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

CHAPTER 8 : Comparisons Emerge

"Have a seat first," Apo said to Nano as he walked in, carrying his favorite bag into Apo's office.

"Hello," Nano put his hands together in a wai greeting, then sat down on the chair in front of Apo's desk. "Why did you call me in?"

"Well, I and the studio team discussed that we would produce a song for you. We want Nano to debut as the first artist in our studio."

"Really?" Nano's voice betrayed his excitement, an expression Apo had never seen on him before.

"Mm," Apo smiled and nodded.

"Yes! I'm finally going to have my own song!"

"But there's a condition," Apo interjected as Nano was reveling.

"What is it?"

"Promise first that you'll do it no matter what." Apo stared at the other with an icy gaze.

"Hmm..." Nano went silent, his hesitant expression showing he didn't quite trust Apo.

"It's up to you. If not, I can postpone this project for now."

"Can you tell me the condition first?"

Apo smirked. "Fine, but if I tell you first, you have to agree no matter what. If not, I'm canceling this project immediately."

"That's so unfair," Nano sulked.

"Do you want to follow your dream or not?"

"..." Nano wavered, still conflicted. Honestly, it probably wouldn't be anything too major. He was just worried that if he agreed upfront and Apo proposed something impossible, he'd lose face. That was why Nano hesitated so much.

"My only condition is that you have to come practice every day on time. No being late or absent," Apo stated as he showed Nano the practice schedule on his iPad.

"Psh, that's so easy, Boss."

"Everyone can say that, but you have to actually do it too."

"No problem at all."

"We'll see. Don't disappoint me."

"Yes, sir," Nano agreed with a wai before standing up and leaving Apo's office. He could feel the boss' sharp gaze following him out.

Apo didn't mean to intimidate or act authoritarian. He just knew someone like Nano wouldn't nicely agree to do something, even if asked straightforwardly. That stubborn mentality of hating being challenged—to get him to commit to anything would probably require some scheming and temptation first. Otherwise, things wouldn't go as Apo had planned from the start.

Bzzz bzzz...

Apo's phone vibrated in his pocket. He took it out and saw Sila was video calling him, so he quickly answered.

"Hello?"

(I'm at the cafe. Want anything?)

"I'll head over now."

The tall man pocketed his phone and grabbed his tablet before leaving his office to head to the usual cafe near the studio, where Sila was already waiting. His long strides carried him from the studio entrance to the cafe in no time. He pushed open the door and made a beeline for the counter to order coffee.

"Iced Americano, please." After ordering, Apo paid with his card right away, then stood waiting. Soon he heard his name called to pick up his drink at another section of the counter. His large hand grasped the coffee cup, and he walked over to the table. Sila had messaged him earlier while en route from the studio.