Mr. Fidel and Mrs. Santi exited the car in sync with Zefki's parents. The company's executives were busy exchanging greetings for their special guests.
It was Zefki's turn to offer his greetings. "Good morning, welcome to our company, ZR Corporation," he said. Mr. Fidel and Mrs. Santi seemed impressed by Zefki's authoritative presence and apparent intelligence, not to mention his striking good looks. Then Mr. Kenan said, "Allow me to introduce Fidel. This is Zefki Harold, the CEO of ZR Corporation, and he is my only child." "Good morning, young man," Mr. Fidel said. "You are a very handsome young man, and I'm sure you're diligent in managing the company." Zefki merely smiled cynically at the praise. "Good morning, Zefki. I'm Santi, your father's friend's wife," Mrs. Santi said. Once again, Zefki only responded with a sarcastic smile. In his thoughts, he mumbled, "They're making such a fuss over them. How great is this company that Dad welcomes them like this?" "Well, let's go inside," Mrs. Clement said. "We might be mistaken for doormen if we stay here." Everyone laughed at Mrs. Clement's comment and proceeded into the meeting room. Mr. Kenan began leading the meeting, explaining who the guests were and the purpose of their visit to ZR Corporation, which was to establish a partnership to develop a mall in the Tangerang area. "Alright, for a clearer understanding of ZR Corporation, our CEO will provide more details," Mr. Kenan added. Zefki grumbled, "What's the big deal, Dad? Why do I have to explain?" He gazed flatly at his father, stood up, and began to describe the history of ZR Corporation and the various sectors it operated in. The two guests were very impressed by Zefki's presentation. Mrs. Santi told her husband, "Dad, our choice for our daughter is right. We've matched her with Zefki. He's very charismatic." "Yes, dear. But, Grace or Raceh, dear? Who will we match with Zefki?" Mr. Kenan asked. "Well, let's leave that to Zefki. He can choose. We'll show him pictures of both of our children. But, dear, I'm not so sure about Grace. You know she's a bit spoiled, quite different from Raceh, who is more independent. Even though Grace is older than Raceh, she's more childish," Mrs Santi expressed her concerns. "Alright, dear, we'll discuss it later," Mr. Fidel intervened. That was a brief overview of our company, ZR Corporation. Thank you," Zefki concluded. The husband and wife were so engrossed in admiring Zefki that they didn't even realize he had finished presenting his company. When it was time for lunch, all the top executives of the ZR Group joined, including Zefki. The previous guests shared a table with Zefki and his parents. While Zefki was enjoying his meal, Mrs. Santi interrupted, "Zefki, if you don't mind, Auntie would like to know how old are you?" But as Zefki was about to answer, Mrs. Clement interjected, "Oh, Zefki is thirty years old this year." "Quite mature, indeed," Mrs. Santi commented. Then Mrs. Santi asked again, "Do you have a girlfriend, Zefki?" But again, Mrs. Clement replied, "Coincidentally, he's still single." Mrs. Clement's words made Zefki give his mother a sharp look. Realizing this, Mr. Kenan quickly said, "Enough, enough, let's talk about something else. Let's focus on lunch for now." Meanwhile, in another house, Grace was crying on her younger sister's lap. "Raceh, how long will Mom and Dad be busy outside? Don't they miss us, their children?" Grace asked her sister. Raceh replied, "Sis, why are you talking like that? Dad explained that they're busy with business and for the sake of Dad's company. You know, Dad's company is going through a tough time. We should support them." "But they've been gone for too long. Usually, it's just Dad who's busy, but now Mom is joining in," Grace lamented. "Enough, Sis. Don't complain like that. It's better to pray for Dad and Mom to resolve the company's issues successfully," Raceh advised. Raceh Pratista, the beautiful young woman, was twenty-three years old and had just graduated from a public university in Jakarta. She was the youngest daughter of Mr. Fidel and Mrs. Santi. Raceh was a quiet person, not talkative, and a bit shy. However, she had a more mature mindset than her older sister, Grace. Her mature attitude made her more favored by their parents, as she was more independent. But it didn't mean that their parents didn't love both of them. As for her older sister, Grace Pratista, she was twenty-five years old and was working as an assistant manager in a company. Grace had a somewhat spoiled nature, but she never burdened her parents. Grace was in a long-distance relationship with her boyfriend, Roy, who worked as an expert in a company in the Netherlands, a fact their parents were unaware of. A ringing phone interrupted Raceh. She quickly answered it and saw that it was her mom calling. Raceh: "Hello, Mom. How are you? How's Dad?" Mom Santi: "Hello, Raceh. Dad and I are doing well. How are you two? Where's your sister, Grace? I've been trying to call her, but she's not picking up." Raceh: "Oh, Mom, Grace has been sleeping in her room. She's been waiting for updates from Dad and Mom." "Uh, Dad and Mom have been a bit busy," Mom Santi replied. Raceh: "Mom, when will Dad and Mom finish their business?" Mom Santi: "Tomorrow, Dad and Mom will return home, and some of Dad's colleagues will also visit our home." Raceh: "Who are they, Mom? Are they investors who will help Dad's company?" Mom Santi: "Yes, Raceh. Anyway, see you tomorrow. Don't forget to inform your sister, Grace." Then, Mrs. Santi ended the call. Meanwhile, Raceh was ironing her clothes for work the next day. She was a temporary employee in ZR Corporation, in the administration department, responsible for handling incoming and outgoing correspondence. Raceh and Grace were both intelligent and graduated on time. Consequently, they quickly found employment in large companies in Jakarta. Their father, Mr. Fidel, owned a small property development company. However, it faced losses due to an investor suddenly terminating their contract. About three months ago, Mr. Fidel received an invitation from his friend, Mr. Kenan, to visit his company. This was the reason Mr. Fidel and Mrs. Santi.The other day, when you bumped into my back, did you lose something?" Zefki asked.After contemplating, Raceh responded to Zefki's words, "Yes, Young Master. I lost my lunch box, which had fried rice in it," Raceh replied."Exactly! I'm curious how your lunch ended up on my table," Zefki inquired, staring intently at Raceh.Before Raceh could answer, Assistant Sutan revealed that he had placed the lunch box on Zefki's table. Then, Sutan directed Zefki to look at something on his laptop.Finally understanding why the lunch box belonging to the girl was on his table, Zefki asked, "I'm hungry. Can you cook fried rice like that again?""Well ... yes, Young Master. But I don't have the ingredients for it," Raceh replied."Hmm, think about it, Sut! How can I get it?" Before Sutan could respond, Zefki's phone rang. It displayed his mother's name, Mommy Clement. Zefki quickly answered, assuring her that he was on the way but needed to have lunch first."Alright, let's have lunch outside. Suta
The conversation continued as Mr Kenan explained that their visit was to propose to Raceh to become Zefki's wife.While everyone was busy discussing upcoming events, Raceh occasionally glanced at Zefki to gauge his reaction. However, she couldn't find an answer. The young man seemed relaxed and carefree, unlike Raceh, who feared the prospect of marriage, especially to a man she hadn't known before.Even during dinner, the conversation persisted. Raceh struggled to finish her food on her plate despite everyone else finding it delicious. Once again, she looked at Zefki. He ate with gusto, seemingly indifferent to the ongoing discussion.After dinner, everyone relaxed in the living room, enjoying the delicious cake Raceh had made. Meanwhile, Zefki received a call from Assistant Sutan in the garden. Mrs. Santi, aware of the situation, asked Raceh to take some cakes to Zefki. As Zefki finished his call, he gazed at the fish swimming in the nearby pond, unaware that Raceh was beside him."E
A week has passed; today is Saturday. Zefki is seen exercising in a dedicated room filled with gym equipment, sweat covering his entire body, enhancing his already attractive appearance.Suddenly, the door is pushed open from outside, and his mom's voice is heard,"Zefki ... are you inside?""Yes, Mom," he replies."Don't forget, okay? Tonight, we're going to Uncle Fidel's family. We're invited for dinner, and you'll get to meet his daughters." Mrs. Clement exclaims, reminding her son."Alright, Mom," Zefki responds resignedly."But, Mom, can Bik Yati make the fried rice again, like I had yesterday, this afternoon?""Oh, Zef. Mom forgot to tell you. If the fried rice is cooked by one of Uncle Fidel's daughters. Just wait until tonight to meet them. I'm going to the salon now." Mrs. Clement then leaves.Zefki briefly contemplates his mother's words. If the fried rice is made by one of Uncle Fidel's daughters, who is supposed to be his future match. But how did that fried rice end up on
"Raceh, my dear, what's your opinion?" Mrs Santi asked Raceh.However, Grace was the one who spoke up."Mom, Dad, isn't there any other way to save Dad's company? Raceh doesn't even know who she's being arranged with, and that person might not be interested in her like her parents are.""Grace, we're not sacrificing your sister, but this is the only way. Dad's company is recovering because of his friend's intervention," Mr. Fidel exclaimed."Sis, I don't mind, really," Raceh said."Are you sure, dear?" Mrs. Santi exclaimed."Yes, Mom." Raceh bowed, responding.Mr. Fidel's face pleaded with his daughter's answer. The father immediately rose and embraced his daughter,"Thank you, my daughter. Mom and Dad make sure Zefki is a good and responsible person. He is the right man to accompany you.""Who is Zefki, Dad?" Grace asked."Oh, yes. Zefki is the man who will be betrothed to your sister. His name is Zefki Harold," Mrs. Santi answered."Alright, it's late. Let's sleep. Tomorrow is a wor
Upon arriving home, Mrs. Clement instructed Bik Yati to set the fried rice on the table.In a cafe in the corner of Jakarta, Zefki and his friend Eko were enjoying chocolate coffee and some other cakes."Hey, Bro, if you don't like being set up, why don't you reject it? Besides, in this advanced era, why are there still arranged marriages? Look ... back to the times of Siti Nurbaya!" exclaimed Eko, looking at his friend's sour face."Do you think it's that easy, huh!" retorted Zefki, half snapping at Eko."You know I'm an only child. My parents are eager to have grandchildren, they say. They don't know, do they? Is it as easy as they think to produce offspring?""Ha-ha-ha, yeah, it's that easy, Bro! Just spray that big weapon of yours into that narrow and damp cave. Wait a month, and you'll get results!" mocked Eko, teasing his friend."You jerk! Do you think I'm a sex offender, huh!" he retorted, grabbing a used drink bottle and throwing it towards Eko. However, Eko deflected it, lau
Today is Saturday, as Mrs. Santi mentioned. If today, they would return home."Ra, what time will Dad and Mom arrive home?" Grace asked."Maybe in the afternoon, Sis. Hey, why are you dressed so nicely? Where are you going? Yesterday, you cried because you missed Mom and Dad, and now you're leaving?" Raceh inquired.Then Grace responded, "Well, Ra, I have a work event in Bogor today. I'm representing the office. Whether I like it or not, I have to attend. But I already informed Mom, Ra. Early this morning, through chat."As Grace bid farewell to Bogor, Raceh headed to the kitchen to see what dishes Bik Tina, the house assistant, had prepared.Raceh assisted Bik Tina in the kitchen, preparing ingredients for lunch."Bibik, is everything cooked?" Raceh asked Bik Tina."Not yet, Miss. I'm confused about what to cook," Bik Tina replied."Alright, I'll help you with cooking, okay?" Raceh offered."Thank you, Miss," Bik Tina replied.Today is Saturday, and Raceh has the day off from work, a