Tuesday, continued …

While, Anna had been explaining to Officer Mu events Hou Yi’s thoughts had drifted back to six months ago.

On the drive from Tullamarine Airport to his Melbourne hotel, Hou Yi spent the time talking to Assistant Wang, about the matters that had arisen during their flight from Tokyo. Assistant Wang viewed everything as urgent, but none was. Hou Yi decided Assistant Wang needed a holiday with his wife. While Assistant Wang dismissed the hours and time from his family as it gave his wife and daughter an enviable lifestyle, Hou Yi was conscious of how much time took from them.

Hou Yi said “Assistant Wang, please do not take this the wrong way. I feel guilty with how much time I take you from your family. When we get back we are doing two things. You will have an all-expenses paid two-week vacation to anywhere in the world you want, with the company jet at your disposal, unless otherwise required and then you will be flown first class.”

“Then on your return, we will be arranging for an assistant for you. My preference is the ill do all the travel with you remaining in the office to address matters there as I trust you to do that. However, as I know you will fight me on this, they will do most of the travel, lessening the call on you.”

“But sir, I am your assistant.”

“You are, but your family is more important than simply being my assistant. They should be your world, not just receiving small pieces of your attention. I need you more and more given the business expansion in headquarters. As you know I have caught out senior executives abusing their privileges, when neither you or I are present in the office.”

“In fact, almost all of the senior executive team are more scared of you than me. This is not a demotion. You will still be doing everything you are doing now, providing me with assistance, managing my diary, ensuring I am where I need to be, and everything else. Someone is just handling the little matters while I am away. Plus, in doing this and keeping an eye on the senior executives I will ensure that you receive a further 10% pay rise. ”

Hou Yi turned and looked out the window, so to give the message he did not want to debate the matter further. Assistant Wang, indicated “Sir let me discuss the matter with my wife.” He then looked at his watch, and continued “When we arrive at the hotel, you will only have about 20 minutes before we need to leave, to make the meeting at ANX Lawyers on time.”

“No, I know you will not talk to your wife about it. I am going to speak to her, of course with you present, but I will speak to her,” replied Hou Yi.

About 10 minutes later, they arrived at their accommodation in the city, which Hou Yi could not believe. It was less than 30 minutes from leaving the airport to the accommodation, rarely heard of in Melbourne at that time in the morning. Assistant Wang quickly took care of the check-in process, and they went up to their suites.

On arrival in the suite, Hou Yi organise a orange juice to relax while he got ready for the meeting. Both he and assistant Wang, as they had used the onboard plane showers did not have much to do before they left. Hou Yi picked up his two briefcases and transferred from his working case to the finished case the documents he completed on the flight, leaving those needed for the meeting. While waiting for Assistant Wang, he drank the Orange Juice, and when Assistant Wang entered, he handed over the completed work brief case.

Assistant Wang secured the finished document case, before they returned downstairs to drive to the meeting at ANX Lawyers. As they travelled, the madness of Melbourne traffic was scene. Hou Yi even wondered would it have been quicker for them to walk, rather than take the car. During the journey he received replies to his earlier text, and tasked Assistant Wang to organise dinner for his 4 friends that tonight would suit. Hou Yi, said “Please ensure that they confirm the time and location.”

“Yes sir,” was the response, with Assistant Wang nothing down who he had to call to finalise arrangements.

As Hou Yi stepped out of the vehicle little did he realise that his life was about to change. He was about to meet the woman that would become the most important person in the world for him.

It was at that time Hou Yi overheard Anna tell Officer Mu about how they met, and how they came to be married. He saw Anna take another drink from the glass in front of her and continue with the events that happened in the Key Plaza Hotel.