"Oh, no! I started the printing already. I can't pull it out. If I tried, the first prints will be wasted."

GuiGui scratched her head. "These writers are giving me loads of problem everytime."

"Scold them next time."

"I wish I can, Mr. Bert." GuiGui waved goodbye. "Okay, thanks."

"Don't frown too much, GuiGui. It lessens your beauty."

"If the writers are like this all the time, it's normal that my beauty deteriorates."

"What's the problem?"

GuiGui stopped walking when Aaron appeared in her face. She could tell her heart was beating fast as it recognized the man it had learned to care for. Anyway, she can't help but get pissed too because of his declaration last night.

You're used to being rejected, GuiGui. She thought.

It's not that painful as her feelings for Wang Zi, the feelings for Aaron right now. She didn't want her rejection dominates her whole system.

"There's just a bit of problem in one of the novels, Sir." GuiGui said formally. "It's part of the series so we're a little bit lost. But I can't submit it right now. We'll just make a note on their next novel."

Serious expression was written on Aaron's handsome face while staring at her.

I love you already, you moron! GuiGui thought. If you want peace in your life, don't stare at me like that. Don't give me hopes.

"Who's fault is it?" Aaron asked.

"The writer."

"What's her name?"

"Sophia Fan."

"Call her. I'll talk to her."

"Sir, there's no need. I talked to her and she apologized already. Sometimes, these kind of things really happens."

"I still want to talk to her."

And that was final. But why is he standing still? "Excuse me, Sir. Let me pass."

He moved away--- at last. "And I want to talk to you."

"For what?"

"Just go to my office after your work is done."

Aaron turned around and went to his office.

"Good thing your not afraid of Sir Aaron, GuiGui. The truth is, he's nice. He was forced to be stiff and tough because of hard-headed people here."

"I know, Mr. Bert." That's why I already fall for him.

GuiGui was so bored from her work when she went back to the Editorial Department. The tapping from her keyboard grew louder that makes an irritating noise. She gets more annoyed.

"GuiGui, do you want to take half-day? You seemed not feeling well." Ella asked.

"No, I'm okay. I'm just a little bit pissed."

"Why? Did you fight with Sir again?"

"No. But I was pissed because of him." All of them kept quiet. They're all clueless about her behavior. "He really don't like me."

"He said that?"

"Yes! In front of my beautiful face!" GuiGui kicked the trash bin under the table. "I've already said you're not my type. Damn! No introductions!!!"

"Well, we've known Sir as a straightforward person." Rainie added. "But... he really said that?"

GuiGui can't accept it either. And she's annoyed to herself. Why can't she accept it the way she accepted on Wang Zi?

"Well then, let's proceed to Plan C that Sophia gave," Hebe interrupted.

"Aiyoh, no need. I'm just wasting my time. If he don't like me, so be it. There still lots of men around."

"Is that how simply you fell in love, GuiGui?" Ella asked. "Like you're just changing a set of clothes?"

"Don't asked me like that. For me, I'm just accepting what's coming into my life. I told you before, I don't want to indulge myself into hurtful pasts."

"Eh... why is your face like that?" Rainie asked. "It means you're still affected on what happened between you and Sir Aaron."

"It's normal because I was rejected for the second time only last night. I'm a hypocrite if I told you that I'm not hurt at all." She leaned back against her seat and put her handkerchief over her eyes. "That guy was really annoying!!!"

Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry. Hummmmm.

"GuiGui jie," Sophia called her. "Sir Aaron wanted to see me. Come with me."

"Am I your mother? "

"Eh... maybe he'll just shoot me without notice."

"Sir Aaron is not an assassin. The possible thing he can do to you is to throw his books and the aquarium with one fish."

"I'm afraid of him, GuiGui jie. Please? Come with me!"

GuiGui pressed the handkerchief hard. "I don't want to see Sir Aaron. So go to his office alone."

"But you're the only person he listens to. And this is your chance to try my great plan."

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

"Come on, GuiGui. Try it. There's nothing wrong with that."

"I want my dignity as a woman intact."

"Ows? Do you have that?"

GuiGui throw the handkerchief she used to Ella. Then, she decided to go with Sophia so she can spare the teasings of her colleagues.

"GuiGui jie, try to make him jealous. I saw a hottie downstairs with Miss Jean."

"Who? Danson Tang?"

"Is that his name? "He's hansome huh? Miss Jean have good taste."

"He's not her boyfriend. He's a client of Golden Pages."

"Awww, I thought they're couple. Miss Jean was like a child when he's around--- Ohh, it's Sir!"

GuiGui's heart started to thumped again when she saw Aaron standing next to the door of his office while talking to his mobile. She was awake the whole night thinking about what he said to her. She was still in love with him, and it seemed she would be for the coming years. That's the thing she didn't felt over Wang Zi. Her feelings for him wasn't enough to make her stay in love with him. GuiGui knew that she didn't really loved him.

You're checking on me huh? That's really something, GuiGui thought.

Aaron was talking to Rainie, but his eyes kept on drifting in her direction. And every time, she would wave to him. He just stayed for a while. He didn't bother to talk to her so he left. But she was contented. Her day was complete.

Rainie looked at her with teasing eyes. "Uyyyy!!!"

"What?" GuiGui returned her attention on what she's doing. "What is it this time?"

"Trying to act innocent again?" Ella said. "You feel happy when Sir came here, huh?"

"Why? He comes here everytime!"

"Everytime? Only today, GuiGui! We really wanted to believe that you and him are a couple!"

She gave them a very big smile. GuiGui left what she was doing.

"We're not yet official," she said.

"Why? Looks like Sir have a thing on you."

"Crazy! Did you forget what he said that he doesn't like me? That if he kiss me, his spinal cord will be broken?"

"Pai tuo! And you believe that? Anybody's opinion change in due time. If I know, you're the reason why Sir Aaron came here. Did you see how the way he looked at you when he's talking to Rainie?"

"You noticed that too?"

"Of course! Never did Sir Aaron step his foot on this department. Today only."

She felt so light. She never felt so happy like this before, even with Wang Zi. This is not a simple feeling. GuiGui felt there's something more deeper about the happiness she's having right now.

"Sir Aaron didn't say anything to you until now?" Hebe asked.

"Nothing."

"You mean, after all those meetings outside of this building?"

"Your boss is such a picky guy. Much pickier than a girl. Hard to please. It shows that he like me, but he doesn't want to admit."

"Make him confess."

"How?"

"Good timing!" Rainie said then from the door, their favorite writer poked her head. "Here's Sophia Fan. Let's ask her."

"What is it?" Sophia asked almost crying. " I didn't kill anybody! Promise!"

Hebe wrapped her arms around Sophia's shoulder. "Don't worry, Sophia. You're innocent. Anyway, help GuiGui on her problem."

"I don't have money."

Poor girl. "I don't need money. I'm rich. What I need is your strategy on how to make a picky guy admit that he likes a girl."

"But you asked me to come here to talk about the revisions on my novels that I submitted, right? Why---"

"Just answer if you don't want us to totally reject your novels," those treatment is not allowed on the writers. They're only joking with her.

"Eh..." Sophia scratched her head. "I had one. But... it's a reject. Do you still want to try, GuiGui jie?"

"Whatever. As long as I can use."

###########################################################

GuiGui was waiting for transportation later afternoon, according to her plan. She didn't go with her colleagues, according to her plan again. Sophia suggested to get the right time where Aaron would show his concern on her. It was a rejected plan according to another writer who used to the guy she liked. He got scared and ran away. But writers are really smart, or clever should I say because Sophia made a Plan B already. In fact, as of this moment, she's making the Plan C to Z so GuiGui will have lots of reservation.

So far, Plan A first. And everything was going as planned. Aaron's car stopped right on her face.

"It's hard to take transportation here so why are you still waiting?"

"No choice, Sir. Rainie and the gang left me already."

"They always left you."

"Only for today, Sir. I just finished last-minute work in the office."

Are you going to invite me or we'll chat here until morning? I don't care though, as long as you're with me. Jeez! So mushy! GuiGui thought.

Aaron opened the door from the passenger's seat. "Hop in. I'll take you home."

"Xie xie, Sir." GuiGui quickly went inside. If she was not mistaken, this is a positive response. "You did overtime today too, Sir?"

"Do I have to remind you every time not to call me 'sir' when we're not inside Golden Pages? I'm really fed up, you know."

"Sorry. For five years, I'm used to calling you that way, Sir--- Aaron I mean. It's so hard to adjust."

"It's easy if you always remember."

"Sir--- I mean, Aaron. Since the situation changes when we're not in Golden Pages premises, it means I can say what I wanted to say to you?"

"Depends on my mood."

"What's your mood today?"

"You can't say whatever you wanted to say just like that."

"So when are you gonna allow me?"

"Tomorrow."

GuiGui laughed. "You're easy to talk to you know that? I thought before, you just yell and command. You're easy to deal with. Just needed some democracy."

"I don't understand what you're talking about."

"Me too. Let's not talk about it. By the way..." GuiGui pulled the neck tie from her bag. "I'm sorry if I just brought it today. I always forgot in the house." Aaron reached for it while his eyes are still on the road. "I washed and ironed it."

Aaron smelled it. "I never received an ironed necktie in my life."

"I'm accepting a simple thank you."

Aaron looked at her. "Thank you."

She smiled at him. Who says he's a complicated man? Oh yes, she's the one who said that.

"Can I ask you questions, Aaron?"

"About what?"

"Few personal things."

"I'm not answering personal questions."

"Five only."

"No."

"Four?"

"No."

"Two?"

"No."

GuiGui kept quiet on the side. What she will have to do to find out his true feelings?

"Fine," Aaron suddenly said. "You can ask two questions. No more, no less."

GuiGui straightened up. It's a miracle! "Why you don't have girlfriend until now?"

"You answered that for me already, didn't you?"

"Ows?"

"You said, no woman can stand my attitude. You even included my shadow, remember?"

"What about me? I can stand your attitude."

"I don't know why either."

Okay, this is it. "Well, I admit that I'm one of the people who's planning your assassination because of my hate on you. You're so full of yourself. And you tease me all the time."

"And what made you change your mind about me?"

"I've known you personally. I found out that you were not that bad. Maybe you're not as gentleman as the others. But it's because you trust the woman's capability and you respect what a woman can do."

"I believe in gender equality."

"Yes. If the woman really can't do it, you're willing to help. Which is very nice," That's how GuiGui see his personality. "You're not selfish. Because if you're selfish, you'll not move from where you are standing to help somebody. You're not snob. You just don't talk to the person you don't know."

"Looks like you think about it so deeply, huh."

"I'm just taking back what I said. I misjudged you."

"Everyone perceives me as such. I'm used to it."

"Which is unfair to you."

"I don't care."

"I do." GuiGui bite her lower lip. Somethings wrong in this situation. He should confess not her! "I mean, I believe that people shouldn't misjudge you base on what they are seeing from you."

Answer! Speak! Don't hang me in the air! GuiGui looked away to the window. It's your fault GuiGui, you're so talkative.

"Just as long as some believe I'm not their worst nightmare, I don't really care."

Huh? Did she hear it right? Just as long as some people believed in him, he would be fine with it? Is he talking about her? That it's enough for him that she believed he's nice? Now, she can't turned her head to face him. GuiGui was afraid that he will notice and see her true feelings.

"So, about your other question..."

GuiGui looked in the mirror before she face Aaron.

Hmm! He's so handsome!

"What's your type?"

"Type of what?"

"Woman."

Aaron tapped the steering wheel while waiting for the "go" signal. "Simple."

"I heard that already. Can you elaborate please?"

"For what are all of these questions?"

"I'm the first to asked, so answer me first."

The "go" signal is on. "Simple. I like her company."

GuiGui's heart skip a beat. Is she the girl he's talking about? Well, who else could it be? She's the only person he's with for the past couple of days. And he said also that she's the only one who can stand his attitude. It means, she's right.

"Physically, what are you looking for in a woman?"

"I approved two personal questions only. Now, I'm the one who's going to ask."

"Can you answer me first before you can ask so it would be fair?"

"No."

GuiGui laughed. "So now, about my question, for what are these questions about, GuiGui?"

"Ahm... Nothing. So we'll have a conversation while we're heading for the traffic."

Aaron didn't answer. Silence filled the car for a few minutes. What? Does she really have to answer that? That's not included in her plan.

"Okay, fine," she blurted out. "Because I wanted to know if I'm your type."

Longer silence filled the air. She can't help it. GuiGui opened the radio. The song that playing is the same song when she was on the verge of hysteria when she got brokenhearted with Wang Zi.

"I've already said you aren't my type, haven't I?"

"Jeez, it's cheap but they're hiding it."

GuiGui tried to reach but she can only touch it with the end of her finger. She pulled the grocery cart and stepped on it. GuiGui grabbed the canned drinks but the cart moved away. When she fell down, the canned drinks fell down on her head too. GuiGui held her head and swear in pain.

"You looked like a child there. Stand up."

GuiGui was still holding her head and looked at the person who talked. Her jaw almost dropped when she saw who was standing in front of her.

"Sir Aaron?"

"Aaron," he offered his hand to help her stand.

GuiGui was not blinking and kept staring at him. Aaron's so different. He was wearing a simple hooded shirt and a pair of old jeans instead of his elegant business suit. The leather shoes was changed to sneakers and a baseball cap was on his head. He looked an ordinary person. No. Nothing is ordinary with this guy. He just looked approachable. Of course, he's still full of sex appeal.

Aaron picked up the canned juice that hit her head. "Is this yours?"

"Huh? Yes." he put it on her cart. "Thanks."

"You need one piece only?"

"I need four more. But I can't reached it. This one fell down on my head." GuiGui pointed the canned juice and touched her head. "Ouch! I think my brain was shaken."

Aaron lifted his eyebrows then took the canned juice one by one and put on her grocery cart. "Why you didn't ask for the personnel here?"

"I can't find anyone before. And I'm also in a hurry. Thanks again for these."

Aaron approached her and touched the head where she was holding. She can't help but touched his hand. GuiGui was surprised by his gesture but she felt happy. Good thing he was taller than her so he didn't see the big smile coming out of her mouth.

"You had a wound," Aaron said suddenly. "They have a clinic here. Go there so they can give you first aid."

They're going to separate now? "No need. It's just a small wound. I'll put a band aid when I go home."

"It's better to put now. Maybe it'll get worse."

"The wound will not end up as a cancer, Aaron. It's okay."

"Alright, as you said."

"So, is grocery one of your hidden talents also?"

"Yes." Aaron held her head again. "Are you sure you don't want to go to the clinic?"

"Sir, why are you so sweet at me today? I wanted to believe you."

He withdrew his hand. "Next time, you should be careful."

"You're leaving, Sir? Let's go together. I'm going to the cashier now."

Aaron didn't speak, instead he helped her pushed the cart to the cashier.

"You changed your outfit today, Sir. "What's the occassion?"

"Why do you keep me calling, Sir? We're not in Golden Pages. And I started wearing this since then when I'm not working so don't look at me like that."

"I just saw you today wearing like that. Looks good on you."

"I know that long time ago."

She just couldn't help smiling at him. "What did you buy today?"

Aaron picked up the toilet paper on their way. "This."

GuiGui wanted to laugh. It looks like he didn't really needed the toilet paper but was forced to take the item.

So happy! I'm the reason why he came here!

"Sir---"

"Aaron," he corrected her.

"Aaron, Sir, would you like to drink coffee first? I have nothing to do after this."

"Me, I have something to do."

"What?"

"Business matter." he took her cart on the cashier. "Important."

"Okay. Take care, Sir--- Aaron I mean." Then she flashed him her great smile.

Aaron still hesitated to walk away from her. He's really handsome. A few ladies and students tried to smile at him but as usual, he didn't smiled back.

Ha! What do you expect? I'm his apple of the eye, so back off! GuiGui thought.

Once again she laughed when the alarm went on at the exit of the grocery store. The guards approached him and pointed at the toilet paper he's holding. Aaron forgot to pay. He went to the nearest cash register. GuiGui grinned when he looked at her. He held up the item he forgot to pay.

"Poor guy," she said to herself. "Distracted to my beauty."

Hayysss, it's very hard to be beautiful. And you, Aaron, why don't you just admit that you like me. Whatever my height is. Period.

"Yes! If you don't believed me, you can ask him freely," GuiGui told her colleagues.

She promised Aaron not to tell anybody about the incident in her apartment last Saturday but she can't helped it. That incident was very rare so she told herself not to keep it. One more thing, she was happy to see the envious face of the people in their department when they heard about the story.

"And then? What happened next?"

"We ate."

"Ate what?"

"Omelet that he cooked."

"That's it?"

"That's all he can cooked since it's the only ingredients left on my fridge."

Rainie hit her on the shoulders. "Stupid! What we mean is, did something happened other than wholesome scenes with Sir Aaron?"

"Why did you hit me?" GuiGui hit back. "What is it that's on your mind? Can you tell me directly, please?"

"Acting innocent!" Ella said. "What we wanted to know is, if Sir Aaron kissed you."

"No. But I hugged him from behind the back."

All the girls screamed and shrieked. GuiGui followed them.

"Way to go, girl!"

"That's it. Don't be a hard-to-get girl."

Hebe put down the broadsheet on top of her table. "So, after you harrassed Sir Aaron, what happens next? We want details."

"Well, after we ate, I promised not to tell what happened that night. Then, finished."

"That's it?" Rainie protested. "No porn scenes?"

"Hmmp! Pervs!" GuiGui faced her computer where she was editing a novel.

"Wait, why did you hugged Sir Aaron?" Hebe asked. "I thought you loved Wang Zi? You said you made it official last Saturday?"

GuiGui stopped typing. After a few seconds, she continued editing. She felt weird. She forgot the feelings and the hurt Wang Zi gave her. The only thing that registered in her mind was the incident between Aaron and her last Saturday, specially the feelings when she laid her cheeks on his back. She thought there was no safest place on earth but his back.

She smiled to herself.

"Ei! Earth calling to GuiGui," Hebe tapped her. "You have some explaining to do."

"Wang Zi? We didn't end up together."

"You're happy that you didn't end up together?"

"I don't want to indulge myself on unhappy things."

"And Sir Aaron is one of the happy things in your life now?"

GuiGui answered Hebe with a smile. They started to tease her again.

"You like him!" Rainie squeaked. "You like Sir Aaron! You witch!"

"What's wrong? He's handsome. Fit to my beauty. One more thing, you like him for me, don't you?"

"Yeah," Ella answered. "But what if your feelings is the same as Wang Zi? When you get dumped, you'll find replacement quickly."

GuiGui started to asked herself. Is her feelings for Aaron the same as she felt for Wang zi? She can't find a proper answer because her mind was full of Aaron's handsome face.

"You know Ella, don't psychoanalyze me today. I'm enjoying the feelings that I have right now. Anyway, I deserve it. After the bad things happened between me and Wang Zi, let me have this happiness, okay?"

"Sure, sure," Hebe replied. "Go ahead and make your day."

"One more question," Ella said. "I thought you're allergic to Sir Aaron? Why a sudden change?"

"Maybe Sir Aaron gave a sample kiss! Yaayyyy!!!"

GuiGui's whole afternoon was indeed enjoyable and fun. Thanks to Aaron who popped out of her life when she was in her miserable state. If he didn't, the police might pulled her out of the mall due to her hysteric act.

And that little incident when she hugged him, and felt his strong back against her cheek, completed her full recovery.

###########################################################

"These are okay, Jean," GuiGui said to the secretary of Golden Pages when she put down the approved novels. The writers will contact her to know the state of their work. "These are for revisions and then these are returned manuscripts."

"Okay. By the way, Sir Aaron is looking for you."

Her heart skip a beat when she heard what Jean said. "Why?"

"I don't know. He just asked if you're here. He's looking for you since morning. I said I'll call you in the editorial department but he refused."

"Where is he?"

"In his office. You can go there now. Good luck."

Aaron's reputation in that company is not good. Will someone believe her if she told that he's not the way they seems to be?

GuiGui went to his office. The door was slightly open so she didn't bother to knock. When she entered the room, GuiGui saw Aaron sitting on a swivel chair and busy staring at the ceiling.

It's a miracle! He didn't bother to look at the pile of paper works on his table.

"Sir, are you looking for me?"

He turned to her without moving from his seat. "Who says?"

"Jean. Why are you looking for me?"

Aaron picked up the pen and started working on the papers. "Nothing. Just to make sure you came to work."

"Why?"

"Go back to your department, GuiGui."

"You really don't need anything from me?"

"I'll let you know if I need something."

"Okay." GuiGui turned around.

"Wait," Aaron called her. "I forgot my necktie last Saturday. I need it back."

"Yes, Sir. I saw it in the living room. I forgot to bring today. I'll bring it tomorrow."

"Okay."

"Bye, Sir."

GuiGui smiled very wide as soon as she closed the door.

"See you again tomorrow, Sir," she said going back to the Editorial Department.

You looked like an idiot, GuiGui. You're talking to the door at the same time debating with yourself. Is that the effect of being broken hearted then found a new love interest?

Love interest? She was crazy. She couldn't be in love with him--- not when she had just fallen in love with Wang Zi only a few weeks back. She just recovered two days ago with regards to the incident with Wang Zi.

She just shrugged her shoulders. She's thinking too much. Why can't she just enjoy the feelings she have for Aaron now?

GuiGui remembered Wang Zi once again. She sighed. Her feelings are not that bad unlike before. She cried it already. Unluckily, it was Aaron that saw her crying. She remembered his gesture in the restaurant. How he managed to wipe her mouth and dried her tears. Now that she thought about it, Aaron looked like a person who doesn't want to see a girl crying.

Hmmp! He doesn't want to see me cry because he felt ashamed. Yeah, that's the only reason. It's impossible that he is concerned on her.

GuiGui followed Aaron to the kitchen and found him looking inside the refrigerator. He can't help but notice his butt again. Without the coat, it was emphasized even more. His back was inviting her.

How does it feel to lay on his back? GuiGui didn't know that a man's back can be an asset.

"You don't have anything in your fridge," Aaron said without looking. He felt her presence on the kitchen. "What are you eating here?"

GuiGui moved her eyes away so he wouldn't notice she was fantasizing his back.

"This is my house so you don't have the right to protest. IF you don't like the food there, you eat in your house."

"I'm not protesting. I'm just finding the proper food so I won't get gastroenteritis."

I haven't gone to the grocery so you'll not find anything."

Aaron didn't say anything but GuiGui knows he was staring at her. In a few minutes, he looked back at the refrigerator. She put back her attention on his back again.

Such a really nice back. Not too wide, not too narrow. Just right. Maybe, you're a gym enthusiast huh? Well, it did great on your body, GuiGui thought.

Aaron found something to cook and in a few minutes, he was already busy.

"What are you cooking?"

"Power omelet."

"I wouldn't ask what's in it." GuiGui sat behind the kitchen table so she have a nice view of his back. "You should pay those eggs, huh. It's expensive. There's no free in this world."

"You got a free meal in the restaurant earlier, right? It's much expensive than these eggs."

"why? Did I told you to pay for it?"

Aaron faced her. She was caught staring. "You know, GuiGui, why don't you just thank me instead of blaming each other? I'm accepting a simple thank you."

"Hao la, hao la. Xie xie ni."

Aaron nodded, contented on her answer. There still men like him that's very unpredictable.

"You know how to cook," GuiGui said. "I thought all you know is to count money and scare your employees."

"I've got lots of talents." Aaron wear the apron and continued cooking. "But I'm expert in counting money and scaring employees."

"Are you really like that, Sir?"

"Aaron," he corrected.

"Are you really like that, Aaron?"

"What like that?"

"Boastful, snob, hardheaded."

"Yes." he answered. "Why?"

"Nothing. I'm just thinking, aren't you feel guilty belittling people?"

"I'm not belittling people. I'm just placing them where they belong."

"That's not what the people think."

"I don't care. I know what I'm doing and I know I was right when I confronted those people."

GuiGui shook her head. How many times she saw this attitude in front of people. And each time, he was right.

"That's Sir Calvin's attitude when I saw him substitute you on Golden Pages. Maybe that's how your parents raised you."

"Maybe."

"Are you always this stiff?"

"You're invading my private life, GuiGui."

"You're invading my private kitchen, so you might as well give me something in return for those eggs and cooking oil."

Aaron stopped and faced her. She could see the trace of a smile on his sexy lips and eyes. And he looked even cuter with that apron on.

"You know how to hold your ground," he said. It sounded more of a compliment than a comment. "You're the first person who's not afraid of answering back at me, except of course my brother." he continued.

"So, are you gonna answer my question?"

"No. I keep my private life private."

"Maybe that's why you don't have a girlfriend either because of your attitude. No one can stand you. Even your shadow, if it can be separated, it will run away from you, you're so unpredictable."

"I can't do anything about it. I was born like this, take it or leave it. Either way, I don't really care."

"Okay, fine. Live by yourself. You look like you're happy that way." GuiGui stood up. "After you finished eating, wash the dishes. I'm going to sleep. Close the door when you get out and don't bother to say goodbye."

"Goodnight then."

"Yeah." She was on her way out when she looked back at him. He's still busy cooking. He was all by himself. And she pity him.

It must be lonely without someone to talk to. But there was never a trace of loneliness in Aaron's personality. He was that tough. But there's something on her mind telling that he was not happy. And she wanted to invade it.

GuiGui stared at his back once again. It's inviting her to come closer. Slowly, she wrapped her arms around him, and touched her cheek to his back.

Oohh, wow! This feels incredible. Haayysss....

"What are you doing, GuiGui?"

She felt he wanted to turn around but she didn't allowed him. Incredible. GuiGui once again touched her cheek on his back.

Haayyysss...

But the second time, Aaron slowly got away from her. Then she realized what she did. Now, GuiGui don't know how to explain what she has done.

"Ahmmm... the eggs and cooking oil are free." She said and turned around. But Aaron quickly grabbed her hand.

Now there was another great feeling, his hand on hers. GuiGui was thinking, no one can hold her hand except him.

Wow! Her hand was exclusively his?

"Can you accompany me while I'm eating?"

"Huh?"

"I cooked a lot. For two people. I don't want it wasted. There's a lot of people in the world dying of hunger."

"Alright."

For the life of her, she never thought she would ever see the day the great Aaron Yan would step down his throne and serve food to an ordinary girl like her.

There's a great feeling in her heart. Also the irregular beat of it that she felt after she hugged him.

Did something happen to her?

"I don't want you to tell this to anyone, GuiGui." he put down the plate on her front. "I have a reputation to protect."

She held up her hand. "I shall resist."

But could she resist that nudging feeling inside her heart towards this complicated man?

GuiGui didn't replied to Aaron's question. He was sitting opposite GuiGui. She continued to savor the food that she didn't even bother to look before. Whatever Aaron is doing in front of her, she didn't know. GuiGui don' care either.

"You look like you just had your heart broken."

She put down the steak knife and look at him. "You know, I already allowed you to sit there. So please, can you let me eat in peace?"

"This table is reserved for me. Why do you think we had this special place inside the restaurant?"

GuiGui looked around. Elegant--- that's her description. She noticed also some elite customers looking at them. Because maybe she's just wearing simple shirt and plain pants. Or maybe they're annoyed to her voice in high pitch. Or maybe the way she murdered the food. Without finesse, so they say.

Ahh! I don't care! This is a free country and I am a free citizen! GuiGui thought.

"If I didn't pity you, I already fired you," Aaron continued like the other, looking good and elegant. The handsome creep! "It's a shame to Golden Pages the way you're showing in this mall. No one is getting crazy in all of my employees."

So he just pity her? Well, at least, he pitied her. Unlike Wang Zi, who didn't bother to take her outside the restaurant where they met. Wang Zi didn't notice or even feel that even if he didn't say anything, she felt hurt.

GuiGui's eyes get watery so she put down her head more while she continued eating. But while she's munching the steak, her tears fell down. It fell on her plate but she don't care. She noticed the tissue paper on her front. When she looked up, she saw it was Aaron who was holding it to her.

"It's not proper to cry while eating. Your food will be tasteless."

Instead taking the tissue Aaron's offering, she just wipe the tears with her hand. The fork touched her face because she didn't put it down. Then GuiGui continued eating again. Still, she won't stop crying. Damn! GuiGui was really hurt!

She heard Aaron sighed. Then he stood up and pulled his chair next to her. The next thing she knew, he had tilted her chin towards him and was gently dabbing the tissue on the side of her mouth.

GuiGui didn't expect Aaron's action so she was just staring at him. She forgot everything what she's crying about.

Could it be because his eyes were looking at her with so much mystery? Or was it his handsome face that she never thought could ever look more gorgeous than this?

After, he touched his fingers on the trails of tears on her cheeks. GuiGui felt all the bad images of Aaron inside her head went gone instantly.

He got a soft side too, GuiGui thought.

"I don't know why you're making a fool out of yourself in front of these people." Aaron once touched her cheeks again. "But I don't want you to make a fool out of yourself in front of me. It's bad on my business." Aaron moved away.

GuiGui blinked her eyes for how many times. Maybe it's just a dream when she saw his sweeter side. How many times he teased her, she didn't replied back.

She don't know why.

"Are you done?" Aaron asked. "Then, let's go. I hate the people around here. So nozy."

Yeah, GuiGui noticed also that all the people are looking at them like they're watching a movie.

"Are they waiting for me to go hysteric after I cried?" GuiGui looked at Aaron. "Can I shout and scream?"

"Yes. But I will not allow it."

"Oh yeah, you felt ashamed when you're with me."

"Only because you're wasting your tears on some jerk."

"Jerk? Wang Zi is not a jerk. And how do you know it was him I was crying about?"

Aaron shrugged his shoulder and left a few hundred dollars on the table and stood up. "Let's go."

###########################################################

GuiGui's knot on the forehead went doubled as she stared at Aaron looking around inside her apartment. In his immaculate three-piece business suit, he looks like he doesn't fit there. Her house looks like a trash.

After they left the restaurant, he volunteered to take her home. GuiGui refused but Aaron insisted. She just think that she will save the money for transportation so she went with him. Anyway, his presence kept her mind off her miserable state.While they're inside the car, she felt uneasy. In an instant, GuiGui felt weird to the quietness between them.

"Go home, Sir. It's late. Maybe your mom is looking for you."

Aaron turned around and looked at her. She wanted to sighed when she noticed his handsome face again.

"You're excused to call me 'Aaron' since we're not at work," he pointed at the diploma hanging on the wall. "YOu're graduate of Marketing. How did you make as an editor?"

"I wanted to try different things so I will gain a lot of experience. You're not going home?"

"I live alone so don't get scared if my parents will ask me to you." Aaron walked inside and touched everything. "Your apartment is nice eventhough it's small."

"Hey! Even if it's small, at least, a person is living here."

"I think I heard that in a children song. Do you want to eat?"

"I just finished eating, right?"

"Me, hungry. Where can I cook here?" Aaron peeked at the end of the hall. "Is this your kitchen?"

"If you're thinking that I'll cook for you, hah! In your dreams. I'm not your servant."

"Oh, it's okay. I can manage on my own."

GuiGui was alarmed when he took off his coat and tie. "W-what are you doing? Why are you stripping? It's not allowed! I'm still innocent."

Aaron threw the coat on her. "You're not my type, so stop dreaming."

At last, I'm going to have a boyfriend! GuiGui thought.

GuiGui poured the cologne all over her body and she smiled for the last time on her reflection in the mirror. Then, she walked right into her Prince Charming in waiting. GuiGui spotted Wang Zi right away outside the restaurant. She noticed something on his worried face. Wang Zi didn't saw her coming.

"Wang Zi?"

Wang Zi looked at her and smiled. But even his smile lacks sincerity. She felt weird.

"Are you hungry?" he asked. "Let's eat first before we talked about what you wanted to say."

"Wang Zi, wait." GuiGui sighed. "I'm the kind of person who doesn't like to hide in bushes. If I wanted to say something, I say it directly. The same if I wanted to know something."

"I noticed that," Wang Zi smiled. "All right, it's better if we talked about it right now. Let's go inside."

GuiGui was very sure something happened to him. He was not talking while they're eating. Wang Zi didn't even finished the food. Well, he was in luck. She knew just the right thing to cheer him up.

"Wang Zi, about the thing I'm going to say to you---"

"We should stop seeing each other."

"W-what?" GuiGui felt numbed. She thought she heard him say something but couldn't understand. "What did you say again?"

Wang Zi stopped eating and faced her. "I don't think it's wise for us to continue seeing each other, GuiGui. So... this is the last time we'll see each other."

W-wait, can you explain to me why you made the decision like that? Because... I really don't understand. We're okay, right? We're not fighting when we're seeing each other so why---"

"It's complicated, GuiGui."

"Okay." GuiGui stopped murdering the vegetable and beef on her plate. The emotion affected her sense of taste. "I'm used to complicated things, Wang Zi. I'm editing stories of the hard-headed writers. I need some explanation."

Wang Zi looked down. "Even if I wanted to, I can't, GuiGui. I don't want you to get hurt."

GuiGui wanted to shout, scream, say bad words, throw plate, and swoosh the steak knife on his face. But, she don't have the right to do that. She's not in the position to react like that because she's not his girlfriend. GuiGui stayed silent.

"GuiGui, don't get mad. I just can't tell you the reason."

"I understand. I'm not angry." Guigui put down the fork and steak knife. "Ahm, I'm not feeling well right now, Wang Zi. I'll go ahead."

"But you told me you will say something?"

GuiGui smiled sadly. "I just want to borrow some money. But, it's okay, maybe I can't pay you since we're not going to see each other, right?"

"Ohh, GuiGui." Wang Zi laughed. "It was really nice spending time with you. I'll never forget it."

"Yeah." GuiGui picked up her bag. "Bye."

GuiGui felt she went to another planet when she got out of the restaurant. Like she was alone, without feelings. She felt so numb she wondered if she was really human at all. All that registered on her mind was Wang Zi's words that kept repeating over and over.

He didn't want her. As if the world turned upside down. The only special guy in her life, doesn't want to see her. Ever.

GuiGui kept walking around the mall without specific destination. She felt so lost, so alone, even if she treated the mall as her second home. She doesn't like the feeling. She needed a distraction to kept her from thinking too much.

"This is men's comfort room, GuiGui."

She looked up. GuiGui saw Aaron's handsome face. He was blocking her way to the men's comfort room with his arm.

"Is this for men? I don't know..."

He held her arm when she started to turn back. "You look like you're not in yourself. Is there a problem?"

"Nothing." GuiGui pulled her arm and about to walk away when suddenly she remembered. "Can you slap me, Aaron."

He looked a bit surprised. Because it's the first time she called him without "Sir". For sure, he's not surprised on what she's asking.

"You want me to slap you?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Just slap me, okay? If not, I'm going to slap---" GuiGui kept quiet when his palm touches her cheek. It doesn't hurt because he just lay his hand on her face. In fact, it was more like a soothing caress. GuiGui stared at Aaron then she touched her face.

"Does it hurt?" He asked. "It's not that hard."

He was the first person to ever talk to her and manage to break through her trance-like phase. So as a thank you, she didn't answer. GuiGui left Aaron behind and started to find something to distract her. She don't want to get angry to the world just because she was broken-hearted. There's more love ahead of her and she don't want to waste her time on someone who is not available.

"Go home and rest, GuiGui." Aaron said. He followed her. "Stop loittering around."

"I'm fine."

"No, you're not."

I said I'm fine! Why do you kept telling this like you know anything?"

"Because I really know everything. Go home."

"We're not in your teritory so don't order me around."

"My brother owns this mall. I am co-owner, so you're in my teritory."

"Hmmppp, whatever!" She don't care if the people are looking at them. GuiGui felt something she don't know that make her angry and mad. "I'll shout whenever I want, and I'll loiter wherever I want. This is a free country, and I'm a citizen of this country so I am free!"

"I don't---"

"And you don't have the right to correct my English!"

Aaron just held up his hand saying "I give up".

GuiGui turned and saw the videoke machine. She went and took the microphone from the guy's hand. The guy wanted to protest but Aaron stopped him. GuiGui dropped some coins and started to press whatever song popped out. Luckily, she know the song that came out and in just a few minutes, she was singing into her heart's content.