Chapter 291 - Working Together

Isabella was twenty-seven years old. At such a young age, her parents had entrusted her so much role in their company. Since she was their only daughter, there was no other to pass on their legacy. 

She started learning the ropes even before finishing college and quickly held a high ranking position after getting her diploma. 

Since she was in the hotel business, she was very sociable but after being abducted; she had left work for a year to get treatment and upon her return, her father made their marketing subordinates focused on social events while Isabella concentrated on the ideas or was often the person behind them. 

The hospitality industry was her forte and Andrea acknowledged it. She was impressed by Isabella's presentation during the meeting and was then convinced it may be a good direction to focus on the Italian market as they are generally good spenders and stays longer during winter. However, because of Andrea's roots, she could not ignore offering special packages to the Chinese market either. 

During the meeting, Isabella said, "Let's be honest here. During the summer, there are fewer Asians who come to the Maldives? Why is that? Because apart from being so expensive, they don't want to get tanned. Whereas many Caucasians like to lie all day long in the sun!"

Andrea could not deny it. Somehow, they have more Asian guests during the rainy season. It was either they did not like the sun or they wanted the good deals. Summer rates are nearly twice as much during the monsoon. Furthermore, many Asian guests, Chinese included only stay for 3 days whereas Italians usually stay up to two weeks. 

"I can assure you, we can bring in more Italians to visit the Andres Islands in the coming years. We have fifteen hotels across Italy who can offer these special packages to our customers," said Isabella with conviction. "Most Italian guests come with their families. Sometimes even they come in a group or party."

Listening to Isabella, Andrea contemplated on the suggestion but base on her experience, she could always count the Chinese Market to fill-in their occupancy in times of need. Thus she said, "We need to balance it out. We can't tell if we ever experience drought again and the country we often run to for help to fill in our rooms is China."

Eventually, they came into an agreement that one island will be exclusively for Italian, European, the 

Americas and the Middle Eastern market while the rest of the two islands were open to all countries with a limited allocation for package rates for Chinese markets, especially during the low season. 

They will continue to offer special packages to other countries depending on their occasion or celebration, but they will begin strengthening their promotion and marketing offers for Italians. 

When their meeting was over, Andrea proposed a little celebration, especially since she had not returned for more than a year. It was only Arti who came on her behalf. All of Andrea's managers and executives were overjoyed and indulged at the restaurant where they had their gathering.

Isabella quickly came up to Andrea and thanked her for listening to her proposition.

Andrea was about to commend her for a job well done, but Hanxi beat her to it. She heard him say, "You did a good job! I was very impressed."

They were sitting on a long table as they were chatting. Andrea naturally sat beside Lu Fang and on the other side was Hanxi. Isabella was quick to grab the seat in front of her and continued to initiate conversations. 

Turning to Hanxi, Isabella thanked him and eventually she turned her gaze to Andrea with a bright smile on her face. "What about you, Ms. Andrea? What do you think about my proposal?"

"I think it's really remarkable how you know when each market comes to the Maldives. You sure have deep knowledge about special holidays all over the world," Hanxi spoke for Andrea once again. 

Hanxi was sincerely amazed by how Isabella carried herself. Despite having gone through a tragic experience, she seemed to handle herself well. She was the total opposite of him as he had become a bad drinker after his parent's death. 

All throughout the meeting, Hanxi joined as a silent observer. Prior to the gathering, Andrea invited her brother to come along stating she wanted him to take part in promoting the islands. She had long thought about this and since they both had stopped accepting missions, her brother might as well go back to his previous career and he can start by modeling for Andres Islands. 

Following her brother's remark, Andrea gave him a smirk but soon directed her gaze to Isabella and apologized, "Please forgive my brother. He knows me so well that he is able to read my mind and speak it out."

"Anyhow, Isabella. You did a fantastic job. My brother said it all for me. We should celebrate now for a new business partner and friend!" 

Before Isabella could say another word, Andrea focused her awareness to Lu Fang, giggling and whispering to each other's ears. The couple was so engrossed with each other that they ignored Isabella's yearning. 

Fortunately, Hanxi saw through her and he asked, "Just ignore them. They never get tired of each other - You know what? I really want to learn more about Maldives resorts and how to market them. Can you tell me more about it?"

Andrea appreciated Hanxi's effort. From their conversation earlier, she knew Hanxi felt sorry for Isabella and as she looked at them closely a sudden idea popped into her head. She hurriedly picked up her phone and pretended to receive a phone call. "Yes, mom. I got it. We will be there."

She called out for Isabella and Hanxi saying, "Bro, keep learning about the resorts and the Maldives from Isabella. Isabella, I'd appreciate if you share your ideas with my brother. I have already decided for him to take part in representing the resort. We need to leave as the kids need us."

She paused for a moment and added, "The talk between the two of you. It's an order by the way. From now on, you will be working together for the sake of the resorts."

The following day, Andrea told Isabella that they can have a quick training in self-defense at the gym but when she arrived, it was Hanxi who was there. Andrea merely called her saying, "Isabella, I'm so sorry but I'm not feeling well so I asked my bro to train you instead. Learn from him, he is really good."

All throughout their stay, Isabella ended up spending time with Hanxi. Occasionally, Andrea would join them but she was mostly with the twins and her husband especially, making the most of their time in the most romantic destination in the world. 

On their very last day, Lu Fang rented out an entire island for them to stay overnight. He swore to make the most out of it as he will be focusing on work upon their return.