In the morning, I received a call from Miss Trish, Kim Yuan Microelectronics’ personnel-in-charge. She talked about Mr. Kim Mori’s special offer to me. And she also said that if I wish to know more about the company, I could come for an orientation at about ten in the morning. Thinking that Mr. Kim wouldn’t be around since he was on vacation with his wife, I decided to come. To know about the company profile would be pleasant if someone else would do it. The incident that night on the beach would surely distract me if ever Mr. Kim would be the one to do the orientation. I was half expecting this because he offered me the post directly.
I reported first at the hospital’s accounting department and filed a leave. At about 9:00 am, I was already on my way to Kim’s company.
Standing before the tall building, I watched in awe at its façade. The emerald glass walls reflected the morning sunlight, making it more dazzling and elegant. My thoughts then went to Mr. Kim, and I realized how lucky I was to have met him. This building alone, not to mention those other branches, spoke of his status.
Once I stepped inside, I glanced at the front desk, and the receptionist greeted me with a warm smile. Even before I stated my purpose, she ran her fingers on her phone, and soon she was speaking to someone.
“Miss Trish, your guest has arrived. Shall I bring her in now?”
While listening to Miss Trish from the other line, the receptionist’s eyes stayed on me; her sweet smile never wearing off. I wondered why she recognized me.
“Okay, in a minute,” the receptionist replied, then a short beep followed. She then stood up and went out from behind the counter, then gestured with her hand for me to follow.
“I’ll accompany you to Miss Trish’s office, ma’am.”
I smiled, but then her special treatment of me roused my curiosity.
“Miss, has Miss Trish shown you my photo?” I asked even if I knew the answer since I have not submitted my curriculum vitae to her.
“No, it’s not her, but Mr. Mori." Her smile got wider.
I raised a brow, but words didn't leave my mouth.
“Mr. Kim instructed me to inform Miss Trish right away once you’re here.”
I finally nodded and smiled, trying hard not to show how overwhelmed I got. Oh, my goodness, Mr. Kim has my photo?
“I appreciate it that Mr. Mori has searched for my photo,” I mumbled, trying to make it sound professional. Anybody could always search for my profile online since I supported Zed in doing motivational seminars. That was part of our self-promotion.
“It’s on his phone.”
I squinted as I wondered where he had taken that photo. I didn’t remember us taking a groupie when we had dinner the other night. Neither on that day I join his company outing.
“We’re here, Miss Ramos,” the receptionist cut through my reverie. I smiled awkwardly as I peeped in through the half-opened door to Miss Trish’s office. A beautiful young lady glanced in my direction and smiled.
The receptionist excused herself after I stepped inside the office. I thanked her before turning to Miss Trish, who already stood up behind her desk to welcome me.
“Miss Ramos, thanks for coming.” Miss Trish extended her hand to me, then continued. “Have a seat, please.”
“Thank you.”
I sat across from her and waited until she settled down comfortably on her swivel chair. I made sure that the smile I wore on my face would not fade.
“Miss Ramos, so I am Trish, one of Mr. Mori’s secretaries. He assigned me the task of orienting you to the basic company profile. I would go directly to that part because Mr. Kim is in a hurry.”
What is she talking about? Mr. Kim is out of town with his wife.
I nodded and smiled. “Go ahead, Miss Trish.”
She took a deep breath and chuckled afterward. “Kim Yuan Microelectronics, Philippines is one of the ten branches around the globe. It manufactures micro components of different kinds of devices like phones, computers, and many other devices.”
“Trish?” a familiar voice disrupted her discussion, and the both of us turned to the door frame where the voice came from.
“Mr. Mori, Miss Ramos is here already.”
“Yen, I’m glad you consider coming over,” he smiled and walked towards me, handing out his hand for a shake. I stood up as gracefully as I could and accepted his hand, giving him back a pursed smile.
“Thank you, sir,” was all I could say.
“Yen, I’m sorry. I’m really in a hurry. If you don’t mind, we can discuss company matters in the car. I want you to go with me.”
I got tongue-tied and did not know what to say. Then, he opened the door wider for me, leaving me with no choice.
“Let’s go,” he said, looking at me. Then, he glanced at Trish and said, “keep me updated.”
“Yes, sir.”
I followed Mr. Kim as he led the way to the parking. He was wearing casual black denim jeans and a white shirt, covered with a black coat. He looked handsome and elegant forever in my eyes. I feasted my eyes on his back until an alarm from a nearby car sounded.
“Please get in,” he said as he opened the car’s door for me. I glanced up to him and nodded without a word before I settled beside the driver’s seat.
“I cleared my schedule this morning, so I could have enough time to explain everything to you. We have ten branches worldwide, and I want you to supervise the Asian branches. There are three of them.”
I glanced at him from my side view, watching him as he fastened his belt and turned on the car’s air conditioner.
I gasped in awe as he ended his statement. “Sir…”
“Kim. We already agreed about it.”
“I don’t think I can do it,” I said, voicing out my self-doubt. I had never worked for an international company before. I took advanced studies, but experience is still the best tool.
“Yen, you should take challenges. I have checked your background, and I believe you can meet the company’s expectations. You better file your resignation as soon as possible.”
He turned the engine on, and I couldn’t think of a word to say, even after we pulled into the highway. I couldn’t take my thoughts away from that night every time I looked into his eyes. Although I was a bit drunk at that time, I could still feel his lips on every part of my body. His nearness clouded my mind that I could not think clearly.
Before I realized it, we pulled off in front of a coffee shop. “You have to eat first. It would be a long travel. And I also need a coffee to keep me awake. I lacked sleep last night.”
I then wondered why he didn’t have enough sleep.