As she tried to wipe away her tears, Jason stirred a little and opened his eyes when he heard Ivy sniff. He frowned even more at the sight of Ivy crying again as he quickly held her tight in his arms.
“Don’t cry… I promise you I will handle Nancy’s issue well.” He whispered as he kissed her forehead. Ivy shook her head as she tried to sit up in bed and force herself to explain the truth.
“I’m sorry I had to hide this for so long as the plan was for you to fly back early morning today…” Ivy stopped briefly to wipe away her tears as Jason sat up confused.
“What do you mean Ivy? Fly to where?” Jason asked as Ivy took a deep breath before telling him the truth. In the back of her mind, she reminded herself that her brothers had already made arrangements to accompany Jason on the flight and for her to the meeting. Hence, she should keep calm as everything was under control.
“Jason… There was an accident involving your mother and your grandmother yesterday…” However, Ivy’s emotions got the better of her as she choke on her words. “Your grandmother had passed away…” Ivy forced herself to continue as her tears were flowing uncontrollably. The shocking look on Jason’s face made her heartache as she pulled him in for a comforting hug. When Jason finally registered the news from Ivy, he couldn’t help but hug Ivy by her waist tightly, trying to recall the last time he ever saw his grandma. The thought of his mother made him wonder how distressed she must be which jolted him back to his senses.
“I need to fly now… I need to go…” Jason mumbled as he tried to get out of bed while Ivy tried to control her emotions and helped him.
“Alright… Go ahead and wash up first.” Ivy helped to walk him over to the washroom as she closed the door behind her and heard Jason begin to sob standing in front of the mirror as he let the tap water flow. Ivy who heard it loud and clear struggled to keep her emotions under control as she left Jason alone for a while.
Meanwhile, Ivy helped him to pack his belongings. She breathed a sigh of relief when she found a set of dark-colored formal wear he brought along in his luggage as she heard the washroom door open.
She quickly handed it over to Jason who was still in his casual wear when he returned from washing his face. Ivy helped to wipe his face dry as he rested his head on her shoulder momentarily.
“It’s alright… I will handle everything else. Go, get ready first.” Ivy comforted as Jason nodded and took his clothing from Ivy to head in for a shower while Ivy went on to pack up other documents. She also finally had the time to respond to Ray on his prior arrangements for himself and Mr. Jin to pick Jason to the airport while Jin would come over with Cassandra to pick her up and head to the meeting together. As Ray updated her that they were all already on their way to the hotel, Jason stepped out of the washroom looking lost after the shower.
Ivy quickly sat him down on the bed and handed him a bottle of water while she went to wash up first. When she stepped out of the washroom thereafter, she found Jason kept staring into space dumbfound.
The sight was enough to break her heart as she went over and hugged him momentarily before her phone rang with a text message from Ray telling her that they all had arrived with her clothes and were in the lobby waiting. A part of her was relief that Ray was smart enough to plan for himself to accompany Jason as she definitely wouldn't let Jason board alone while looking so lost.
“Let’s go…” Ivy urged Jason gently as Jason stood but couldn’t bring himself to walk forward as he looked at Ivy.
“Don’t worry…” Ivy reassured him as she looked deep into his weary eyes.
“Ray will fly with you over and take care of you till you reach. I will help you settle this deal with Jin and we will fly over tonight. I will see you tonight alright? Wait for me?” Ivy said as she blinked back her tears watching Jason nod slightly although he was aware of Ivy’s explanation but was too distracted by his thoughts worrying about his mother’s conditions and grieving over the loss of his grandma. She hugged him one last time before sending him to the lobby as Mr. Jin and Ray drove away with him leaving Cassandra and Jin waiting for Ivy to change before she returned down to head to the meeting.
Ivy didn’t expect to meet Cassandra again in such circumstances as she went through the details with Jin in the back seat of the car while Cassandra drove. Ivy was grateful for Cassandra to be present at such a crucial moment. When they arrived, Ivy gave Cassandra a quick hug before entering the venue with Jin. “Thank you for the help Cassie…” Ivy said gratefully as Cassandra nodded and smiled.
“Don’t worry. Go ahead with the meeting first. I will wait for the both of you.” Cassandra urged as Ivy nodded and catch up with Jin.
When both duos arrived at the meeting with Mr. Jing, he was surprised to see both top management of Ophal’s real estate managers were meeting him.
“Ms. Ophal. Mr. Ophal. I am very surprised to have you both coming to meet me instead. I thought it would just be Mr. Rahi.” Mr. Jing greeted them as he shook each of their hands.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
“That shows how much we pay attention to your project Mr. Jing,” Jin said as he adjusted his glasses while Mr. Jing nodded in agreement.
“Ms. Ophal, you’re very impressive from the last time I met you. It is really a waste that Mr. Rahi didn’t come along to hear this. I am glad to see where you have landed yourself too.” Mr. Jing complimented as they all took a sit.
“Thank you, Mr. Jing. I apologise on behalf of Mr. Rahi who couldn’t make it today with us due to an urgent personal matter. Nonetheless, be assured that he is very keen on this project and has put in a lot of effort. In fact, here’s the final proposal and quotation for your review.” Ivy whose hair was tied up in a french bun looking dandy, handed over the file to Mr. Jing followed by the contract.
“I believe Mr. Rahi had sent you a copy previously. Here’s the final contract. We are going to accommodate your request on a whole package of setting up the booths to the building of platforms and stages for games and performances. In terms of securities and logistics, we are also accommodating but we would require an upfront 50% deposit to be paid first before we begin with any construction.” Ivy explained in summary as she paused to wait for Mr. Jing’s reaction. She was prepared to explain more as Jason’s concern last night was about the disagreement about paying the deposit.
If Mr. Jing was to reject, Ivy had to negotiate a lower percentage. By all means, Ivy has to at least get a certain percentage of the deposit, or else the deal would be called off. Ivy watched Mr. Jing’s eyes darting through the contract and nodded satisfying before searching for a pen in his pocket.
He instantly signed before returning the file to Ivy as he chuckled looking at Ivy’s surprised face. “Happy to be working together moving forward. You will be notified once the deposit of 50% is deposited within this week. In addition, please also inform Mr. Rahi that we would like to invite him as the emcee for the dinner celebration on the final night.” Mr. Jing explained as he stood to shake Jin’s and Ivy’s hands.
It took Ivy by surprise indeed as she thought she would have to explain more to convince him to sign the contract but on the contrary, he was extremely satisfied and signed nearly instantly.
“Thank you, Mr. Jing. I will let him know for sure.” Ivy said solemnly as Mr. Jing buttoned his coat and wanted to leave.
“It’s really a pity that Mr. Rahi isn’t here today. Otherwise, it’s good weather to have a good golf game together. Please let him know to take care and we shall see each other soon.” Mr. Jing said as Ivy nodded with a prim smile as they watched him walk away.
“That was not just a few thousand dollars contract but nearly a million yet he could agree to the upfront deposit…” Ivy mumbled as she took a sit.
“Why did Jason have to go over all the trouble just for funds?” Ivy rolled her eyes as she was slightly pissed off at all the extent of effort they put in when in actual fact, Mr. Jing’s company could afford the cost and fulfill the terms and conditions.
Jin patted her shoulders to comfort her as they both stood and left the restaurant. “That’s how business is Ivy. They want to ensure the stability to have an assurance that the company can handle such a big-scale business. But, why did he ever want to sign this on a Sunday? Can’t Jason freaking just get a rest?” Jin whined as they walked out to Cassandra who was waiting in the driver's seat.
“Mr. Jing is a fussy client after all. If it wasn’t because of him, Jason wouldn't have met daddy for the investment.” Ivy continued to whine.
“Oh yes, Sandra has packed your clothing earlier and it’s in the car’s trunk. We are heading straight to the airport now. Dad and Ryu had flown over to offer their last respect. They will wait for us to visit the wake together.” Jin explained as Ivy couldn’t help but blink back her tears at the sound of the wake which reminded her of her dream last night as they climbed into the car.
“Hey… It’s alright.” Jin comforted Ivy by handing her a tissue from the front seat dashboard as she sighed in agony.
“I have gotten updates that Auntie Daisy is recovering from her surgery from the accident. She is still bedridden and might not be able to make it to attend the funeral.” Cassandra explained while she drove as Ivy held her head in her hand as she stretched her arm supported by the side of the car. However, work couldn’t stop running through her mind and she had been wondering about Jason’s talks and weekend emcees.
“I have been thinking about his work arrangements actually, Jin…” Ivy mumbled as Jin hummed in acknowledgment for Ivy to continue.
She knew Nick had been handling his weekend emcees and wondered if Nick would be interested to take over Jason’s talks temporarily as she knew it would be best for Jason to keep his mother accompanied for the time being. As for the rest of the jobs on hand, it didn’t really get delayed as Marcel had always been in charge of them.
“I have been thinking for all the talks of Jason’s, I have a candidate who could take over them. And for the other tasks on his hand, Marcel had always been in charge but I felt like I want to stay around in Manes for a while to watch things settle down…” Ivy explained her thoughts as Jin shook his head.
“You know dad wouldn’t agree to it. Who is it that you have in mind anyway?” Jin asked.
“Nick, Jason’s band’s drummer. He had been taking over Jason’s weekend hobby job of emceeing so he is definitely a good candidate for this.” Ivy explained as Jin nodded in agreement hearing the relevant experience he had.
“Well, get his confirmation first and sort it out with Marcel. I don't see the need for you to have to be around Manes for so long. Dad would worry and besides, grandma’s house is not completed yet. And there is technology. If you’re worried about Jason, head down over the weekend.” Jin explained directly which sorted out Ivy’s intention as she smiled satisfyingly.
“Talking to you has always been so easy…” Jin smirked at Ivy’s compliment as they reached the airport where she said her goodbyes to Cassandra first before walking into the airport, leaving the lovebirds to say their goodbyes.
Ivy was grateful that Sandra had chosen a dark color dress for her earlier meeting so that she could instantly attend the wake with her family upon arrival to Manes. As she alighted from the taxi, she smiled at her family. She walked over to give her dad a hug. “I got the deal,” Ivy tried to say cheerfully but it wasn’t enough to cover the sadness in her voice.
“Good girl. I knew you could do it.” Peter smiled as she patted her head. “Jin helped too.” Ivy didn’t forget about her twinny as Peter smiled and nodded when he let her go of his hug to have a good look at his daughter.
“Let’s go in... You’re sure you can handle this?” Peter asked once more as Ivy took a deep breath and nodded confidently before swallowing her saliva.