Getting Married – Part 2
Tuesday, continued …
After sitting down, Anna looked at Hou Yi and quietly asked, “That woman called you CEO Hou. Who are you?”
Hou Yi looked directly into Anna’s eyes and responded, “I did tell you I ran the family company. I am its CEO; it’s called Hou Enterprises. I’m a private person, and I try to avoid the spotlight. However, attending business and charity events means my photograph gets taken, and it appears in the papers. People recognize me through that, which is why she called me CEO Hou.”
Hou Yi knew he was truthful in everything he said, but he also realized he had not corrected Anna’s perception of Hou Enterprises. He wasn’t going to lie, but he wasn’t going to reveal the full extent of the company’s global reach just yet. His identity as CEO didn’t depend on the size of the business—it was the responsibility he carried. He would be truthful when the time was right, but for now, it was not necessary to do so.
As Hou Yi leaned slightly towards Anna, she mirrored his action by resting her head on his arm, near his shoulder. Hou Yi’s head gently touched the top of hers, and for a moment, they were transported into their own world, disconnected from the noise and people around them. The only sounds they could hear were the murmurs of voices, but the actual words were lost amidst the increasing crowd noise.
Hou Yi looked out from under his eyelashes, realizing that he had been recognized by many people. They couldn’t believe the public affection he was displaying towards Anna, especially as they waited to obtain their marriage certificate. Mobile phones started to come out, but as people read the signs prohibiting photography and the penalties associated with breaking them, they hesitated. Many decided to wait outside and take photos once they left the building, hoping to catch a glimpse of this unusual public display of affection.
Before anyone could get too close, the door to their right lightly swung open, and a man stepped out. “CEO Hou, Miss Jones, I am Official Song. If you could follow me, I will help finalize all the arrangements for the issuing of your marriage certificate.”
Official Song’s voice broke through their daze, and Hou Yi quickly helped Anna sit up straight before standing up. He then reached out his hand and said quietly, loud enough for onlookers to hear, “Darling…”
As soon as Anna took his hand to stand up, Hou Yi let go and turned to stand beside her, offering his arm for her to hold onto as they followed Official Song. Anna’s dazed state was penetrated by the realization that people were observing her and Hou Yi. What she felt was that Hou Yi was being courteous and helpful to her given all that had happened, bringing them to this point.
Anna heard comments echoing the same sentiment—that CEO Hou was so romantic with this woman who had captured his heart, that they couldn’t wait to post on social media what they had seen. The women around were envious, wishing their boyfriends acted towards them as Hou Yi was acting with Anna.
Hou Yi, hearing the comments, didn’t care. All he wanted was to tie Anna to him, securing their marriage. Everything else was secondary, including his plans to stop the Lu’s. He knew Anna and he would achieve their revenge, but the most important thing at this time was making their union official.
With that, Hou Yi and Anna followed Official Song through the door he had come out to meet them, and down the corridor.
