35.

VINCENT'S POV. "To build this housing project, we need land near the beach. The only land Hudge Group can provide is located at Bukit Emeraldas, on the edge of the city. It is not too far from the city." In front of everyone in the meeting, Amber spoke as she showed the view of the hill that was the land of choice. The projector screen behind her changed. True to Amber words, the projector screen showed a view of the beach that intersected with the open sea. Among the parties involved in the meeting, Benny sat in a straight chair facing forward. While paying attention to Asleena's explanation, Benny rocked his chair left and right. Repeatedly, Benny's chair movements disturbed Asleena. On the other hand, Asleena had actually restrained herself from lashing out at Benny. "... and if there is a rejection of the chosen land, Hudge Group has provided another land," Asleena continued her sentence of explanation. "Ms. Asleena, have you estimated the potential strength of the land?" asked one of the parties from Handerson Group. Asleena nodded her head in response. "Yes, Mr. Franco. The lands provided by Hudge Group have taken into account the potential for landslides. And the soil on this land has never experienced a decrease in its strength level to support a building or the like." After some serious questioning, Asleena felt that there were no more questions from the Hudge Group. Asleena immediately focused her eyes on Benny. For some reason the man was still very relaxed moving the chair to the right and left as if he didn't care about Asleena's attention. "Mr. Benny? Do you have anything to ask?" Asleena could no longer stop herself from reprimanding Benny. She deliberately mentioned Benny's name in front of all the investors and parties from the two companies. Hearing his name mentioned suddenly made Benny hurriedly turn his chair forward. When he was facing straight again, everyone looked at him in unison. They all looked strange seeing Benny's behavior spinning around on a chair. Benny immediately straightened his sitting position while fixing the collar of his inner shirt. Benny pretended to examine the chair he was sitting on with an exasperated expression. "Gosh, this chair is so uncomfortable. How can I sit quietly if I'm constantly spinning around?" Benny grumbled like a complaining customer. The whole room was silent. They were still looking at Benny strangely, including Asleena. No one spoke up to hear Benny complaining about the chair. "Mr. Benny, that chair can be locked so that it doesn't spin around," replied Asleena who looked at Benny flatly. Benny immediately gaped in confusion. But his confused expression was only temporary. Within seconds, Benny returned to his formal and stern expression. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Benny grumbled. He was secretly embarrassed. "Sir, even the investor guests and people from your company have locked the chairs so they don't move like your chair. Don't you know that basic science?" Asleena snapped. It was only then that Benny realized that Asleena was deliberately cornering him. While locking the chair, Benny looked at Asleena sharply. For a split second they interacted through eye contact before Benny finally straightened her seat. "Alright, it's done. I'm sorry everyone. I distracted the focus of this meeting," Benny said while bowing briefly to all meeting participants. Then Benny turned his gaze to Asleena. With a forced smile curving his face, Benny said, "What did you just say?" "Is there something you want to ask?" asked Asleena with an ignorant smile on her face. In front of Asleena, Benny, who was still awkward, cleared his throat. He nodded his head firmly and acted as if nothing had happened to him. "Nothing. I've already agreed to the selected land," Benny replied spontaneously. "I'm sure the Hudge Group wouldn't give away land that isn't maintained." "Mr. Benny. Did you say that because you agreed, or because you had to?" One of the parties from the Handerson Group asked. Getting that question made Benny frown in displeasure. "Why would I have to agree? I know that Miss Asleena would never disappoint those who work with the Hudge Group." "So, you don't want to take land from another company?" Benny shook his head as he pointed at Asleena. "I trust Miss Asleena's choice," he replied firmly without wanting to be contradicted. "Alright, all honorable investors, do you also trust Hudge Group's choice?" "We don't mind at all if the two companies agree with each other," said one of the investors. Benny gave a formal smile, while Asleena let out a sigh of relief. "In that case, we'll set a date to come and inspect the location in person," Benny said as the final sentence. Finally, the meeting was over. They all quickly forgot about the interaction between Benny and Asleena moments ago. No one suspected why Benny was so confident in Asleena. On the other hand, while Benny was shaking hands with the parties in this meeting, Asleena noticed Benny. Asleena subconsciously felt touched as Benny reassured the investors and other Handerson Group parties. Indeed, Benny had a contractual relationship to help Hudge Group Company. That's why Benny did it. But still Asleena no longer felt worried because now Benny was not too annoying. After all parties had shaken hands with Benny and Asleena, their eyes met. During that time, Asleena did not see Benny's usual figure. This was a different Benny. But Asleena didn't know how to describe him. *** "What about the results of the meeting, Miss Asleena?" Rogger asked a polite question after meeting Asleena who came out of the special door leading to the meeting room hallway. Asleena gave Rogger her sweetest smile. Just from the twinkle in her eyes, Rogger could already tell that nothing bad had happened. "They agreed to approve the project cooperation with Hudge Group. Later we will all make a visit to the construction site of the Handerson Group housing project," Asleena explained. Hearing Asleena's words made Rogger heave a sigh of relief. Rogger couldn't help but giggle with relief after thinking about the bad possibilities. "That's a relief then. Since this project could determine whether the Hudge Group is saved or not, I was really nervous." Rogger chuckled awkwardly at the end of his sentence. Asleena pulled the corners of her lips downward. Giving a facial expression as if she was touched. "Why are you saying that? You moved me," Asleena said as she patted Rogger's shoulder once. Rogger just kept quiet and chuckled as his shoulder was pushed forward a bit. A few meters away from Asleena and Rogger, behind them, Benny walked while watching them leave. Occasionally, Benny greeted the investors who passed by, or the Hudge Group who had attended the meeting a few moments ago. At that time Benny actually wanted to talk about the wedding. But considering that since yesterday he made Asleena constantly feel annoyed, Benny finally held himself back now. Benny just sighed heavily as he followed Rogger and Asleena. In the middle of walking, Benny got a vibration on his cell phone. A sign of an incoming phone call. Suddenly his steps stopped and looked down, then took the cell phone from his pants pocket. [Joseph is Calling...] Benny frowned. Before picking up the phone, his eyes briefly shifted to stare at Asleena and Rogger's departure. They had gotten further away. When he looked back at his phone screen, Benny could guess what Joseph was going to say. "Hello, Grandpa?"