nine

                                    

                                          
Over the course of the following weeks, there were a lot of meetings dedicated to planning the wedding with the help of Jia Mei's mother and Xiang Tao's wife, Han Tae Rin. It all seemed unnecessary to plan an event so big for an arranged marriage. The whole process of picking out a dress, suit, flowers, venue for the reception.
Jia Mei and Chan had mentioned it several times, even Xiang Tao- her own husband commented it may be a bit too over the top. But for Tae Rin, being stubborn, insisted that this was all necessary for them as she was thinking about the company's image and their family's reputation.
While she was doing all the planning, Chaewon was recording every decision being made as well as the costs for everything. Chan and Jia Mei always gave their opinions on each aspect related to the wedding. Seungcheol, Soonyoung, and Jihoon--who were also there for some reason, occasionally said their piece. Xiang Tao, despite his thoughts on the wedding being unnecessary, just let his wife continue on as he watched her with love.
"Before we continue to speak about the plans for the wedding, we should confirm everything about their engagement party too." Tae Rin states.
"Isn't it a little much to throw a party for their engagement?" Seungcheol asks quietly, knowing it's been brought up at least three times "I mean, this marriage is arranged after all."
"We're part of a powerful company, Seungcheol." Xiang Tao speaks up to reminds him "So doing this to announce an engagement is expected as we do have influence amongst our peers, it'd be considered strange if one day Mei just walked into the office suddenly married. Also, if the couple consents, we plan to have their engagement announcement published in online articles on the same night."
"That's right," she nodded "It's going to be a guest list of approximately three hundred to four hundred people, possibly more. Back to the topic, we'll be booking a ballroom at one of the best luxury hotels, and the party will be from 5pm to 11pm. There will be catering and drinks provided, however no children will allowed as we will serving alcohol that night."
"What day did you decide it be held again?" Chaewon asks, trying to recall what was discussed earlier "March 3rd?"
Tae Rin immediately shakes her head "No, no. That's around Xander's birthday," she frowned, referring to hers and Xiang Tao's son and Jia Mei's younger brother, Rose Jian Hong "I don't want the party to make people forget about his birthday formal."
"So... Should we have the engagement party after that then? Perhaps  in April so there's some time in between?" Chaewon suggested.
"I think that's a good idea." Xiang Tao approves.
Chaewon nods "So our options are either the 17th, the 24th or the 30th. Which date should we hold the event on?"
"I prefer the 17th." Jia Mei says, and they all agree.
Tae Rin smiles "Then the engagement party will held on April 17th. What day is it today?"
"February 7th, mom." 
"Thank you, Mei."
"Anyway," Chaewon coughs to re-focus the conversation "Now that we've settled the basics of their engagement announcement party, we should move on to the actual wedding ceremony. There's a lot of finances to deal with."
"We'll get to discussing it next time, Miss Park, so don't stress yourself out about this." Jihoon reassures her with a smile, which she returns back to him. From the corner of Jia Mei's eye, she notices that Soonyoung began to narrow his eyes at his colleague.
"Jihoon is right," Jia Mei agrees "I also think that's enough to discuss for today, don't you think?"
All nodding, they dismiss the meeting for today and all go their separate ways for the day. As Jia Mei was about to go home, she heard Chan call after her.
"Jia Mei!" His voice getting closer "Jia Mei, wait up!"
She stopped walking towards the elevator to let Chan catch up to her. Once he caught up to her, they began walking side by side and talking as they entered the elevator and went down to the building lobby.
"Is there something you need, Chan?" She asks, wondering what he wants.
"There is, actually." He grins "I heard there was going to be a little carnival-like international food fair happening this Saturday night, and I was wondering if you'd like to accompany me."
Her eyes lightened up in surprise, not really expecting an invite to anywhere with him. Realized she was being put on the spot, her face began to burn up and it was showing, causing him to chuckle seeing her reaction.
God even when she's flustered, she's adorable!
He remains seemingly calm as he continues talking while they finally got off the elevator and walked through the building lobby "If it makes you feel better, Soonyoung is planning to invite Chaewon. So if you feel uncomfortable about being alone with me, Chaewon can accompany Soonyoung to make you feel more at ease."
As much as she wanted to say yes, she was worried about the thought of Chaewon with Soonyoung. She didn't trust him alone with Chae, unknowing of what his intentions are or if he plans to use her seeing as she doesn't know him that well. But if Chaewon wants to go with him, Jia Mei is happy if she is.
Scrunching her face while lost in though, Jia Mei weighed out the pros and cons before sighing and accepting his offer with a smile "Alright, I'll go with you."
Upon hearing her answer, he smiled widely as he shouted "Yes!", which attracted to attention of everyone else in the lobby, staring at them.
It took him a second to let the embarrassment sink in before quickly walking to the main entrance, taking Jia Mei by the hand. Once they were outside, Chan was about to go back to the topic when he realized he was still holding Jia Mei's hand. It felt very different from her handshake, it felt more soft and relaxed in his hand.
Jia Mei cleared her throat to hint at him,  he then realized what he was doing and to let go her hand, his hand felt empty at the loss of hers.
"You were saying, Chan?" She shifts back to the topic for him, not making eye contact and fighting back a sudden blush.
"Ah..." He blushed as well, his heart beginning to race and slightly stuttering "I- I mean we, will pick you two up at six. Just text me your address- wait, do I have your phone number?"
"Hm, no I don't think so." She said, unsure as she checked her contacts in her phone "I guess I don't. What's your number?"
They soon passed over the awkward moment by silently exchanging phone numbers before Jia Mei told him "You know, for a 24 year old man, you still have the eagerness and excitability of a middle school boy."
He frowned at her statement "Hey, don't say that like you're older than me! You're only 22."
"I don't mean that in a bad way, I'm just being honest. You've been showing a very mature demeanor when we first met, but it seems like you're not as tough as you perceive to be. It makes you more... real."
"Regardless, I'm still as tough as the first impression. One hundred percent." He insists, feeling his ego being knocked down a notch.
She chuckles at his expression and statement "For someone who presents himself as mature and manly, you make the cutest expressions ever." She casually comments, unaware of the affect of her words while he felt his face heat up at her comment.
She... thinks I'm cute?
Before he could confirm what she had just said, she checks the time on her phone and excuses herself "Sorry, I have to run a few errands now, but I'll see you on our date this Saturday, ok?"
She then waves goodbye before getting into her car and drives off while Chan still stood there in awe until Seungcheol found him.
"Hey, something on your mind kiddo?" He asks Chan, but Chan remained silent before smiling from ear to ear, whispering "She considered our Saturday outing a date."
Seungcheol rolled his eyes with a smile "Young love." He muttered before heading back inside.