Passion and Power

Chapter 26

Less than 24 hours later Hanni was splashing water on her face and brushing her teeth in an airplane bathroom in preparation to land at Narita International Airport. When Hyein called her to work through the details Hanni had refused to take the company jet, so Minji had insisted she have a first class seat.

As she exited customs she immediately saw a large placard with her name on it, held by a beautiful Japanese woman whose face broke into a wide smile when Hanni stopped in front of her.

"Ms. Pham?"

"Yes, that's me." Hanni said. She had been secretly hoping Minji might be there to meet her. She could hardly wait to see her.

"I'm Kiko! Happy to meet you!" Hanni was blindsided when the woman wrapped her arms around her in a quick squeeze.

"Happy to...meet you too!" Hanni managed to squeak out.

"Ms. Kim asked me to send her apologies. She had an urgent meeting she couldn't leave. She really wanted to be here."

"No problem. Thanks so much for meeting me!"

"It's a pleasure. You are very special to Ms. Kim, and she is very special to me."

Hanni looked at her with a warm smile. She understood her feelings exactly.

Hanni refused Kiko's attempt to help with her bag and followed to a long black car waiting just outside the exit. Kiko opened the door and Hanni plopped down exhausted into the fine leather seats while Kiko went around to the opposite side.

"Hello, Ms. Pham." A familiar voice welcomed her.

"Kai?" Hanni asked, feeling confused. "What are you doing..in Tokyo?"

"Ask me no questions..." Kai let out a chuckle. "No, pardon me, ma'am. I often travel with Ms. Kim when she's going to be away for a while. She doesn't...trust many people. And she values having those people she does trust around her."

Hanni gulped, feeling a stab of guilt at the thought that Minji couldn't trust many people. Of course, someone as rich, famous, and beautiful as her must have to fend off many people with ulterior motives. She wondered whether Minji trusted her. If not, Hanni hoped she would be able to in the future.

"I see. I'm sure it eases her mind to have you here." Hanni said.

"I'm fortunate that she includes me in her plans. I get to explore new parts of the world as a part of my job."

"That's wonderful." Hanni couldn't help but wonder when she might see Minji.

Kiko seemed to read her mind. "So, Ms. Kim has arranged for you to stay in a fabulous hotel! Unfortunately, the remaining suites in her hotel were full. But your hotel will not be far from hers."

"She really didn't need to put me in a suite." Hanni said quietly as she watched with wide eyes out the car windows, taking in the new sights around her.

"Ms. Kim was very clear that she wants you to experience the best the city has to offer." Kiko said with an enthusiastic smile. "I have many ideas for you, places to explore, including fabulous restaurants. Ms. Kim told me that food was very important to you."

"Sounds amazing..." Hanni said, but unable to resist a yawn.

"We can talk about it tomorrow. I'm sure you must be tired after your flight." Kiko said with an understanding smile. "We will arrive at your hotel very soon so you can rest. If you aren't too tired, Ms. Kim would like you to join her for dinner tonight."

"I won't be too tired!" Hanni exclaimed.

Kiko giggled. "I'm sure she'll be pleased."

"Kiko, you look so familiar. Is there any chance that we've met before?"