Chapter 148 - The New Business Partner

"Mr. Tan!" Cherry acknowledged his presence with a smile and then ran her eyes over everyone on the table. "Sir, I would like you to meet Miss Sheena's family..."

The introduction was warm and animated as Mr.Tan himself was very good at carrying himself. His warmth and cheerfulness made him win the hearts of everyone around, not to mention his captivating physical appearance.

Facing the elderlies, the great tycoons of marine industries, he began introducing himself. "My company owns a fleet in the Middle East, among its highlights, are the ones cruising through the Arabian Gulf. A friend in the industry recommended Rough Seas to me for the supplies and that's how I learned that the company needs investors for its expansion."

Mr. Dioko and Mr.Alfonso turned their heads towards Allie who just listened to Mr.Tan quietly. Never did she brought out the topic even once. She knew very well that they could put their hands In this. They may have remembered that this was mentioned randomly but they did not give it any attention since there were too many things occupying their minds lately.

"Darling, let's discuss more about this sooner. Your daddies here can always help you with the expansion. Venturing out into the foreign lands is a good step," said Mr. Lopez, his eyes full of admiration as she looked at Allie. It was also an indication that he agreed on Mr.Tan's proposal.

"Cherry is the one doing the magic here, dad. I still want to focus on building and designing," she replied, casting a helpless glance at Hayri.

Hayri must have understood her since he butted in.

"Dad, this was first intended as a side business but it kicked into the market, so that is how Cherry came along. As of now, she is starting to expand into few countries in Europe while Zheena, together with Adrian, starts out in Cebu for the Philippine market."

Ajie also joined in, forgetting about the awkwardness a few minutes ago. "Dad, I'm thinking about manufacturing our own products rather than relying on suppliers."

"Great idea, son. We'll start planning and work it out as soon as possible," Mr. Lopez replied as his thoughts flew immediately to business strategies.

"Then I can help you, dear. All these times, I am focusing on charity works and foundations so it's time to explore into the real business world," Mrs. Lopez butted in, a surge of new excitement burst out within her, welcoming herself back into her real self who was lost for a long time already. In fact, her husband had so many businesses but her depression kept her out of these.

"I'm excited, mom!" she exclaimed, feigning an excitement that was not really there.

Mr. Tan chuckled out, he seemed to know about their story. "So, that does mean that we are having a closed deal, Miss Sheena?'

Allie smiled back. "For now, allow us to enjoy our family moment first. We can discuss it when we're back."

"That's fine. I'm actually giving myself a break for this cruise so work can be set aside for now."

____

Later at a coffee shop where Allie and Cherry agreed to hang out and chat, Mr. Tan came over. His smile was so captivating that they were not able to refuse when he asked them to join. He may look elegant and sophisticated but his cheerfulness and his alluring smiles made him less intimidating.

"Sir, are you alone in coming over?' Cherry dared to ask. This cruise was such a waste to spend alone.

"Yes, I got no one to be with me. Who knows I'll meet my Miss Right here?" he replied,  an amused look spread into his face as his eyes stayed on Allie.

"Perhaps, you're setting up a high standard that no woman seems good enough in your eyes," Cherry argued, it was just too unbelievable to say that no one would like to join him here.

Mr. Tan laughed out loud, his irresistible and romantic features displayed as he tossed his head backward. He gazed at Allie and replied, "Not really. If I'd happen to fall for a woman, I would not care who she is and what her background is. She may be years older than me or she may be married."

"If you don't mind, may I ask if you had been in love?" Cherry asked further while Allie got more uncomfortable. His deep stares bothered her.

"Not yet but I think I have already found her."

Allie was about to butt in but she was interrupted by the ringing of Cherry's phone. Cherry picked it up and her eyes lit up as the one on the other line spoke.

"Zheen, Sir Hayri asked me to come to the music theatre together with you," said Cherry, her eyes beaming with excitement.

"Why?" Allie frowned. It still felt uncomfortable to be with Hayri after everything happened. The truth about their siblingship was still uneasy to digest.

"Please, Zheen. It must be about singing. I really missed it. You may ask Adrian to follow us."

Cherry's excitement was too high to put her down, so Allie had no choice but to agree. Mr.Tan also stood up and held out a hand to Allie to help her stand up. She was also not able to refuse at this, his action was expected from a gentleman. 

Perhaps sensing her discomfort, Mr.Tan smiled at her. "Miss Sheena, please don't take me wrong. I hope we could be friends from now on since we are now business partners, aren't we?"

Allie felt embarrassed for being so transparent. She chuckled softly, avoiding his eyes and replied, "Of course."

As soon as the three entered into the theatre, Hayri met and ushered them to a table on the corner. Mellow and romantic music filled the hall and on the stage were male and female vocalists on their love song duet. Behind them were the rest of the members of the band, holding each of their instruments. Just when they were seated, the music changes into another ballad and someone announced to bring their partners to the dance floor.

Hayri stood up and held out a hand to Cherry and said, "May we?"

Cherry hesitated but since Hayri didn't pull back his hand, she felt it was an insult to refuse. Anyway, he's already someone she knew well and in fact, someone who was closely related to her best friend.

Little did they know that as soon as they started to move into the dance floor, someone stood gazing at them.