The Type of Guy Who is Hard to Approach

In the party hall, Mel and Anna found their place at the mini bar in the corner. Anna's anticipation rose as the show was about to start.

As the crowd buzzed around them, Anna's gaze remained fixed on a man near the stage, a smile playing on her lips. 

'Finally, the man I've been seeking,' she silently mused to herself. 

In contrast, Mel appeared disinterested in her surroundings, sipping her cola while engrossed in her cell phone.

"Mel, do you have any knowledge about First Corp?" Anna's sudden question interrupted Mel's focus.

Mel turned her attention to Anna, a slight frown forming on her face, "Of course, I'm familiar with them. Why this sudden interest in First Corp?" she asked. 

Anna leaned in closer, her head tilting toward Mel as she whispered, "See the handsome man with black-framed glasses near the stage, wearing the dark blue suit? That's Mr. James, the CEO of First Corp."

Mel glanced in the direction she pointed. "I know. I've seen him in the news." 

"Indeed, he's a well-known figure in the country. First Corp's rise has been remarkable, making them one of the top three companies in just five years. They even outperformed my family's company," Anna bitterly smiled.

With a mild tone, she continued, "Yet, there are rumors that the true architect of First Corp's success isn't the CEO but someone operating behind the scenes."

"I've heard those rumors too. Do you happen to know who this mysterious person is?" Mel inquired.

Anna shook her head. "I don't think anyone knows, not even my acquaintances within First Corp. Whoever it is, they've managed to keep their identity well-guarded."

Mel nodded in acknowledgment. She had tried to dig into the origins of First Corp, but concrete information about its founder remained secret. Evidently, they had taken deliberate measures to conceal the individual's identity.

While Anna continued to talk about First Corp, Mel's attention shifted to a tall man dressed in a black suit who stood beside James. Suddenly a nameless feeling stirred within her when she caught sight of his profile.

"You know, Mel," Anna began with an excited giggle, "James is exactly my type! He's smart, handsome, and the way he talks sounds sexy... I just love it!" Shyness played across her face as she spoke of James, her eyes gleaming as they rested on him. 

"He's my target for tonight. I need to get closer to him," Anna continued, her gaze returning to Mel's. When their eyes locked, Anna asked, "And what about you? Have you spotted someone worthy of being your target?" 

Anna's question took Mel by surprise. A faint smile graced her lips as she shifted her attention to the man in the black suit beside James. "Hmm... I believe I have," she responded, her gray eyes shining with a newfound intrigue.

"Really... really? Who is it? Come on, tell me who the lucky person is!"

Mel chuckled, enjoying the opportunity to tease Anna. Leaning in closer, she whispered, "Top secret!" Her voice held a playful tone.

"Oh, come on, Mel, please spill!" Anna pleaded.

Laughter escaped Mel's lips. Teasing Anna proved to be quite enjoyable. "Alright, I haven't actually met him in person. I just caught a glimpse from afar," she admitted her curiosity about the man had puzzled her.

Anna fixed Mel with an intense gaze. "Come on, Mel! Which one?"

Mel finally relented, revealing, "The man in the black suit, standing next to James." 

Brimming with curiosity, Anna immediately turned her attention in James' direction. Coincidentally, the man in the black suit also glanced their way. Anna squinted, striving to get a better look at him. Soon enough, her smile widened. 

"Mel, he does seem handsome, but I've got a hunch... He might be the hard-to-approach type. His vibe is distinct from James'. Personally, I'm more drawn to James; he appears approachable and friendly."

Mel was puzzled. She didn't understand what Anna was talking about because she had never felt attracted to men.

"Mel, let's approach them..." Anna's sudden idea caught Mel off guard, but she hesitated. She didn't dare to join Anna. Even though she felt curious about the man in the black suit, meeting him face to face was a challenge she wasn't ready for, at least not at that moment.

Soon, the music abruptly ceased, and the lights dimmed. 

Mel remained rooted to her spot, her focus now directed at the podium. The renowned MC, Matt Gilbert, commenced the show with his blend of humor and sophistication.

Later, the MC calls Andrew William, the CEO of the W Group, a figure known to many as "The Prince." 

Instantly, loud applause erupted from the crowd. Eager anticipation filled the room as they waited for the appearance of this enigmatic figure. However, moments later, disappointment swept through the guests as the MC regretfully announced Andrew William's absence, offering apologies on his behalf.

The news left many guests, especially women from wealthy backgrounds, dismayed at missing the chance to meet 'The Prince.'

Unfazed by the commotion, Mel observed the unfolding drama while continuing to sip her cola. She, too, was curious about the elusive Andrew William, a brilliant mind in the business world. What she'd gathered about him was impressive; the W Group had soared to even greater heights under his leadership. Unfortunately, Andrew's presence at public events was rare, limiting the number of individuals who had laid eyes on him.

Onstage, the MC then called Arnold William, President of the W Group, a man of immense national and global influence. Ranked as the world's third wealthiest person on Forbes' list, he held an emperor-like status in the country, further elevated by being Andrew William's father.

As Arnold William ascended the podium, applause resounded throughout the room, Mel included. She was captivated by his appearance—handsome, sharp-eyed, appearing much younger than his actual age nearing sixty.

Observing Arnold William addressing the audience, Mel felt like she witnessed an emperor communicating with his subjects. The room hushed, his voice casting a hypnotic spell over everyone, herself included.

...

Meanwhile, hiding from the audience's view on the other side of the stage, Andrew William secretly sent a message to his assistant, Raymond.

[A: ] Identify her.

[A: ] (Attached picture)

[Raymond: ] Is she present at the party?

[A: ] Affirmative.

A short while later, Raymond approaches Andrew. 

"Young Master, she is not listed as a guest. However, she's here with Ms. Anna Wilmer, a young lady associated with the Wilmer Group..." Raymond's voice trailed off, noticing the furrow forming on Andrew's brow.

"Should I locate Ms. Wilmer and bring her here for questioning?" Raymond inquired, seeking guidance.

Andrew's icy gaze fixed on Raymond, causing a shiver to course through his body. Understanding that his young master was irritated, Raymond promptly bowed and retreated, his intention set on gathering more information about the enigmatic woman.

As Raymond vanished from view, Andrew released a deep long sigh. 

Before long, Raymond reappeared.

"...Young Master, she has just left," Raymond reported.

A trace of disappointment flickered across Andrew's eyes, "Can you track her thru her car?"

"She hailed a taxi."

"And then?" Andrew's voice remained devoid of emotion.

"Very well, Young Master. I will trace the taxi," Raymond promptly confirmed.

"Learn where she is heading. And, I'm heading home too," Andrew declared, striding toward the elevator.

"What? But, Young Master, the event has only just begun. What shall I say if your father inquires about your whereabouts?" As he watched Andrew's determined approach to the elevator, panic laced Raymond's words. He trails him from behind.

"Young Master..." Raymond called out, desperately trying to halt his departure.

Andrew continued forward, unswayed by Raymond's pleas. "You may provide any explanation if my father inquires. Your creativity is your own concern."

As Andrew entered the elevator, its doors started closing. Raymond's final words reached his ears, "Young Master, I will promptly acquire her address."

The elevator doors sealed Andrew within, yet he cast a final directive before they fully shut.

"Do not fail me, Raymond." His words were a measured command.

And with that, the elevator's doors drew to a close.