Chapter 19
Tokyo, Japan
Although it was only 8.30 a.m., he was already hard at work in his office. In fact, he's been in his office ever since 7 a.m. that morning after having gone to the gym for a short workout beforehand. He always feels more energised after going on the treadmill for at least half an hour every morning.
He has changed a great deal as compared to the time when he was still studying at Ying De University, where he constantly needed his 15 hours of sleep each day. Now being in charge of the Hua Ze Corporation, he spends easily more than 15 hours a day in his office.
He was reading a report on one of the many subsidiaries of his company when his private line rang. "Hello…, "he answered with his attention still focused on the financial report in front of him.
"Lei..., "he heard her sweet voice. He immediately put down the file and focussed on the call. His eyes reverted to the picture frame on his table carrying the picture of all his dear friends: Ah Si, Xi Men, Mei Zhuo, himself and…. San Chai.
"Hey, to what do I owe this pleasure?" he asked her with a smile on his face. "Hua Zhe Lei, you should be lucky I'm not there to hit your head. How long has it been since you came back to see us?" she screamed loudly into the phone until he had to hold the phone away from his ear.
"Whoa….. San Chai it's only 8.45 a.m. here ok. You don't have to shout into my ear like that," he answered sheepishly, knowing he should have made that long overdue trip back to Taiwan early this month. "I don't care if it's 5 in the morning over there!" she continued in her loud voice, and then suddenly softened, "I missed you, Lei… Why haven't you been back?"
Sighing, Lei just shook his head, "San Chai, I've been really busy. You know I would go back if I could, but I just couldn't seem to find the time. Anyway I promised I would be back when your baby is born. I wouldn't want to miss seeing my godson for the world. I wouldn't dare," he chuckled.
"Lei, we're having a gathering tonight at my place… Do you think you can make it? I would really like to see you. It's been so long….. "she said softly and continued, "All the guys are coming and I've got a surprise for you as well."