Page 61 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

"Is everything okay Sir?" The pilot asks, glancing over.

"Yeah, everything is fine," I reply, clearing my throat.I must have been grinning like an idiot.

The journey back to China is much faster than when I went back to Texas. It's a blur of airports, planes, and taxis. My mind races faster than my body can travel, filled with thoughts of the merger, of Hayley, meeting up with deadlines, when I'll get back to Texas.

I burst into the conference room in Shanghai, breathless and disheveled. "Wei, are they here?" I ask, my eyes scanning the empty room.

Before Wei can answer, the doors swing open, revealing the Japanese team. I straighten my tie and prepare.

I had changed my clothes on the plane, and so I'm completely ready – well, I look the part anyway.

"Mr. Takagi," I greet, shaking his hand.

"Mr. Austin," the man nods.

"Please," I say, motioning toward the seat.

As soon as everyone is settled, the projector screen begins to display. Fortunately, Wei had been one step ahead, creating a slideshow of the progress we had made over the last couple of days. "Imagine," I say, gesturing to the mockups on the screen, "The test simulation we did shows how the final project will look after completion. It will become a place that not only provides luxury accommodation, but also serves as a bridge between our nations, boosting tourism and cultural exchange."

As the team listens intently, their faces change each time I bring up a point. As I speak, I can feel the energy in the room shift, especially the Japanese team. Once in a while, one of them whispers to the other, or they give an approving nod.

"And we come to the conclusion of the project," I finish, stepping aside. The whole room begins to clap, followed by Mr. Takagi shaking my hand once again.

"Well done Mr. Austin. Very good."

"I'm glad to hear that. So, is that an approval to proceed with the current plan?"

"Absolutely.

***

Day 1:

"We need to finalize the room layouts by Friday. Can you confirm the furniture delivery schedule?"

"Yes, it's scheduled for 2weeks, Wednesday. I'll double-check with the supplier."

Day 2:

"What's the status of the electrical installation?"

"We're on track, but I need clarification on the smart lock system specifications."

Day 4:

"Have we secured partnerships with local attractions for our concierge services?"

"Yes, I've confirmed partnerships with Tokyo Tower and Shinjuku Gyoen."

Day 5:

"The lobby design needs adjustment. The CEO wants more natural light."

"I'll revise the blueprint and resend it to the contractors."

The days pass in a blur, everyone working hard. It's not until a week later that we finally put pen to paper, sealing the deal that we had been working on for a year.

We're in the same boardroom as the last meeting, but this time I'm surrounded by smiling faces. I feel a sense of accomplishment.

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