"Umm..are you tired?"
He narrowed his eyes. "Why do you say that?"
"Your forehead is slightly creased. That should mean you might have a headache. You are not looking too well", Nana said.
He smiled and shook his head, "Its nothing. These past days I was busy wrapping up all the work. One collaboration project came at the same time as the anniversary preparations. And wife's orders. No work during the celebration."
I think it's that project Chen Jianyu talked about when we went for lunch. She nodded.
But she felt bad. It was a big day for him and it won't look good if he greeted guests with fatigue all over his face.
She got an idea.
"Mr. Liu. If it's possible, can I ask you to wait for two minutes?"
He didn't understand but nodded nevertheless.
"Thank you."
She quickly dashed to the beverage counter and made a fresh drink for him.
She got back and handed him the drink.
"Mr. Liu. Please have this. This drink is made from iced water mixed with nutritious berries and whole nuts powder that can relieve you from your headache and fatigue. You will feel more fresh and energetic after drinking this."
Liu Jinhai slightly raised his brows and started drinking it.
The drink immediately gave a cooling effect and he started feeling much better. It coursed through his body as all his tiredness washed away. He could feel his headache lessening.
He admired that she was very attentive. Not even a slight change goes unnoticed by her eyes.
"Thank you so much, Miss Nana. I'm already feeling better now."
He felt like an idiot now to doubt her that time. Her eyes look genuine in concern and not even a hint of malice can be found in them.
"Your welcome."
By the time he finished the drink, he had already gone back to normal. He looked at the time and said, "Well it's time for Huian and me to make the appearance. So I will take my leave. Once again thank you for your care."
"No problem Mr. Liu." She smiled.
While he passed beside her to go, his hand accidentally brushed hers and they froze.
Even with that slight touch, she felt her cheeks heated up. A slight tingling sensation gushed through her hand.
Jinhai quickly retreated and said, "I'm really sorry for that."
"I-its okay. I also need to go. The dinner will be starting soon. I will head back now. Please excuse me."
"Sure."
She walked quickly to forget whatever happened, but could still feel his lingering presence on her hand.
Stop Nana! What are you thinking? It was just a slight brush. What is there to get so worked up for?
She went back to her station.
"Nee-chan. What took you so long?"
"Oh, nothing."
"Nana!", a woman's cheerful and excited voice came from behind.
She turned. And smiled.
"Aunt Chen."
Mother Chen took her in a big hug and said, "How are you, child? It's been so many days."
"I'm good Aunt. How are you?"
"I'm all great. You tell me. Does Jianyu treat you well? If he gives you any trouble, don't hesitate to come to me. I have my ways to bring him online." She winked.
""
"Hey! What are you talking behind my back?", Jianyu asked.
"Nothing of interest for you." And she ignored him.
"" Is this how you treat your own son?
"By the way, this idiot didn't even tell me that you are the caterer! No wonder the food felt so familiar."
"I was going to tell you now-", he tried to say in his defense.
She glared and he immediately shut up.
"Anyways. Come with me. Jinhai and Huian are making an appearance. We will watch together."
"Aunt. It's kind of you but I'm really needed here."
"Oh, c'mon you can take some time. I will bear the responsibility."
"Ah, let's go, mom. They are already there. Nana, mom is right. You can come with us."
"Yes yes, come dear. And don't give me an excuse. Finally, my son said something sensible."
He twitched.
"Don't worry mam, we are here.", Xiaoli said.
"Okay. But if there is any problem, immediately come to me."
"Yes, mam."
Mother Chen was very excited. They reached the main hall and insisted Nana stand beside her and Jianyu beside Nana.
""
""
They could understand what she was trying to do. Gosh, mom!
The clock struck seven and the couple of the night was slowly making their way down the stairs. Hand in hand. Smiling and greeting all the guests.
Nana felt a little tug in her heart but she ignored it.
One by one all the families came and congratulated them. Nana could see some very expensive gifts being handed.
It was a bit awkward when the Tang family came to congratulate.
Suyin and Huian chatted a little to catch up while Mr. and Mrs. Tang attempted to talk to Jinhai. He just kept quiet. They found it very rude but couldn't say anything.
When they returned, Suyin saw Chen Jianyu standing with his mother. She was so happy and excited to see him this properly after a long time.
But she froze when she saw another girl beside them.
That same girlNana.
What is she doing here? And she is even standing with them? Did they invite her? Has she already become so important to be able to attend such elite events?
No. I cannot let this happen. I will have to do something, she thought.