When Lily and Zhou Jingren arrived at the red carpet, it was already five thirty in the evening. This was a red carpet event so many other executives and businessmen needed to line up and have their images taken on the red carpet.
However, Since Zhou Jingren was nominated, they had their own entrance and access to the red carpet. They did this to avoid the nominees from being stuck in the line of businessmen that were waiting for their turn for the pictures.
Every Year, Hong Kong recognizes the most influential and successful businesses in the City. Aside from recognizing people with influence, they also gave awards to businesses based on two factors, the financial part, which includes the profit margin growth and the non-financial part, which is about the operational management and the CEO’s relationship with his shareholders and executives.
This award is second only to Hong Kong’s International Business Awards that would be held in the next two months.
There are two ways to be included in the nominations of these awards. First was by applying and second was through a recommendation from the board of judges for an outstanding achievement by an individual. However, Zhou Jingren’s and his company’s nomination was different. He had been nominated for 3 consecutive years but he had declined each time.
This year, the board automatically nominated him without having any second thoughts. Some of them expected Zhou Jingren to decline. Just like the previous years. However, this time, he accepted it without saying anything.
This surprised a lot of people including the board of judges and some competitors. After all, Zhou Jingren was already a big name in the finance industry. His win was guaranteed.
“Are you nervous?” Zhou Jingren whispered towards his lovely wife. He eyed his wife’s off shoulder A-line red gown and smiled. “You look beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you,” she smiled as she eyed the couple ahead of them. They were waiting for their turn for the red carpet photographers. She looked at him. For the first time in seven years, Lily could not deny that she was nervous about attending an event like this.
She was nervous for him!
Was this even logical?
“It’s alright.” He leaned over to kiss her temples. “Why don’t you just stop thinking… relax and look at me.” He whispered. “Then… appreciate the view.” He smugly added.
Lily widened her eyes before she beamed. This man surely knew how to make her smile. “I might just avoid you one day.” she said.
“Why would you do that?” Amusement flashed in his eyes.
“The doctor said I should avoid sweet things. You know… as I might risk gestational diabetes.”
Zhou Jingren chuckled as he shook his head.His eyes sparkled with affection. “I am the good type of sweet. Something you need in your body.”
This interaction was small and low key. However, some people who were taking photos noticed this and some even took some pictures of their genuine smiles. Some people who were just watching the businessmen arrive quickly posted it on their social media. After all, the two looked like deities with Zhou Jingren’s white tux and Lily’s red gown that was embroidered with black sequins.
“They look too beautiful.” One woman gushed. “They look perfect for each other, no? I wish I had the guts to be as sweet as that to my boyfriend.”
“Aiyo… you are lucky you have one! I don’t even have a girlfriend. These people throwing out dog foods to us are horrible.” A man exclaimed.
“Who is that?” One woman on the scene said when she saw two women wearing black couture gowns walking towards the special entrance for nominated businessmen. “Were they invited? They look like foreigners to me.” she whispered towards the man next to him. She did not wait for him to utter a word as she walked towards the foreigners with her camera on hand.
This was a local business award ceremony so multinational companies that started abroad were not included. To their knowledge, people who were nominated were all locals from Hong Kong. So why would foreigners walk onto this special entrance?
Were they lost?
“Hello…Good evening. I am Jai. This entrance is only for nominated businessmen. May I know if you are escorting someone nominated?” This was not the first time tonight that someone thought they could just use this entrance just because the other entrance has longer lines.
“We are invited.” Charlotte held her daughter’s arms as she handed their invitation letter. She then roamed her eyes and finally caught sight of Lily and Zhou Jingren a few feet away to their left.
“I’m sorry… Mrs. Swanson and Miss Brooke. This invitation is for the other entrance. You should be able to see it once you turn right that way—”
“What other entrance?” Adalind asked. Because of her thick makeup, she was able to hide her pale appearance. She lowered her head at the woman in front of them.
“The one with line that— “
“You mean the entrance with long lines of people?” Charlotte sneered. “You should just let us in. My daughter is sick. Can you at least have her use this entrance?”
“Madam, this entrance will lead you to the VIP seats that are already reserved for the nominated businessmen. If you access the hall using this entrance you will need to go around the area to access your seats. That is more tiresome and inconvenient for — “
“Then let me talk to your manager.” Charlotte said. “I don’t know why you won’t let us use this entrance. It is not really a big deal.”
“Mom… they are going in.” Adalind said when she noticed Lily and Zhou Jingren walk towards the red carpet where their picture will be taken.
“Come.” Ignoring the woman who approached them. Charlotte tightened her arms around her daughters. “Smile.” She whispered as they approached both Lily and Zhou Jingren.
“Mrs. Swanson? Miss Brooke? Excuse me? Where are you going!? Ummm excuse me?” These words were ignored by both Charlotte and Adalind as they marched towards the couple.
Charlotte narrowed her eyes towards Lily, a sinister glint flashed in her blue orbs before she pushed her daughter towards the floor.
“Ahhhhh” Adalind screamed as she fell towards the ground
…..
Proofreader: Dragon777
