8 Getting Frustrated (1/2)

Meeting Room at the Cho Corporation.

”If there are no further questions, then we shall start executing the plan. Meeting Adjourned.” Daniel Cho said before he stood up to leave the meeting room.

”Boss, Madam Cho called.” Assistant Ahn handed Daniel's phone.

Daniel nodded and took his phone, he was about to call his mother when a female employee called his name.

”President Cho..” Director Leah Tan called his attention.

”Yes?” Daniel turned his head and answered.

”President, there are some design proposals of the landscape plan for the new shopping mall that we are developing. I'd like to go over it with you and listen to your opinion.”

”Aren't we doing a bidding for that? Why do we need to go through all of them now?” Daniel asked with a look of annoyance.

”Yes, President, however, I think that shortlisting the candidates will help us.” Director Tan insisted.

Daniel didn't think twice and said, ”Have my brother go through those with you.”, then he walked away from her.

”Vice-President Cho? But.. President--”

”I don't have time for that, Director Tan.” Daniel said coldly while walking, he didn't even glance at her.

”I understand, President Cho.” answered Director Leah Tan, feeling down.

Leah Tan has been working for the company right after she graduated, that was 6 years ago. During that time, it was still Daniel's father who was the CEO and Daniel had just returned from overseas studies. She had been a fan of him ever since she saw how brilliant this young CEO is. She made an oath to herself that she will also work very hard so that she can one day, stand beside him and earn his affection. Although Daniel had not given her any special treatment, Leah is still content that she gets to see him every day and is closer to him now as a Director than years ago. She's a very diligent woman and a lot of men in the office likes her.

-

When Daniel Cho returned to his office, he immediately returned his mother's phone call.

”Mother, why did you call? Did you need something?”

”I don't need a reason to call my son, I just missed you!” Mrs. Cho sneered.

Daniel chuckled, his mom can be cute sometimes, ”Sorry, I've been busy since I came back from H City. I'll come to see you soon.”

”Tss, you're always busy with work…! Anyway, have you met Samantha again? I sent you her number a few days ago, didn't you receive?”

”Yes, I did mother. But I don't think we'll see each other again.”

”What? Why not? Did you guys fight? Don't you like her? Don't you find her pretty?” Mrs. Cho asked non-stop.

”It's not that, it's just... I'm really busy with company matters, I don't have time to date.”

”Nonsense! You promised to think about it, why don't you give it a try?”

”I did think about it, and this is my decision.”

”Mother... Please, just...”, Daniel sighed, ”Okay, I do like Samantha, I find her charming but I don't want to chase after her just because you said so.”

”Nonsense! Since when do you hesitate if you like something? And this time, it's a woman! It's been a while, Daniel. You haven't dated for a long time. You need to be happy too.”

”You really won't stop match-making huh?”

”No.”

”All right fine, I'll call Samantha for dinner. Just don't go on setting-up dates for me anymore. Let me handle my own life mom.”

”That's all I ask. Enjoy your date!”

”We're just going to meet and eat, don't get too excited.”

After the call finished, Daniel Cho sighed and considered his next move. He checked the time, it was currently 5 in the afternoon. He sat on his desk and started writing; a few minutes later, he dialed Samantha's number.

”Hello?~”

When Daniel heard Samantha's voice, he felt a sudden feeling of anticipation thus the corner of his lips lifted upward.

”Hello, Samantha... this is Daniel Cho. I'd like to invite you for dinner.”

--------

Four Seasons Hotel, private room 108.

As soon as Samantha entered the room, she sat down and asked, ”So, what is it that you wanted to talk about?”

”What would you like to eat?” Daniel asked.

”I'm not hungry.”

”I'll order for you then.”

Daniel called the waiter and ordered some dishes. When the waiter left, Samantha couldn't help but wonder. While she was on her way to the meeting place, she got really nervous and she couldn't understand why. It wasn't their first meeting so what was she worried about? Now that Daniel was in front of her, he kept on delaying; it made her feel unsettled.

”President Cho, I'm not sure why you wanted to meet with me. We don't have any common affairs--”

”Are you always this uptight?”

”Excuse me?”

”Ms. Kim, I invited you for dinner, so I hope that you will enjoy sharing the meal with me tonight. We'll talk about other matters after.”

Samantha didn't have anything to say to that so she just let things happen. When the food was served, they ate in silence. Occasionally, Daniel would ask Samantha if she wanted something; more food or drinks. When they both finished eating, Daniel wiped his mouth and drank his wine.

”How was your food?” Daniel asked as he smiled.

”It was really good, thank you.” Samantha smiled back, ”Do you come here often?”

”Sometimes, I know a lot of good restaurants but this is one of my favorites.”

”I see, it's my first time here. I'll definitely come back.”

”I'm glad you enjoyed your meal.”

”Soo....”