To All The Girls That I've Loved

Dai Yanni (Flora Dai)

Somewhere in Beijing, a business convention was held for entrepreneurs to enter the market. The entrepreneurs promoted their products that were competent enough to enter the market. Chinese economy doesn't sleep; they strive hard to be the fastest-growing economy in the world.

Zhao Xiaotang was there as a spokesperson for her father's company since her father was busy for the time being. She was her father's right hand and the representative whenever there were meetings that her father couldn't attend. The place was lavish with all the food served from different cultures, from Asian cuisine to Western cuisine. Entrepreneurs from all over China were there to attend, not only to showcase their products but also to expand their social connections for the business. Apparently, Zhao Xiaotang was one of their targets to expand their connections and to give their business cards. Zhao Corporation was known as one of the top corporations in China with hundreds of businesses running in the country, and currently trying to penetrate the overseas market. Xiaotang couldn't avoid the small business talk that is irritating at times because sometimes it also drains her socializing energy. Not to mention, forcing a wide smile at people who she just met; it can be pretty exhausting at times.

It was Xiaotang's time to deliver her speech for the event. She didn't want to be formal and boring like everyone; so she threw some humor in her speech which made the convention lively and interactive rather than just listening to boring speeches that rich people flaunt on how they attained the position they are in. "What I like about business conventions are foods with different cuisine from different countries that are served. Not to mention the wines and champagne. Mmmm, who wouldn't love that? But don't drink too much, drink moderately." Everyone laughed at her remark. "So, ladies and gentlemen, enjoy the food and drinks while expanding our social circles." Some people may find the humor distasteful because they don't want to hear the truth, and others may find it amusing as it was purely real talk. Luckily, she got the crowd's humor. After all, it's not Zhao Xiaotang if she isn't speaking for the truth. When she finished her speech, everyone gave her a big round of applause; she came down the stage and immediately went to the food booth. Zhao Xiaotang loves eating a lot, but it's also a curse that she easily gains weight; so she has to go to the gym occasionally or she cuts off her food intake just to lose weight. But today, no one is stopping her from eating since there are different kinds of food served from different cuisines around the world. She has to try all of it. She started at the French booth where the baguettes, cheese fondue, crepes, éclair, macaroons, and other known French food can be found. She was delighted when she tried each bite of the food. The waiter gave her a glass of 1988 Krug Vintage Brut Champagne from Italy. 'Not bad', she thought when she tasted the champagne. She asked for another glass while roaming around to try the other booths. Suddenly, she bumped into someone who was also a spokesperson for the event.

"Ms. Zhao Xiaotang, from Zhao Corp, right?"

"Yes, I'm Zhao Xiaotang." Xiaotang forced a smile. She wasn't really amused bumping into him. It was supposed to be her me-time; she expected to greet other people after she finished tasting all the food at the booths. But there she was, talking with him half-heartedly.

"I'm Gou Zhang Wei, representative of Qiangda Baihe Corporation. Nice to meet you."

"Likewise." They shook each other's hands.

"Ms. Zhao, I met your father Mr. Zhao in Shenzhen and had a business with him. It's nice meeting her daughter in person. I had a different image in my mind."

"And what image is that?" Xiaotang took it a little offensive, but she doesn't want to mind it. After all, sometimes she talks brashly without thinking too. And if she was the philosopher, Confucius, her philosophy would be, 'Don't get pissed easily when someone talks brashly of you when you yourself are the same.'