Unfortunate Romance

Feng Ting's eyes were glued to her tablet as she traced the outline of a manga face. A cup of boba milk tea rested next to her.

Soft pop music played in Blue Leaf Cafe as people streamed in and out with drinks. Few glanced at the casually dressed woman in a windbreaker and black cargo pants.

Feng Ting occupied a booth near the back windows, a quieter corner nearly covered by blue plants. She spun the pen in her hand as she glanced over the drawing.

"Feng Ting!" Feng Ting started as she heard the familiar voice.

A young woman with short hair and wide eyes waved. She was dressed professionally, but seemed like a fresh university graduate.

The two exchanged hugs. Feng Ting laughed. "It's good to see you again Shanshan."

"So my dearest partner finally decides to graduate hmm," Ming Shanshan slipped into the booth. "Ice coffee with boba." She yelled at the barista. She leaned back against the cushions and stretched. "Oh, it's so good to finally take a break!"

Feng Ting slide over her drink. "How did you know I was here?"

Ming Shanshan paused and took a sip. "Coincidence actually, I just finished signing a contract and saw you when I passed by." She grinned. "Since you're here, care to inspect the R&D department in person? You know the employees are extremely curious about the co-CEO that never appears in person."

Feng Ting smiled. "Maybe I will."

Ming Shanshan nodded vigorously. "You should. After all, you are practically the backbone of Zheng Yi."

When she was in studying business and CS in Japan, Feng Ting had been her roommate. They had gotten close after Shanshan discovered that Feng Ting was a genius with computers despite her majoring in music. Feng Ting had no interest in business, but her technological creations were extremely advance. So they formed the perfect partnership and established Zheng Yi Technologies.

Feng Ting shrugged. "You probably do more than me." She really didn't do much these days except strengthening the final game codes and firewalls. Most of the maintenance work she left to WINTER (A.I.) to do . . .

Ming Shanshan pouted. "So you do know," she complained with grievous eyes, "then how about helping out more. The vice director of R&D w.h.i.n.es to me everyday about you! You haven't directly engaged in any of the new projects except VR."

Feng Ting poked her forehead with the pen, smiling wryly. "I'm come in later in the week."

Ming Shanshan beamed, eyes gleaming in triumph. "Ok, I'm going now before Cheng Yang blows up. I'm probably late to some meeting now." She smiles cheekily and flounces away.

Feng Ting peers out the window, seeing the poor assistant nearly at his wits end. She shakes her head in pity. Cheng Yang will probably grow white hairs from dealing with Shanshan in the long run.

She tapped the pen against the tablet thoughtfully.

"Feng Ting?"

Ah, looks like her appointment made it.

"Uncle Yang," she greeted with a polite smile.

The middle aged man coughs slightly, sliding to sit across from her. His eyes scan over her and a hint of approval appeared.

"You look well." He says gruffly.

Feng Ting nodded. "I apologize for leaving the gala early. You wanted to discuss something I presume?"

Yang Cai Kang pursed his lips. "The Song family inheritance divisions will be announced soon since you have turned 23." He slipped over a file.

Feng Ting didn't touch it. "I am a mere orphan adopted by the Song family. I doubt I will be included in the old man's will and frankly I don't care. I don't need anything from the Song family."

Uncle Yang sighed. This child had changed so much. The meek little girl had m.a.t.u.r.ed into a confident woman. In the past, she would have cried for a part of the inheritance. If she ever knew her background, what would she think?

"I will still secure you what you deserve." It was the last thing he could do . . . for her sake.

Feng Ting gazed deeply at the man that was seemingly lost in thought. She never thought much about their relationship, but it seemed like there was a story behind it all. Not that she cared though.

"Anything else Uncle Yang?"

He snapped out of his thoughts. "Ah right, are you dating someone right now?"

"Ah?" Feng Ting's mind blanked at the abrupt change. She shook her head slowly.

Wait . . . he wasn't going to try to match her up with someone right?