"I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it." - Maya Angelou
What would you do, when you lost everything, career, family, money and self esteem?
This is a story of fall from grace with a (un)healthy dose of smut.
Unknowingly, the three months passed as quickly as the evening breeze. My last assignment was to organize Gong Jun's studio, first anniversary celebration. I asked him, do you have anything in mind for the anniversary celebration, he told me to keep it small and cozy, but I disagreed. I told him, the anniversary celebration is a statement piece, to announce to the world that he has arrived, the company is doing well and vibrant. After a lot of back and forth, we finally reached a compromise, intimate events, total pax below 50 headcounts and all the employees are allowed to bring their plus ones, to thank their partners for supporting their works in his studio. Just close friends and supporters to celebrate.
I booked Jio @ The Roof, an award-winning restaurant, famous for their visual musical and gastronomical delights.
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With the allocated headcounts, I tried to fill it up with high profiled guests as possible, inclusive of Dil and Yang Yang. This would be their first, semipublic appearance as a married couple. And I have a surprised guest appearance. Aaron and Xu Kai were in town for an event, but Aaron was tied up that night. So, I kind of "borrow" Aaron's boyfriend for the night, and invited him as my plus one.
Even with the assistance of the party planners, I felt the need to nail all the details down. Guests lists, invitation cards, the decor, theme, the entertainment, food, wine list, door gifts etc. Jun was utterly amused by the number of times I sat him down, to go through the list with me, in case I had missed out any important details. He flippantly said, "I trust you, do what you want.", and I was like, fuck the trust, I want your time and attention, so that the whole event would be perfect, you hear me, perfect. But he obviously disagreed, "You make the call. You need to tell me that you want me to do that night. I don't want it to be too formal, just smart casual would do. I just want good food, good wine, celebrating this first milestone with friends and families, to thank them for their support." Knowing his social quota, I tried to make it more enjoyable for him, he just needed to greet the guests, walk around the room and give his thank you speech. Which reminded me, to get Jia En to draft out his speech. I even contacted Lui Feng to brief him about the schedule and the suits that they would be wearing that night. Reminded him to check into the hotel, next to the event venue, by 3:00 pm, the stylists would be there for hair and make-up. He thanked me politely, albeit, a little coldly. Okay, I get it, I might have come off a little bit pushy? anal? aggressive? frantic? but I really wanted this event to be perfect, perfect, you hear! Both of them had to look smashing when they made their grand entrance.
The week before the big event, Kim came back to help. She was in charge of the guests' list and logistics. There were some guests traveling from outstation or oversea, and she booked the same hotel for them. There was a slight bulged in her tummy, and she looked radiant and tired at the same time.
"What do you think, should we organize a breakfast together the next morning, or free and easy?" Turning to ask me, her fingers typing furiously, replying to the email messages.
