Offer To The CEO

Friday, 1 week later

Assistant Wang looked up from his desk, and noticed Anna exiting that elevator heading towards the CEO's office. "Madam Hou, a pleasure. CEO Hou said to head into his office when you arrived. He is in a meeting and will be back as soon as he can."

Hearing that Anna just wandered in and sat down. A few minutes later the door opened and in walked Hou Yi. Setting down the documents in his mands on his desk he headed over to Anna and sat down beside her. After giving her a brief kiss "Sweetheart, how are you?"

"Tired but enjoying myself."

"You promised me last week you would not overdo it."

"Yi calm down, remember that Jang has been sick not only has he kept us awake, but he has kept the nannies and the rest of the staff awake.  You know you have not been sleeping well…"

"True, but you know I worry about you."

"And I about you. The working through the proposal with the courts …"

"You have been hating the differences in the system to Australia."

"How did you know?"

"Anna, when you are with me, your emotions are so clear on your face.  I can figure out…"

"What is bothering me.  That is so annoying."

"It is a talent, and I know you can figure out what is bothering me, so we are equal."

Nodding, Anna said "True," while Hou Yi was gently rubbing his thumb over Anna's fingers.  "Now stop trying to distract me, so I can answer your question…"

"Distracting you is so fun…"

Groaning Anna said "Yi, I know.  You and I both would prefer to head into your suite for a few hours, but I have meeting this afternoon and doing that would mean that I would miss them."

"You are no fun Anna."

Laughing Anna said "Yi, we will have time for that tonight.  Now, to answer your question The differences in the systems are frustrating, but I am slowly adapting.  The worst thing is working with the prison authorities to allow Lu Jinhu to come a meeting yesterday.  Despite agreeing to help his children, I really do not want to be around him as I still am wary of what he would do.  But, he was the best person to support the argument, that when children are at risk due to the actions of either or both parents, then their interests need to be looked after separately. After lots of discussions, and in the end the use of not only our charitable initiatives mandate, but with Lu Jinhu indicating he would ask other charitable initiatives and foundations he has been assisting while doing his home detention to fund a trial."

"What do you think?"

"Yi, it seems like a good idea. I just hope that I can do it justice."

"Anna, sweetheart, just do your best and that will be what is needed. Now what resources do you need?"

"Yi, Lu Jihnu said he would set up a proposal, including costs.  He knows that you have offered some space here for an office but suggested that lawyers around should be sounded out to see who would be interested in being involved.  I was going to suggest we could see if staff here were interested, and if you would be willing to fund their involvement.  That type of thing is called Pro Bono work in Australia and is seen as a way to help those who need it but could not otherwise access legal help."

"I have no problem, but can I suggest at the next board meeting we open it up for discussion, to see what those within the company think."

After a brief pause, Anna said "Makes sense. Now how is the new legal department head settling in? Is he coping with the two idiots. I would have thought you would have gotten rid of them."

"Anna, there is no way I want the former director and his interim replacement out there potentially harming Hou Enterprises. Keeping them here under contract minimises the risks to us. I made sure the new director not only had the opportunity to speak to them so they could say what they wanted, and he has asked multiple questions. He also knows, given what they did, he must work hard to earn my trust.  The reports I have had so far is that he is a much better departmental leader than either of them were."

"That is what I heard. Before I came in, I spoke to Human Resources about coming back part-time. I start Monday, and you know we have all the care arrangements sorted for Jang, two nannies, and your mother and aunt are also there for him."

"You know I …"

"Do not say it.  We have had these discussions multiple times, and you always knew that I would come back to work eventually.  Yes, I love Jang, and love being there for him, but as I have realised that simply doing that will ultimately not be fulfilling in the long term for me.  I need to remain involved in the law."

"Fine, sweetheart, but just remember I want you to be safe."

"I know mister overprotective husband, I know.  You know it is the same for me,"

"Unlike you,…"

"I know I attracted trouble at the start of our marriage, you did as well so stop complaining."

Before anything else could be said the catering staff came in with a light lunch for them to have before the board meeting.

Anna, while Hou Yi started to read the papers for the board meeting slipped out for her meetings about the representation of children.  Not long into the meeting, Anna realised that despite everything people were willing to listen and consider alternatives with keeping children safe. 

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