The Dream of the President

Long Chat

After a conglomerate lunch, which he ate lined up various spoons, forks, and knives of different sizes to make Shasa confused about which one to use, Lady Sofia and Shasa continued her chatter on the park bench while sipping warm tea. The tense situation that had surrounded the atmosphere of this house, began to melt. Commissioner Gusta had even been engrossed in chatting about business with Leo in his study. Although the talking points are classified as not fun as a chat in the family, Mrs Sofia is still grateful there are topics that can strengthen Commissioner Gusta and Leo.

"Shasa, what do you see and feel by drinking tea together like this?" Lady Sofia asked Shasa.

Shasa was somewhat confused by the intent of Lady Sofia's question. But he tried to answer. "As I feel, we can have a casual, comfortable and open conversation with each other."

Lady Sofia smiled. "Your answer is what normal people see."

Shasa grew confused and frowned.

"The Gusta family did not drink tea with just anyone. The situation of sitting together that you said was comfortable, could be different. After getting married later, maybe there will be many people who invite you to drink tea or even invite you to eat. You can't just take it for granted." Lady Sofia explained.

"Why?" Shasa wanted to ask for further explanation.

"The meeting of Gusta Family members with anyone, can bring up different opinions in the public. Maybe the intention is just to drink tea, but others can judge it for business or certain interests." Lady Sofia. "Whoever we want to meet, will be arranged by our personal assistant. The location, what we will eat or drink, it will also be arranged so neatly by our assistant."

Madam Sofia looked at the confusion on Shasa's face. "You don't have to worry. There will be many people looking after you. You don't have to be bothered by their existence. Um... Maybe you'll feel uneasy, but their presence can help keep your position."

"Does Leo live it that way?" Shasa asked curiously.

"Yes of course. Anybody he meets, what food he eats, places he goes to, everything is specifically monitored. Maybe you didn't see it, but there must be bodyguards following wherever Leo went." Lady Sofia is starting to look serious. "The wheels of business turnover in this country are much influenced by the business run by the Gusta Family. There will be many people who approach us because there are things they want, not because they are sincere. We have to be very careful with people like that."

Shasa realizes the reason Leo does not interact much with people. Apparently because of this.

"The Gusta family had such a great reputation and good name. Every step of the foot we take or the words we say can affect the reputation and the big name. Therefore, you do not need to answer other people's questions or try to explain something. If indeed the Gusta Family wants to tell you something, we'll inform him formally."

"I definitely need to learn a lot." Shasa knows a lot about the Gusta Family.

"I'll teach you." Lady Sofia held Shasa's hand. "The meeting with top XY Group officials will be held later this week. Can you take a leave of absence? There will be a lot to prepare. It might be hard at the beginning, but I'm sure, if my son had loved you like this, he would have seen a great power within you."

The words of Lady Sofia are so imprinted on the heart of Shasa. Does Leo really love Shasa?

*****

Commissioners Gusta and Leo had already started to enjoy his chatter about business. Commissioner Gusta looked so satisfied and proud of Leo's brilliant ideas. This seems to be their first long talk after all this time. Can not be lied to, this father-son couple indeed both have an interest in the business world.

The butler brought tea for both of them. They drank tea together on the couch in Commissioner Gusta's study.

"Leo, when did you manage your move here? I seem to have found the right friend to talk about business."

Leo smiled faintly. "Pa, you've got a lot of business experts around you, it's evil that you don't consider him a friend."

Commissioner Gusta shook his head. "Business, does not mean smart or not, expert or not. Business is about who you believe in. I trust my heir more than anyone else."

"Ah, soon I will appoint a personal assistant to your wife." Commissioner Gusta took his teacup.

"No need, Pa. I've prepared a personal assistant for him."

"Your wife's personal assistant, her duties are not light. I don't hire just anyone." Commissioner Gusta lifted his cup and sipped tea on the cup.

"Did you remember the chief secretary of XY Group? Papa must know the quality of that woman. Otherwise, it's possible that papa put him as the head secretary." Commissioner Gusta spontaneously turned his head towards Leo. "Just like Papa, I don't hire just anyone. Especially for my wife." Reply Leo steady.

Commissioner Gusta thought for a moment. "Do you love your wife so much?"

Time stopped turning. 'I can't answer Papa's question. Even I haven't told Shasa that I love her.' Leo's inner self didn't let go of his gaze on Commissioner Gusta.

*****

Shasa and Lady Sofia were still engrossed in conversation. It doesn't seem to take much time to get to know them. Lady Sofia recounts the long-standing relationship between Leo and Commissioner Gusta. Lady Sofia felt like the only woman in their midst.

"Maybe later you can also help me to make the two more familiar. I was really dizzy to see the behavior of the two of them when they met. I must have started it." Lady Sofia spilled all her feelings on Shasa.

"I'll help you as much as I can, Ma." Shasa smiled cheerfully.

"I believe in you. You're the only woman who can fit into Leo's life. I was worried that she would decide not to get married."

"I? The only? Haha... Where possible, Ma. She must have had a lot of girlfriends, right?" Shasa laughed in disbelief.

"Yes, he has a lot of girlfriends. But, yeah that's it. Just friends. When anyone comes near, he'll definitely stay away."

"Why did he do that, Ma?"

Madam Sofia sighed. He leaned his back on the chair. "Leo was like he had no dreams in his life. He was just living what was in front of his eyes. Mom asked if she had anything she wanted. I'm sure his father wouldn't have refused if Leo had said so. But, he simply replied he didn't want anything."

"But he finally said his wish. Even she told her father, not me." Lady Sofia smiled.

Shasa waited for Mistress Gusta's next sentence as if he was asking what his wish was.

"He wants to make you his wife. The father told me. And it's true what I said, Gusta would definitely not reject it." Lady Sofia smiled happily, leaving Shasa whose heart was raging. He could feel the sadness in Leo's heart because all this time he must have been lonely. But Shasa is also happy to know that Leo never messed around to marry her.

*****

seriate...