Love Began with the First Meeting

*

Life could be sometimes a series of compromises. Sometimes man would lose his self gradually and keep on compromising repeatedly.

Addison slowly raised his head and looked at York with panic written across his face. He lowered his deep eyes and furrowed his eyebrows. His slender fingers shivered, turning over the pages. Aside from the news about Sally and Matthew at the entertainment headline, the story of the fight in Hon Entertainment Center covered a large part of the page.

It was reported that some journalists were investigating the site in the said place and happened to witness some teenagers fighting. The report mentioned not only the fight but mainly the problem that the teenagers had entered the entertainment center to stir up public opinion. To make it worse, the words written in the report were aimed at the loose and lax royal policy. It even implied that a certain person who held a high position was making trouble.

Addison read the report without any hint of emotion. The report also said that Hon Entertainment Center belonged to the Rock International Corp. It was irresponsible of the Ji Family to allow such things to happen and only rely on their relationship with the royal family. One could conclude that the purpose of the report was to criticize the imperial family and the Ji Family, and to attack the National Congress as well. Not to mention that vague picture in the report had confirmed that.

The issue wasn't shown as the headline but was published instead in the entertainment section. One could tell that the person who wrote it wanted to rouse public opinion without catching too much attention.

"Mark." York pulled the chair and sat down on it. His black and blue lips somehow recovered after one night but were still noticeable. He had read the news and knew how powerful public opinion could be. At the end of the day, the public would surely find out that it was him all alone. Addison raised up his head from the newspaper and looked at York.

"I'll handle this. All you need to do is go to school now." He paused for a moment and then continued, "If you want others to believe you, you must be able to fake it." He placed his tablet on his desk and stood up. "Inform everyone in the main mansion to prevent Aunt from watching the news today."

"Yes!" Wyatt answered and watched Addison walk out.

York frowned as he watched Addison's disappearing figure. Then he turned back at the tablet. He could only sigh and then shrugged. What happened yesterday wasn't a coincidence. It seemed like somebody had set it up. Fortunately, Hedy wasn't in the photo. Or else, if the problem got more serious, he would be helpless. He didn't know how to deal with it.

After he had left the mansion, Addison wasted no time coming to the National Congress. Every stride he took caused some of the staff to lower their eyes out of respect. Thirty minutes before 9 o'clock, he was already sitting in the council chamber. Ten minutes before 9 o' clock, the officials of the Ministry of Culture had entered one after another. When they saw Addison sitting there, they felt chills down their spines and went to their seats in silence.

Addison remained quiet and everyone present in the chamber dared not to do anything that would offend him the slightest bit. Richie was remembered by the people to be cold and indifferent. Meanwhile, Frank was kind of cunning and only worked for his self-interest. Ever since Eric became the ruler, nobody knew what he was thinking about. And this man sitting right before their eyes was most likely to take over Dragon Island. He seemed to have all the characteristics of the previous rulers from several generations. He was bossy, cold, cunning, and reserved. When in his presence, they would lose their train of thought under his instruction.

"So, everyone, have you all read the news this morning?" Addison spoke as he scanned his eyes across every face in the room. He started speaking when they were already in their proper spots.

The minister, Francis Liang, nodded. "Yes, I read about it." He paused for a moment and then his voice had a hint of caution in it. "Your Highness, is this about Matthew Tang or the Ji Family's entertainment center?"

"First and foremost, let's discuss the issue about the entertainment center." Addison's voice was low, like a lion king growling at his subordinates. Some started to feel anxious and nobody could tell what he was thinking. Then Addison continued, "This is why I informed all of you about our meeting today last night." His eyes turned cold and sharp. He continued, "Recently, teenagers keep entering entertainment centers after several prohibitions. Any suggestions, everyone?"

Almost everyone's mouth went dry. The room was silent with nobody responding. Despite the strict policies being implemented, there were still counter-measures. As time passed and everything had changed, society had also developed. And now, it was getting difficult to forbid teenagers from entering such places. However, everybody was aware of that but nobody dared to utter a single word.

"No answers? Very well then. I want all of you to hand in a detailed solution to my office before noon." Addison didn't show any hesitation. "And also, remember that the public on Dragon Island is free to have their own opinions but ZTV needs to create corresponding countermeasures for the reports. I don't want to forbid anything, but due to what happened these past days, I am unwilling to see such words. Besides, if the director doesn't feel comfortable in his position, we can always find a replacement." His voice was relaxed and casually from the beginning to the end, but his words were ruthless and decisive, and somebody was fired in an instant.

Everyone remained quiet in their seats. They were all afraid to irritate him and catch his attention.

"Just ignore Matthew's affair." Addison turned to Francis. "If there's something new and more attractive than this statement, then it will be much better. Sometimes, the public just need something to feast on and amuse themselves. If it's interesting enough, they'll get distracted." Finally he mentioned the most important topic of today's meeting. "I want you all to know that I don't want to see the imperial family, the Tang Family, and the Ji Family under the limelight the all at once again. Do your best to maintain the status quo. All of you know how much effort the ruler has made. Every one of you is a part of Dragon Island and I hope you keep your hearts here and give the best for our citizens."

Everyone stood up and lowered their heads. They chorused, "Your Highness, we will keep your words engraved into our minds and our hearts."

Addison scanned the room again sharply. "Very well. This meeting is adjourned. Go back to your duties." He stood up, placed a hand in his pocket, and left the council chamber. All who were left sighed in relief. Some of them were sweating inside their suits! It was rather nerve-wrecking for them. They never knew what could happen next!

"Kindly tell Henrik to meet up with me," Addison said as he walked out of the council chamber.

Wyatt's expression went serious. "Young Master, I just contacted him earlier while you were having a meeting. The Ji Family informed me that Young Master Henrik went abroad this morning."

Addison abruptly stopped in his tracks and turned to Wyatt, seeming to ask whether his words were true. "Ugh. What does he need to do by himself?" Afterwards, he continued walking off.

What were Matthew's intentions when he did that to make the whole public know about it? There might be two possible reasons. One was perhaps he knew the relationship between Addison and Sally, although the chances were slim. However, no secret remained unrevealed. It wasn't horrifying to be investigated but it was terrifying that people remembered it with concern. And the other possibility was that the Tang Family tried to stir a conflict with the Ji Family and create another uproar.

Addison's eyes deepened. Then suddenly, he felt something vibrating inside his breast pocket and then took out his phone. When he saw the name flashing on the screen, he showed a faint yet provoking smile.

He answered it and his furrowed eyebrows uplifted. "What a surprise to get a call from you this morning, Yates."

Yates also curled up his lips and raised his narrow and long eyes. He answered peacefully, "Well, I think it's a good time to call today. Let's have dinner tonight."

"So you just set the time and don't give a damn when I will be free?" Addison's words had a deep meaning that nobody could understand. Nobody could tell whether he was joking or just being indifferent. "Ah. You'll be free," Yates replied with assurance.

Addison shrugged and responded, "Since you have called me yourself, of course, I'll be available." He paused for a moment and added, "I happen to be free also this afternoon. I wish to see your latest collection." "Alright then." Yates grinned, showing his pearly teeth. "Come here around noon. I'll cook."

"Sure. I'll be there," Addison answered and then conversed with Yates longer to show politeness before hanging up the call.

Yates wasn't that old yet. He was a man in his forties. But despite his age, he was the ruler of the Tang Family. Because of his position, everyone addressed him as "Master Yates", not to mention that the imperial family highly respected him. Back then, the Long Family and the Tang Family had a good relationship. But since a lot had happened and many had been involved, their relationship went stale and they became unfamiliar acquaintances now.

"Bring the stone I recently purchased with us," Addison ordered like a king.

"Yes, Young Master." Wyatt bowed and then went back to the Long Family Mansion personally to bring that stone.

Yates was good at gambling on stones, which was also his greatest hobby. Whenever an insignificant stone had passed through his hand, it had a big chance of becoming a priceless treasure.

He was an indifferent person, but he was well-known across the country. He had been considered a legend on Dragon Island in the past. If given the chance, he could almost control the world except for the Long Family. Even after more than ten years had passed, whenever somebody talked about the relationship between him and the fourth son of the Ji Family, Freeman, they would sigh secretly. That beautiful woman is dangerous!'

*

Sally had contacted Joe Fan through the business card Matthew had given her and she became one of Henrik's many secretarial assistants, which was what she wished. After all, an environment with a lot of women would be the best place to find out gossips about Henrik easily.

Matthew seemed to have made the biggest bet in his life to overnight prepare the perfect educational background and everything necessary to make her fitting for the job. When Joe handed her all the materials, she couldn't help but wonder if he appeared in front of her because he was either overconfident or had enough reasons to prevent her from telling Henrik everything.

"Ring! Ring!"

The melodious ring tone interrupted Sally's train of thought. She looked away and picked up her cellphone. When she glanced at the number appearing on the screen, she frowned involuntarily. She hesitated for a moment whether she should pick up the call. When she felt a few pairs of eyes staring at her, she hurriedly answered it with an apologetic expression.

"I'll be arriving at the building where you are in thirty minutes." Matthew's joyous voice came from the other end of the phone which made her want to resist instinctively. "I'll be taking you to dinner."

"My apologies but I'm not available," Sally refused indifferently as she checked her fingernails.

Matthew touched his forehead and said in a dramatic voice, "Brrr! So cold. Come on! Just have dinner with me. You owed me a favor. I helped you out."

Upon hearing that, Sally went alert. "Since it's my first day, I have to know the ropes of my job!"

"Are you finding excuses to refuse me because of the gossip report this morning?" As usual, Matthew's words weren't always on the same page with her.

But when he brought that up, Sally

went silent. In fact, she didn't even

эт

pay attention to that gossip. But Henrik hadn't come to work and they were all women in the office. All people in the office were certainly talking about that woman who was reported of having an affair with Matthew yesterday. A woman, who used to work in a coffee shop, was seduced by money. After Matthew had pursued her for five days, she became his mistress.

Until now, Sally couldn't refrain herself from paying attention to that rumor.

"Well, if I can refuse you by saying that, then that's the reason indeed." She only wanted to find her younger sister and didn't want to get involved with any man from a wealthy family.

"Ah. I see. If that's the case, I can just go upstairs and see you. That way, we can confirm whether the rumors are true or not." Matthew said mischievously, "I don't know. As a member from the Tang Family, if I ever go meet Henrik's secretarial assistant, will it get you fired?"

Sally chewed her lower lip, closed her eyes and tried her best to calm down. How she wanted to strangle Matthew right now! She didn't expect that Matthew would just say that! She sighed in defeat and annoyance. "I'll meet you downstairs after work." She replied through her gritted teeth and dropped the call before the man could have a chance to answer.

Life could be a series of repeating compromises for some things.

Sally grabbed the cellphone forcefully. She took several deep breaths and finally managed to calm down. Sally told herself that she had managed to be cold towards Addison. So she would be able to do anything!

Dragon Island during the evening felt comfortable with the summer breeze and the weekend nights. Since it was already weekend, almost everyone was talking about their plans. It was Sally's first day of work. Henrik's secretary on Dragon Island, Jennie Situ, had suggested they give her a welcome party. Unfortunately, Sally couldn't join because of Matthew's sudden arrival.

"Aww. Sally, you party-pooper!"

"What a drag."

"Ah, forget it! It's Sally's first day of work today and it's reasonable that her boyfriend will come celebrate with her. We should make way for them!"

Somebody joked and it made

everyone laugh. Sally didn't want to

further and couldn't

explain any f

make it clear either. She gave an

met

apologetic smile and responded, apologize for letting you all down' today I'll just treat you all tomorrow instead. How does that sound?" She continued while smiling. Since I came to work for the first day today, please choose a place

considerately."

Her office mates had heard her well and happily let her go.

Sally went downstairs. She felt restless like a thief and looked at the cars passing by and parked at the roadside. Unfortunately, she didn't find Mathew's car. Panic filled her system and she was afraid that somebody would see her get inside Matthew's car. She felt as if she was actually his mistress. Then Sally's anxiousness turned into resentment and she wanted to slash the tires of Matthew's car. However, since she had no backup, all she could do was compromise.

While Sally was preoccupied in her thoughts, an ordinary-looking car was parked in front of her. The car window at the back seat was down. She looked confused for a moment until it revealed Matthew's figure. She smiled faintly, opened the door, and got inside the car. When she was finally seated, lan started the engine and headed to Dragon Mountain at an average speed.

"Wow. I didn't expect that Master Matthew would be riding such a car," Sally said sarcastically. "Master Matthew doesn't look ordinary in a car of an ordinary brand."

Matthew nodded indifferently and added, "You see, Sally, it looks fitting for you."

"Hmph!" Sally snorted and turned her head at the car window to ignore Matthew. This man was difficult to deal with, She had already made a deal with a tiger and would get eaten without any trace left behind. After all, what choice did she even have? It was so obvious that Henrik wouldn't lether see Little Pear so she must try every means to stay within his circle. As an enemy of the Ji Family, the Tang Family could give her that chance.

The car passed by the populous commercial district and the central square. While Sally tried to organize her thoughts, the car went to an alley which backed onto Dragon Mountain in Dragon Leaping District and faced a white traditional villa by the sea. Even if Sally didn't know that much, she knew it was the Tang Family's mansion. Either male or female had marked it as the most yearned place aside from the Long Family Mansion.

"Why did you bring me here?" Sally turned her head to Matthew, confused.

"Well, Uncle Yates told me that he wanted to see the woman mentioned in the report," Matthew answered casually. "That's why I brought you here for dinner."

"Matthew Tang, have you gone mad?" Sally started to panic and tried to open the door while the car was running. Ian pressed down the lock quickly. Then Sally started screaming. "Stop!"

Matthew's expression darkened with rage but he remained calm. "You know, all women hope that they could be in a relationship with the Tang Family. They all want to set foot into the Tang Family's mansion. Now, tell me. Why are you refusing me?" "Please stop!" Sally howled hoarsely, not listening to Matthew.

But lan didn't dare to stop the car without orders from Matthew. Sally's eyes widened out of anger and she took off her shoe and threw it into the car window with strength. Unfortunately, she was too naive. She could only watch her shoe bounce off from the car window in shock. Even if the car looked ordinary, it wasn't equipped with the civilian facilities she would see frequently.

In order to make the game more interesting, Matthew would naturally not let Sally be exposed to the public so soon. He remained thoughtful when he went to pick her up.

"Stop! Stop!" Sally kept banging the window like a madwoman. It formed tiny cracks on the glass because of what she did rudely.

lan looked through the rear-view mirror and saw Matthew nodding. He let a sigh and pulled over the car. And he opened the lock.

Sally opened the car door and staggered as she stepped out. She had forgotten about her shoe and wanted to leave immediately. But before she could take a step further, Matthew followed her, pulled her by the arm, and pressed her down against the car. Sally wanted to resist but Matthew was way stronger than she. She had no strength to push him away any longer. Their faces were dangerously close. She could feel his breath on her face as the sun was setting.

She had heard an engine's sound coming from far away. Sally wanted to get up and when she started to move, Matthew pushed her back. By the time, the car had passed by beside them. Sally clearly saw the black car through the corner of her eye. For no reason, she felt her heart had suddenly stopped beating.

There was a sharp gaze coming from the car. She felt as if it pierced through her chest like a knife. ☐☐☐