Aurora Borealis

Chapter 24 - House of Cards

>> • TOHRU • <<

It's all going down.

"We've gathered data from the submitted monthly and annual reports, and as you can see in the diagram, the sales weren't doing too good starting from the month of July last year. We can still comply with taxes, loans and other expenses. Although it's undeniable that the drastic loss is noticeable in just a span of five months."

The chart flashed on the projector defines my contribution on the performance of the company: a complete failure.

"The increase of wholesale retailers on the functional level in our market could be a great start in expanding our influence and reputation for the company. What do you think, Mr. CEO?"

The corporate secretary, along with other members of the board turned their heads to me like laser lights ready to blind anyone with their pressuring stares.

Everyone except for me are all business pioneers, thriving and striving to mutually attain certain goals with my company. The reason they're here is to ensure that the stocks that they've invested won't go down the drain.

Some of the representatives sent by the investors chose to focus on the papers that lie before them, scanning every page.

The stability of their investment is conditional, given that the company relies on our decision. If I mess this up, everything will crumble to dust. Little by little, they might even pull out from the contract and make it seem like we're playing Jenga.

"Could you provide a presentation of the pros and cons of your proposal?" tanong ko sa isa sa board na kasalukuyang nagpepresent sa powerpoint.

"Of course." he proceeded on the next slide of his presentation, "The possible pros for this proposal is that besides from beneficial influences, it might lead to opportunities whereas more branch openings from other landmarks is likely. It would also increase the manufacturing rate and we should left out a consideration for the possibility that we could export globally. We could attract more investors and double up the annual sales."

He squirmed, "As for the cons, by expanding the market and allowing retailers, quality control could sometimes be overlooked. One more thing, since we're talking about making an agreement with some local resellers, bogus sellers might take these chances to replicate our trademark with fake ones. Knowing that nowadays, consumers would prefer going after products with cheap expenses for the reason that our original pricing may seem unreasonable for them."

One director raised a hand. "I hereby suggest an alternative. We can set up our own market online to maintain the authenticity of the products and our reputation. Simply setting up an online selling account may not make a change, despite the number of buyers on popular shopping sites nowadays. Large number of consumers equates with additional competitors every single day."

Hearing the presented alternative, others nodded in aggreement. However, that doesn't seem a bit right for me.

"Isn't having competitors actually a good thing? We could perform external benchmarking on them." katuwiran ko. "Especially to the apparel brands leading on the frontlines in terms of sales and popularity."

"Yes, but we won't be able to survive the industry without taking risks. Playing it safe won't give the company a better future—"

Natigilan ang director sa pagsasalita nang bumukas ang pinto sa conference room.

A guy in a gray corporate attire entered, scanning the whole room as if he became foreign with its interior. It feels like some murder in the atmosphere just happened. The argument was silenced by the newcomer.

Halos mapatayo ako sa kinauupuan ko nang bigla itong lumapit sa 'kin at ginulo-gulo ang buhok ko. Doesn't he feel icky that he just smothered his hands with the gel in my hair?

"Taking risks and being reckless are two different things. Before settling on making risks, we need to be observant first of our environment. Right, Mr. Toni?"

"Why are you here—"

"I need to work. You know, I need to support my family." saad nito at kinuha ang isang swivel chair at naupo sa tabi ko. He casually rested his chin over the back of his hand as if he's just one of us.

Well, he's not.

I bet he simply walked in and made an appointment with me before I'm even aware. That explains why no guards and staffs from the lower floors are going after him.

"Pardon, sir? But we're in the middle of a scheduled board meeting right now. If you have business with one of the employers here, we'd like to suggest that you should address your concerns after this session." saad ng corporate secretary.

Gaya niya, mukhang hindi rin kumportable ang iba pang mga staffs na mayroong nangdidistorbo sa kalagitnaan ng mahalagang meeting.

"Don't mind me. I'm just an observer, I could even make a detailed written report about the subjects of the meeting for you." he appeased. "I can also send you the digitalized version, if you allow me to."

"Hey, why are you here?" bumulong ako sa kaniya. "Aren't you supposed to be taking care of my nephew and having honeymoon with your wife?"

"Well, yeah. But I made a deal with my father-in-law that I'll find a stable job first if I wanted to live with his daughter and grandson. So, I need a job first before I could tend to my responsibilities as a father and a husband." bumulong siya pabalik.

Someone cleared his throat, causing us to be interrupted in our conversation. They're clearly telling us to take a hint.

Now, my professional image is not doing good, similar with the present business.

Tumayo si Kuya. Tinapik-tapik ako sa balikat bago siya tumungo sa pinto. "Learn when you'll need to take risks and avoid being reckless. You'll be able to get through this. Trust yourself."

My mind can't seem to shake off my head what my brother told me. After he left, the heated argument resumed, as if  the train operations restarted after some delays and tending to some other factorial concerns.