6. Will
“Here are the figures we are bound to gain from the investment, sir. You can rest assured that you’re treading on safe ground here.”
“Hmmm, I see.”
I watched the Chinese client in front of me flip through the pages of our presentation and analysis of his returns on investment. But I could see from his facial expression that he was not the least impressed.
You might wonder how I can tell. Well, when you have been in this business for so long, you can easily tell when your clients are in line or not.
I observed him a little more as he flipped through the pages again back and forth, not really in search of anything. If he was in search of something, my confusion levels would surely rise.
The proposal I had in front of him was perfect, speaking from the point of view of an investor. If I were the investor myself, I would have sealed this contract without further ado.
The figures were great, the risk levels were not so high, and the return on investment was impressive, so what could possibly be the problem?
Tired of the client going all around flipping pages without communication, I decided to throw out the question on my lips. “Can I know the challenge you have with the proposal, sir?”
I watched the man battle with himself mentally before finally closing up the document in front of him.
“See, this proposal perfect, and I take it immediately.”
“But?” I asked, as it was obvious I had it coming.
“But . . .” The Chinese client paused as he looked away from me, fixing his gaze on my desk.
“Feel free to share your concerns, sir.”
“Me no judge but want to know, you really gay or not?” he asked in broken English.
I should have seen this coming. The moment he spurted out the question, I was aware that this issue had totally gone out of hand. He must have also heard the rumor. I felt annoyed to my core.
Whoever started this better hope I don’t find out their identity. Once I do, they’ll be facing heavy fines in court for defamation and spreading false information.
“I believe we are here for business, sir, and not to discuss my personal affairs and relationship matters.”
“I know, I know, but I think I should know person I do business with.”
“As much as I understand your concerns, sir, I still would like to keep my personal business private and strictly maintain a business relationship with my client. Be rest assured that my personal affairs have nothing to do with your investment.”
“Oh, come on, son! Me want to know the truth.”
I let out a sigh as I tried to remain calm and maintain my temper. To be honest, the man in front of me at the moment was starting to piss me off and even worse with his broken English.
How else was I supposed to respond to him? I had already released a counter article stating that I was only interested in ladies but not seeking a relationship. However, as expected, the article had taken a different turn, with people labeling me as bisexual.
Clearly, anything I said was not going to change what they believed, so what then was the point of trying to prove myself?
“I believe I already released an official statement clarifying all misconceptions about my sexual preference, sir. I would suggest that you read through it after our meeting. But for the record, sir, I love my women.”
“I see, hmm . . .”
I looked at his face and noticed he still wasn’t convinced. That’s why I didn’t feel the need to explain myself in the first place. Men like him already had their conclusions formed in their heads, and all he wanted was for me to confirm it to validate their made-up realities.
“I see that you still are not convinced.”
“It’s not that—” In the middle of his sentence, we suddenly heard a knock on the door.
Looking toward the direction of the door, I assumed it was Anthony knocking. “Yes, come in,” I said as I gathered the littered documents on my desk. When I raised my head, I was met with the last person I ever would have imagined to be in my office: Elizabeth.
What is she doing here? Wait! Hold on. Will, here is an opportunity.
I looked at my client and immediately wore a smile on my face. I noticed he was confused about who Elizabeth was. Grabbing the opportunity, I stood up from my seat.
“Sorry, excuse me, sir. Just a minute.”
With a smile on my face, I walked toward Elizabeth, who looked confused as to what she was doing in my office.
“Hi, honey! Took you a while to get here.”
“What?”
I immediately pulled her into a hug and whispered into her ear, “Just play along.” Then I spoke aloud, “I missed you.”
Holding her by the arm, I walked with her back to my desk, hoping she would at least take off the confused expression she had on her face.
“Sorry, sir, but I would like you to meet my fiancée. We are engaged to be married soon.”
“Oh, really? Wow, this good news!” he exclaimed. In less than a minute, I saw the man’s facial expression change to a more welcoming one.
Now, that’s what I’m talking about.
“I sorry for take much of your time. What else we wait for? Let’s finish deal and seal it!” my Chinese client said in a hurry as he began to flip the pages of the document.
“Now you’re talking.” I laughed as I detached from Elizabeth, walking over to my seat to put him through on where to sign. In less than a minute, we sealed the contract.
“Congratulations once again! Wow, good one!”
“Thank you, sir.”
He then rose from his seat and turned to face Elizabeth. “Congratulations, ma’am. Looking forward to seeing you soon.”
Elizabeth responded with a “thank you” and wore a forced smile on her face.
“Let me escort you,” I said as I walked out of my desk to escort him.
“I must say you have gorgeous woman. You no let her go.”
I smiled politely as the man whispered in my ear just before walking out of the room.
A gorgeous one?I have seen way more gorgeous ladies than Elizabeth. She’s okay but definitely not my type.
I snorted out a short laugh as I tried to ignore the comment. If only he knew it was all a charade. But now that the charade worked like magic, perhaps I just found the perfect solution to my problem.
As I walked back to my desk, I could feel Elizabeth’s glare on me the entire time.
All I have to do is convince her, and we are good. I mean, everyone wants to date me. I’m certain she isn’t any different.
“You may take a seat,” I said as I settled into mine, letting out a breath of excitement and relief.
I looked up to see that she was still standing, and this time, she was glaring at me. If she could swallow me up with her eyes, she would surely have.
“I’m taking it you’re not pleased, but how about you have your seat, and we talk about this like adults?”
Elizabeth maintained her position, not moving an inch. It was at this moment I knew I had a hard rock in front of me.