Chapter 8 – The Date



Ella was busy scanning the documents, when suddenly, her phone rang. “Hello?” she answered. “Ms. Chen, Mr. Wu on line 1.” she heard her secretary say on the other line. “All right, please connect him.” she said. After a while, she heard Chun's voice on the other hand. She let out a smile upon hearing his voice, but then she let out a sigh to show him that she is annoyed, though it's just an act. “What do you want, Mr. Wu?” she said. “Awww... someone got up at the wrong side of the bed?”
“Stop wasting my time. What do you want?”
“Well... remember our deal?”
“What deal?”
“That if I could bring back your gay ex-boyfriend, you'll go out on a date with me?”
“Well, you did bring back my gay ex-boyfriend. But he isn't the guy that he is before.”
“As much as I want to turn him into a straight guy, I refuse to. I don't want any competition with your heart.”
“Well, I was thinking about you dressing up as a girl again and dating him.”

Chun let out a laugh. “Funny. Very funny, Ms. Ella Chen.” he said. Ella leaned on her chair, and let out a smile on her lips. “So, you were saying about the deal?”
“Yes, you owe me a date.”
“Do I?”
“Of course, you do. You can't say no this time. And so, you will be my date at the Taipei Charity Ball on Saturday.”
“This Saturday? Are you kidding me? Tomorrow is Saturday. You should have told me before hand so that I could have readied myself!”
“Don't worry, Ella... I've got everything taken care of.”

Just then, she heard a soft knock on the door. “Come in.” she said. Angela went inside her office with a big package on her hand. “Ms. Chen, this was delivered just now.” she said. Ella could only watch in confusion as Angela put the box on the coffee table. “Thank you, Ms. Zhang. You may go back to work.” she said. She took the phone, and talked to Chun again. “Sorry... got a delivery here...” she said to Chun on the phone. “Oh, so I see that you got it.” Chun said. Ella narrowed her eyes in confusion. “Got what?”
“My special gift for you? That large box...”
“So, that came from you...”
“Yes, so why don't you take a look at it?”
“OK, give me a sec to get that box.”

Ella stood up from her chair, and then put the box on her table, and then opened it. She smiled upon seeing a pink gown inside it. It was pink tube gown, the upper part of it is in light pink, and the skirt part is ruffled (like little roses) and is in dark pink. She ran her finger through it in amazement. She took the phone again to talk to Chun. “Chunnie?” she said. “So, have you seen my gift? I hope to see you wearing that tomorrow.” he said. Ella smiled giddily as she touched her gown. “I love it.”
“I know you'll look lovely in it. So, I'll pick you up tomorrow at 7 PM?”
“All right... I'll see you tomorrow then.”
“Can't wait to see you.”

As she ended the call, the smile on her face could not be erased.

--

“Is he there yet?” Ella asked Rainie as she walk down the stairs. Rainie looked at her best friend, who was struggling to get down the stairs in her gown. “You stay right there, young woman. I will face your date, and he will be tormented by me.” she said. Hebe folded her arms, and she sighed at Rainie. “Look, this isn't a prom date, Rainie.” she said. “I know, but we all know who Wu Chun is. He is the biggest player I know. And I'm only protecting my best friend.” Rainie said. Ella could only sigh as she went back upstairs. “Fine...” she said as she retreated.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Ella immediately rushed down the stairs. “It's him!” she said excitedly. Rainie glared at her again. “What did I just tell you a while ago?”
“That you will torment him?
“Yes. So go back upstairs, and don't come down until I call you.”
Ella sighed again as she went back. Meanwhile, Rainie grudgingly walked up to the door, and opened it. She was not surprised to see Chun on the door. “Good evening.” he said, smiling to his ex-girlfriend. Rainie folded her arms as she looked at him from head to toe. “What are you doing here?” she asked. “I'm here for Ella. Is she ready yet?” he asked. “Ready for what? Ready to get laid by you, or ready to brokenhearted by you?” she asked sarcastically. With that, Chun fell silent. “Look, mister. I know what you are up to. Let me tell you this... Ella is the most fragile girl you'll ever meet. I don't want you to play with her feelings, all right? She deserve something much better than you, and much better than that stupid gay lanky ex-boyfriend of his. She have gone through a lot of heartache, and I will not stand it if you will only hurt her. She's my best friend, you break her heart, I'll break your neck.” she threatened.

And our man-hater's best friend's threat is enough to scare our lover boy. Chun's eyes widened in shock at what she said. Sure, he is scared. “Rainie Yang, I told you it's just a date!” Ella said as she walked down the stairs. Rainie looked back at her, blocking Chun's view of our lovely heroine. “I told you not to come down until I call you!” she told her. “Relax. I'm 27, not 17. It's just a charity ball, not a prom night. As if something bad will happen to me!” Ella said. “Something bad will definitely happen to you as long as you keep on hanging out with this jerk!” Rainie said. Ella could only sigh, as she walked past her. “Sorry about her...” Ella told Chun as she pointed at Rianie.

At the sight of her, Chun's jaw dropped. He was left speechless, mesmerized by the way she looked tonight. She looked lovely in the pink gown he bought her, more than lovely that he thought. She had her hair pinned up, giving him a closer look at her lovely face. She wore a light make up, which complimented her beauty. If he could, he'll just stare at her the whole night. “Chun, are you all right?” she asked worriedly. Chun let out a boyish smile, and nodded his head. “Sorry... it's just that... I was too caught up by your beauty...” he said. Ella let out a shy smile, and swore to herself that she is blushing like a high school girl. “Oh, shut up. You say that pickup line to all the girls you meet!” Rainie said. Chun looked at her, and smiled sarcastically. It seems that Rainie, a.k.a his-ex-girlfriend-slash-man-hater's-best-friend will make it hard for him to make a move to the love of his life. “Aiyo, stop teasing me, all right. Let's go. My mom here told me that I have to be home before midnight.” Ella said, eying her best friend. “And what happens after midnight, you turn into a cabbage?” he asked. Ella smiled, and shook her head. “Worst. I'll be grounded for the rest of my life.”

--

Chun held Ella by the arm as they entered the grand ball room of the hotel. All eyes were on them as they entered the ballroom. The flashes from the camera almost blinded her as they made their way through. All the girls looked envious of her, and were giving her dagger looks. Why not? After all, she is the reason why they lost a chance to date Taiwan's hottest bachelor tonight.

“I'm not apt to this...” Ella told Chun as she looked nervously at the other girls. Chun held her tight, and smiled at him. “Relax. You'll get used to it.” he said. “Will I get to used to it? Come on, if looks could kill, you're dating a dead girl by now.” she told him. “And if looks could kill, then you'll be dragging a dead man by now.” Chun said. Ella just smirked at him Then, Chun paused, and faced her. “Have I told you that you're the most beautiful girl in this room?”
“How many times have you used that pickup line?”
“Don't you believe me?”
“You are a playboy, Chun. Do you expect me to believe that I am the first person you told me that?”
“For tonight, yes.”
“So, I should expect that by the end of the night, I'll be hearing you say that line to half the girls in this room?”
“No.”
“Or, should I expect that I'll be calling Rainie to pick me up here at the hotel, for you'll be going home with some random girls.”
“No.”
Ella let out another smirk at him. “Shut up. You think I'll fall for that I-only-have-my-eyes-on-Ella-Chen attitude of yours?” she asked.. “I'm not expecting you to fall for it. I'm expecting you to believe it, actually.”
“Do you have an idea that it would take you more than this beautiful gown, or this fancy party to win my heart?”
“Yes. And I'm willing to do the most impossible and the craziest thing that you ask of me, Ella.”

Ella could only smile at him. “End of conversation.” she said. “Why is it that when I open up the topic of us being together, you end it up?” Chun asked. “Remember, I'm still recovering from that gay ex-boyfriend of mine.” she said. Chun could only sigh as he shook his head. “It will always be about him...” he said. “It doesn't have to. By recovering, what I mean is I'm still on the process of permanently moving on from his memories and giving other guys a chance.” she said. With that, Chun looked at Ella with hope in his eyes. “So... you're saying... I could have a chance?” he asked. Ella just shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe. If you are willing to put up with the crazy me.” she said. Chun's lips curved into a smile upon hearing that. “I can put up with the crazy you.” he said.

Just then, a new song began to play, and everyone before them began to dance. “So, may I have the honor of dancing with the beautiful Ella Chen?” he asked as he extended his hand to her. Ella smiled at him, and held his hand. “I'd love to...” she said. “But then you have to protect me from those girls that's wanting to kill me.” she said, pointing at the girls by the table. Chun looked back, and saw the girls giving dagger looks at her. Chun turned to her, and gave her a playful smile. “I will, don't worry.” he said. He bowed before her, and kissed her at the back of her hand, making the girls even more jealous and angry at Ella. “You sure know how to tick those girls off, don't you?” Ella told him. Chun just winked at him, then he led her to the dance floor.

--

“Bitch...” Joanne said as she glared at Ella, who was happily dancing with Chun. She took a glass of champagne from the waiter, and drank it up. “Who is she anyway?” Charlene asked as she joined her friend. “I heard she's that man-hater... that upcoming famous architect.” Gillian said. Joanne continued to glare at her. She could not forgive Ella for stealing her supposed to be date tonight. She should be the one whom Chun is waltzing right now, not some nobody in the high society. “She's such a social climber. Ugh!” Charlene said in disgust. “So, what are you planning to do now, Joanne?” Gillian asked. “What else?” Joanne said, finishing her drink. “I will win my man back tonight. And that bitch can go to hell.”

--

“Look over there...” Chun said, pointing at an elder man talking to another man. “He is Mr. Dennis Yu. He owns 40% of Ting Hua Corporation's shares.” he said. Ella let out a sigh as she folded her arms. “Boring...” she said. Chun gave her a confused look. “You mean to say, you memorized the names of all the people in this room?” she asked. Chun nodded his head. “So, do you know them personally?” she asked. Chun shook his head. “I knew them because my business partners introduce them to me.”
“So, you mean to say, you only know them professionally.”
“Yes.”

Ella let out another sigh as she folded her arms. “Wow... that sure is tough... memorizing the names of all the people in this room without even knowing them personally. Well, let's see, Chun. Do you know anyone in this room whom you don't know professionally, but you know from head to toe?” she asked. Chun smirked at her. “Why do you ask?” he asked. “I'm just curious. Instead of telling me those bigwigs of the Taiwan business sector, how about you telling me those ex-girlfriends you had in this room.” she said. Chun let out a laugh as he shook his head. “Why do you want to know who my ex-girlfriends are?”
“I want to know. If you want to be with me in the future, I want to know your past. You knew my past somehow, and you met my ex. It's only fair that I know who I will be having a catfight with in the future.”

Chun just nodded his head. Then, he pointed at a short-haired girl in yellow dress, who was happily chatting with a group of girls. “That is Pets Zheng. We dated back in college, but it didn't worked out.” Chun said. “Why didn't it worked out?”
“She realized she liked Chen De xiu more than me. So, she broke up with me.”
Ella let out a smile. “Aha! So, she dumped you?” she asked. Chun nodded his head. “I guess she's the last girl I really took seriously, but she broke my heart.” Chun said sadly. “So, did she, and that Xiu guy ended up together?” she asked. Chun nodded his head. “They are happily married now, with 2 kids.” he said.

Then, Chun looked around the room again, and saw the tall, long-haired girl in white tube gown. “And that's Tiffany. We dated a few years back, but I grew tired of it.” he said. “Let me guess... she wanted a serious relationship, and you can't give it to her?” Ella asked. Chun shook her head. “She got bored with it, I got bored with it, sex wasn't that great anymore. End of story.” he said. Ella folded her arms, and looked firmly at him. “Does it always have to be around sex?” she asked. Chun shrugged his shoulder. “When I was much younger, I could say yes. But now...” then, he looked into her eyes. “It's all about being with someone I can't live without.” he said. Then, he let out another boyish smile. “So, of all those girls you dated before, you never felt that you can't live without them?” she asked. Chun nodded his head. “I only felt that with you...” he said.

Ella looked away from him, and let out a smile. “So, can you tell me more about your exes in this room?” she asked. Chun let out a laugh, and as he looked in front of him, he saw Joanne walking up to them. “And that is Joanne.” he said. Ella looked in front of them, and saw her. “She just couldn't accept the fact that I don't like her anymore.” he said. Ella laughed at him again. “Let me guess, and obsessed ex-girlfriend of yours?” she asked. Chun nodded his head.

“Hi, Chun.” Joanne said, smiling sweetly at him. Then, she looked at Ella, and let out an evil smile. “So, who's this date of yours? A new victim of yours?” she asked. Chun put his arm around her, and smiled at Joanne. “She is my date, all right. Joanne, please meet Ms. Ella Chen, owner and founder of Polygon Designs. Ella, I want you to meet Joanne Zheng, she's the daughter of Joseph Zheng, the CEO of TMH Networks.” Chun said. Ella smiled at her, and extended her hand to her. “Nice to meet you, Joanne...” she said. Joanne smiled at her, and took her hand. “Nice meeting you.” she said. Then, Joanne turned to Chun. “Chun, would you be a dear, and you get yourself and Ella a drink? I want to have a small conversation with her for a while.” she said. Then, Chun turned to Ella. “Are you going to be all right?” he asked. Ella nodded her head. “Come on, the only person I've been talking to the whole night is you. Let me and your friend here talk for a while. Go and get us some drinks.” she said. Chun nodded his head, and then left the two girls.

As soon as Chun left, Joanne cricled Ella, looking at her from head to toe. “So, you're Chun's new... playmate?” she asked sarcastically. Ella narrowed her brows as she looked at her. “Excuse me?”
“Chun's new playmate. Or... flavor of the month?”
“Chun and I are just friends.”
Joanne let out a smirk as she put her hand on her waist. “Really?”
“Nothing is going on between him and me.”
“I know Chun. Judging by the way he looked at you tonight, there must be something going on.”
Ella folded her arms, and smirked at her. “And, you're jealous?” she asked. Joanne let out a laugh. “How can I be jealous. Chun have always been mine.” she said. She moved closer to her, and glared at her. “So, you better back off from my man, all right?” she said. “Your man?” Ella asked. Joanne just answered her with a smirk. “I don't see any markings on his forehead telling the whole world that he is your man. So, he is owned by no one, right?”
“But he is mine.”
“I never heard him talk about you... except for tonight. He said you're one of his obsessed ex-girlfriends, and he was right.”

Ella folded her arms, and it's now her turn to circle around her. “Poor little you... you've been trying so hard to make Chun notice you, but too bad, you, just like the rest of his girlfriends are nothing to him.” she said. Joanne could only glare at her in anger. “If I mean nothing to him, and so do you!” she hissed. Ella got back at her by smiling sweetly. “Who says he means something to me? He's just someone I know. I could live without him. I am a very independent woman, and I need no man in my life, not even Chun. I don't have to beg for his attention, because I could have it anytime that I want, not like you, who had to make a scene for him to notice.” she said.

Angry, Joanne took a glass from the roving waiter, and then splashed it on her. But before it could reach Ella, Chun pulled her away, making his suit wet with wine. Everyone's attention was on them, and Joanne could see the disgust look veering towards her. “I left you for a minute, and you're intimidating my date. Great, Joanne. Very great.” he said. Then, he looked at Ella, and held her hand. Then, she turned to her, and glared at her. “I hope this will be the last time I'm going to see you. Good riddance.” he said. Then, he pulled Ella away from her.

--

Outside the hotel's garden.

“Are you OK?” Ella asked as she handed Chun her hanky. Chun took it, and wiped the wine carefully from his black suit. “I'm OK, don't worry about me. Are you OK?” he asked. Ella nodded her head. “No one dares to insult the mighty Ella Chen...” she said. With that, Chun let out a laugh. “That's my girl...” he said.

Ella sat next to Chun on the bench, and let out a sigh. “You heard everything I said?” she asked. “Do you want the truth, or do you want me to lie?”
“Truth.”
“I did.”
Ella paused as she slowly looked up at him. “You don't need someone like me. You can live without me. I can understand that, Ella. I've accepted that a long time ago.” he said, still smiling at him. Ella let out a faint smile, and slowly looked away from him. “But I chose to be with you...” she muttered under her breath. “What did you say?” Chun asked curiously. “Oh, I said you're such an eavesdropper.”
“Sorry, I couldn't help but wonder what you two were talking about. So.. I eavesdropped.”

Chun took her hand, and then stared into her eyes. “Despite what you said to Joanne, I'm still wishing that you can need me the way that I need you, that you will want me as much as I want you. But don't worry, I won't give up. I will work hard so that you will realize that what I feel for you is real.” he said. He reached up to her face, and caressed her cheek. “God, I love you, Ella...” he thought. As he moved closer and closer to her for a kiss. Ella looked away from him. “Ooooppps... sorry...” Chun said. Ella shook her head as she laughed nervously. “I think we should go back inside? You ex-girlfriends might be looking for you.” she said. Chun laughed, and then helped Ella up from her seat.

As they entered the ballroom again, Ella paused upon seeing a familiar face among the crowd. She felt as if someone poured cold water on her. “D... dad....” she muttered. She saw him smiling and laughing with another group. A young girl walked up to him, and from what she could hear, he was proudly introducing his daughter to them. She felt her heart breaking again upon seeing his face, and the memories for her bitter past seem to flow into her mind.

She turned away from him, only to bump into Chun. “Hey, there's Robert Chen. Let me introduce him to you.” he said. Ella looked up at him, and shook his head. “No.... no...” she said. Chun noticed the sadness in her eyes, and she looked as if she was about to cry. “Ella?” he asked. “Get me out of here... please... get me out of here...” she pleaded. Without any second thoughts, Chun nodded his head, and got Ella out of the party.

--

Ella retreated back to her bed room, and as she lay down on her bed, the tears she was trying to hold back since she saw her father began to cascade from her eyes. Suddenly, she remembered that night when he left them.

--

As soon as he got inside his pad, Chun got his phone, and called Show. “Show... I need your help again...” he said. Then, he let out a sigh. “I want some information about Robert Chen...”

--

“I hate him...” Ella said as she bit her lips. “I hate him so much... he... he is the reason why... why mommy died... I hate him...” She wiped the tears on her cheeks, but the tears couldn't help but fall from her eyes once again. Rainie and Hebe looked at each other, and the only thing they could do is to hug her tight. “Ssssshhhh don't worry, Ella... everything will be OK...” Hebe said.

--

“There's something that you have to know, if you are really willing to win Ella's heart.” Chun heard Calvin said on the phone that evening. “What is it?” he asked. There was a long silence on the phone before Calvin could speak again. “Ella...” Calvin said. “had heart broken by her very first love...”