Chapter 1 (1/1)

Raymond hurried along through the throngs of people towards the limo that was parked on the curb and waiting for him.  Professional bodyguards flanked all four sides of him making it impossible for anyone to get near him.  Lights flashed in all angles to capture his every movement and under the hot flashing lights, he could feel himself sweating profusely.  In this unbearable heat what he wanted most was a nice long cold drink.  Preferably something with alcohol in it to take away some of the tension that was building with each passing second that was taking him to get to the awaiting limo.  He got nudged by one of the bodyguards and annoyance flared up on his face.  Muttering an obscenity at the clumsiness of the bodyguard Raymond jumped into the open car and a wave of cold air swept over him.  Relaxing against the plush leather seats, he let the cool air of the air conditioner dry the thin layer of perspiration on his skin.  With his mind and annoyance clearing he wondered why the government didn't have air conditioners set up on all the streets of Hong Kong.  Certainly, technology as advance as it is in this century, there must be a way especially since Hong Kong was unbearably hot during the summer months.  Banishing the thought from his mind he turned to his assistant Jazz Lam, who always took the seat across from him instead of next to him.  Raymond liked his space and only a few chosen ones get the honor of seating next to him.  "What's next on my list?"Jazz looked down on his clipboard and scanning down the lengthy schedule he said, "You have a cocktail reception at Peninsula Hotel at 7:00 pm tonight.  It's a black tie event and your tux is waiting for you at home.""What's after that?" Raymond asked with a bored expression."That's it for the night.  But tomorrow morning you begin shooting for your new series and you are to report to the studio at 8:00 am sharp for makeup and costume."This new series was one that Raymond didn't want to take part in.  The script and the character he will be portraying bore no interest to him.  In fact, if asked, he would bluntly say the script and the theme of the series sucked.  It lacked substance and a real plot.  There were too many series about family fighting over fortune.  The citizens of Hong Kong certainly didn't need another one.  But since he has a contract with TTT network there was no way he could back out without paying a hefty penalty.  In some way he was grateful to the network for grooming and giving him so many opportunities in the past years.  Under their strict rules and demand they have pushed him higher above the ranks of many who started out the same time as he did.  Now every household knows who he is.  He is Raymond Lam, the only entertainer who has in three consecutive years taken home the Actor of the Year Award and simultaneously Singer of the Year as well.  No other celebrity has ever achieved what he had in such a short period of time.  This year was no exception.  He knew an award was within his reach at the end of the year.  All he needed to do was complete this new series, release his upcoming album and the award was his.  With a smug smile, he leaned his head on the headrest and closed his eyes.  "Wake me up when we get home and while I'm home changing, stock the car up with my favorite juice."Jazz cleared his throat uncomfortably and said, "Uh Raymond, I'm sorry but I can only drop you off at home.  There's going to be another assistant waiting downstairs your place to take you to the cocktail reception."Snapping his eyes open Raymond glared at Jazz, "How come you didn't tell me this earlier?"The tightening of Raymond's jaw told Jazz that Raymond was not thrilled by the news.  "I-I did.  I told you last night that I have to accompany my mom to the hospital for a minor surgery.  You said fine."Raymond had a vague recollection of that conversation but not the details of it.  He had been too tired to listen carefully to what Jazz was saying.  Still, the fault was Jazz for not reminding him again this morning.  Closing his eyes again he said coolly, "If I said fine then its fine."Relieved that Raymond hadn't gone into one of his unnecessary and overrated tantrums about something so frivolous, Jazz smiled bleakly and said, "The new assistant will be driving a white mini-van.  I will ask her to stock up on juices before picking you up."Hearing the word 'her', Raymond immediately sat up in his seat with an incredulous look.  "Her?  As in a female?"Jazz knew how Raymond felt about female assistants.  He found them useless and incompetent but most importantly, too reserved to do all his biddings.  With men Raymond can boldly ask them to help him dress or bring him drinks while he's soaking in a hot tub.  Men feel no embarrassment since they were of the same sex.  Females can't handle that type of tasks and Raymond usually ends up frustrated and annoyed, spoiling his mood for whatever event he was to attend.  But Jazz had no choice.  All the male assistants are completely assigned and Jazz was fortunate enough to find someone at such short notice.  Unable to look Raymond in the eyes, Jazz stammered, "I-I'm sorry R-Ray.  I-It's only for one n-night."Seeing the fear on Jazz's face alleviated some of Raymond's annoyance.  Raymond was no sadist but he does enjoy intimidating those he feel were not of equal rank.  It made him feel important and superior and that feeling was one he liked.  One thing Raymond had learned when he first entered the entertainment circle and that is if you make it to the top, you must at all times remind those around you of your status.  They're only nice to you because of your fame and popularity.  The second nobody remembers who you are, they wouldn't look your way anymore.  So during the time when you're at your prime, take all you can and the hell with how others see you.  Now looking at the nervous anxiety on Jazz's face, Raymond suppressed a chuckle.  Yes, it feels good to be a famous celebrity.  Pulling down his face to convey a stern expression, Raymond said, "Don't let it happen again.""I won't," Jazz immediately responded and relaxed against his seat when he saw Raymond leaned back and closed his eyes again.---------------------------------------------------Charmaine ran out of her room and almost collided with Natalie who was on her way to the bathroom.  "Sorry," Charmaine apologized sheepishly and only received a slight shake of Natalie's head in disapproval before she disappeared into the bathroom.  Grabbing her bag off the dining table, Charmaine proceeded to empty its content onto it.  She fumbled through the pile of lipgloss, cellphone, key ring and balls of note paper before she found what she was looking for.  "Found it!" she screamed out loud just as Natalie emerged from the bathroom.Staggering towards the sofa and dropping herself onto it, Natalie grumbled, "I told you that you had it.""I seriously couldn't remember if I did or not," Charmaine emphasized which only gained her another look of disapproval from Natalie.  "Well, I don't drive that often and the last time I drove the mini van was months ago.  How can I possibly remember where I placed the car keys?!""That's just it," Natalie mumbled, "You're always forgetting stuff.  I have no idea how you're going to be a successful lawyer if you're so forgetful."Smiling cockily at Natalie, Charmaine plopped down beside her on the sofa and said, "Don't worry about me on that.  When it comes to cases and law, I can remember everything."Natalie knew she can and that was what surprises her.  If she were to describe Charmaine Sheh, she would definitely describe her as a perky, clumsy, and forgetful person but yet when it comes down to what she believes in, Charmaine can raise one hell of an argument and argue with such a passion that it was a complete opposite of how she usually was.  Natalie had witnessed this side of Charmaine and although she would never admit it to Charmaine for fear of inflating her ego, she admired this side in her friend.  Changing the subject, Natalie asked conversationally, "Where are you heading off to tonight with the mini van?"Sounding tired and reluctant, Charmaine said, "It's Jazz.  You know he got me a job working part time at TTT network.  I'm suppose to assist actors and actresses with their daily activities by picking and driving them to events, getting them coffee and drinks… you know.  The usual stuff a personal assistant does.  It was fun at first and it was nice meeting all these celebrities...""But," Natalie intercepted and finished for her, "You don't like it anymore."Exhaling a long breath Charmaine explained, "These celebrities treat us like nobodies.  They all think they're above us just because they're famous.  Some of them can be very demanding and no matter how hard you try to please them and get things done exactly the way they want it, they're still not satisfied.  It's like they look down on you on purpose to show that they're far superior.  It makes me mad!"Natalie laughed softly and asked, "Then why are you still doing it?""Because Jazz convinced me it was easy money and I signed a contract with them," Charmaine muttered with a glowering face then mumbled, "Remind me never to believe a single word from Jazz ever again."Laughing uncontrollably Natalie immediately sobered up when she received a hard glare from Charmaine.  Changing her expression to one of sympathy she asked, "So which celebrity are you assigned to for tonight?""You know I can't tell you," Charmaine informed in an all business tone.  "Besides I don't know myself and part of my job requirement is to maintain secrecy on the identities of these celebrities.""Then how would you know who to pick up?" Natalie asked with amazement.In answer, Charmaine picked up her cell phone and waved it in front of her.  "Jazz will text me the address and I simply go there to wait.  When the appointed time draws near he'll send me the name.  That way I won't accidentally reveal anything to anyone in advance.  I swear sometimes I feel like I'm more of a secret agent working for the FBI rather than an assistant to celebrities."Giggling with mirth, Natalie suddenly looked up with excitement and asked, "Wouldn't it be great if you assisted Raymond Lam, even if it's for one night?""Raymond Lam?" Charmaine repeated her idol's name.  "I think I would faint if I ever see him in person.  And if I do actually get to assist him one day it would be my dream come true."