Hardy introduced Andy to the crowd as the CEO of the Hardy Group, instantly elevating Andy’s status in their eyes.
In the Autonomous Territory, the majority of businesses were now part of the Hardy Group. Even the largest entity, Hardy Investnt Company, was rely a subsidiary.
Quickly, Andy found himself at the center of discussions among entrepreneurs.
"Hello, President Andy. I’m Haji Omar."
A voice speaking halting English ca from behind Andy. Recognizing it as yet another greeting, he turned around.
When he saw the person speaking, he was montarily stunned.
The man was middle-aged, about fifty-sothing, and slightly overweight—nothing out of the ordinary. What caught Andy’s attention was the girl standing beside him. It was the sa girl who had smiled at him twice.
Andy looked at the man and extended his hand. "Hello, I’m Andy."
"I’m Haji Omar. I..." Haji Omar struggled to continue, his English limited to the brief introduction he had just managed.
Turning to the girl beside him, Haji Omar said in Bahasa Malaysia, "Maryam, help translate. Tell him this hotel is ours, and we hope to collaborate with the Hardy Group in the future."
The girl nodded and translated in fluent English, "President Andy, my father is delighted to et you. This Baraka Hotel belongs to our family. My father hopes to collaborate with the Hardy Group in the future."
Her voice was gentle.
At least, that’s how Andy perceived it.
"Of course. May I know your na, Miss?" Andy asked.
"Excuse for not introducing myself earlier. My na is Haji Maryam," the girl said to Andy with a smile.
She smiled again.
This was the third ti she had smiled at him.
"Hello, Miss Maryam," Andy said, extending his hand toward Haji Maryam.
Haji Maryam graciously shook his hand.
As they let go, Andy said, "So this hotel belongs to your family. You’ve done a wonderful job. Hardy Group also operates hotels. In fact, Hilton Hotels, currently the largest chain in the U.S. and even globally, is one of Hardy Group’s key partners."
"We also have our own hotel chain, managing properties in the U.S., the Cayman Islands, Japan, and Hong Kong. If you’re interested in collaborating, we would be more than willing to partner with capable enterprises."
Andy’s detailed explanation was lost on Haji Omar, who didn’t understand English well and looked toward his daughter for help. He had brought her along specifically to act as his interpreter.
Haji Maryam translated Andy’s words for her father. Upon hearing them, Haji Omar was delighted and responded in a lengthy reply, which, in turn, Andy could not understand.
Haji Maryam, with her bright eyes, translated: "My father says the Haji family owns hotels not only in Penang but also in Malacca and Singapore. Besides hotels, we operate rubber plantations, processing plants, timber mills, and paper manufacturing businesses. We hope to collaborate with Hardy Group in all these areas."
Andy smiled. "That sounds great."
Haji Omar, thrilled by the smooth conversation, said to his daughter in Malay, "Maryam, invite President Andy to visit our ho and take a tour of our enterprises if he has ti."
Maryam hesitated slightly. "Father, he’s the CEO of Hardy Group. How could he have ti to visit us?"
"It’s just a gesture of courtesy," Haji Omar replied.
Haji Maryam turned to Andy and conveyed her father’s invitation in English. Andy hesitated briefly before nodding. "I’m actually here to study the industrial structure of Malaya, so visiting your family’s enterprises could be beneficial."
Andy’s agreent stunned the Haji family, followed by excitent. They hadn’t expected soone of Andy’s stature to accept the invitation. For a family like the Hajis, even hosting a regional CEO or departnt head would be considered an honor.
Who was Andy?
As the Global CEO of Hardy Group, he had no need to concern himself with smaller enterprises. Yet he had agreed to visit—a rare opportunity for the Haji family to build a connection with such a prominent figure.
Haji Omar was overjoyed. "Maryam, tell Mr. Andy we are honored to welco him."
The girl translated, and Andy nodded with a smile. The Haji family took their leave as others approached Andy for conversation. Even as he spoke to the newcors, Andy couldn’t help but glance briefly at the girl’s retreating figure.
The next day, representatives from the Haji family formally extended an invitation. Andy brought along several managers from affiliated companies to visit the Haji family’s enterprises.
The tour included visits to the rubber processing plant, timber mill, and paper manufacturing facilities. The Haji family’s enterprises were of respectable scale for Malaya—among the best locally—though they lagged behind Arican counterparts in terms of industrialization and technology.
The reception was hosted by Haji Omar and his two sons, with Haji Maryam continuing as the interpreter. Although her brothers had passable English skills, they couldn’t match her fluency.
As the Haji family introduced their enterprises, Maryam translated and occasionally elaborated. The morning passed quickly.
During a conversation, Andy asked Maryam why her English was so proficient. She explained that she was studying economics at the University of Hong Kong.
That made sense—Hong Kong universities primarily used English as the dium of instruction. Continue reading stories on .Côm
After completing the factory tours, Haji Omar chatted with Andy about their hotels and Southeast Asia’s unique cultural landscape.
"If tourism develops here, Southeast Asia’s charm could beco a major draw. Our hotels highlight local characteristics," said Haji Omar.
Andy replied, "During my stay, I’ve explored so areas and found them quite interesting. However, without a local guide, I haven’t experienced the deeper aspects, which is a bit regretful."
"A local guide? That’s easy," Haji Omar said, glancing at his daughter. "Why not let my daughter Maryam accompany you and show you around?"
Maryam looked at her father but dutifully translated his suggestion.
Andy looked at the girl and asked, "Do you have the ti?"
Maryam hesitated briefly before smiling. "I have the ti. If Mr. Andy would like, I’d be happy to accompany you and share the local customs."
Andy smiled and nodded. "That sounds like a plan. It’s late today; let’s do it tomorrow. I’ll have soone pick you up," he said, concluding the conversation and taking his leave.
After Andy left, the Haji family gathered around. Knowing that Andy had agreed to let Maryam accompany him on a tour, Haji Omar was thrilled. "This is an excellent opportunity to strengthen our relationship with President Andy. Maryam, make sure you do your best to leave a good impression."
"I will, Father," Maryam replied dutifully, understanding how crucial Andy was to their family’s business prospects.
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