Chapter 93: Let’s Have a Drink
"Let’s have a drink!" Timothy said with a grin, lifting a glass of champagne from the passing waiter’s tray.
Hana chuckled and followed suit, accepting her own glass. "Finally, something that isn’t work-related," she teased before taking a small sip. The bubbles fizzed delicately, catching the soft golden lights above their table.
They clinked their glasses lightly. "To tonight," Timothy said. "And to the future we’re building."
Hana smiled warmly. "To TG Mobility," she added. "And maybe... to its overworked CEO finally learning how to relax."
He laughed softly. "Touché."
The two shared a quiet moment, just letting the atmosphere sink in.
"Mr. Guerrero," a deep, composed voice greeted from the side.
Timothy turned and immediately recognized the man approaching, broad-shouldered, confident, dressed in a classic black tuxedo.
"Mr. Ramon Ang," Timothy said, standing to shake his hand. "It’s an honor to see you here."
"The honor’s mine," Ramon replied with a smile, his handshake firm. "I’ve been following your progress since the announcement this morning. Congratulations on that deal with NVIDIA. That’s a game-changer for the country."
"Thank you, sir," Timothy said humbly. "We’re still in the early stages, but I’m glad it’s generating interest."
"Oh, it’s generating more than interest," Ramon said with a chuckle. "It’s creating opportunities. I actually came to speak with you about one."
Hana looked between the two men curiously as Ramon continued. "San Miguel Corporation owns large parcels of industrial land in Batangas and Laguna—strategic, well-connected, and fully supplied with logistics infrastructure. If you’re still finalizing your semiconductor site, we’d like to make a formal offer to host your foundry there. We can handle power requirements, water systems, even road expansion if needed."
Timothy nodded, clearly impressed. "That’s generous, Mr. Ang. We’ll definitely consider it once we start site evaluations. Your proposal already sounds promising."
Ramon smiled, clearly satisfied with the response. "Good to hear. I’ll have my people send the full proposal to your office tomorrow morning. For now, enjoy your evening, Mr. Guerrero."
"Thank you, sir. I appreciate it," Timothy replied, shaking his hand once more before Ramon made his way to another group of guests.
As he sat back down, Hana leaned in slightly and whispered, "Who was that?"
"Ramon Ang," Timothy said casually, sipping his champagne. "President and CEO of San Miguel Corporation—one of the country’s biggest conglomerates. He’s a powerhouse in energy, food, beverages, and infrastructure."
Hana blinked. "So... basically, a business titan?"
He smirked. "Pretty much."
Before Hana could respond, another man approached, taller, with an easy smile and sharp, refined features. He extended a hand.
"Mr. Guerrero, congratulations. The country’s talking about you."
Timothy recognized him instantly. "Mr. Jaime Ayala. It’s an honor."
"Likewise," Jaime replied, shaking his hand firmly. "You’ve stirred up quite an interesting situation for us developers. Everyone’s trying to guess where you’ll build the foundry."
Timothy chuckled lightly. "That’s one secret I’m keeping for now."
"Well," Jaime said, smiling knowingly, "I hope you’ll consider our properties in Cavite or Laguna. The Ayala Group can provide a full ecosystem—industrial parks, nearby residential zones for employees, and sustainable power options. We’ve already built the framework; you’d just need to fill it with world-class technology."
"That’s... quite an offer," Timothy admitted.
"We can even include incentives," Jaime continued. "Tax partnerships, energy-sharing programs, and fast-track permits through our corporate-government channels."
Timothy leaned back slightly, thoughtful. "You’ve both given me a lot to think about tonight."
"Just know that whichever direction you go," Jaime said with a friendly grin, "the country wins. It’s about time someone like you brought advanced manufacturing back home."
After another cordial handshake, Jaime excused himself to greet the next table.
When he was gone, Hana leaned close again, her curiosity obvious. "So... that was Ayala?"
Timothy nodded. "Jaime Ayala. Another major business family. They control real estate, banking, telecoms—you name it. If someone can build an entire city from scratch, it’s them."
Hana blinked in mild disbelief. "And both of them want your foundry?"
"Yup," Timothy said. "After all, it’s a billion-dollars investment, anyone would die to just get a piece of it," Timothy finished, swirling his glass lazily before taking another sip.
Hana giggled softly, leaning an elbow on the table. "I still can’t believe it. The country’s most powerful businessmen lining up to impress you. You’ve really become someone important, Mr. Guerrero."
Timothy smirked. "I wouldn’t say important. Let’s just say... I’ve finally built something worth their attention."
"Hmm, humble as always," Hana teased, taking another sip of her drink. She tilted her head with a playful squint. "Or maybe you just like pretending you’re not the center of attention."
He chuckled. "Maybe."
A waiter approached again, setting down another bottle of champagne and pouring fresh glasses for the two. Timothy thanked him and raised his glass. "Another toast?"
Hana smiled lazily, her eyes bright from the earlier drinks. "Another one? You’ll get me drunk at this rate."
He grinned. "This is a celebration so we should drink."
Minutes passed. Then an hour. Conversations blended into the hum of the ballroom, laughter, clinking glasses, and the faint melody of the live band playing in the background. Timothy found himself surprisingly at ease, the exhaustion of the past weeks slipping away.
Hana, meanwhile, had clearly reached her limit. She wasn’t wasted, but she was well past tipsy — the kind of tipsy where everything seemed a little too funny and her words were starting to slur.
She leaned closer across the table, her cheeks flushed a soft rose. "Timothy... did you know..." she began, then stopped mid-sentence, frowning slightly in concentration. "Did you know... you talk about work even when you don’t talk about work?"
Timothy blinked, amused. "What does that even mean?"
"It means," she said, pointing a finger at him, her voice just a little too loud, "you could be talking about food or music or dancing... and somehow, somehow, it always goes back to business."
He couldn’t help but laugh. "You’re imagining things."
"I’m not," she said with exaggerated seriousness. "Even earlier when we danced, I saw it in your face. You were probably thinking, ’How do I turn this waltz into a business strategy?’"
Timothy chuckled again, raising both hands in surrender. "Alright, guilty as charged. But in my defense, I am running an empire."
"Empire, shmpire," she muttered, waving a hand dismissively. "You need to chill more."
He smiled, watching her with a mix of amusement and concern. "You’ve definitely had too much, Ms. Seo."
"I have not!" she declared proudly—then promptly hiccuped.
Timothy grinned. "Uh-huh. Sure."
Hana pouted, folding her arms like a scolded child. "You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?"
"A little," he admitted, leaning back in his chair. "You don’t usually let your guard down. It’s... nice to see."
She blinked at him, her expression softening slightly. "You know, Timothy," she said, her tone suddenly quieter, more sincere, "you really work too hard."
"Of course, I was given an opportunity to make a change, and this is it," Timothy said, recalling the system that was given to him. He sure won’t waste using it.
She nodded, swaying slightly in her chair before giggling again. "Good."
"How about I take you to your suite? You seem can’t handle it anymore," Timothy offered.
Hana blinked at him, her smile lopsided but sweet. "Mmm... maybe you’re right," she admitted, her voice soft and slurred. "I feel... kinda floaty."
Timothy chuckled quietly and stood up, offering his hand. "Alright, Ms. Seo. Let’s get you back to your suite before you start saying your business reports backward."
She laughed, the sound light and a little unsteady. "Yesh, sir..." she mumbled, taking his hand, though when she tried to stand, her knees immediately wobbled.
"Whoa, easy there," Timothy said, catching her by the arm before she could stumble.
Hana blinked up at him with glassy eyes. "I’m fine," she said, and then immediately leaned heavily against him, her head resting against his shoulder.
"Yeah, sure you are," he said with a sigh, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward.
He placed a steady arm around her waist as they made their way toward the elevators. Some of the guests nearby offered knowing smiles, while others whispered amusedly as they passed. Timothy ignored them, focusing on making sure Hana didn’t trip over her heels.
Inside the elevator, Hana leaned fully into him, her weight pressing lightly against his side. Her perfume, that same subtle floral scent, filled the small space, and Timothy found himself exhaling slowly, keeping his composure.
"You really are a weak drinker," he muttered under his breath.
"Heyyy," she murmured, eyes half-closed. "I... can handle things."
He chuckled softly. "Sure you can. You’re handling the elevator very well right now."
She let out a faint giggle. "You’re... mean."
The elevator dinged, and Timothy guided her gently out into the quiet hallway leading to their floor. The carpets muffled their steps, and the golden lighting gave the corridor a serene glow. He pulled out the keycard from his pocket and unlocked the door.
The suite was spacious and elegant, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the glittering skyline of Manila.
"Alright," Timothy said gently as he helped her toward the bed, "time to rest."
Hana nodded drowsily, still leaning on him. "You’re so nice," she murmured.
Hana nodded drowsily, still leaning on him. "You’re so nice," she murmured. "Not like... other CEOs."
He smiled faintly. "That’s because I still remember what it’s like to be human."
She giggled weakly. "Mmm... humble and charming. Dangerous combination."
He shook his head, amused. "You’re drunk, Hana."
"Am not," she murmured again, eyes barely open.
"Right," he said dryly. "Now come on."
He helped her sit on the edge of the bed and carefully knelt to remove her heels, setting them neatly aside. She watched him through heavy eyes, a faint, sleepy smile on her lips.
"You’re... really kind, Timothy," she whispered, her voice trailing off.
He straightened up, his tone gentle. "You should get some sleep."
As he leaned forward to help her lie back, Hana’s hand suddenly reached out and grabbed his wrist.
Before he could react, she pulled him slightly forward, and his balance gave way.
"Hana—!"
But it was too late.