The next day, I decided it was time to talk to Tita Vien. Lan and I had finally come to a decision about the joint project, but we both agreed that there would have to be some rules in place. We weren't going to jump into this without setting some boundaries, especially for Lan's sake.
I dialed Tita Vien's number, pacing around the condo while I waited for her to pick up. It didn't take long she answered on the second ring, her voice chipper as ever.
"Xian! How's everything going?" she greeted, already sounding like she was bursting with energy.
"Hey, Tita. Good, actually. I wanted to talk to you about the project you mentioned yesterday," I started, leaning against the kitchen counter. "Lan and I have discussed it and we've decided to agree to it... but there are a few conditions we want to put in place."
There was a brief pause on the other end before Tita Vien responded, her tone a bit more serious. "Okay, I'm listening. What kind of conditions are we talking about?"
"Well, for starters," I began, glancing over at Lan, who was sitting at the dining table, calmly sipping his coffee, "Lan wants to make sure that his personal life stays private. We're okay with doing the campaign together, but the executives and media can't push him to share more than he's comfortable with. That means no digging into his background or family life. Strictly professional."
Tita Vien let out a thoughtful hum. "I see... I expected something like this. Lan isn't the type to enjoy the spotlight too much. And what else?"
"Another thing," I continued, "we like some control over the messaging of the campaign. If the executives are going to push for some narrative about us being a duo or team, we don't want it to get twisted into rumors or anything too personal. We want to keep it about the brand, not about our lives."
"I get it," Tita Vien responded, her voice softening a little. "You're both public figures, but that doesn't mean your private lives should be free for everyone to dissect. I'll make sure to set up a meeting with the executives to discuss this. I'm confident we can work something out that keeps both of you comfortable."
"Thanks, Tita," I said, feeling a little relieved. "We trust you to handle this. We just want to make sure everything is clear before we move forward."
"I'll take care of it," she assured me. "And honestly, I think this project could be huge for both of you. Lan has a unique charm that people will love, and with your experience in front of the camera, it's going to be a win-win. Just leave the negotiations to me."
We wrapped up the call, and I looked over at Lan, who had been quietly listening from his spot at the table. He raised an eyebrow, waiting for me to fill him in.
"She's going to talk to the executives," I said, walking over to join him. "She seems pretty confident they'll agree to the terms."
Lan nodded, setting his mug down. "Good. I don't mind working with you, Xian. But I need to make sure I'm not crossing lines I've set for myself." I froze, its my first time to hear him saying my name. I blink but still in daze to reply
"I know," I replied, leaning against the table. "And we'll make sure those lines stay intact. You've got my word."
Lan offered a faint smile, the kind that only appeared when he was genuinely relieved. I couldn't help but smile back.
The project was on, but it was on our terms and that made all the difference.
Kinabukasan, meeting namin ni Lan with the executives para sa formal na introduction at pag-usapan ang mga plano nila para sa amin. Dumating kami sa building ng brand na tila malaking event ang nangyayari-eleganteng opisina, malalaking screens na nagpapakita ng mga past campaigns, at professional na mga mukha na nag-aabang sa amin.
