*Italics for conversations in Mandarin. Cantonese in blue.

August 15: 8pm, Man Ho Chinese Restaurant, SkyCity Marriott Hotel, Hong Kong

The press conference went a little over. Jae Joong and Yoo Chun finally have some of their appetite back after wrestling with their cold the last few days so were starving. They decided the city will be too far and determined that the Chinese restaurant in the hotel would be the best option.

The managers are trying to secure them a private room but seem to be having some trouble. Jae Joong was about to stand up to tell them to forgo the private room when he spots Hayaley walking towards them. In her company are two ladies who appear to be in their 40s. The two ladies were having a lively conversation in Cantonese while Hayaley seems to just smile quietly.

Hayaley notices Jae Joong’s group. She walks up to them and exchange greetings. She then overhears the lead hostess telling Director Wendy Fu that some VIPs staying at the hotel are also requesting for a private room.

Wendy turns to her and Kelly, “We don’t mind sharing our space, right?” They both agree. Wendy nods to the lead hostess. A second hostess then escorts Hayaley’s group to their seats.

The restaurant’s only private room is actually booked for a couple’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. A private space has been set-up with shoji screens for Wendy’s group. They are escorted to a table for four, next to the large picture windows in one corner of the room. Hayaley takes the seat in the corner next to the window. Kelly sits down next to Hayaley with her best friend, Wendy in front of her.   

While a server pours their tea, Hayaley notices how quickly two other restaurant staff set-up the circular table farthest from them. No doubt for Jae Joong’s group.

Imagine Hayaley's table in the far right corner and the round table in the forefront is where Jae Joong will be seated.

Wendy Fu and Kelly Wong are busy ordering up a storm. These two ladies have been friends for over 20 years. Both have weathered the Hong Kong entertainment industry, sometimes as allies and other times foes. Regardless, no one can question the depth of their friendship. Hayaley smiles, amused as she watches them bicker. Nothing changes. They are always arguing about something. This time it’s about ‘scallop or shrimp’.

“Hayaley, you pick.” Wendy suddenly says.

“Scallop?”

“Hah!” Kelly exclaims. “I told you she would prefer scallop.”

“How about scallop with minced shrimp in XO sauce?” Wendy proposes, hoping not to totally lose this argument.

“Sure, sounds good.” Hayaley usually has very little say when it comes to the menu during meals with these two. She typically would just agree with their recommendations.

“Oh, and Fah Sang Wu (Sweet Peanut Broth) with Woh Peng (Red Bean Paste Pancake),” Wendy relays to the waitress taking their order. “Tell Chef it’s a special order.” Wendy winks at Hayaley, who grins gleefully.

As soon as Wendy found out Hayaley was in town, she insisted on dinner together and of course, she would include Kelly. Both have such busy schedules that they hardly have time to meet up normally. So Hayaley becomes a good excuse to get together.

Hayaley had felt bad about using her connection with Wend