already and she agreed?"

Lu Aotian almost choked on the soup he took into his mouth. "Mum," he wiped his mouth off any spillage. "Have some faith in me, will you?"

"Oh I do, dear," she said. "So tell me, are you set?"

"She hasn't agreed because I haven't had the chance to ask her yet."

Mrs Lu clicked her tongue and pulled back. "Why haven't you asked yet?" She questioned.

Lu Aotian sighed. "I just heard about the event yesterday and then I got swamped with pressing matters needing to be handled. But I will do that tomorrow. It's already late. She might as well be asleep."

"Alright. I'll leave you to it. Eat quickly before your food gets cold," Mrs Lu urged as she walked to the door.

"Hmm. Good night mum. Extend my wishes to dad for me."

"Sure. Finish those paperwork quickly and go get some sleep. You're beginning to develop bags underneath your eyes and I do not like it one bit."

As Lu Aotian delved back into his meal, his mind couldn't help but pull up several memories revolving around Mei Xing.

They've got more chances of seeing each other as she worked on remodelling his office. And upon every meeting, he waited for her with anticipation.

He waited to see her brain work, the face she made when she was thinking of something and even every little smile she wore.

Lu Aotian was captivated by her. She radiated a brilliance and charm he couldn't help but notice or resist.

"I can't wait to ask her tomorrow. I hope she agrees to go with me though," he murmured as he stared into space.

The next morning, Mei Xing was up early. Since it was Saturday, she didn't have to go to work. So she decides to take Snow, her pet, for a walk.

Putting on a pair of black leggings, a baby blue crop and black sneakers, Mei Xing stepped out of the house. The street was quiet and there wasn't anybody out as it was still early.

The air outside was cold but in a soothing way, and refreshing. The wind blew against her face as her eyes fell closed. Nothing beats a calm start of the day.

"Come on boy." She tugged lightly on the samoyed's leash and began jogging.

******

After finishing her shower following a morning run with her pet dog, Mei Xing settled in front of her vanity table, ready to apply her moisturizers and body lotions.

Just then, her phone began to ring. Curious about who it might be, she went to her bed and picked up the phone.

The call was from Lu Aotian. She swiped on the green icon and placed the phone on speaker. She then carried on with drying her hair with a towel.

"Mei Xing. A pleasant morning to you," Lu Aotian's voice rang into her ear.

"Likewise. How can I be of help to you, Mr Lu?"

"Ahem. Uh, would you be free tonight?" He asked. "I would love to meet you for dinner."

"Dinner?" Mei Xing repeated.

"Yes. But it's not for work. It's something informal and I want to use that opportunity to ask you something... important." Lu Aotian was pacing the length of his room as he awaited her answer.

Mei Xing caught herself smiling and quickly shook her head. "Alright then. Dinner sounds good. Let's do it." She found herself agreeing once more.

"Great. I'll uh pick the place and send the location to you. See you then," Lu Aotian said, before hanging up.

Just as Mei Xing ended the call, Yi Chunhua's head peeked into the room. She smiled. "Good morning, sunshine. I see you are wide awake."

"Morning sleepy head. Coming in," Mei Xing responded as she went back to the vanity table. "Snow and I went on a run this morning. Came back in like, twenty minutes ago or so."

"No wonder he didn't come tugging my sheets off this morning. Someone kept him preoccupied," Yi Chuhua said matter of factly.

"What's up?"

"Just got out of a call with my first client. He wants us to meet for dinner today. As friends," Mei Xing quickly added upon seeing the look her friend was giving her.

Yi Chunhua laughed. "I was not gonna judge you anyways. You need some time out." She stood and headed for the door. "I've got breakfast ready. Finish up and come to the table."

"Okay. I'll be there in a few," Mei Xing called after her.

In a few minutes as promised, Mei Xing joined Yi Chunhua at the table. They chatted lightly as they served food onto their plates.

Mei Xing's phone rang again. This time, it was Longwen on the line. Her brows furrowed in wonder. This time, it was Longwen calling.

"Good morning, Mei," he greeted warmly. "How was your night?"

"It was fine. Good morning," Mei Xing replied, a hint of curiosity in her tone.

"I hope I didn't catch you at a bad time though. There is something I need to tell you."

"Okay. Go ahead."

She heard him clear his throat before he said, "I was wondering... would you be interested in accompanying me to a charity event as my date?"

Mei Xing paused, her hesitation palpable even through the phone. "I'm not so sure. You know, being in the public eye and I just started working in your company... People might talk," she reasoned.

Mei Xing had already had enemies due to her sudden employment. But if she goes to this charity, as the date of the boss, she won't hear the end of it.

That aside, she was not sure Feng Houyi would not be there. And who knows, maybe people would recognize her and start whispering.

She didn't want any of that. Her journey had only begun.