The Story of Water and Stone Book 2 [English Version] [E-book on MEB]

CHAPTER 2 : This kid, what's with him?

The sound of the studio door opening has continuously rung out since the morning. Even though it had only been open for two weeks, many people were interested in signing up for classes. This was because the studio offered both acting and dance courses with instructors who had real working experience in the entertainment industry. Credit also had to be given to Apo, the studio owner, who leveraged his connections to recruit those teachers to teach at AS Studio & Academy, despite it being a small new studio.

"Hello," the cheerful voice of a teenage boy greeted as he walked in.

"Oh, M, You're early today," Sila said when he saw the boy standing in front.

"I missed you, P'Sila. So I rushed over," M said with a playful yet serious tone.

"If P'Apo hears this, you're dead meat."

"I'm joking, P'!"

M walked over to sit in the empty seat in front of the studio counter. He took off his sling bag and placed it on the chair next to him.

"Your class doesn't start until the afternoon. Why so early, It's not even noon yet," Sila asked, puzzled.

"I was bored at home, P'. Today, there's no one home. So I figured I'd come hang out here. At least there's you to chat with," M explained.

"Who said I'm going to chat with you? I have work to do," Sila shook his head and turned back to look at his computer screen. His fingers typed away noisily on the keyboard.

"Chatting with who?" M leaned forward to ask.

"Replying customers..."

"Oh, I'll run to 7-Eleven real quick then. I'm hungry. Want anything, P'?"

"It's okay, you go ahead," Sila answered without taking his eyes off the computer screen.

"Okay, then," M pouted before walking out of the studio.

"How come that kid came so early today?" Karn walked over, holding a plate neatly arranged with various fruits. He set it down on the empty counter space next to Sila.

"He said he was home alone and bored. So he came here to hang out," Sila replied while popping a piece of watermelon into his mouth.

Karn nodded and slowly settled into the seat next to his junior, Sila. He picked up the folder containing the profiles and histories of the kids taking classes here. He started flipping through them one by one.

Apo and Sila had persuaded him to join them in talent management and development. Karn's main responsibility was to keep an eye out for promising students and notify Apo so that they could hire them as trainees at the company. He was also tasked with assisting in the grooming of trainees in order to prepare them for work in the entertainment industry.

Karn had not done much yet because the studio had only been open for two weeks. Because in the time since opening, he hadn't come across any outstanding students.

"What is it? See anyone interesting?" Sila asked when he noticed his senior frowning intently while flipping through the student profiles.

"Nah, Techin just said he's working on a new series and asked me to help cast some new faces. So I'm looking through our students first," Karn explained.

"I see. Go ahead and pick whoever catches your eye, P'. Let me know, and I'll contact them," Sila smiled supportively.

"Yeah, let's look through first. You got any recommendations?"

"Hmm..." Sila thought for a moment. "None really. We've only been open for two weeks. I haven't seen anyone exceptionally talented yet."

"I see..." Karn nodded and continued slowly flipping through the folder.