The Dance of Seduction
Someone repeatedly rang the bell of his apartment. Leo groaned, emerging from various folds of his comforter. Reluctantly, Leo opened his sleepy eyes and peeped at his mobile phone.
"7.10 am. Who the hell is it?" muttered Leo and would have gone back to sleep, had he not heard his grandfather's voice in the intercom. "Shit, what have I done now?" Leo jumped out of bed, pulled on a loose cotton slack, and ran to open the entrance door.
"Grandfather..." Leo stopped mid-sentence as he grasped the newspaper aimed at his bare chest.
"Explain that, will ya?" roared Senior Zhang as he walked past Leo into the living room.
"What now?" Muttered Leo as he unfolded the newspaper. He read aloud the heading, "Zhang Heir's New Love Interest." His eyes widened at the colored photograph of him kissing Min. There was a collage of small pictures of Leo holding Min's hand, Leo closing the car door for Min, and one inside the car with Min sitting on Leo's lap as the two stared at each other. But the most eye-catching one of all was one with Leo's face buried in Min's bosom with her hands wrapped around his head. Ouch! If only they knew, she was ready to bite his head off. Paparazzi and their shit. Leo cleared his throat before facing his grandfather. "I kissed her only to protect her from my friends..."
"Protecting? It looks as if you are the one debauching her," boomed Senior Zhang, full of sarcasm.
"I was just doing your job, trying to find her a decent guy to marry. I only kissed her so that my friends would keep their hands off her. You know they are not marriage material," reasoned Leo, sitting on the sofa opposite the old man.
"Instead, you ended up claiming her as yours in front of the entire world," spat Senior Zhang.
After a minute of racing his mind over the whole situation, Leo advised, "Relax, Grandpa." He added calmly, "Tomorrow, I will be with someone else, and Min will be out of the picture. Paparazzi like to follow me, not her. People will forget, and I will, in time, claim her as a close family friend." Leo hoped this would calm grandpa and made a mental note to clear things out ASAP.
"Keep this in your mind, Leo, my grandson; if you taint Min's image any more than this, I will announce to the media that you two are engaged and will marry soon," Senior Zhang said in a honey-coated voice. Then he muttered as if talking to himself, "Let's hope that Min's grandmother doesn't hear of this." He harrumphed and got up, then walked briskly towards the door. He paused before opening the door, "Sort this out, please."
Did grandfather mean what he said? Wondered Leo. Nah, the old man must be out of his mind to think he'll marry a naïve Plain-Jane like Min.
Leo's mind raced regarding the events of last night. A soft smile lit his face when he recalled how he usurped Jian Yu in claiming Min. Of course, he had to pull a few strings here and there before things turned out as planned.
While Jian Yu was playing a charming companion, Leo had sent an SMS to Xi-Wang asking her for a favor. Next, he had secretly passed a hundred-dollar bill to the barman and indicated with his eyes at Min's evening clutch. Smartly, the barman took Min's purse while playing with cocktail shakers. When Jian Yu took Min out, Leo had whispered to the bartender, "Give it to that bloke when he comes to inquire about that silver lady's purse."
As far as he was concerned, the evening was a success. Now, he only had to deal with the person who had captured and released his photos in the media. Frowning a little, he dialed his secretary's mobile number.
* * *
It had been two days, and Min had not seen Leo. She was busy with her traineeship at Tanzick Wedding Planners. At this stage, they allocated her to whichever project needed an extra hand. This meant that she got to work under different project managers. However, not everyone was friendly with her. She didn't understand why such an attitude was dished out to her unless it had something to do with her making headlines with Leo.
On her first day, Xi-Wang called Min in her office and showed her the newspaper. And had said, "This doesn't bother me unless the paparazzi follow you here or it affects your performance."
"I am sorry; I should have been mindful of Leo's status as a billionaire heir," Min chewed her lips.
Xi-Wang walked closer to Min and said with a serious expression, "Leo is more famous for being a Playboy than a billionaire heir, Min. One piece of advice, Leo and his friends have one rule: Fix, Fuck, and Forget. If you are dreaming of a whirlwind romance and a happy married life, then I suggest you think again. Because a Lady-killer like Leo will not offer you that." She sighed and walked away. Then, as an afterthought, she added mischievously, "Unless you have a love potion that can make him change his mind."
Min had made a mental note of Xi-Wang's advice and did her best to perform well at work. She sat on the sofa, swiping her mobile phone, waiting for Meng Yao to join her for lunch. Only twenty-five minutes before her lunch break was over. Someone came near her, and Min smiled, assuming it was Meng Yao, "Finally, you are here..." She stopped mid-sentence when she saw it was Alix and Jia, her nasty workmates.
"Poor girl, I wonder who you are waiting for. It looks like Leo has already lost interest in you," Alix's lips curled in an ugly manner.
"I am not waiting for Leo," informed Min firmly.
"Oh 'wait' is what Plain-Janes like you get from Zhang Leo," Jia said with an air of Miss Know It All. She studied Min from top to toe with disgust.
"It must've been some old-aged wine that got him kissing you," laughed Alix as Jia joined in the fun.
"And that's none of your business," cut in Meng Yao. She stood sternly behind the two girls.
"Whatever," mouthed both girls and walked away.
Meng Yao hurriedly walked closer to Min and grasped her hands, "You, okay?"
"Yes," managed Min with a slight smile for her concerned friend. "I am famished; let's go."
"I am so sorry, Min, but I can't go. Stanley gave me a task that he wants to be completed ASAP. He suggested I take a break once it's done."
Stanley was Meng Yao's current manager. Min realized she would have to go alone if she wanted to eat. "No problem; I'll get going then."
* * *
Leo parked his convertible near the middle-class restaurant that his secretary had mentioned. It was about time he found himself a simple girl to date. Or else he would lose the wager. And Leo didn't like to lose.
He walked into a small 60s-style restaurant on the street's corner, one that Leo would never visit. But that was the intention because he didn't want Zihao and Yichen to discover his secret. Leo's secretary made an appointment with one girl that met his criteria. He hoped the girl was appealing enough to endure for three months.
Dressed casually in a Polo T-shirt, pants, and sunglasses, Leo hoped no paparazzi were around. Music in a foreign language greeted him as Leo entered the warm, casual restaurant full of youths. One large group was having a celebration, possibly a romantic confession or anniversary, Leo deduced from the bouquet and cheerful teasing of the couple. Peng Xi, his secretary, waved at him. Immediately, Leo zoomed in on the woman beside Peng Xi. She had straight, mid-length brown hair, definitely not Min's shade. He cursed himself for thinking of Min.
The woman beamed at Leo. She had white, well-shaped teeth but a little too large for Leo's taste. She had a good tan, contrasting her hair and teeth visibly. Possibly someone who enjoyed being outdoors. With the manners of a gentleman, Leo extended his arm for a handshake, "Leo."
"Susu," her smile broadened a mile long.
Leo sat opposite them and listened to Peng Xi's short commentary on Susu's background. Momentarily, Leo tried to envision kissing her, but his mouth curved in distaste. Why did it feel that she was someone in her thirties or a mother of two? Definitely not his type.
"Has Peng Xi explained everything to you," Leo asked Susu.
"Sure, honey, a contract for three months, and I have to take on the role of your girlfriend. I assume you'll want me to put on some shaggy, drab clothes and broad-rimmed glasses to get the image of a simple woman," asked Susu in a husky voice. Her eyes unashamedly ravished Leo, making him wonder if Susu could play the role. A seductress role suited her more than a Plain Jane one. "I could do more if you like," she added with a deliberate charm.
Ah, well, Leo understood the double meaning of her words pretty well. Did she not know he was an expert in the field? Pursing his lips, Leo gave Peng Xi a stern look, "Find someone else. Pay her for this appointment and have a deal signed that she would not disclose any private information of mine to anyone." Leo stood up, disclosing the meeting.
Susu gasped, "Please give me a chance, Leo, and I'll do anything."
Leo nodded at Peng Xi, indicating he would have to deal with Susu. From the corner of his eye, Leo saw a girl hurry past him. She held her dark tote handbag upright on her shoulder, covering her face. It was hard not to notice that hair color, which, to his dismay, was pulled in a bun. Leo chuckled and looked about him before swiftly following her. He quickly grabbed her wrist; Min gasped but remained quiet as he escorted her to an unoccupied table for two.
"Let go of my hand," she said in a hushed tone and tried to pull her hand. He let go, smiling at her wide-eyed look, unmistakable even through her rimmed glasses. She looked about her as if someone might see them. Was she afraid of his company? Or was she shy? She definitely didn't meet his eyes.
"What's wrong?" asked Leo.
"I just don't want people to see us together," hissed Min, clutching her packet of sandwiches and handbag.
"Am I that bad?"
"Why did you bring me here?" asked Min, giving him a businesslike attitude that matched her simple office attire.
"Eat while I am talking to you," ordered Leo, leaning back on the chair and crossing his long legs. The music changed to one with drumbeats, and Leo noticed a few people drumming their tables or laughing as they made some dance moves. The group celebrating was undoubtedly enjoying it. He turned his attention to Min, waited until she sighed, and ate her sandwich.
"Don't give importance to that newspaper," Leo noticed; Min cringed visibly and added to comfort her, "I often make headlines, and it doesn't bother me. The fact is things do not always turn out the way we want them to, and you should learn to accept it. Just move on with life, Min."
She stopped eating and gave him a hard stare. "It may not matter to you, but it does to me, especially when it's still a mystery why you would even bother to do that."
"Do what?" asked Leo innocently.
Min tried to explain the kiss incident in words, "Eh... er... you know." She failed with a shrug.
Leo blew a kiss in the air and could not help but grin at her horrified expression as her face visibly changed color. Isn't she cute when she's blushing? Same color as the soft pink of her blouse. Leo wondered how she would react once she knew that he had kissed and claimed her as his girl in front of his friends. The less she knew, the better it was for her peace of mind. He gave her a plausible reason, though, "It was a bet amongst us friends. It would've been Jian Yu if not me." Leo felt cheap.
"So, I was just an entertainment for you guys?" Her brows furrowed, and her lips twisted in an unbelievable expression.
He leaned with his elbows on the table, "Min, grandfather entrusted your safety to me. With me kissing you, it stops there, but with Jian Yu, you would've ended up in his bed."
She snorted, "And you think I am that easy?"
Did she really think she could ignore his charms? "Making women dance to the rhythm of our seduction is what we have mastered, and naive girls like you don't stand a chance," Leo muttered, avoiding her stare and caught Susu drooling at him. Pursing his lips in disgust, Leo turned his attention to the alluring music. His fingers involuntarily drummed the table surface, and next to him, two old women swayed in a dancing motion to the Korean song — the latest hit smashing all records. The beat was too good to ignore. One petite lady winked at him, shaking her upper body closer to him. Leo slowly removed his sunglasses and tucked them in the 'V' of his T-shirt. He got up, copied the old woman, and then took easy contemporary dance steps with her. The other plump woman pulled Min. The celebratory group of youths joyfully started dancing, and a few others clapped and cheered, giving a feel of the country getting together.
When Min hesitated to join the fun, the plump woman smacked Min's bottom and pushed her towards Leo. Surprised, she bumped into him. Her face plastered on his chest, Min peered at him through her crooked glasses. She smiled, uncertainly straightening her glasses. Oh, she was tiny, and Leo wished she had worn heels. He grabbed her hand and positioned her arms and legs with his. Gosh, she was stiff as wood. He pulled, pushed, and swung her in the song's rhythm. Clumsy as a country bear, she followed, tripping or bumping into him. However, when Leo was the teacher, even woods danced.
Deliberately, Leo guided Min in wrapping her leg around his hips. Not that he would let her escape, for his hold was firm. He pushed the hem of her black skirt up, grasping her thigh. The beat was fast, and she had no time to think or shrink away from him. The music ended with Min wrapped around him in a sensual contemporary dance pose.
Leo whispered in Min's ear, "See what a man like us can do to naïve maidens like you?" He winked before letting go of her dazed, limp form. People clapped and cheered. Leo saluted to the audience, grabbed Min's handbag, and pulled her towards the exit.
"Where are you taking me? I am already late to work."
"I have this feeling we are being followed. Get in the car."
* * *
Flashes of camera lights and a few paparazzi entered the restaurant through the door on the far corner. Barely escaping them, Min exited with Leo from the other door and entered the adjacent street.
Min heard one man shout, "Leo Zhang, are you dating Xing Min?"
Another asked, "Min, what do you have to say?" Interestingly, some customers who were still dancing to the Korean song delayed the paparazzi.
Leo pulled her swiftly towards his car, ignoring the men and women chasing them for news. He ordered Min to get in and quickly got into the driver's seat. Of course, he didn't have time to play gentlemen now. He pressed buttons swiftly to draw the convertible hood on, and soon, the automobile was on the road.
Just then, Min realized that Leo had passed her office, which was in the other block. Before she inquired, Leo swiped the screen of the onboard computer, making a phone call. After a few rings, a woman answered, "Hi, Leo." Liu Xi-Wang! Min froze in her seat.
"Hi, Xi-Wang. I just wanted to inform you that Min will not return to work today. We ran into some nasty paparazzi, and it won't be long before they figure out that Min works for you."
"Okay," there was a pause, and Xi-Wang asked, "How long do you think she can avoid them, Leo?"
"Tomorrow, I will have two guards at your office till this matter settles. It won't be long, I promise," advised Leo, his eyes on the road.
"I leave it to you to sort it out then." Xi-Wang cut the line.
Oh, why did I have to come to this restaurant? Thought Min. If it hadn't been for those mean girls, Jia and Alix, she wouldn't have come this far from the office. Now trapped with Leo, she had already made a wrong impression on Xi-Wang. Above all, Min could not believe she had been dancing in a restaurant full of people. Who did such things? Perhaps now she slowly understood the reason Leo made headings in the newspaper.