
At 14:30 accompanied by Naura, Novi departed from home to meet Firmansyah in Banaran Coffee which is in the South Semarang region. With moderate speed, Naura drove the car and at 15:00 finally they reached the cafe parking lot managed by PT Perkebunan Nusantara IX (Persero). After parking his car in the shade, Naura followed Novi into the cafe. Novi circulated his gaze around the cafe, and feeling that he did not see Firmansyah, he finally chose a seat in a rather aloof place on the south side.
After they sat down, a waitress approached them with a menu book. Novi picked up the menu book then looked around for a bit.
“Lemon Squash 1, Banaran typical Fried Cassava 1 and tempe mendoan 1 yes,” Novi said on waitress.
“If I have gourami fish soup and Americano,” Naura said.
“Good, please wait a moment. We will immediately prepare the order,” said waitress kindly while taking back the menu book and taking it away.
Naura took the gadget from her bag, and did not wait for long she had been engrossed in surfing in cyberspace.
Novi himself seemed to be anxious waiting for the arrival of Firmansyah who promised to meet him at 15:30. At the moment, the Rolex on his wrist is almost showing the clock as per their appointment. Suddenly Novi sees a Rubicon parking a car close to his car, and a smile rises from his lips. He looked at Firmansyah who still looked dashing despite the many wrinkles already appearing on her face, was getting down from the car.
Novi stood up and approached Firmansyah to greet him at the edge of the courtyard. Firmansyah immediately knew where Novi was, then stepped up to him.
“Hai Nov..., has been waiting for me for a long time,” asked Firmansyah smilingly greeting Novi.
“Yes quite, understand Fir... women who drive so have to leave early so do not rush on the road,” replied Novi while inviting Firmansyah to where they sit.
“Lho, you drive yourself,” asked Firmansyah in surprise while staring at Novi.
“My daughter number 2 is driving, only she cares. Her sister is no longer able to hold her tail, let's sit Fir.” Novi offers a seat to Firmansyah. Naura has not realized if the guest awaited by her mother has come, she still focuses on her gadget.
“This is my daughter Naura, we met in Shopping Arcade.” Kata Novi introduced Naura to Firmansyah. He elbowed Naura who seemed to be unconcerned about them.
“There ma,” asked Naura who was confused why her mother suddenly elbowed her. Then he looked ahead, and immediately nodded his head while extending a hand to Firmansyah.
“Sorry Om, not aware that mama's friend has come,” said Naura Sambal kissed Firmansyah's hand.
“It's okay son. Your daughter is beautiful and polite Nov. Exactly like you when you were young” said Firmansyah praising Naura in front of him. Novi smiled at the compliment.
Novi again called waitress to serve Firmansyah.
“Naura moved there ya ma,” Naura permission to move seats, worried about disturbing the conversation of fellow parents.
“Ya,” reply Novi briefly.
“Mari Om,” Naura said goodbye to Firmansyah, then she sat in a place a bit away from them.
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After Naura left, Novi looked agitated in front of Firmansyah. Many times he seemed to sip lemon squash to ease his anxiety. While Firmansyah seemed to smile at Novi's own displeasure, because after a long time, only now they are back sitting together with facing positions. Firmansyah attempts to hold Novi's hand to help ease his tension, but politely Novi pulls his hand away from his.
“Sorry don't do that Fir, we're not young anymore,” Novi said slowly.
Firmansyah retracted her hand, and fortunately waitress came to deliver their order, thus helping to reduce the awkwardness between them.
“Mbak gurami soup and Americano for help delivered to the table there yes,” said Novi pointed towards the table Naura.
Firmansyah stuffed brown sugar into the coffee cup and stirred slowly. By holding the cup base cup, he sipped coffee using a coffee stirring spoon.
“Nov..., what do you want to talk to me about.” Ask Firmansyah. He is sure if Novi has a big problem, because after marrying Samsuar this time Novi took the initiative to meet him directly.
Novi looked into Firmansyah's eyes, but then lowered his gaze again.
“No need to hesitate to me Nov, tell me what your problem is.”
Novi took a deep breath, then exhaled again slowly, He repeated it three times to calm his feelings.
“My company needs no small amount of funding injection Fir. Various ways to get funding through bank and nonbank financial institutions, we have done. But it can not help, instead causing short-term operational burden because of the burden of interest and return that we have to pay to investors.” Novi stopped his words, he picked up a glass and took a sip of lemon squash to reduce his nervousness.
After a little relief, Novi continued his words.
“For the continuity of the company and the future of our children, that company must be saved. But we already have no alternative to get funding again, and even within a period of one month, if we are unable to pay off some loans, some of our assets are forced to be seized by outsiders.” Unknowingly Novi spoke with tears, and could no longer continue his words.
A silent atmosphere surrounded them for a while.
“Continue with this meeting, what do you want from me Nov,” suddenly Firmansyah smiled smirk, and gave a question that seemed to hit the heart of Novi, and,
“They are nobody else, how naive it would be if he wanted help from Firmansyah.” Novi thought to himself.
“Nov..., why don't you answer my question and instead look daydreaming,” said Firmansyah who instantly resuscitated Novi from her daydream.
“Begini Fir, it's not really right if I'm pinning my hopes on you. We are nobody. But from the past few days, my heart says that you will be my family's helper to end this problem.” Novi Sambal said embarrassedly.
Firmansyah smiled and then sipped her coffee again. Then he held onto Novi's chin and raised it to take a closer look. Unknowingly Novi let it go, and the eyes of the two became fixed.
“I will help you Nov, how much money you need,” replied Firmansyah. Suddenly he has an idea to avenge his heartache on Novi, who has chosen Samsuar simply because he was more established at the time. And the moment she now needed help, she shamelessly conveyed it to him.
“Really Fir....,” said Novi did not believe what he had heard.
Firmansyah nodded her head steadily.
“The funds my company needs right now are not a bit Fir. I don't expect you to help me with that nominal amount, but at least there's a little bit of funding for us to operate. The nominal money my company currently needs is 400 billion Fir.” Novi Lirih said, not daring to look into Firmansyah's eyes.
Firmansyah was a little surprised by Novi's remark, then he was seen thinking for a moment.
“Nov..., I told you from the beginning that I will help you. Very rarely do I hear you ask me for help.” Firmansyah.
“But there is an old saying that There is no free lunch, that nothing is free in this world.” Further again.
“What requirements should I meet Fir, I will try to fulfill it.” Said Novi who was very enthusiastic because Firmansyah could help him.
“Close here, I will tell you. It's not good until someone else hears it.” Firmansyah said with a smile of her own.
Novi approached Firmansyah, and he was surprised when he heard the requirements.
“Is there no other option Fir,” asked Novi slowly.
Firmansyah shook her head, then she stood up and took the keys to her car lying on the table. He took e money out of his wallet and left it on the table.
“Sorry Nov, my time is not much. Use e money to pay for our orders. I'll wait until tomorrow afternoon for your answer. Bye.” Without waiting for Novi who was still stunned by his requirements, Firmansyah walked towards the car park.
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