what are boyfriends for?
what are boyfriends for?
*Tick-tok.
The wall clock ticks like the timer on a bomb, filling the silence of the conference room where three persons were sitting at the table. With each tick, the anger bubbles inside Suyin as she read the reports of the tampon sample collected from Sarah's house. Including the one doctors removed inside of her.
The so-called highly absorbent tampons were made of a mix of synthetic fibre treated with harmful chemicals and the revolutionary 'gel' technology. Ridiculous.
Poisonous!
The presence of the gelled carbon methylcellulose in it acted as the breeding medium, providing for the bacteria to grow. Not only that, but test results also found some stray bacteria on the samples that pointed at the unhygienic conditions of manufacturing.
This money-making company negligently, wantonly, recklessly, tortuously, and unlawfully was responsible for the death of all these women.
Which includes Sarah's condition!
"Wenwei, what are the legal aspects of the case? I want maximum punishment for the owners, and compensation to the families of the deceased along with the payment of medical expenses."
Wenwei let out a breath as she placed the document down. "With these reports as the evidence, we can ask for a stay order and demand compensation and expenses. However, this is it we can do. Getting the owners punished is impossible."
"Why?" Wang Shi clasped his hands as he leaned forward, "We've found the harmful chemicals used to bleach, clean and fragrant it. That's the owner's fault!"
"AND it's clearly mentioned on the packet, contain fragrance and permitted agents to clean the fibres. What more—" she pointed at the packet, "—the product may cause TSS and is advised to change every 4-8 hours. This is their 'get-out-of-the-jail-free-card'"
"What about the traces of bacteria which shows they manufactured the product with zero hygiene," Suyin argued.
"other than these few packets of tampons we don't have any other proof. I bet, as soon as we file the case, they would change everything at their manufacturing units to dupe the police. These companies have underlings everywhere to handle such situations."
Wenwei was accustomed to the darker side of the products that people assume to be safe and companies take advantage of the very negligence. The presence of the warning label would be the hardest part of the case.
"But-but, the instructions are ambiguous and and and….. they should have used cotton instead of synthetic fibres! They shouldn't have used chemicals! If we let them go this time, they will come up with another product a year later. If not the same company, someone else will repeat it. We have to set an example. Can anyone take advantage of us women just because these products are a necessity?
That was the end of Suyin's patience. The anger in her voice was unrestrained, letting out the frustration.
Wang Shi and Chan Wenwei exchanged a helpless gaze.
"Wenwei, can you excuse us for a minute?"
"Sure,"
Wang Shi left the chairman's seat and sat down next to Suyin. His hands reached to caress her cheeks as she looked anywhere but at him. "Hey,"
"S-Sarah… This product fucked her over. What's worse, many more Sarah will keep on coming. This would never stop."
He opened her clenched fist and pulled her into his warm embrace. "I can get the company tumble into nothing. Just say it."
The company was at fault already, if law cannot punish it, he will gladly do the honours if that's what she wants.
"And then what? Will Sarah and all other women get justice by it?" Suyin looked up in asking, "I want legal punishment to set it as a warning for everyone in the industry."
"How will you do it? By getting emotional? By behaving how you're behaving right now?" he taunted and an interminable pause followed as Suyin pondered at his words.
"No. By getting the evidence." The anger in her eyes was not changed into a spark of determination. "I'll prove that company didn't follow set regulations while manufacturing and compromised with the safety of women, causing the death of over 75. I'll just ignite a spark, and the people of the nation will turn it into a fire."
A ghost of a smile crawled on Wang Shi's lips as he dipped to give her a peck. "That's like my Suyin. Go, show them what you are. And…. If you need any help—"
She placed her finger at his lips, "--then I'll come to you. Stop reminding me again and again. I won't shy before using you for my advantage, Mr Wang Shi. After all, what are boyfriends for? Ouchhh…"
He bit her finger with his teeth.
"Why?"
He lifted her abused finger, his tongue darted out to soothe the hurt. Still scared, she tried to pull her hand only to be held by him tightly. "Just so you always remember to take advantage of me whenever you want to. When our motives are the same, there shouldn't be any reticence. Right? In need, I'll do the same."
Suyin moved and rested her nose at his...
"Wang Shi, we have—"
The door to the conference room was pushed from the outside, interrupting their moment, and Suyin jumped away from his lap, almost tripping.
"Cough…." Hospital director Li Han was dumbfounded. Embarrassed. Shocked.
"DIRECTOR LI HAN," Wang Shi gritted his teeth, shifting to cast a sharp gaze at Chen Wenwei who didn't stop this old man from barging in.
"It was important." She said in defence, "Director Han, please tell him…."
Lin Han, "There are cops in the hospital to arrest Fei Hong. I think you should come with us. Sorry for the disturbance."
Suyin picked her bag to follow Wang Shi, but he stopped her. "I'll see this. You and Chen Wenwei go ahead with the case in hand."
"Okay,"
Li Han tried hard to match with Wang Shi's fast strides, "So you and Miss. Zhao is a thing. But why conference room when you have a luxurious office with a luxurious lounge and a luxurious be—"
"Shut-up."
"Okay."
*******