"You talked about knowing me, Mam, but I assure you I am not the person you are talking about. I was born and raised in Mainland, and Frank over there is my... fiance" I lied trying not to blow my cover.
"Really?" she glanced at me from head to toe, "Well, if that's the case then, I should be going. I really thought you were the person I thought you were, unfortunately I couldn't even remember the person's name. I could only guess, but for sure you look familiar"
"The world is big, you know?" I smiled broadly at her, "Many people look alike, you also resembles someone I used to know back then in school" I lied, trying to confuse her further. "Were you a teacher before?" I asked knowing fully there was no way a rich business woman like her would have taught in a formal school.
Teaching was mainly a profession for the middle class people, the affluents had no time for it and would definitely not step low to become teachers or turors. To them, it is an insult... ignoring the fact that without the profession, they wouldn't have been able to read and write. They would have been illiterates. Same goes to their children too.
Hence, teaching as a profession should not be despised. In fact, it should be among the high paying jobs in the whole world, and teachers should undergo rigorous training before being employed. That way, people would respect the profession and would never look down upon it like they used to do now.
Even though I wasn't a teacher and I had never dreamed to become one, I still respect the profession. I respect my teachers, right from kindergarten to the college. They had done a great job for me and I would forever be grateful, no matter of money can pay them for the efforts they put on me and others.
"Teacher? Eww, of course not!" she disdainfully uttered, just like I had expected. "Why would I ever teach when I already have everything I need in this world, practically anything" she took a final sip from her wine and dropped it on a tray as a waiter walked past us, "There is something you need to know about me young lady," she cleared her throat and continued, "I am the only child of my parents and I grew up in a very wealthy family. My grandpa loved me a lot, so also my grandma. My mom died during childbirth, I never get to know her. My dad raised me under the custodianship of my grandparents. He died on my 9th birthday, heart attack. My grandpa took over his company until eventually he passed away too. Grandma also passed away later, she couldn't bear the loss of her son and her husband. It was tragic, and here I am with all the wealth I need to live a peaceful and successful life. Why do I need to teach? Unless if it's how to skydive, play tennis or golf, I can teach you all that but certainly not academics"
"Wow, you are blessed" I blurted out.
"Of course I am, and I am proud of that. How about you, can you tell me more about your family? How wealthy are your parents? Although you don't really look like someone who has been enjoying luxury with this kind of dressing, don't be offended though" she giggled, glancing at me from head to toe again.
She even had the guts to tell me not to be offended, well I was offended the fact that she looked down upon me. Although, yes, I wasn't the person I lied to be but at least why rub it on my face? If she knew I wasn't from a rich family, she shouldn't have bothered asking me about my life or making silly comments about my looks.
"You want to know about my parents? Well, there is nothing much to say. We are wealthy, but not as wealthy as you may imagined. And I hate appearing rich because, why appear like I enjoy all the luxury of this world when I am not certain about how my life would be in the end? I mean, have you even seen someone gone to their grave with all their wealth? Absolutely no, it won't be of any use for them. Hence, I am being careful about my life. No matter how I adorn my body, it will turn to worms' dinner someday" I said and somehow, my words touched her. She was silent for a while with her hands folded across her chest.
"Religious, huh?" she finally break the silence that crept upon us.
"Well, not really. But isn't that what life is all about? Certain death, and for sure our bodies would be devoured by living organisms beneath the earth when we are buried. So, why worry about our body? Why spend so much a dressings, creams, makeup..." I said as Frank appeared from nowhere and asked if everything was fine.
"Of course it is," the woman chimed in, "just having a little chitchat with your fiancee here. It turns out she's the religious type and I wanted to know more about her" she mockingly said, and that infuriated me. I knew she didn't want peace right from the time she became obsessed with knowing whom exactly I was and if I was somehow related to someone she knew.
"Oh, really?" Frank giggled, "Well, if you don't mind can I borrow her for a second? You guys can always meet later and discuss" he beamed at her.
"Of course yes, anytime... but wait, let me give you this" she gently opened her purse and brought out a card, "Here is my card, whenever you are less busy or willing to talk I am always ready!" she handed thr card to me. I was reluctant at first, I didn't want to collect it but also I didn't want Frank to suspect something hence I humbly collected.
"Thank you" I muttered and crooked a smile at her.
"You are welcome" she crooked a smile at me as well.
