"Sir, what can I assist you with?"
"Just guide me to the best wine bar in your restaurant..." Henry responded casually. "I'm waiting for someone and will order later!"
"Absolutely, sir!"
The restaurant in the Hilton Hotel was marked by elegance and luxury. Henry savored the red wine while enjoying the melodious strains of violin music. He felt completely relaxed! His gaze wandered around the restaurant, akin to leisurely perusing flowers in a tranquil garden.
However, seconds later, all eyes diverted to the door.
A striking woman clad in a purple embroidered cheongsam strode gracefully through the entrance. Her divine beauty gleamed under the warm red light of the restaurant, her countenance reminiscent of a peach blossom, delicate enough to break with a mere blow. Most captivating were her large autumnal eyes—sentimental and pure—filled with a lazy allure that drew one under her spell. A subtle smile graced her lips, and her poise as she moved gave rise to an alluring S-curve accentuated by the traditional garment. The split sides of her cheongsam hinted enticingly at her legs as she walked, igniting a sense of desperation akin to that evoked when gazing upon a mesmerizing goddess!
Henry was left momentarily speechless.
The woman in the cheongsam turned out to be the beauty from the plane!
"Mr. Williams, I hope I haven't kept you waiting!"
This woman knew him!
Henry gazed at her, astonished. "You are...?"
"Oh, can't you guess?" the woman chuckled, seating herself across from Henry. Her expression shifted to one of serious intent as she continued, "First, allow me to introduce myself: my Chinese name is Lu Mingyue, while my English name is Kailena Qiao. You may call me either!"
"You're Kailena?!" Henry questioned incredulously.
"Hmph... Could anyone possibly impersonate me?" Kailena shrugged, raising her nose in playful defiance.
"I simply didn't fathom you were Kailena," Henry admitted. "It's rare to find someone as brilliant as you who isn't also exceptionally beautiful!"
"Haha, thank you! However, I rarely come across someone as brilliant as you!" Kailena replied enigmatically. "Mr. Henry Williams, your accolades are vast—not only are you the Chairman of Cisco and the Nicholas Group, but you also helm Isearch Company and now Prestige Capital. If one day you become President of the United States, I wouldn't be surprised at all!"
"You know a lot!" Henry was taken aback.
"Hehe, I've worked at Morgan Bank, Sequoia Capital, and Goldman Sachs and have conducted specific research on you!"
"You've even researched me?"
"Of course, you're my primary research subject!" she replied nonchalantly. "Yet the deeper I delve, the more mysterious you become. How can you devise so many ideas for advancing the Internet? Honestly, I wish I could see your thoughts!" Kailena concluded, playfully adding, "Tell me, are you from the future?!"
Henry's heart jolted; my goodness, had she truly guessed it?!
He quickly touched his nose, concealing his surprise, and feigned triumph. "I am a genius by nature; there's no need for jealousy!"
"Hmph..." Kailena scoffed.
Henry sipped his wine and probed, "Why did you conceal your identity on the plane? And since you were in Los Angeles, why not meet me directly rather than asking me to come to New York? These two points puzzle me!"
"Hehe. I merely wished to establish contact with you on the plane and conduct more thorough research in advance!"
A true academic would seize any opportunity to learn!
"What did you uncover?" Henry asked playfully.
"Can a genius feel offended too?"
"Nonsense! Everyone gets angry!" Henry rolled his eyes. "You're trying to toy with me!"
"Of course, there's much more!"
"What else is there?!"
Kailena looked at Henry with a playful smile. "Are you curious?"
"Yes, I am!"
"Well, I wanted to test if you were a pervert! If you were, I wouldn't have met with you tonight. My initial switch from Morgan Bank to Sequoia Capital, and then from there to Goldman Sachs, was spurred on by my boss constantly pestering me!"
Henry was speechless, recognizing that Kailena had playfully teased him. Thankfully, she hadn't crossed any boundaries, or he might've been caught off guard!
Henry took another sip of red wine and sighed. "So, I passed your test?"
Kailena smiled and nodded. "Yes!"
"Well then, I formally invite you to become the CEO of Prestige Capital. Would Miss Kailena consider accepting?"
"I would be thrilled to assist you, Mr. Williams!" Kailena beamed.
Henry extended his hand, grinning. "Miss Kailena, you'll surely take pride in the decision made today!"
"I hope so!" Kailena replied, firmly shaking Henry's hand.
Afterward, Henry summoned the waiter to place their order. After their meal, Kailena would depart, and the following day she would fly with Henry to San Jose to formally step into her role as the CEO of Prestige Capital. As he observed Kailena's graceful silhouette leaving, Henry shook his head unconsciously. It was a burden to be so beautiful; without the means to protect herself, she would have likely attracted unwanted attention long ago.
Henry returned to his hotel room that night to rest, waking up revitalized the next day. By noon, Kailena arrived at the Hilton Hotel to meet him. This time, she sported a casual white shirt, fitted trousers, and flat shoes—almost like the girl next door, rolling along with a suitcase in tow.
"The car will be here shortly," Henry said as he stepped forward.
Kailena nodded in reply.
After a brief wait of just two minutes, the hotel car arrived. Henry helped Kailena load her luggage into the car before driving them to the airport. Once they arrived, Henry found himself waiting again. After half an hour, they announced that the flight had been delayed!
Waiting an additional half hour, they were still met with further delays.
The airport buzzed with throngs of anxious passengers all awaiting flights. During this time, Henry spotted a stout man clad in a large windbreaker making his way toward the private jet area. As he passed the waiting room, he caught sight of the enchanting Kailena!
Without hesitation, the plump man ceased movement, redirected himself, and entered the waiting room as two bodyguards trailed closely behind.
"Beautiful lady, hello! My name is David, and I am the CEO of Andrew Petroleum Company!"
Kailena glanced at him, her tone unfazed. "Sorry, I don't know you!"
"Hehe, it doesn't matter. Miss, are you traveling to Los Angeles? Coincidentally, I am too! Would you like to join me aboard my private jet?"
"I would rather not!" Kailena replied coolly. "I already have a boyfriend; please do not spark misunderstandings!" She then linked her arm with Henry's.
David eyed Henry disdainfully, dismissing him entirely. "Miss, your boyfriend seems like a kid. Just follow me, and I'll give you $20,000 a month as pocket money!"
Suddenly, Kailena burst into laughter and turned to Henry, teasing, "Henry, he said he would give me $20,000 a month! How much do you plan to offer?"
"Me? How much do you think I can afford?" Henry replied.