Woman of Intelligence (Book 2 in the series)

Chapter 7 (Part 2)

Riya and Michael were sitting outside, in front of an American restaurant. They wanted to admire the view. Michael ordered a Cheesy Hamburger with some chips. Riya ordered BBQ Chicken with onion rings. They were having the same drink which was Strawberry Ade. They were also having a conversation while they were waiting their meals. Michael was talking about the clothes him and his friends designed. Xiang, Li, Sung-hoon, Johnny and Haneul were enjoying working at Cheng's business. Michael was also telling her that him and his friends might participate on a Fashion Week this year. Cheng wanted them to put their unique clothing designs out there. Riya was really happy that they were working in a better environment. And that they were enjoying their new workplace. Riya was continuing about the Los Angeles investigation. She was definitely complaining about John. Whenever she spoke about John, it was something negative. Michael started laughing out of the blue. 

"Riya, you used to be outspoken towards me. I'm surprised that you are not taking off with him.", Michael pointed out. 

"I will when I have the courage to. Only if he make things worse then I flip.", she took a sip of her beverage. 

"That's a bit pathetic on how he is treating you. It's also against the law to make your staff work for longer hours with lunch breaks and tea breaks. That's abuse. At least, I didn't treat you that bad. I wish I could meet White Jaguar again.", he really wished.

Riya wished she could tell him that she was White Jaguar but she had to keep herself safe for now. If she told the entire world then her life would be in danger. "I'm sure you will meet her one day. For your information, you have to be like that because your were protecting the staff from your father."

"True. Well, I hope that she would come after your Captain for treating you terrible. Does he even give your credits for your hard work?"

"Nope. Only for the Yanwu case. The rest of the credits goes to him. He tells the other higher authorities about his works which is basically our work. He is too fill of himself, just like his sister.", she was looking at the water. 

"A really pain in the ass.", Michael was agreeing with her. "How's the business going so far?"

"Liang and I found a location where I can build my business. We put some money together to build there."

"Is it close by?"

"Yep. About ten minutes away from my house.", she answered. 

"That's good. You are getting somewhere.", he took a sip of his beverage.

A waitress came with their food. She placed the burger on Michael's side and the BBQ chicken on Riya' side. They thanked the waitress then she walked away. The food was smelling delicious. Michael placed some chips on Riya's plate.

"Aw thank you.", she was grateful. Then she gave him some onion rings.

"Thank you.", he said with a smile. 

Michael took a bite of the chips. Riya heard the crispiness from the chips which was making her mouth water. She took a bite of the chips. It was crispy on the outside but fluffy inside. This were the type of chips she loved. 

"Riya, will still go out with me after you open up your first business?", he asked. 

She looked at him. "Let me see how the first month goes because it will be hectic during the first month. Plus, advertising and preparing the desserts. But I will think about it after everything settles.", she explained. 

"Don't push it. I can wait until you finish with your business. Remember, career comes first."

She strongly agreed with him. "Do you want to become a businessman?"

He looked at her. "Not really. The responsibility is too much. I don't think I will be able to handle it. I don't know how Liang handles when he has over hundred and fifty hotels to look after.", he was being honest.

"It's about being committed and compassionate about your work. I'm really committed to solving this case because there are hundred of celebrities that are living in miserable lives because of the those drugs."

"Do you think they are forced to take those drugs?"

"The management of the companies wanted to find a way to make those models lose weight quicker. So, Antonio is probably giving the management the drugs at a cheap price. He wants to sell the drugs at a cheap price so the managers could come back and buy more from him. He is only after the money.", that was Riya 's theory.

"That's horrible and disgusting."

"That's how the modelling industries works. They want to make those models look super handsome and attractive to get more audience. The management don't really care about the models' skills and personalities. They only care about appearances and beauty standards. Drugs are also the biggest issues because they make you lose weight faster. I don't recommend anyone doing because it's going to make your life like hell. I watched so many models begging the management to stop forcing models to take drugs. Corruptions and trying to become rich overnight also happens in modelling industries. Drugs is also big in modelling industries.", she explained her experiences. 

"Is that the reason why you left the make-up industry?", he asked.

"The was one of the reasons. There are plenty more.", she did not want to tell him about the scars. 

Michael did not realize how horrible modelling industries were. Drugs were also Riya's target. Some people did not understand that drugs could kill people. Drugs could make people miserable. Forcing models and other celebrities to take drugs was not on. If people did not want to take drugs then other people should not force them. That was why the youth today were so insecure about the way they looked. Because of these unnecessarily beauty standards and these unhealthy diets like starving people for long hours.