Meeting I

Chapter eight

He knew. He knew by heart and by experience that whatever advice his cousin has to offer, it's a bad one. 

But he still have him the benefit of doubt for the zillionth time. Here he was at the entrance of the meeting, debating whether to enter his car and drive off to his office to complete that file he was working on. 

Well, a few hours couldn't hurt. It could hurt, if one was to be practical but Ezekiel was no newbie. He was used to the cunning words, flatteries and egoistical push that happens this place every year. Where young, rich entrepreneurs meet each other under the guise of "sharing ideas, suggestions and opportunities". 

Which of course, was anything but. 

He straightened his tie and checked his wristwatch. He was getting out of here in an hour. 

He passed the lounge and the soft sound of classic music filled the air, soft flowery scents and spices.

It was just like he remembered. 

"Ezekiel! You actually came," Xu Kai smiled warmly at him. 

He managed a stiff nod and smile politely as he navigates the through the tables, worming his way to the special booth for him.

He was aware of the suprised stares and murmurs that filled the place in an ounce, slight whispers and finger pointing. They were all shocked to see the infamous Ezekiel Wang in person. 

"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I hope you're all enjoying yourselves?" The speaker, Xu Kai who was also the one that organized this whole farce. 

Loud murmur of agreement circulated through the crowd. If the presence of less than twenty people could be called a crowd. 

"We are very honored to announced the presence of Ezekiel Wang, the CEO of Wang corporation in our midst. A round of applause please" He smiled and gestured for them to clap. 

Which they did with some cheers and hoots. The room was filled with extremely rich and powerful young individuals. Those who manages their family generation of wealth, those who scraped and worked their way through to the top and made their company achieve certain standard with lots of hardworks. 

Those ones are the ones that actually has Ezekiel's admiration. 

He wasn't aware of the turn in the conversation and was suddenly startled when he heard his name and a toast being made. He sighed and nodded his appreciation. 

A few of the cowered and shied away from his gaze, where the other few pluck their courage and stared into his eyes. 

His mouth curled up in a discerning smirk and he shook his head. They make him want to play their game and hell if they'll all not go home a bit away from crying. 

Soon people are mingling and leaving their tables. Making small talks here and there. 

Since he wasn't a fan of small talks, those dull witted conversations about weather and lastest industrial gossip isn't something that he was good at. He hated it, loathe it even. 

He sat down with ease and enjoyed a moment of quiet and peace. He was actually thinking that his cousin's decision has some merits to it. Here he was, enjoying a glass of expensive champagne and peace. 

From the corner of his eyes, he could see a few people huddled together and each other pushing each other in his direction.

Cowards. 

Finally, someone grew a pair and stood up, walking with squared shoulder and a proud tilt. The man, who appeared to be a newcomer stopped at his table and toss an arrogant smile over his shoulder. 

"Nice to finally meet you Ezekiel. I've heard so much about you," he smiled, as he extended his hand for a shake. 

Ezekiel remained seated on the chair, staring down at the stretched hand in front of him. He stared from the hand and let his gaze trailed off to the man's brown eyes. 

He could see the exact moment when his false pride crumpled and watched with muted glee as the guy's cheek spotted pink. 

He retrieve his hand with a awkward laugh and made to turn away. No doubt mortified and embarrassed. 

"I hope you've heard all the bad things about me," he spoke softly,..sternly. The room plunge into silence and rising conversations fell quickly. Everyone concentrated on the drama and they held on to their breath with anticipation. 

They all pretended to be deeply immersed in their glass of champagne, staring into the Crystal liquid like it contains all the answers to their problem.

"What do you mean?" He retorted. The calm and collected exterior was rapidly falling away and his face was contorted into a ugly scowl. 

He managed to catch himself in time, and slipped on the mask of utter gentleman. 

"You should get your ears checked man. I actually assumed you're not deaf," Ezekiel replied calmly. 

He was enjoying this far too much. 

"I came back from America last month so I haven't really heard much about you. Other than the fact that you're the biggest catch here," he tried to smoothened the conversation with a polite compliment. 

Ezekiel nodded and smiled. A chilling smile that sent dramatic gasp passing through the whole room. Especially on the female side. 

A few of the resume their murmurs, more loudly this time. 

"I told you! He's the devil begotten son" A lady in a red flowy dress whispered. 

"Did you see that smile? I almost had an orgasm!" The second one in a burgundy suit and blonde hair cooed. She batted her eyelashes and fanned herself. 

The atmosphere turned a bit awkward and Xu Kai tried to lift the mood by talking. 

"I know you guys must be famished. How about some refreshments?" He pratically beamed at them. 

Ezekiel stifled a bored yawn. This place was rapidly becoming boring. It was clear that everyone was wearing a mask. 

They either wanted to impress, or want to seems nice. Other people go out of their way to keep their mask in place but Ezekiel already sees through all of them.