An Qiao stood there for a while, looking lonely and rejected. I didn't have to raise my head to see that, the gossip lovers were already gnawing their mouths into this new peice. I wonder if they really are business people or the gossip bloggers.
"I've said before that she's no good. How can she eat comfortably when her so called best friend is standing there" the woman who didn't even filter her words or speak softly was at the table behind mine.
"And the man who claims to be her husband is just as rude. Fhnnn? Birds of a feather." The person beside her added.
Bang! I beat the table so hard, my hands went numb but I wasn't bothered. That anyone should judge the otherworldly Mo Jinsheng got on my wrong side.
"What is wrong with not accomodating trash. Must my husband talk to her just because she is willing? Should we also talk to everyone here. Come, come, line up and say whatever!" I scoffed.
I summoned all the aura that I could and directed a piercing gaze to two gossip mongers behind me.
Meanwhile the hall was in a state of decorum for five minutes, not even a cutlery smacking against the ceramic plates could be heard.
I sat back and continued my meal leaving the speechless audience in contemplation of continuing to eat or just forgetting the food. Uhn, what has them eating got to do with me.
Desmond Mo came to take An Qiao back to her sit. She must be pretending to be the frail princess. Come to think of it, she has always been soft but never weak. Is my judgement of her wrong?
As if on cue the cutleries started to makes new notes as they touched the once abandoned plates of food.
The bold gossips had now mellowed.
On the stage, the Chairperson holding a glass of wine began her speech.
"Ladies and gentlemen, business owners and executives, prospective partners and the cordial ones, it is that time of the year again when we open our eyes and ears to new opportunities and reach out to new prospects, forging a new direction or taking a new approach...."
As expected of formal speeches always long. I was grateful that the woman didn't bore us with charts and graphs.
"As you all know, this gala event was established by Bo Hong, a genius entrepreneur, who owns businesses in almost all the sectors of the economy. The AGFBC and it's members are so excited to have her come today. We will be inviting her over in a while."
Another round of gossip began. This time I strained my ears to tap into the gossip network.
"So Bo Hong is a woman all along. Why does she give the male vibe?"
"We all just assumed that the one who could have that much wealth is a man."
"Uhn uhn, but she must be an old woman. Only an experienced old woman can do such great things."
"It is an underestimation to say that she owns businesses. She is a conglomerate. I once heard from a friend of the director of public relations of AGFBC that she is established in all the continents of the world. She even owns a territory in Antarctica."
"AHH! She most be the world bank."
"That's an insight to how rich she is"
More and more people joined the gossip but the woman who sat behind me was in lead. She seems to be Google or Encyclopaedia. She had all the basic information.
"Yes, and guess what. She is
an only child."
Gasps echoed. I couldn't help but turn.
"There's more too"
There's more? I wondered.
"I heard that she doesn't have a child yet"
The ladies looked deflated and somehow disappointed.
"Who will all that wealth be for?"
"Aiit, I was still thinking about how to match make her son with my daughter."
"Me too, I was thinking that it will be good if she had a granddaughter that I could match with my son"
"I also thought the same. My daughter just finished from Harvard. She holds a PhD now. She would have been a good match"
"Me too. I was just thinking that my son will finally be useful"
"Bai An, even you?"
"En, what's wrong. Everyone is wishing. Can't I"
They all erupted into laughter, including Bai An who looks like she doesn't mind.
"Eat some dessert" Mo Jinsheng shoved some into my mouth as soon as I turned.
"Don't strain your neck just to listen to gossips."
I was caught in the act. I had almost forgotten that he was here too.
"Xiao Hong" it was An Qiao again. Right from unset, I knew I couldn't escape whatever plot she had laid out. She must have her way.
"What is it?"
"What?"
Mo Jinsheng and I looked straight at her. If looks could kill, An Qiao would have died thrice over.
"I have something to say. I don't want people to hear it"
"It's okay, I don't mind"
"I received a special invitation from AGFBC. I wrote a letter to her and she agreed to us."
"So?"
"So, I want us to go see her together"
That was it? No, she was here to show off. An Qiao knew that I wouldn't want to see her privately. She had even raised her voice, so that everyone could hear and the smug look in her eyes... It was a give away.
"Go alone"
I could hear the hushed gasps around me. I could see what would come next.
"Miss, this is an opportunity anyone would die for" I looked carefully at the intruder, she was the Bai An that was being laughed at earlier.
Judging from her dressing, I could tell she was one of those rich young madams who were overly pampered. She was a fat woman with a perfectly round face. She looked so innocent and ignorant that I felt pity for her husband. He must always have to clean up after her. People like these get cheated and .... I've wondered off.
"Mrs. Bai.."
"It's Mrs.Kumar. I'm Mr. Kumar's wife"
Now I remember, Mr. Kumar, a friendly and astute business man. My Indian friend dwho had wave day me earlier. He had mentioned his wife so many times before. His wife was why we became friends.
"Mrs. Kumar, I really don't need such an invitation"
"But.."
"I really don't need it but thank you." I tried smiling sweetly.