Zodiac Sigh!
Author's note: I love this chapter!
Chapter 11 – Once in a lifetime!
Three weeks of grueling campaign is like a war that rampages each country they encounter. Sakyo truly went over his limits. He was able to speak in two successive endorsements in one day! If you think that it was not enough, he extended himself over the next fifteen days! She wondered where his energy came from as she drank the last bottle of Gatorade. Being with him is tough, and adding to her woes, the physical exhaustion completely took over her mind and body.
Morale wise, it gained her a visual and partial mental experience on how he conducts his lecture. He proudly exclaimed the company's performance for the last three years. Profits and unblemished records can attract many investors. Confidence, strategic planning and constant innovation are the secrets of business success in any field you are engage in. She secretly reviews some notes that happened as if she attended a seminar. Honestly, it was more than that because she was able to meet other business figures. Socializing is not her strong point as conducting a business is like a gala' for her. Conversations are the trickiest thing to develop and improve one's personality. She was shy and timid for the first time meeting…especially men.
Nevertheless, she was grateful that she realizes it was a dream comes true for her. Lying in her new bed in a new apartment, she wanted no more. It was a good thing that after the outsourcing business, he gave her one day to break. He told her that he needs her but promises something that would pay all her efforts.
He mystifies her the way he said those things. A statement echoed in her mind, "don't worry, there is something that you will never forget in your entire life." A puzzle, again, destined to solve by her aching brain. This is one thing she hates about her sign and that is a constant nagging from her mind. It bothers her to decipher the missing link of it.
Speaking of apartment, the new room that she currently occupies right now has a fantastic view. Neighbors were friendly and accommodating as if she was no stranger in this building. Another thing though, is that the room is well equipped with necessary facilities. Additionally, it already has furnitures, dining set, bed, bed sheets and some kitchenware. Initially, she used to hate Sakyo due to the demanding deadlines that she needs to comply…without complains. It was a hard life for her but now she can see his true heart. He was just a man driven with ambitions and good intentions. It was just that the way of attaining it overwhelms her. She must understand that being a CEO does not mean that he occupies the easiest job in the world. It was not and she admits that her perception is erroneous.
Shizuru vividly remembers one time, during the campaign, that he told the portion of his private life. After his mother's death, he had a difficult choice whether he should continue his studies at college or not. He should have chosen the former since everybody wanted to have a degree. However, money was a problem as both son and father constantly argued about the expenses. His father invested some properties only to become disappointed as the financial crisis struck them.
From that moment, he realized the word "risk" as he struggled to make a living. He became a math tutor and at the same time, began developing his own database. During his early years, he taught himself how to understand the stock markets and the turn of global events. Both of them had a hard impact as it occurred in his mind that those two are predictable. He thrives at every adversary that comes into his way.
He loved the way the audience listens to him. A great sign of awe has permanently marked on their faces. After the talk, there are plenty of people wanted to shake hands with him. Some took a picture and for a strange request, some wanted his autograph. She suddenly thought that if there is a time that people had mistaken him as a rockstar due to his popularity. Nevertheless, he loved teaching and sharing his experiences. The only thing lacking right now is to publish his autobiography.
Sakyo summoned his associates and staff about the "news". He ordered them to stop shortly about their present work. Some of them wondered why on how an ordinary weekday is suspended. After many weeks of hard labor and patience, it finally gave them a slightest clue of what was going on. All of them started to hush themselves to remain silent.
"I do not want to have an introduction for this matter because this excitement no longer holds me." He said happily.
He continued, "Ladies and Gentlemen, the company has finally topped the position of being the number one in database company performance. The Goliath Company was now overthrown!"
There were loud cheers and hoorays among them as Shizuru and Eri hugged each other jubilantly. Moreover, there were some tears of joy especially from Mr. Hideo Arai, whom he firmly believed in Sakyo's dynamic leadership. The two men, Sakyo and Goro, congratulated each other for their fruitful endeavors.
There is nothing sweeter than tasting the victory with you colleagues, Shizuru thought. It was the happiest moment of their lives as she was glad to be part of this unprecedented achievement.
However, there was more to say from the chairperson.
"Not only that, I would like to thank each and every one of you for making me the CEO of the year!"
"Really?" some employees exclaimed loudly. The deafening cheers were as intense as the last one. It was a double celebration as Goro went to the boardroom to get some help. Two personnels helped their vice-president to draw out some refreshments and hors d'oeuvres.
This is the first party that I had ever experienced in my work! Shizuru thought secretly.
The celebration was over as the janitors were fortunate enough that the employees did the cleaning themselves…including Sakyo. They made a terrible mess but no one complains. For the first time, all of them are happily taking out the trash, sweeping and mopping the floors. Not to mention, Sakyo was wearing rubber gloves to scrape a stain in the floor. Shizuru thought that this is a perfect moment where the CEO is wearing cleaning gloves. Too bad, she did not bring her digital camera. If only she knew, there will be a surprise party intended for them.
After they finished their duties, she picked up her shoulder bag to head home. Sakyo informed her that the subway systems were close down due to electrical malfunction in the trains' transformer. Additionally, he offered her a ride home since he knew she needs a lift.
Later, Sakyo leads her to the parking lot where his car parked. A beeping sound echoed in the concrete walls as the security systems were turn off. He opened the door for her as she politely accepts it. He soon followed her as he twisted the ignition keys. Soon after, the car drove away from the building's basement.
"Shizuru, I would like to offer you something. If you refuse it, you will regret it sooner or later."
"Well, what is it?"
"Would you like to come with me in New York City?" he whispered.
"What are we going to do there?" she asked in confusion.
"We are going to have a two week vacation. Also, that was the place that I am going to receive my award for 'CEO of the year'."
"Are you kidding me? Of course, I would gladly want to travel with you. When will it be?" she excitedly queried.
"In four days from now. Be sure you got your passport and your clothes ready."
"I am always ready!"
Sakyo chuckled as he focused his attention to the road.
"Okay, I got everything that I need!"
Shizuru has done packing her clothes as the two-week vacation is getting near. Excitement and tension occupies the innocent-traveling maiden. It will be her first time to journey abroad and luckily, it turned out to be Manhattan. For her, it was the dream that she ever adored. It was the place for the well-known socialites, shopping mania and quintessential dining.
Unfortunately, money is her problem.
Considering that the foreign exchange rate is one hundred twenty yen to one dollar, it is too much. Sure, visiting New York means spending down to your last penny and it means skyrocketing debts is under way, too. She was stuck in between spending and budgeting as she hopes that she will not give in to temptation.
Sakyo fetched her at her apartment as the car proceeds to the airport terminal. Every step, breathe and even heartbeat were measured meticulously. Why is it so? It is because Shizuru can feel an intense moment of escalating through the skies and fly away to the place she loves.
The car leads them to the plane's hangar, as she felt a little bizarre. Isn't it they are supposed to be dropped at the waiting area of the terminal and goes through the security personnels? Additionally, they are supposed to check the immigration booths to give them an admission to proceed. Why do they not go through it? Her mind, again, is overflowing with unanswered questions.
As if he can read her transparent mind, Sakyo informed her that they would be flying via his private transcontinental plane. He was a billionaire and he can do whatever he wants for his convenience.
What in the world is that?
Both of them went out from the car as they skipped the procedures in mandatory air traveling. Shizuru was so amaze that there was a red carpet waiting at them. From there, Sakyo was talking about the plane. It was an executive craft with a name Gulfstream 550. He also added that the plane has the capacity of eight people. Two pilots were already at the cockpit, getting ready for the flight. They all climbed up to the plane with other surprising amenities that awaits them.
Inside the plane, it greeted them with those luxurious items such as leathered seats, video area, glasses and champagne. Not to mention the fine food that sits prettily in the convertible table. Amazingly, it has business workstations, CD/DVD players, dining & conference area, two galleys, shower and toilet area.
This is insane!
As the plane goes to the runway, Shizuru was so nervous if this "small plane" can fly. Sakyo laughed as he assured her that it would definitely fly.
The two pilots had received a signal from the control tower that they are next in line to take the runway. The plane positioned itself for the take off. The engines started to roar as it reaches its peak. It steadily gains the speed and for the few seconds, she can feel that they are elevating up to the sky.
Get ready, New York City because here I come!
After sixteen hours of flight, Shizuru had a taste of her experience in jet lag. A couple of stop over in Honolulu and Los Angeles are not exciting as it lasts for only an hour. The plane needs to refuel and it needs to replenish the food supplies.
Stepping out from the La Guardia Airport is easy. A stretch limousine is waiting for them at the hangar. She feels like a billionaire's wife (or is she?) receiving all the perquisites that life can offer.
Sakyo shows no signs of tardiness as he instructs his butler, Louie, to contact the hotel personnel at Manhattan that he and his crew had arrived. Louie did so through his blackberry device.
An hour of drive, Shizuru feels like a kid again, peeking from the window to see and hear the sights and sounds of Manhattan. Bright lights greeted her nostalgic eyes while its noise moderately drums her ears. She can see fashion boutiques and broadway shows that dominate the busy street.
If only she has lots of money, then she should have shop until she drop.
The limousine stopped at the main entrance of this magnificent building that she has ever seen. Its architecture goes way back to the turn of the century as she hypothesizes it was the queen of all hotels. Surprisingly, Waldorf-Astoria was indeed a grandeur hotel.
Inside the reception area, she walks through the marbled floor with breath-taking geometric patterns. Above the ceiling, she can clearly see the sparkling chandeliers hanging elegantly. Her eyes wandered all around it as long and stylish curtains drapes the oversized windows. Fine designs of nickel and brass lavishly decorates the mezzanine.
Are we going to stay here?
Sakyo went to the booking area where the blonde female greeted him sincerely. He whispered some important details on what type of room he would like to stay. The receptionist picked up the phone to ask some questions regarding the availability of the room. She nodded as she politely gives a person the gratitude at the end of the line. She puts down the phone to turn her attention to him. She gave permission that the room he requested for is ready for occupancy. She pointed the way going to the elevator leading to it.
All of them, including the personnel, who carry their luggages, entered the elevator. Again, it met Shizuru with amazement on how the designs were so attractive that even an amateur art aficionado would love to have them as his collections.
By the time the door opened, her eyes made a teary appearance on how the suite visually stimulated her.
"This is the room that you will never forget in your entire life." Sakyo told her modestly.
-To be continued-