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C7- Big show

"Hi, would you like a drink? We have coffee and tea here. What do you prefer?" alok ng stewardess kay Aida with a smile.

"Coffee, please. Thanks," nervous na sagot ni Aida, at kinuha ang bigay nito.

After that, bumalik na siya kaagad sa laptop niya dahil nagta-type siya ng speech niya for the big event.

"Paanong speech ba ang magandang gawin? I want it to be lively and attention seeker," bulong niya sa sarili na hindi alam ang gagawin na introduction for the event.

And, she began practicing while on the plane.

Meanwhile, tumayo si President Li at Carl sa upuan nila.

"Glad we have an arrangement, Mr. Mayan. It's settled then," President Li mentioned, at tumayo din ang kausap niyang lalaki.

They shook their both hands as they signed the deal.

"I'm looking forward to work with you, President Li. It's nice to have an investment in this kind of Mall. You will not regret it," Mr. Mayan announced, and he shook his hand more.

"I hope not. Anyway, I have to go and I have another business to finish," President said, and he pulled his hand away.

"Please, President Li, I would like you to be my guest of honor in the runway show later tonight at 8. We will be having a runway show for a cause. You know, to help people in need," pag-aaya ni Mr. Mayan with a grin.

"No, thanks, Mr. Mayan, but I'm a bit busy," firm na tanggi ni President without smiling back at him.

But then, kinalabit ni Carl si President to get his attention. Napatingin naman ito sa kaniya.

"President, your father texted and inviting you for a family gathering later tonight. He wanted to see you," bulong ni Carl na pinaalalahan ito.

Hindi sumagot si President that suddenly nagbago ang timpla ng mukha niya.

"On the second thought, that will be wonderful. See you later tonight, Mr. Mayan," pagbabago na sabi ni President, giving him a good signal that he will be there at the event.

"That's good to hear, President Li. It's an honor to have you in the runway show. See you later then," masayang tugon ni Mr. Mayan with a bigger smile.

Eventually, nakarating na si Aida sa tutuluyan niyang kwarto for the event. Napabuka siya ng bibig dahil sa ganda ng nakikita niya. Nabighani siya rito.

"Wow. This must be expensive. Mabuti na lang at sagot ni Madame Diva lahat ng expenses ko dahil kung hindi mamumulubi ako. Anyway, I need to get ready at kailangan ko na pumunta sa event," aniya sa sarili, at mabilis na nag-unpack and ready herself.

For hours, she communicates to the models and to the crew in the show. Hanggang sa lumubog na ang araw. All of the models are at the backstage and having their make up fix.

"Okay, listen, everyone!" tawag niya sa mga ito na pinalakpak niya ang kaniyang mga kamay to get their attention, at lahat sila ay napatigil to look at her. "We only have two hours to prepare. Settle everything already. I don't want any unnecessary things, got it? Good luck," seryoso niyang pangaral, at iniwan na niya ang mga ito para makapag-prepare naman siya.

At dahil nag-aalala siya sa oras ay tumakbo na siya papunta sa elevator.

Thereafter, nagsimula na ang tugtog hudyat na magsisimula na ang event. Little did Aida know, dumating si Madame Diva na naka-wheelchair at pumwesto sa gilid to watch the show too. Sa hindi naman gaano kalayuan na upuan, sa VIP seats, magkatabing nakaupo sina Carl, President Li, Mr. Mayan, at asawa nito sa pinakaunahan so, they can see clearly the models and clothes.

In a minute, lalo lumakas ang tugtog sa paligid at biglang nagbukas ang malaking screen sa gitna meaning the show is starting. With that, the models started to walk in the runway with grace and elegance with the clothes they're wearing from casual shorts and shirts to dresses, and lastly to formal wear. Whilst, sa backstage ay inaayos ni Aida ang bawat model bago ito lumabas sa runway. She make sure that everything is going smoothly according to her plan. There were actually 35 models that participated in the event.

Hindi naman maalis sa mukha ni President Li ang pagkauyam sa mga nakikita niyang modelo at clothes dahil hindi naman siya mahilig sa mga ito.

"Now let's welcome the woman behind this incredible show. Please, let us all welcome, Ms. Aida Paris!" announced ng host loudly.

The music then changed into melody to give way to Aida's speech.

Nagkasalubong ang dalawang kilay ni President nang marinig niya ang pangalan ng babaeng matagal na niyang hinahanap na naging dahilan kung bakit bigla siya nabuhayan. Pagkatingin niya sa gitna ay lumabas ang napakagandang babae in an off shoulder sparkling blue dress, on which made him recalled what happened the first time they met.

"Good evening, everyone. My name is Aida Paris, and I am here as proxy of Madame Diva Gonzales," masayang bati ni Aida na tumingin sa paligid when she suddenly spotted Madame Diva to the side, watching her with a grin.

She stopped talking for a second, but then, Madame Diva nodded at her and mouthed 'Well done' because she did a great job in the event.

"I wouldn't be here without my great mentor. Please, let's give around of a applause to Madame Diva Gonzales," she mentioned, and pointed Madame Diva at the side, who raised her hand with a grin.

Everyone applaused because of it.

"Anyway, I hope you have fun watching and seeing all the clothes we have for you. We all know that this show is dedicated for the needy, and we're gonna make sure that everything that we gathered here will go to them. Thank you all for making this happen. The pleasure is all mine," she beautifully said, and she bowed to all of them to show her sincere gratitude.

At the meantime, President Li couldn't take away his eyes from her dahil sa wakas ay nakita niya ulit ito. From there, he found himself lost in thought but, he noticed everything that she did like how she smiled, spoke, and waved that waist when she walked going back where she went out. He didn't pay much to what she was saying, but to her appearance that took his breath away for a moment.

"President, that's her," Carl mentioned while tapping his boss in the arm.

"I know," President answered without looking at him, and to her only.

Everyone clapped their hands for that wonderful speech, and then, the host spoke again and ended the show.

"President Li, it's a lovely evening. Why don't you join us for dinner? We have a reservation at the near restaurant," Mr. Mayan invited.

But, President Li didn't say anything and just stood to follow the woman he's been dreaming about. Carl, anyway, got in between so, it won't be inappropriate for his boss to just leave and say nothing.

"I apologize, Mr. Mayan, but President Li has an urgent matter to attend to. However, he is happy to be here in this show..." Carl distracted them, shaking Mr. Mayan's hand to let his boss leave as he understood the assignment.

Sa kabilang banda, kausap ni Aida ang mga models sa backstage at pinapasalamatan niya silang lahat for the lovely show. Then, nakita niya bigla si Madame Diva to the side that diverts her attention.

"Thank you again, ladies. Go and spread your wings. I'll see you again when I see you," paalam ni Aida merrily. At hinarap na niya ang kaniyang great mentor with a grin. "Madame," masayang bati niya, at nilapitan ito para halikan sa pisngi, to give her greetings.

"No need for that, Aida. I'm still sick. Ayaw kita mahawa," Madame dismissed immediately, pero nakangiti so, she won't sound disrespectful.

"Oh, yes. I totally forgot, Madame," aniya, at kaagad na lumayo dito.

"I must say, Aida, you did a great job. You managed the whole production like a professional, and brought us the international performance there in the stage. I know I have a good eye on you that you can do it. And you did not fail me," Madame Diva complimented her proudly.

"And, I, thanked you, Madame Diva, for guiding me. I wouldn't be here without your help. I am always in debt to you," Aida complimented back, at iniyuko ang ulo niya rito para magbigay pugay din sa kaniya.

"You're really kind, dear, but thank you. Anyhow, I sent you something that you will surely like. Spend it wisely. Sige na, dear, at kailangan ko na bumalik sa kwarto ko at baka ano pa mangyari sa akin dito. Lumabas lang talaga ako to watch the show, and how stunning it was," paalam bigla ni Madame Diva, at inubo na siya.

"Sure, Madame. Please get well soon. See you when you get back. Thank you, again!" masiglang paalam ni Aida na iniyuko ang kaniyang ulo as respect to her.

At umalis na si Madame Diva na nag-wave ng right hand dito.

"Anong sent me something?" pagtatakang tanong ni Aida sa sarili, kaya naman binuksan niya ang phone niya at nanlaki ang kaniyang mga mata dahil hindi siya makapaniwala dito. "This is...a big amount."

Because of it, napangiti ng malaki lalo si Aida dahil sa bonus na kaniyang natanggap from Madame Diva.

Itutuloy...