Chapter 107 - Meeting Her Dad
It feels like the world falls on him. It is supposed to be good news, but why he wasn't happy at all?
And at this moment, he could not stop thinking of someone else.
Bryan felt like his heart squeezing tighter inside his chest, and it was hard to breathe. He is feeling both pity and regret.
And the more he suppresses his emotion to waver, the more anger he felt toward himself.
Yes. He hated himself! And right now, he even put himself in a situation he could not turn around.
Bryan hurls a long sigh at the deepest part of his lungs and releases the air furiously.
Eva's sobs worsen his throbbing head that he wanted to curse. But he has to calm himself down.
"Alright. I will finish all of my important work I have today to see you soon. So, stop crying. It wouldn't be good for you." After a long silence, Bryan comforted Eva. He gathered all of his patience to sound gentle.
On the other line, Eva is tuning down her cries. Still, she doesn't want Bryan to feel annoyed at her if she cries too much. At least, Bryan speaks softer now than the other few days that he almost didn't talk to her but gave her a cold tone.
"Do you promise?" Eva put an effort to sound sweet. She badly wanted to see Bryan and talk to him. She would not allow Bryan to throw her away completely. If she let go now, she's afraid that he would go back to Hailey.
She would bear Bryan's coldness toward her, as long as Bryan would choose her over his childhood sweetheart!
So, Eva patiently listened to Bryan and agreed that he would meet her tomorrow after his work. It was better than Bryan's excuse with an entire week not to meet her.
After the call, Bryan put his phone inside his coat pocket, revived his car's engine, and resumed driving.
He glances in Vince's direction and apologizes. "I'm sorry about that, Mr. Shen. Let's head to the site now."
"No problem. Well, is everything alright? I... erm, sorry for intrusion. I should not ask personal questions."
"It's okay, Mr. Shen. It's not that biggie. Just a minor family problem, which I should not bring my private affairs into my work," said Bryan with a sigh.
Vincent nodded in agreement. He chooses not to step into anyone's private affair as well, in which they just meet today, and then he's nosy. Not to mention, he had his troubles too, and that is his divorce.
Vincent forget what he heard. Instead, he keenly listens to Bryan explaining everything regarding Dream City.
"Many years ago, our boss came up to liven up this part of Australia. With everyone, we helped her do all the research we needed to analyze whether this area was safe and worthy to build a city. At first, we all planned for a small town only."
"But then, we found a lot of interested potential investors. Davies Group alone can build it. But as years passed by, our boss had more vision until the latest crazy project she wanted was to build the tallest building in the world, and you were the one she chose to fulfill that dream, Mr. Shen."
Vince pursed his lips. He retorted, "It was my great honor to work with her, Mr. Anderson. But It would be much greater if I could meet her to discuss the tower."
"Well, she didn't personally talk to her business partners or our contractors like you. I hope you would understand if she would not grant your request to meet her."
"Of course! That's not a problem with me, Mr. Anderson. As long as she would approve my design, and I could approach someone to relay my messages," Vincent expressed. "Sometimes, everything was well planned. However, mishaps still happen and can't be avoided along with the construction."
"Well, I couldn't agree more." Bryan turns his head sideways to look at Vincent. He studied him for a moment as curiosity lingered inside his heart. Afterward, he asked, "Are you married, Mr. Shen?"
Although Vincent was prepared to answer this question, sometimes it still caught him off guard. He pursed his lips into a warm smile and replied, "Yes, I am, Mr. Anderson."
"I see."
A moment of silence passed by before Bryan spoke again. "A chance you can meet our boss."
Vincent curled his forehead. That remark confused him, but he didn't voice out his query.
He shrugged this thought and remained silent until they reached the Eastern part of the city.
Bryan pulls over the car in the center of this vast area. Vincent steps out of the vehicle and allows his gaze to wander to the whole place. It was broad, and its neighbors were mountains.
But when you look at the west and south part of the city, it is entirely grassland. And so, you can see much farther than your eyes could travel.
It was a perfect spot in the city to build the tower.
"It was perfect," Vincent uttered afterward.
Bryan turned around and looked at Vincent. He asked, "Do you think so?"
He nodded. "Yes. If the boss personally chooses this area, then she has a good eye."
"I think so too. I'm glad you could agree with her too." Bryan chuckled. He patted Vincent's back and said, "I will try to convince the others to pursue our boss to meet you."
"I want to satisfy her with my job, and so I would like to work with her closely," Vince explained.
"She doesn't want to fail this project, so maybe she might agree to see you and monitor it herself."
"That would be very great, Mr. Anderson," said Vince.
"Bryan... Just call me by my first name. We don't need to be so formal to each other since we will work on a long-term contract." Bryan corrected Vincent. Since their age was close, no need for formalities.
Vincent nodded and smiled. If he works with these friendly men, then he would not feel so much tension from others.
He was used to working with some clients that sometimes make things hard for him to deal with them. But these executives from Davies Group are all warmly welcoming him. He's actually impressed.
After Bryan toured them around Dream City and showed the ongoing constructions, they finally called it a day.
Bryan glanced at his wristwatch and said, "It's almost lunchtime. We better headed back to the office to meet the rest."
At the Dream City Cafeteria, located across the Davies Group DC Headquarter, Bryan led them inside.
Gathering here is all executives and contractors for a free lunch. It has also become a bonding time that gives the other contractor to mingle with another firm like Shen Group.
"Vincent Shen! What a lovely day to see you!" a man in his seventies approached Vincent.
"Architect Lewis! I'm glad to see you, sir!" It relieved Vince to see a familiar face. He knew that the Lewis Firm was also working here in Dream City, but he didn't expect to see the Chairman himself.
Benjamin Lewis is a brilliant architect, and Vince admired his designs. He looked up to him.
"Congratulations! Welcome to Dream City! I'm glad they chose your firm to work on the other projects."
"It's my honor to contribute something here in Dream City, sir. Among giant firms fighting for a spot, SHEN GROUP would compete to win."
"Ah, that's my boy! I'm always proud of you! Well, see you around! This old man must eat on time."
Vincent smiled and nodded. His eyes followed the old man headed toward the buffet table, and then he turned around and walked toward Bryan, who waited for him.
"Great, that you and Mr. Lewis knew each other," said Bryan.
"We've been in a project before. I was working on my Internship with International projects, and Mr. Lewis mentored me."
"That's wonderful. He's my teacher too back in the US… I attend his class to understand Architecture more."
"What a small world, then!" Vincent was thrilled to hear this.
"Yeah. The world seems so small after all." Bryan's meaningful remarks that Vincent could not help but agree. "Come on. I will introduce you to everyone."
Bryan led Vincent and Tim toward the table the executives were seated at. Each one introduces themselves, and Tim makes sure to remember them.
Not long, someone arrives, and the boys all hype up.
"Uncle Jacob!" James waves his hand.
Jacob Davies turns his head in their direction. He made long strides toward them, which his eyes never left staring Vincent and Tim.
"Mr. Shen, this is Chairman Jacob Davies, owner of Davies Group." Bryan's introduction.
Vincent immediately extends his hand. "I'm pleased to meet you, Chairman Davies. Vincent Shen from Shen Group Firm."
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Shen. Welcome to Dream City!"
"Thank you, sir! It's an honor to be here," Vincent expressed with delight.
"Then, let us make history!" Jacob remarks, patting Vincent's shoulder. "Well, no more long introduction. Feel at home and treat this city as yours, Mr. Shen."
"I will, Chairman Davies." Vince pursed his lips into a thin smile. He's glad that the Chairman is hospitable.
Now it intrigued him to meet his daughter, the FEMALE BOSS of Davies Group.
"Alright! Why don't you eat yet? I hope you would like the food here," said Jacob.
"Don't worry, sir. We are not picky," Vincent replied politely.
Tim, who only observes his boss on the sideline, is willing to award him for being too polite in front of Chairman Davies. If he hadn't known him, he would believe he truly isn't picky. But the truth is, he has personal preferences, and that is his girlfriend's cooking.
'Heh. I'm going to tell Miss Hailey that you said that, boss!' Tim was grinning in secret. But then, he coughs when his boss glances over his shoulder to look at him. 'Damn! Could he truly read my mind?'
"Come on. Stop overthinking with unnecessary things, Timothy Cheng," Vincent firmly told Tim.
Tim blinks several times. He scratches his temple as he confirms something... His boss surely could be a mind reader!
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