Touch Of Solicitude

NUEVE

After arriving at the office, Lina came in, barging inside without even knocking or announcing his presence. "Miss Kim!" She raised, panting, "Miss Kim," She was on her knees as she looked at me.

"Yes, is something wrong?" She took a deep breath, composing herself, "Miss Kim, I have an important announcement to make," She cleared her throat and looked at me straight into the eyes.

"Ludwig Ferreiro- He, He accepted our invitation!" Her hands banged along my desk as she yelped in joy, on the other hand, stood up, wearing a confused face, "What? Wait- how?" Confusion bore into my mind.

I did not even meet him, nor have I seen him; I was sure that I only heard his name at the Launch Party and nothing more. How did he accept such invitations when he often denies them.

"H- He must've thought that our company is more suitable than others," Lina stuttered, showing nervousness and anxiety as her forehead formed sweats, trailing down, "Is that really the reason?" I question.

Her head nodded immediately, "Yes, what more would be the reason. The Bulletin is Ylury's leading business and finance publication." She announced, "Well, that is true, I cannot argue with such a fact," I returned, however, still doubting what really happened. Such a miracle would not happen overnight when I did not even meet the man in person.

"Are you sure that he really accepted the invitation? Maybe it's some fraud or scam that can lead us to danger," Lina shook her head, "I have a letter that is addressed to you, Miss Kim. It even has the company details," She gave me an envelope, with me slowly looking at the details.

Lina was telling facts; it even has his signature, proving that it is really his. If we successfully interview the financier, our next issue might cover a different range of topics useful to anyone in the business world. We have to make sure that we are not wasting any time.

"However, Miss..." She looked down, with her feet fidgeting, "As expected, is there a concern with the interview?" Lina rose her head and showed me a bitter smile.

"It's not a concern but is a concern, Mister Ferriero has his own terms and conditions for the interview," I slowly nodded my head, understanding what she was pertaining to, "Feel free to tell,"

The secretary sighed deeply and directed her gaze on me, "He want you to personally interview him," I was stoned with her remark, what? Me interviewing him? I am not some journalist that can put on anything even if he is some special guest; I have my work as the Editor In Chief, why me of all people? "What? Did I hear you correctly?" Lina responded with a nod.

"Yes, Miss Kim. He wants you to be the interviewer and also-" I cut her off, "There's more?" My tone rose.

She once again nodded, "He wants you to have dinner with him. Mister Ferreiro said that it would be most appropriate to held the interview in a formal setting?" Left dumbfounded with her statement, my mouth shut, "What should I say, Miss Kim?" She asked.

A formal setting? At a restaurant? Me interviewing him? That man must be too full of himself to have such demands. He should have said directly in the letter if he has more plans other than that. A restaurant is a formal setting to have the interview, but having dinner with him, makes it suspicious.

"Why do I find everything strange?" With my hands clasped together, I lowered my head, thinking of other possibilities, "I can dial his number and ask again if you want to have any changes," Lina started rummaging through her clothes, finding her phone as she was about to dial the number. I stood up straight and faced her.

"No, we cannot reject it, that man may change his mind, and in the end, it will only be a loss for us," I replied, "Is that so? Then, should I reply with a yes? You are agreeing with his terms, right, Miss Kim?" Still contemplating my decision, I concluded that it was the only way to get hands-on details about him.

Thinking about the pros and cons, having him as our guest brings our company in too much favor. First of all, he can build credibility, since he is a famed financier, he can show other business individuals that our company is worth using and trusting.

We can stand out from other competitors and open the company to a brand new market. I heaved a sigh, "So, when is the scheduled date?" Lina looked at the calendar and back at me, "Tomorrow evening," My forehead creased.

"So soon? I have things to do at the company, I can't make it tomorrow night. Did he decide on the date himself?" She nodded, "Yes, Miss Kim. He said that he cannot go on to other dates as well, especially since the following months, his schedule is fully packed after returning to Ylury," I slumped down my desk and started worrying.

"What should I do?" I uttered, "Should I call him and ask-" Before she could continue any further, I rushed in her direction and took her phone.

"No, absolutely not, we cannot cancel such precious meeting," She shook her head, sighing, "Then, what is your plan, Miss Kim?" I walked back and forth inside the office, thinking of what might be a good idea.

In the end, I had no other choice, "Can you insert him for tomorrow evening and adjust my schedule. Regarding our clients, we should just send a gift as an apology," Lina's face fell as if the energy left her body. "I know that this will be harsh to you, however, we cannot do anything about it. About my schedule, I will leave everything in your hands," I then gave her back the phone.

"Also, tell Mister Ferreiro that we will continue with the meeting," A subtle nod came back from her, "Understood, Miss Kim,"