Four Hearts, One Home

Chapter 9

It was six past fifteen and Gulf was confused with what to wear. When Zhan earlier asked him to accompany him to one of his project, he couldn't say no. But he was clueless as to where they were heading.

Meanwhile, his phone rang and it was Zhan asking him to wear something nice. Confused, he shuffled through his wardrobe and finally put on a white sweater and a hooded casual denim jacket hoping that he won't be under dress.

Making the best use of his legs, he rush out to meet Zhan outside his apartment as it was already six past thirty.  On meeting his friend, Gulf noticed how dashing Zhan looked with his dark green, multi striper sweater and his messy hair. Zhan specifically looked beautiful and it was something no one could deny.

"Thanks for tagging along, Gulf." Said Zhan sincerely.

"It's alright as long as you tell me what's going on".

Suddenly, a black BMW drove up from the opposite street and stopped in front of them and a man in black suit came out from the car as if he was waiting for them.

"Hmm, Zhan, is he here for us?" Gulf whispered feeling a little lost at the incident that was unfolding right in front of his eyes.

"Ugh, Yes" Xiao Zhan answered biting his lower lips nervously.

"What's going on, Zhan? "

"I'll tell you all about it once we get into the car" 

"Is it what I think it is? " Gulf asked suddenly pertaining to the idea that it must be one of Wang Yibo's deed otherwise, Zhan had always identified himself as a middle class person and not a drifty, fancy person.

Zhan nodded in defeat and Gulf, not being able to complain further, followed his friend into the car.

"So, what's the deal?" Gulf asked in a hush tone while trying to catch a glimpse of the streets through the black window and also to keep the driver out of the conversation.

"He said it's a project that could shorten my internship. How could I deny it?" Zhan mumbled.

"And you believe that?" Gulf shook his head with rather disbelieve. "What kind of a project could we possibly do at this hour? "

"I've been thinking the same too. I mean,  he just asked me to wear something nice. There's possibly nothing I can ask to that person  and you know that"

"You know what I think, Zhan? I think it's pretty apparent that it's more than just a project assignment. I think he likes you a little too much, man. "

"Thoughts like that seriously freezes my brain. To be quite honest, it's down right uncomfortable as well. I mean look at me and him. I'd rather look at this as an opportunity to actually secure myself a job". Zhan meekly protested and Gulf understood where his friend was coming from. They both had been sincere in his work and had always talked about how desperate they were trying to secure themselves a future in the Wang corporation.

Soon the car pulled up across the street in front of a huge restaurant that read, 'Central Town.' The bright streetlights flashed upon them and the place where they stood, looked like broad daylight. The music playing inside was heard from the outside and they could tell it was louder than it should sound. The appealing neon lights on the top, sea of people moving in and out through the door, all made it more overwhelming and it didn't seem like a decent place.

When they entered inside, the music blasted their ears and the scent of alcohol and perfumes greeted them. They looked around the settings of every corner and it was surprisingly appealing. There were young ladies and gentlemen, mostly in black and white suit and elegant dresses. Even the casuals some had worn looked exquisite.

In some corners, few game zone such as  billards and bowling were set up and in the middle was a well marbled dance floor above which, there was a flashy neon lights turning round in circles while the DJ stood upstairs playing the music he was good at. And next to it was a small bar but large enough to quench the thirst of the people gathered.

"Rich people's party are crazy" Zhan mumbled incoherently, "This is neither a club nor a restaurant" Zhan perplexed looking around the room and finally landed his eyes on Gulf who was as fascinated as him but was more interested in what he was looking at. "By the way, there's Mr. Wang." pointed Gulf leading his way towards the bar gesturing Zhan to follow him.

Once they reached the bar, they realized, it was not just their boss but there was a  gentleman, much older in age, seated on the round table bedside Wang Yibo. He looked powerful, rich and important just like their boss usually look.  In fact, it was Wang Yibo who didn't seem to have his secretary beside him that night and it overwhelmed the two young men which inflicted a lot of discomfort upon them instantly.

"Zhan, Gulf, oh, you guys made it" Surprisingly, Wang Yibo greeted them warmly. "Mr. Linwood, meet our interns, Xiao Zhan and Kanawut Traipipattanapong. They're here to assist you" said Wang Yibo next proving himself true to his professionalism and all those notion that Gulf had regarding Mr. Wang disappeared into thin air.

He briefly glanced at Zhan and saw that his eyes were sparkling in contentment. Indeed, it was a relief that Yibo was true to his words.

A brief introduction went around with the gentleman and his lady assistant named Milinda and Linwood's young son named, Jared. In a short while, the two young men learnt that Linwood was a share holder of the company and they were working towards extending their company abroad.

Zhan was called in for designing the logo for the new company while Gulf was assigned to assist Marsh's senior technical assistant in laying out blue print of the project regarding the oil drilling that was expected to follow up in the next few weeks.

Within minutes, despite the loud music and the unprofessional environment, a sudden comfort zone was built up as conversation were exchanged on professional values and ideas along with consumption of soft drinks. After about an hour of intense discussion,  Wang Yibo and Linwood left them leaving the rest of the night to themselves.

The place was too special to leave unchecked. Besides, as men, they all enjoy some free drinks and loved the idea of having fun with new people.

More minutes passed and 'alcohol'  fused the minds of the people and everyone forgot what was 'shy' and 'shame'. The night was young and things were only starting to heat up. However, Gulf saw something he shouldn't have just a few metres away from him. There was a man and a woman, definitely making out and he was sure that the man was Mew.

Quickly, he turned away but once again, his mind betrayed him. He turned to the girl, hoping it's Natalia but it was not her. It was a woman he had never seen before.

He feel shock and his whole world slows down. Here he was thinking that Mew actually cared about him or that he could possibly be someone special.

"Gulf" Milinda distracted him, "Would you like to dance?" She asked. And this time Gulf decided he will have fun in life with or without Mew.

"I'd love to" He agreed.

***

Haven't edited properly. Please do excuse the errors. ❤