Restore Your Smile

Conversation with the Great Lord

"First of all, I want to thank you. You and your family have put my daughter back in a much better state than before." Mr. Adipratama began the topic of his conversation.

Hearing that, James was stunned. He had not expected this arrogant Great Lord to be able to say such a sweet word. (Sir Adipratama be like: how bad is my image in the eyes of this boy ?! ).

"To be honest, I didn't expect the child to suddenly come to the hospital where I was treated and find me who was still lying in the hospital room. It is still clear in my memory how he came with his head bowed and hands clasping his skirt, something he used to do when he was frightened or anxious. The sentence he spoke at that time was very short, 'Papa, Celine came home.'

At that time I was very curious to ask, what caused him to be able to return here? But because of the stroke I had, I couldn't speak well. Therefore, I could only endure my curiosity back then.

Until I was able to be treated at home, Celine took care of me as usual. He fed me, reminded me of the time I took medicine, pushed my wheelchair, etc. Everything he did in silence. He never told her about his life or talked about you guys. Never once did his eyes dare to look at me directly.

After undergoing physiotherapy abroad for about a month, my tongue can finally work together. I finally managed to ask a question that has been curious for a long time.

I asked, why did you come back here? Did that young man or his family throw you out?

His response surprised me. For the first time he looked at me. There was a hint of anger in his eyes. With a clenched hand that trembled and slightly stammered, he said, 'No, Papa. It's Celine's own desire to go home. They never kicked Celine out. Even they opened their hands wide if Celine wanted to come back.' "

Until there Papa Celine gave a pause in his sentence. On his face was a gentle smile that James had seen for the first time. His eyes glare. His mind seems to be replaying the incident in his head.

"Once the two children were shocked when I returned to be hospitalized for the betrayal of my sister who wanted to take the company out of my hands. After I was allowed to return home from the hospital, he suddenly faced me and proposed that he be considered to be the heir.

Honestly, I was shocked to hear the boy's words. I don't know what's in his head until he thinks about the idea. I doubt he did it because of personal ambition like a thirst for power. I felt he was doing it for me, so that I might return to hope. Maybe the boy knew the anger and disappointment in my heart.

Such a quiet and timid child, daring to make such a point with his head bowed and a trembling voice .... What a wonderful thing for me. It is seen that he forced himself and took all his courage just to say it, " said Mr. Adipratama while chuckling, feeling that what he told him was a funny thing.

"I wasn't so sure of his proposal at first. But, rather than just accepting the fate of being stabbed by my sister from behind, what harm would it do if I tried to fight for the proposal?

I confirmed the proposal once again and questioned its seriousness. At that time, the boy dared to look me in the eye. He replied with complete confidence that he was capable of doing so provided I agreed and was willing to guide him. Seeing his seriousness, I finally agreed to it and invited him to fight together.

Unexpectedly, it turned out that he was quite serious about his words. He went to college while working. He also never complained about my hard upbringing. Not to mention the various challenges from his uncle that he had to face. Often I saw him fall asleep at his desk so tired.

It turns out he's the same as his brother. If you have decided something, his will is highlighted. You could even say stubborn. Any price will be paid for the sake of realizing his wish." Back Mr. Adipratama chuckles.

"What made me even more surprised was his talent in language science. His foreign language skills are amazing. To my knowledge until now, Celine mastered 4 foreign languages other than Indonesian, namely English, Mandarin, Japanese, and French.

The communication science major he chose, further sharpened his talent. He can easily convince people, especially clients from foreign companies. It can make the atmosphere comfortable so that communication becomes smoother. This is very useful for companies, especially if we want to spread our wings abroad.

The next Celine ability I have to admit is her ability to judge people. Perhaps because of his shy character from childhood, he became accustomed to paying attention to people. He can tell which people are trustworthy, which are not. Which is sincere, which is in the nature of the skin. This helps him a lot in choosing colleagues that he can trust.

Unexpectedly, the boy mastered the much-needed science to become a company leader. Only the science of Business Management and its naive nature remains to be honed. The child has a heart that is too soft and innocent enough in the face of the cruel business world like this.

If I did not tell him about the tricks his uncle did to tackle him, or was wary of his uncle's behind-the-scenes game, his steps would not be this easy to be recognized as an heir. Unbeknownst to him, I even countered my sister's actions by playing behind the scenes for the last project my sister held before the shareholders meeting.

As a result, my sister's project failed. Funny thing again, which shows the mistake of the project is Celine herself at the director's meeting, without me giving any leaks. This is what affects the valuation of shareholders. They're more trusting of Celine's abilities than my sister's as the company's future leader."

Mr. Adipratama said that with a satisfied tone, as if he had succeeded in completing his revenge to the Brother. On the contrary, James could only be speechless hearing the attitude of the brothers who could ruthlessly betray each other and scuttle from behind. He really did not think out and really hope that it does not happen in his family.

"Until now my intervention was unknown to Celine. And I hope you can keep this a secret. Let Celine feel her success because of her own efforts, because indeed she deserves it. Can you do it?" ask Mr. Adipratama.

"Of course, Om, " replied James short. Why would he divulge a secret that could make Celine slumped, if he realized his success there was a dirty intervention of his father from behind?

"thank you. After all, the child can become like this thanks to your intervention and upbringing as well. There are many things I believe he learned from you. I have to admit, for the development of her character, you guys managed to educate Celine better than me. And for that, once again I sincerely thank you and your family." Mr. Adipratama ended his words.

Hearing that, Mr. Adipratama laughed. "You are sharp, young man! Aye! That's not the main reason I'm calling you here, although sooner or later I have to thank you. I invited you here to discuss Celine's matchmaking matter."

James's heart immediately thumped at the topic Mr. Adipratama wanted to discuss. This is what Mr. Adipratama really wants to discuss until he expels Celine. There's no way to just thank you, Celine has to be kicked out of everything, right?

"With Celine now as a successful young director and heir to the Adipratama Group company, many matchmaking or engagement applications have been accepted. It is very natural to happen among us. What do you think of that?" tanya Tuan Adipratama begins a discussion on the topic of Celine.

James could only gulp upon hearing that fact. "That's not my part to answer, Om. It was entirely Celine's authority to decide, "James replied.

"I have asked my daughter the same thing. Do you know what the answer is? He asked me to ask you. The boy appointed you as his guardian. But, if you guys end up playing this kind of toss, do I have to decide?" Back Mr. Adipratama asked with a slanted smile on his face.

James was confused as to how to answer. It was impossible for him to decide this, especially without talking about it to Celine first. Besides, what about his own feelings? Does it really have to end according to the original plan? Does it have to be from his own mouth he gives Celine to another man?

Looking at James who was just speechless, Mr. Adipratama continued his question, "Alright. We change the question. Do you love my daughter?"

"Yes, Om, "I'm James.

"Then why is it so hard to answer my question, boy? Didn't you just say that you love my daughter and ask for my blessing? Especially after you heard how grateful I am because you managed to make Celine become like this?" ask Mr. Adipratama who does not understand James' attitude.

"It is precisely because of this that I hesitate to say it, Om. I don't want to force Celine to accept my feelings or get Om's blessing because of the feelings of return." James explains the reason.

"That means the kid doesn't know how you feel?"

"Not yet, Om."

Mr. Adipratama laughed out loud at James' reply. "Maybe to others, your reasoning sounds wise and thoughtful. But sorry, Young Man .... To me, you only reasoned to cover up your cowardice that could not express your feelings! Looking at you like this, who would have thought that you were the same snot boy that had once challenged me! Ahhaha ...."

James's face turned red hearing the taunts from Mr. Adipratama. He had to admit a little, there was a possibility that the Great Lord was right. Is it true that all this time he only used the excuse as a pretext to cover his cowardice? He should think about it and check his feelings again later.

"Yes already .... Let's just say that our way of thinking is completely opposite. As an entrepreneur, I used to take advantage of every opportunity to achieve my goals. As a teacher, you are used to relying on your patience to achieve your goals. Didn't you?" Mr. Adipratama continued his sentence with a smile after his laughter subsided.

"All I want to know is your next move. Do you want me to decide? Or do you want to give yourself time to think? Let's just say this is how I return the favor and appreciate your feelings. Because just like Celine's previous way of thinking, I think you also have the right to speak in this case, " explained Mr. Adipratama.

After taking some time to think for a moment, James decided, "Give me some time to think, Om."

"good. How long?"

"Nw .... Can I have 3 months, Om?" This was said by James after considering the frequency of communication he could establish between himself and Celine.

According to him, Celine's days in the future will be filled with a busy schedule. It might be difficult for him to find the right time to discuss this matter with Celine. Not to mention now they live in a different city. As a result, they would be more difficult to meet. The most likely communication is simply by utilizing the telephone network.

Let's assume Celine's schedule will be looser on weekends. Means the possibility he only has 4 times the chance in 1 month to freely communicate with Celine. Maybe 12 times enough chance for him to finish the discussion. Not to mention he still needed time to check his own feelings and prepare the heart to bring this topic to Celine.

But unfortunately, the calculation was rejected outright by Mr. Adipratama. "Can't! Too long! 1 Month only! We have to think about the feelings of those who sent the cover letter. It's not ethical if we let them wait for the answer too long!"

That is how it ends. James could only agree to a deadline given by Mr Adipratama. With chaotic thoughts and feelings, James gave permission to leave the Adipratama residence.

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