"I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it." - Maya Angelou
What would you do, when you lost everything, career, family, money and self esteem?
This is a story of fall from grace with a (un)healthy dose of smut.
What happened yesterday really shocked me to the core. No matter how drunk you are, there is still a part of you that is conscious. My behavior was totally unacceptable. I really need to wake up and stop clinging to him. Break up is break up. No such thing as cannot live without him. I need to be a man again.
I just asked YBY point blank, "Can I work in your company?"
"Finally, start work tomorrow, I want you to negotiate with the studios."
"I don't think that I am ready to handle that, how about I be your PA instead, help to manage your office."
"Can also, our next concert is for Aaron. You assist Jane, my event manager in all the logistic matters, help her to do the necessary bookings."
Woke up bright and early the next day, made my own ice-coffee in the tumbler and waited for YBY to wake up. He came down around 10something, grunted at me and drove to his office. The last time I went to his office was 2 years ago and I was quite impressed with the office now. Initially, it was just a intermediate lot, now he has taken up half the floor, in a very prestigious building in the golden triangle.
The minute you enter, rows and rows of pictures on the walls, Andy Lau, Jackie Cheong, Siti Norhaliza, and many more successful artists performing on stage. YBY's office was very spacious, equipped with a 8 feet long luxurious chrome and leather director's workstation. I was utterly amused, when I saw a picture of me at my fan meet in Royal Selangor frame on his display cabinet behind him. I looked so young and good.
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"This is to remind me, how I started.", he arched his brows when he saw me looking at that picture. He called Jane into his room and told her, "Zee will be working with you, get him to help with Aaron's concert."
She brought me to the open space office behind and introduced to everyone in the office. There were 4 other people in the office - Ken, IT, Amanda – Marketing, Bryan – stage and Ashley – PA cum admin. They just looked up and mumbled a quick hello before continuing their work. The only person who came forward and greeted me with a smile was Ashley.
"Welcome to this crazy team. Don't mind them. We are in a bit of a rush because the concert is next month. Everyone is busy with the last-minute prep. Normally, we are quite noisy. Here is your staff tag. Ken is setting up your laptop for you. This is your workstation" She pointed to an empty table, just next to the pantry. "If you need anything, just let me know."
The first task that Jane assigned me was to study the event planner and to work with Amanda on the marketing collaterals. The event checklist was like a meter long. I didn't realise how much planning and work put in place to produce a concert. Amanda was truly a sweetheart, she guided me very patiently, who to call, what to follow up on.
YBY and his team were really slave driver. The job was endless, had to follow up on marketing, stage lights, venue arrangement, ticketing etc. I have taken to driving myself to work, using YBY's SUV because I start the day early and most nights, only managed to get back home late in the evening. Some days, YBY would ask me to company him to entertain his clients or suppliers.
I loved this hectic schedule, too tired to feel sorry for myself. Many nights, after coming back from work, I would while the time away, with my three favorite things, Bubbles, cold beer, and cigarettes, answering endless emails until wee hours in the morning. Still had trouble sleeping.
One day, I received the bank notification, Jun's company banked in money to me again. I already called Kim last month to stop the transfer and refunded the money to his company's account. But the amount banked in was twice the previous amount.
Called Kim again, "I just received the money again. You forgot to cancel the standing instruction?"
"No. I spoke to Jun. He said to proceed as usual. This is why I banked back the money you returned last month."
"Hmmm...."
"Zee, can I be honest with you? You have been with him for 10 years. Just take the money. You never know when you need it. Having money in your bank is better than not having any. One day, when you are rich, you can give it back or donate it."
"I don't want to owe him anymore."
"What is there to owe or don't owe. Be smart. Your parents still need your help."
True also, since I already owed him so much, what was a little bit more. I just need to learn the ropes quickly and build my career. Then I could take care of my parents and wouldn't need to depend on him.
