The President's Lover is a Fighter

It was then decided that Gao Rou would manage the care of newly identified distributors in China who would sell the pharmaceuticals of Intramed Wise.      

To widen his knowledge about the company, he was sent to the US for a sight inspection. Although primarily, Christina had a different purpose for him to visit the US. She even intentionally sent gifts for Deana to receive, just so Gao Rou would have a reason to meet Deana.     

Little did Christina know, Deana had a more solid plan.      

Gao Rou was met by Deana at the airport. She had prepared a well thought of itinerary for him and after getting him settled at the hotel; she invited him for breakfast so they could discuss his schedule.      

"Gao Rou, for today, we don't expect you to do anything but rest. You must be tired from the trip," she said while handing him the restaurant menu. "Order anything you like. All your incidentals here at the hotel will be billed to Intramed Wise."     

He gave a thin smile, exhausted from his journey. He was not really in the mood for a conversation. "I'll just have a little something. I'm more tired than hungry. Thank you."     

While waiting for the food to arrive, Gao Rou studied Deana. Even if she was wearing trousers and a long-sleeved blouse, he thought she carried herself well. She had invited him on Instagram and WeChat. He had long concluded that Deana was a very simple person.      

He could tell she had a crush on him by the way she often sent him messages or initiate a conversation. Up until the day of his departure, she sent him safe journey quotes. For the most part, however, Deana tried her best to be subtle. She maintained a friendly conversation at all times and was never flirtatious.      

After getting food into their stomach, Deana began to narrate the appointments on his two-week visit.      

On weekdays he was to visit the office and different laboratories, interviewing or merely observing their employees, especially the pharmaceutical scientists. In the evenings, Deana would take him to dinner and on weekends he would go for a tour around the city or nearby attraction.      

"That sounds good to me," said Gao Rou.      

"Great then! I'll see you tomorrow," said Deana before bidding goodbye.      

The week passed swiftly for him. He followed the schedule diligently with Deana guiding him every time. It was all the same on a daily basis; he would go to the office or at the lab, learn their operations and dine with Deana, sometimes with Darwin together.      

With his mind constantly filled with new information, Gao Rou felt the pressure that he needed to unwind on a weekend. He asked Deana, "I badly need to get a drink. Let's go to the bar after dinner."     

"Geeez… I'm not really a good drinker, but my brother is. I'll go ask him to accompany you," replied Deana.      

Darwin found it too tiresome to go to the bar and have a drink. If he was to drown himself with alcohol, he would rather do it in the comforts of their own home. Thus, that day, they went to the Clark's residence for dinner and drinking followed.      

In the middle of their session, Darwin invited his sister to drink with them. Deana was hesitant but eventually gave in to his brother's request.      

After almost an hour of joining them, Deana announced while slamming her shot glass on the table, "I'm drunk. You both got me drunk!"     

Darwin and Gao Rou laughed at Deana's red face. Her eyes were nearly closed when she let out her words. She only took five shots of hard gin and she was already losing her senses.      

"Why are you laughing at me? You!" She said, pointing at Darwin. "My own brother always bully me when I get drunk!" She then turned to Gao Rou and raised her voice, "And you! Just because I like you, you can easily make fun of me! Who cares if you are handsome and hot! There are many men out there just like you!"     

It was officially out. Gao Rou only had an inkling, but now, he was sure that Deana really liked him romantically. He quickly gulped down another shot after Deana's unconscious confession.      

There was silence in the table, but Deana did not realize it was because of her. "Why are you all silent?"     

Soon after, Darwin chuckled, but because he did not want to see his sister humiliated, he said, "I think you should get some sleep now."     

The next Monday, Deana immediately noticed Gao Rou's change in his approach. His gaze towards her was seconds longer, and he was asking how her day was. He was… showing more concern than what she was used to.     

During evenings, instead of letting her leave him at the hotel, he insisted on taking her home and headed back to the hotel by himself.      

It was only two days before Gao Rou's return to China that Darwin told Deana about her drunken confession.     

"Oh my God. I thought it was a dream!" She exclaimed.      

"No. Not a dream! It was R - E - A - L." Emphasized Darwin.      

The following day, she avoided Gao Rou's eyes. Although they were together, she would only speak to him about work-related matters and quickly found herself looking away.      

Since Gao Rou was leaving the next day, he asked Deana to have an exclusive dinner with him. He suggested, "We should go somewhere special today."     

Deana did not want to be perceived as easy. After having admitted she liked him, she thought he may take advantage of her. So, she did not agree, saying she was tired for the day.      

"Thank you, Gao Rou, but I'm exhausted. I still have to accompany you to the airport tomorrow. Maybe on your next visit. Can you manage dinner on your own tonight?" she asked.      

Disappointed, Gao Rou took a second to give a nod, saying, "If you say so."     

The next day, Deana handed Gao Rou a small carry-on bag which included some of her favorite chocolates. "These are for you and for Mr. and Mrs. Lu. Hope you like them."     

"Thank you, Deana," said Gao Rou before hugging her.      

Deana was smiling sweetly while in his embrace. When he loosened his hold, she slowly looked up to him to say goodbye, but she found herself being pushed forward against him.      

Gao Rou placed a hand behind her neck and held her steady. He gently placed a kiss on her lips, surprising Deana altogether.      

He pulled away when his eyes met hers, but seeing her not reacting, Gao Rou held her by the chin and leaned forward again. He kissed her twice before leaning back to the sight of her delicate face and her eyes which were still closed.      

He smiled before saying, "I'll call you when I arrive."     

Deana blushed completely at his promise. Her heart was throbbing at the idea of Gao Rou showing her affection. She bit her lip before looking straight at him and smiled. "Okay, I'll wait for your call."     

It ached to see him go. She wondered when will be the next they would see each other again. Still in a daze. She touched her lips, doubting if the kiss was real. She told herself, "Yes, Deana. The kiss was real."