99 Unfaithful

Xiu Jin finally went back to City S. Dan was there to provide him with a private transportation anyway.

They went back to work in their own companies as soon as they arrived.

Masaichi strode towads the Chairman's office. After knocking on the door, he was allowed access.

Xiu Jin saw his son, and immediately remembered the secret.

"Chairman." Masaichi bowed.

'Oh, he's here not as my son? Lucky.' Xiu Jin had a smile. "CEO. Is something the matter?"

"I had sent you the photos from the pictorial for the new collection. We will appreciate your opinion on it." Masaichi eyed his father. He seemed happy. Maybe his mother already forgave him.

Xiu Jin took the folder and browsed through the photos. At the back was the report from the marketing director. "Ming...Rushi?"

"She is the new marketing director." Masaichi reported.

"Hmmm..." Xiu Jin nodded like it was nothing, but his mind wandered off to a distant memory.

__________

Xiu Jin was a handsome young man about 30 or so years ago. Being the heir to a then small company, he had spent his time socializing really well.

That summer, he and his friends went to the beach, surfing all day and eating grilled seafood.

One night, he was walking along the shore, white sand in between his toes, when he found a girl staring blankly into the ocean.

She had delicate features, with thin, straight brows, dark brown eyes, tall nose, and thin lips. Her jet-black long wavy hair was gentle blown by the sea breeze. Her skin looked like it was sun-kissed. She seemed to be alone.

Xiu Jin slowly walked towards her. Even when he was close enough to appreciate her long lashes, she still remained dazed, staring at the crashing waves.

"Isn't the sea loyal to the shore?" He suddenly spoke, then flashed a gentle smile.

The girl was startled and looked up at him. She watched him sit beside her, still not saying anything.

He continued, "No matter how far it goes, it still comes back to hug the shore."

"If that was true, then the sea is unfaithful." The soft voice was just enough for him to hear." Though she seemed to be talking to him, she still kept her eyes on the waves.

"Why do you say that?"

"The sea hugs a lot of shores. You can never tell which one is home to the sea. Maybe none of them." There was melancholy in her voice.

"Have you found your home?" He stared at the girl.

"It doesn't matter where I am. I can always decide to make any place my home." She finally looked back at him, subtly smiling.

"You are beautiful." The young Xiu Jin blurted it out.

___

His memory shifted to the day when he saw the girl in a white dress, holding a bouquet of red roses, her veil had been shifted off her face.

"Why? Why did you not wait for me to come back?!"

"I...Jin...I didn't..."Her dark brown eyes were filled with tears. She clutched on her bouquet tightly.

Suddenly, the groom found them. "Xiaoyu." He looked at the man who was talking to his wife. "Your friend?"

Wong Xiaoyu did not speak, but gently nodded.

"Hi. I'm Ming Rouguang. It's good that you could make it to our wedding." He held out his hand.

Xiu Jin shook his hand absentmindedly. He mustered all his strength to keep his posture and to bring out a smile. "Congratulations."

"Why are you still at the garden, let's go back in." Ming Rouguang politely offered.

Xiu Jin shook his head, tears threatened to fall from his eyes. "I just dropped by. I actually needed to go on a business trip. I...uhm, congratulations again! I better go now!" He bowed and quickly left after glancing one last time at his first love.

_____________

Masaichi's voice pulled him back to the present. "Otousan..."

"Hmmm?" Xiu Jin almost let a tear fall.

Masaichi was confused by his changes in expression. "How did it go with Mom?"

Chairman Xiu flashed a bright smile. "Everything is under control."

"That's good to hear. If that's all, I..."

"Masa-kun..." Xiu Jin interrupted him. "Would you ever consider marrying someone else?"

Masaichi was not sure if this question was theoretical or does his father want him to remarry.

"I'm not sure of what you mean, Dad."

Xiu Jin had a gentle smile. "Nevermind. You can go back now."