From Something To Everything (Bounprem)

11. Internship

Prem had started his internship at N&P. it had been five days and he was getting a swing of the office life.

As an intern, his job included making presentations, arranging things, making deliveries, running errands, and occasionally getting scolded by seniors for things that weren't even his fault.

He also learned a lot this week alone.

The main problem was that he was the youngest in the department causing him to have trouble communicating with the seniors.

Thankfully Pineare, his high school classmate was also doing an internship at N&P in the design department.

Prem was not really close to her during their high school days. But thanks to Sammy who introduced the two to each other, the two became good friends in no time.

Prem was casually talking to Pineare in the pantry when White, Benz's secretary came over to inform him that Benz was asking him to go to his office.

Waving goodbye to Pineare, Prem made his way to Benz's office following White.

Prem knocked on the door before entering the office.

"Swadee Khrab Khun Benz." Prem waied as soon as he entered the office.

"Swadee Prem. You don't have to be formal. It's just the two of us here. Come. Take a seat." Benz grinned at Prem.

Prem took a seat smiling at his old friend.

"So, how is your internship going? Getting used to the office life?" Benz asked as he closed the document he was reading.

"It is kind of different from what I expected but it is okay. I like it here."

"It's good that you like it. I was worried that you might not be able to adjust to everything. Especially because of your hand." Benz said looking at Prem's right hand was still covered in the splint.

"It's okay phi. My surgical wound has already healed. I am just wearing this because the doctor insisted that I do or else I might end up overusing my hands. And did you forget that I am ambidextrous?"

Benz nodded in understanding.

"By the way phi, why did you call me here so urgently?" Prem probed.

"Prem... about that Chris guy you suggested..." Benz paused and observed Prem before continuing "I don't think he will do the job."

"Why phi? Did he refuse to take on the job? I will talk to him now. Just wait phi." Prem hurriedly pulled out his phone.

"Wait ... wait Prem. That is not what I meant. That is not what I meant hear me out first." Benz stretched his hands trying to stop Prem from making the call.

Prem looked at Benz feeling confused.

"Then, what is it phi?"

Benz let out a sigh of relief when he saw Prem putting his phone away.

"Actually, Prem we are yet to contact him. You didn't tell him about the offer, did you?"

"No. I was waiting for your confirmation. I didn't want him to think that he got the offer because of me."

"That's good." Benz nodded.

"But why didn't you contact him till now phi? Isn't the launch in two weeks? Isn't there a lot to be done before that?" Prem asked.

"Let me tell you the truth, Prem. Chris... he might be a good player and have the National team captain position, but... he kind of lacks... you know...charisma...He can't actually project our company's image. He doesn't have enough charm. We also looked through his profile. His achievements and merits are clearly lower than yours. So, letting him take on your position as the brand's spokesperson would be like downgrading our brand. Of course, this is not my opinion. It was the collective opinion of the marketing team." Benz said carefully examining Prem's reaction to the matter.

"Oh?" Prem was a little disappointed that his friend didn't meet the requirements of the brand. 

"Then I will find someone else phi. Don't worry. I will find a perfect one this time."

"No. Prem, you don't have to." Benz said waving his hands in denial. "I actually called you here to take about this matter."

"You already found a replacement? That's good." Prem smiled.

Benz hesitated before continuing the conversation.

"Prem, the team wants you to continue being the spokesperson of our brand."

Prem's jaw fell open at the news.

"You know, your contract with our brand is yet to expire. Even though you are on a break, that doesn't change your achievements, right? You just won a gold medal in the last tournament."

Prem blinked listening to Benz.

"But Phi..." Prem was cut off by Benz.

"I know you are worried that you may not have time. You are in your final year, and you have your internship. But you don't have to worry about that, I will ask the team to adjust the schedule on working days so that it wouldn't take up the free time that you use to study. As for the internship, I will talk to P' Sean [1]. Don't worry."

Prem bit his lip as he mulled Benz's words. After giving it a deep thought Prem said.

"Okay phi. It would be difficult to find someone else if I don't do it. I will do it." Prem agreed.

"Good. Then I will contact Tae and let him know that you are willing." Benz said smiling brightly.

"Khrab phi." Prem smiled back.

"There will be a photoshoot section next week. Be prepared. You can remove the splint for the photo shoot, right?"

"Khrab phi. It is not a problem."

"The payment and everything will be the same as the last time. I think Tae will handle that for you."

Prem nodded at Benz's words.

"By the way, I forgot to tell you that one more person will be joining the shoot."

Prem looked at Benz a little confused.

"He is a model as well as the co-owner of the company. You will be doing shoots with him." Benz said as he fiddled through his phone.

"A model? Phi, are you trying to play a prank on me by asking me to have a photoshoot with a model?"

"No Prem. You don't have to worry about that. He will not outshine you. He will only make you shine brighter." Benz said with a mischievous smile.

Prem nodded.

"What is your plan for tomorrow evening?" Benz asked putting his phone away.

"Nothing much, phi. Maybe get some sleep or study something."

"You and study?" Benz laughed.

"I have to phi. My mother will disown me otherwise." Prem pouted.

"It's good that you don't have a plan. We are planning to watch the football match tomorrow evening at our place. You should come too."

"No phi. I don't want to be a third wheel. I learned my lesson last time." Prem refused.

"This is not like the last time. There are friends joining us. Don't just sit at home all day. You should join us. Boun, my model friend that I just mentioned, is also coming. I will introduce the two of tomorrow as well."

Prem had no choice but to accept Benz's offers. He didn't want to seem rude in front of his employer who is already providing him with special treatment.  

[1] P' Sean- head of accounting department, the department Prem is interning at.