Bethany held a crisp elegant envelope in her hands, “Uhm!” She cleared her throat.
“Sir, this arrived for you just moments ago by special courier.”
She placed the envelope on her boss; Jin Suye’s desk, who slowly picked up the envelope, examining the unadorned but clearly expensive stationery.
“Another charity gala vying for my attention?”
“No.” said Bethany.
He tore opened the envelope and unfold it, his eyes scanning the script He read;
AN EXCLUSIVE ANNUAL GATHERING OF GLOBAL LEADERS.
Invitation to Mr.
Jin.
Dear Mr.
Jin,
It is with immense pleasure that I, Yu Yang extend a personal invitation to you for my annual gathering of the world’s most influential business leaders.
This highly anticipated event offers a unique opportunity to connect with noblemen who have reached the pinnacle of success, fostering invaluable relationships and inspiring new perspectives.
As a visionary leader and a significant force in the global business landscape, your presence would be a distinct honor.
This year, the gathering will once again take place at paradise peak, providing an intimate and luxurious setting for this distinguished assembly.
In this invitation card, there is another mini-invitation card, you are warmly invited to bring a guest of your choosing, a valued partner, key collaborator or a close friend who shares your discerning appreciation for exceptional company and stimulating discourse.
DATE: July-14th-2024
TIME: 07: 00 pm
LOCATION: Paradise peak.
DRESS CODE (MEN): Black tie optional/ Business formal
No specific dress code for WOMEN.
As this is an annual tradition, I understand the demands on your time and truly value your potential presence.
Kindly RSVP by July-2nd-2024.
DUE TO THE EXCLUSIVE NATURE OF THIS EVENT, ATTENDANCE IS STRICTLY BY INVITATION ONLY.
I look forward to the possibility of welcoming you to the Paradise peak and sharing an exceptional evening in the company of global leaders.
Sincerely.
Mr.
Yu.
Jin Suye met Bethany’s eyes.
“Get My stylist ready.”
__________
Yunjing tower,
A towering glass structure that pierced the skyline, its polished exterior reflecting the city lights like a beacon of power and wealth.
Linda walked alongside her boss, Yu Yang, as they both walked out from the
Company and boarded a black sedan.
Yu Yang sat alone at the back, while Linda sat on the passanger seat beside the driver.
“President Yu.” Linda called out, “This year…how sure are you it would be different from the others?”
Every year, he hosted a party, which in the eye of the public was an event that offers an opportunity to connect with noblemen, foster invaluable relationships and inspire new perspective.
But to him, was an opportunity to meet someone he had been longing for.
Yu Yang leaned back on his seat and placed his arm on the arm rest.
“Because this year everything is going according to my plan.”
Due to some small touches he made, the Li’s were facing some difficulties in their business and despirately needed a strong hand that would hold them steadily.
One thing all business men like Aecon Li have in common is whenever they are facing some difficulties with thier business the only way they think they can fix things is to sell out their daughters to great figures like Yu Yang.
It would be like an agreement between the two of them, ‘I’ll give you my daughter in exchange for your strong backup.’
If Aecon Li was to rely on his second daugher he only made known to the public for an agreement like that, not only would he fail, but he might also be ridiculed.
So in order to make him reveal the first daughter he had been hiding for years, Yu Yang messed up his business leaving him with no other choice but to bring out the only one who could save the family’s sinking ship.
Linda nodded.
Everything is indeed going according to plan.
The store where the Li’s normally purchased their clothings whenever attending an important event like Yu Yang’s gathering infromed her that this time around the Li’s provided them with four different measurements, unlike the other times when only three measurements were sent to the store.
Which means an additional person was coming along with them, who might possibly be the hidden daughter.
For years ever since Yu Yang started to host the annual gathering, Linda had made sure the store kept tabs on the Li’s and always informed her whenever they purchased a dress when Yu Yang’s gathering was near.
“President Yu.” Linda’s expression slightly changed,
“What if she really attends the event but refuses to interact with you?”
Yu Yang had already thought about that, which was why he had already made his plan ahead.
“Is the white suit ready?” he asked Linda.
“Yes, sir. It is ready.”
__________
A month, after the invitation was shared.
Finally…the day of the gathering arrived.
Li Yeli was sitting in front of the mirror, focusing on one thing; her eyes.
She had pretty eyes, they were big and round, her eyelashes were full too-She was envious of them, they looked free.
If only she could be free too…
Aecon Li stormed into the room, his face twisted in a scowl, “Get up, you’re coming with me to a gathering tonight.”
“I’m not going.” Li Yeli said coldly.
Aecon Li was stunned.
Did she just talk?
After all that years o being quiet, he almost thought she had forgotten how to talk.
But…that was good!
No man would want a mute afterall.
He sneered, “You don’t have a say. You’re going to marry a noir, and I’m going to make sure of it.”
“And once that happens, I’ll finally have the connections I need to also become a member of the noir.”
She grabbed her arm, pulling her out of her chair.
“You’re a mess, see? You can’t even walk properly. Look at you, you’re shuffling along like an old hag.”
How could she walk properly when he’s pulling her like that?
Aecon Li yanked her along, forcing her to follow him as he demonstrated how to greet people, how to make a small talk and how to walk ‘properly’
Li Yeli wasn’t willing to do any of those, so she messed them all up, intentionally.
She stumbled, her feet unaccustomed to the high heels, but Aecon Li didn’t care.
He ridiculed her, his words cutting deep.
After what felt like hours, he called in a team of teachers to further refine her ‘social skills’
They drilled her on etiquette, conversation topics, and body language.
Aecon Li was watching with a critical eye.
As the lesson continued, Li Yeli’s eyes grew dull, her spirit crushed by Aecon Li’s unyielding cruelty.
She knew she was a pawn in his game, a means to an end.
And she wondered what lay ahead, trapped in a world she didn’t understand, forced to play a role she didn’t want.
Why did it have to be her?
As the thought crossed her mind, a glimmer of hope flickered in her eyes.
Marriage could be a way out, a chance to escape Aecon Li’s dictatorship.
She thought about the possibility of a new life, one where she wouldn’t be under his constant scrutiny and abuse.
For a moment,