"It's not strange at all. Deals fall through all the time."
Jiang Yazhu, the CEO of a fintech company, nervously fidgeted with the tissue, seated in a coffee shop.
"Indeed. But deals fall through with normal companies. The Liu Corps is not a normal company. It's a giant. Do you...really think I did the right thing?"
Yuze raised his brow. "Why do you look so doubtful now? You didn't hesitate to back out when I offered you double the deal."
And now I feel I made a huge mistake...
"Yes but it is the Liu Corps. The merger would have been extremely successful."
"Is that the only way you measure your success? With money?" Yuze shrugged. "You would have started living like a dog, under his thumb for your whole life."
A man approached them just then, bringing a tray containing two cups of hot cappuccinos. He neatly placed the two cups in front of them and bowed.
Jiang Yazhu said to the server, "Thanks."
Yuze just barely acknowledged him and continued. "Do you think Liu Jin wanted the deal because he saw potential in your company?"
Lin, who had just turned to walk away, froze hard at his spot.
"No, he didn't. He saw a chance to hoard a beneficial deal for himself and use your company to propel his own. You would have gotten peanuts," he smiled.
Jiang Yazhu blew air over the hot coffee and took an anxious sip.
"Big companies like the Liu Corps only know how to crush developing startups like yours. I should say you have saved your self-respect."
He seemed to sway again and felt pensive.
"I think you are right, Mr. Kang...My company is the result of my hard work, sweat and tears. I won't let any bigshot ruin what I have built."
Lin stood rooted at his place and the tray in his hand shook a little.
Yuze noticed Lin's still posture and frowned. "Why are you still standing here?"
He jolted and replied. "Nothing...Please enjoy your coffee, Sir."
Lin walked away with swift steps and shut the door to the kitchen. He let out his shaky and trembling breaths.
He was so lost in thought that he didn't even notice the cafe's entrance door hitting the welcome bell.
"Hello."
Maybe I misheard that man, Lin thought or more precisely, he wanted to believe that.
*Tap tap*
Lin broke out of his daze and looked up to see a customer at the counter. He bowed. "My apologies for not noticing you, Mam. Welcome to Lin's Coffee."
"Is everything alright?"
Lin was taken aback. "Yes...?"
"You were thinking very hard about something," she stated.
He blinked once. "How do you know, Mam?"
Alix gave a light smile. "Hm...I just know it."
Lin furrowed his brows. "How do you just know it?"
He felt it wasn't a very logical answer to his question.
"Some things are better left unsaid. Can I get a latte?"
"Sure, Mam."
"Please brew some extra espresso and make it strong. Also, two packets of sugar too. And I don't want it too frothy."
Lin stared at her.
"What?"
He looked down at his small notepad, his lips slightly quivering as he read the order. His eyes slightly tinged and ached with tears. Even with his protests, the memory of a certain person kept invading him.
She...used to order just like this...