Sophie was a bit surprised when she met the client she was scheduled to show a property to that day. She had been working at Harbor Elite Realty for over two years, and it was rare to see such a young buyer standing in front of her.
It made sense, though. Hong Kong’s property prices had skyrocketed due to inflation over the past decade. Young people rarely had the capital to invest in real estate. Most clients were older gentlemen or middle-aged executives. That’s why Sophie assumed the buyer for the luxury villa in the New Territories would be some high-profile director of a major corporation. She never expected a handsome young man around her own age—maybe just a couple of years older.
Yet there was something undeniably charming about him, and the way he spoke felt warm and magnetic.
Sophie smiled, pushing aside the distracting thoughts. Her real challenge was convincing this client to drop over HK$10 million on the seaside villa. A successful sale would mean a handsome commission for both the company and herself.
The cool morning breeze of Hong Kong felt refreshing as Ryan drove his sleek German two-door sports car. The sunroof was open, letting the wind playfully toss a few loose strands of Sophie’s hair across her forehead.
She reached up to tuck the strands back and slipped her sunglasses onto the top of her head like a stylish hair clip. Ryan noticed and slowed the car slightly.
“Wind messing with your hair?” he asked with a gentle smile. “Want me to close the sunroof?”
“Oh, no, it’s fine,” Sophie replied. “I actually love the fresh air. We Hong Kongers are used to the hustle and bustle—nothing as refined as you overseas folks.”
Ryan’s soft laugh made Sophie’s ears burn. She felt embarrassed by how irresistibly attractive she found him. His smile revealed perfect teeth and lips that looked incredibly kissable. He glanced over at her.
“You keep teasing me, Sophie…”
“Oh no, I didn’t mean it like that!” she said quickly. “I was just talking about us Hong Kong people. Please don’t take it the wrong way, Ryan.”
He kept smiling. “There you go again. One thing I’d like to ask is that you stop calling me ‘Mr.’ or anything formal. It feels too distant. I know we Chinese can be quite polite, but Westerners keep things simple and casual. Since we’re both young, why don’t we just treat each other as friends? I haven’t been back in Hong Kong long and could use some local friends. Call me Ryan, okay?”
Sophie felt a flutter of nervousness. From the moment they met at the office that morning, she had felt strangely unsettled around him. It wasn’t just his good looks or polished manners—she had seen plenty of those in her years in the business. It was something deeper: his voice, his smile, and especially those intense eyes. Every time their gazes met, she felt like she was falling into a whirlpool. His smile made her heart skip.
She didn’t believe in “love at first sight,” but she was undeniably off-balance around him. Still, she tried to maintain some dignity as a Hong Kong girl.
“Ryan… I mean, you’re just joking around,” she said hesitantly, twisting the keyring in her hands. “Our situations are different. You could have your pick of elegant young ladies in Hong Kong. Why would you bother with someone ordinary like me?”
To her surprise, Ryan casually reached over and placed his hand on hers.
“Hey, what’s all this about status and ‘young masters and ladies’? That sounds like an old Cantonese opera. Honestly, I believe everyone on this earth is equal. The only real difference is how we treat each other. I think young Hong Kongers like you feel the same way, right, Sophie?”
He was smooth. Sophie blushed and smiled shyly.
“You really know how to talk. They say Chinese men who grew up overseas are good with words. I see it’s true.”
Ryan chuckled. “Living abroad has its challenges too. But let’s save that for later. Since you’ve given in a little, can I have my ‘Ryan’ back?”
Sophie stayed quiet. Her ears grew hot again as she realized his hand was still on hers, gently squeezing. She wanted to pull away, but a strange, intoxicating warmth spread through her body from his touch and voice.
“Thank you, Sophie… I never imagined I’d meet such a beautiful girl so soon after coming back.”
Even though her heart was racing, Sophie tried to play it cool like any young woman would. She pulled her hand back and lightly punched his shoulder.
“Hey! I never said I’d be your friend. Don’t get ahead of yourself…”
Ryan grinned. “Guilty as charged. Who wouldn’t want to be friends with a girl more beautiful than any Chinatown beauty queen? If you don’t mind that I’m not a local, I’d even like to be… your boyfriend.”
Sophie’s heart pounded wildly at his bold words. She turned toward the window, trying to hide her flushed cheeks, hoping the breeze would cool her down. His half-joking, half-serious confession left her breathless.
She had received plenty of confessions before—some men even sent her dozens of roses weekly. Yet none of them moved her. But Ryan’s words, after only a few hours together, made her stomach flutter.
Ryan noticed her turning away and thought he had offended her. He slowed the car and looked at her apologetically.
“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to upset you…”
Sophie took a deep breath to steady herself. She wasn’t angry—she was simply overwhelmed by the sudden rush of attraction.
“Ryan, I’m not mad,” she said softly. “It’s just that Hong Kong girls are more sensitive about these things than the Western women you’re used to. Don’t you think it’s a bit early to talk about friendship or romance when we haven’t even had a meal or coffee together outside of work?”
Ryan seized the opening. “Then how about this afternoon? If you’re free after work, may I invite the beautiful sales manager to dinner?”
Sophie couldn’t help laughing at how quickly he jumped on the opportunity. She playfully pushed his hand away.
“You! I said it like that and you still don’t get it. Who said I wanted dinner with you? If you’re inviting your friend Sophie, I might consider it. But inviting the sales manager from Harbor Elite sounds too much like a bribe.”
The mood lightened. Ryan smiled warmly.
“Understood. Let me rephrase: I would be honored if Miss Sophie Lam would accept my invitation to dinner tonight after work, as thanks for agreeing to be my friend.”
Sophie burst into bright laughter. She teased him back, “Don’t tell me you came back to Hong Kong to try your hand at acting…”
Ryan shot back smoothly, “Why not? If I did, Chow Yun-fat and Tony Leung would be out of a job.”
“Pfft, big talker…”
The rest of the drive to the villa passed in easy conversation. They barely mentioned the property. Instead, they chatted like old friends—about life in Hong Kong, local culture, and Ryan’s experiences growing up overseas.
When they arrived at the villa, Sophie opened the gate so Ryan could drive in. The luxurious property sat nestled behind a wide lawn, with a beautiful oval swimming pool surrounded by a lush fruit garden at the back.
Ryan felt instantly relaxed in the serene atmosphere. After viewing the exterior, they went inside. The house was fully furnished and move-in ready. Sophie gave him a professional tour, pointing out details with enthusiasm.
Eventually they settled in the living room. Sophie prepared a cool drink at the bar. The warm sunlight, peaceful setting, and the stunning woman beside him made Ryan want to prolong their time together. The business talk faded into the background as they both enjoyed the growing spark between them.
When Ryan suggested heading back for lunch, Sophie surprised him by saying the villa had a fully equipped kitchen and a BBQ area by the pool.