The Escort S2

Part 34: This is Ivory

Tae's POV

Finding it difficult to sit still, I cross and uncross my legs as I wait for Chany while he completes his interview with The Young Management Committee. I've given Chany helpful strategies for answering typical interview questions and how to share his experience and strengths in a way that would be an asset to the company. I think I'm more nervous than him.

I didn't tell Kookie because I knew he wouldn't be fully supportive of Chany. After Chany is done, I'll surprise him. I twist in my seat as the door to the conference room opens. A smiling Chany emerges with several of the committee members. Oh, this is good, I hope.

Everyone is laughing as is Chany. Following right behind him is the company's head attorney, Tae Juan, who is patting him on the back. That's a positive sign. As they approach, I stand, and Tae Juan's smile expands.

"Mr. Tae, how good to see you. Does the boss know you're waiting?"

"Good afternoon, Tae Juan," I say with a friendly smile. "I'm actually here to support Chanyeol. We're, uh, cousins on my, uh, mother's side."

"Mr. Tae, you look amazing. Such a snappy dresser as always." And as always Tae Juan's eyes gives me a preview. He leans forward for a hug, and I step back.

"Tae Juan, I'm still nursing a cold, no hugs today."

"Of course. Nice outfit. I'm really liking those pants, uh, and that shirt too."

"I'm sure you do, Tae Juan." I quickly veer the conversation.

"How did it go, Chany?" His face is brightened by his smile.

"As my dad would say, splendid, just splendid." The muscles in my shoulders immediately relax and I release a breath that I must have been holding since he entered the interview. No, since we started this process. The committee of three gathers around and all fall into laughter. Wow, he must have made an impression to get this type of response. Evidently, there's a side to my cousin that I don't know. Suddenly, Kookie's office door flies open.

He steps out with a scowl. "What's all of this ruckus out here?! Get back to –" He halts in his steps seeing me and then looks over to Chany.

"Tae?"

"Oh, hey, Kookie." I go over to him and press a kiss to his cheek. "Kookie, you know my cousin Chany. I just came down to give him some moral support for his interview for the Young Management Program."

"What? The Young Management Program?" His mouth twists and, for once, I'm grateful for Tae Juan as he steps in with perfect timing.

"Yeah, boss, welcome our newest trainee, Chanyeol," he says. "He's a funny guy, boss. That was the best interview ever. He had the entire committee rolling in laughter." A sneer moves across Kookie's face.

"I sincerely hope he has qualities other than being entertaining. The last thing we need around here is more characters." Kookie hisses.

"Boss, he meets all the qualifications. Everything is in order. The committee is unanimously agreed." The other committee members nod.

"Let me see his application and resume," Kookie demands sharply.

"Now, boss," Tae Juan says, "you know our committee is not overseen by the owners." Kookie grits his teeth.

"Kookie, aren't you going to welcome my cousin?" I know I'm pushing it, but the truth is he and Namjoon set the rules. Chany met them and now he has a job at the Jeon Corporation. God, I like winning. My heart is doing somersaults.

"Welcome," he says hastily.

"Chanyeol, we'll see you on Monday at 8:00 a.m.," one of the committee members says"Is that optional? Because I prefer 11:00 a.m."