Chapter 2

A tall man stood by his window looking out to see the city of New York. His 130-storied business already had 20 other branches in the United States alone. World wide he had 297 businesses open. Giving a heavy sigh he turned to his partner.

"So how much did we lose when the building caught on fine in Toronto?" His partner looked at his papers and then back up to the tall man.

"About 20 million dollars worth. It is basically ruined. We might be able to have it rebuilt in about 2-3 years." The tall man sat on his desk and gently rubbed his temples. Then looking back up at his partner with a frustrated but yet concerned expression.

"Eli, do you think its worth rebuilding it again. Truthfully?" His partner and best friend looked at him and smiled.

"Li, anything is worth it if you greatly believe it will have a worthy outcome." Eli slowly stood up and walked over to his friend and said "Li, 10 thousand workers lost their jobs last night because the place burnt down. These are employees that your father hired before he handed the business down to you. If it was me, I would have already sent a construction team there and have them start rebuilding immediately." Li looked at his friend and then smiled.

"Your right tomorrow call the construction company and tell them to start rebuilding. I don't care the price." Li said. Eli nodded and then jotted it down on his note pad. Eli turned around to leave but then was called back by Li.

"You want to go out and have a drink? It'll be on me." Eli smiled at his friend. It was a shame to see him have to turn to drink with every stressful day he has.

"Sorry but Madison and I have plans tonight. Your welcome to join us." Li gave his friend a quick smile and then said,

"No, its ok. You two lovebirds go out and have fun. Maybe I'll just skip the drink tonight." Eli lightly shacked his head and walked over to his friend putting his hand on his shoulder and squeezing lightly.

"Li, when are you going to settle down? You're almost 22 years old. And as far as I remember you haven't had a serious relationship yet." Eli stated to his friend. Eli almost regretted saying the words. He knew Li had one serious relationship, but that was almost 4 months ago. "Sorry bud didn't mean to bring up nasty memories." Eli quickly sad trying not to make his friend anymore depressed then he already was.

"No, its ok. And they're not really nasty memories. That year was probably the best year in my entire life. I just wished things would have ended differently." Li said looking out the window. He was remembering a emerald eye girl with short honey brown hair.

"Why don't you try and give her a call. She probably hasn't moved or anything." Eli stated. Li looked at his friend with a sad smile and slowly shacked his head.

"I don't think that would be such a good idea. All that would probably happen is I get hung up on after a few choice of words are sad. She's better off without me really. Knowing her, she got over me already and is seeing someone else." The reality of what he just said struck him like a hundred knives. Seeing someone else. Perhaps marrying someone. Li pushed it way back into his mind.

"OK Li, but it wouldn't hurt. I'm going to get going though, Madison is waiting for me downstairs. I'll talk to you tomorrow ok?" Eli asked. Li nodded his hand and then sat at his desk pretending to work. After Eli walked out, Li picked up the phone and dialed a number. After two rings a soft voice picked up on the other end.

"Hmm Hello?" I woke her up. Can I make anything else worse for her? Li mentally kicked himself before being brought back by the sweet voice.

"Hello? Who's there?" Li gently put the phone back in its cradle and gave a heavy sigh. Yes, she was better off without him.