"May I remind you, Miss Mayapa. I'm not yet agreeing 100% on this project."
I maintained my composure kahit medyo naiinis ako. He's smirking at me right now, as if threatening that he'll back out.
"Yes, Sir. I'm very aware of that. Which is why we're here. We're going to talk about your conditions, right?"
"Right. So... what are you planning to feature about me. My career, my lifestyle, my social life... what specifically?"
"Well, Sir, when we feature personalities in Aster Mag, we bring focus on the most inspiring part of the person's story. May it be career or not, it doesn't matter, as long as, of course, we get the consent of that person."
"So basically, you want to know everything about me. Is that what you're saying?"
"That is only if you agree. Aster Mag knows how to respect privacy."
Sir Dave butted in.
"Sir Kyle, like I told you before, this issue will help market not only the Aster Mag but the whole Aster Group. Featuring you on the 10th year anniv special will have a huge impact on the public, especially our clients, stockholders and employees. They will see your credibility and they will trust in Aster again."
Sumagot si Kyle sa sinabi ni Sir Dave.
"Dave, I don't want to please anyone, okay? I've told you many times. I can return Aster's glory with my skills."
"I'm not doubting your competence, Sir. But we have seen the logistics. Just for a span of 3 months, when news started spreading about you replacing our former CEO, sales have materially decreased. The forecasts made by Finance have shown unfavorable results."
"Kasi nga may mga sumasabutahe sa kompanya! All I have to do is catch that traitor tapos ayusin ung damages."
"May sumasabutahe man o wala, hindi pa rin mababago ang katotohanan na malaki na ang mawawala sa atin dahil sa pagbaba ng sales at pagpull out ng investments."
Natahimik si Kyle.
"Sir Kyle, I have to do my job and help control this situation. And this is a good opportunity to do that. It will help Aster Mag. It will help you. It will help Aster Group. Everybody wins."
Kyle sighed.
"Alright. Since you're so persistent. But I'll impose just one rule. Okay?"
Ngumiti sina Sir Greg at Sir Dave. Ako naman ay nangunot ang noo.
"When I say, it's off limits, I mean it's off limits. Okay, let's go! We're done here."
Tumaas naman ang kilay ko.
Tatayo na sana si Kyle pero binilisan ko nang magsalita para mabalik ang atensyon niya sa akin.
"Do you mind elaborating on that, Sir?"
"What's not easy to understand there, Miss Mayapa?"
Umayos muli nang upo si Kyle.
"I just want to clarify things. What do you mean by your rule?"
"Whatever you could think of to feature about me, as long as I don't say it's off limits, you have my consent to do so. Understand?"
"Lifestyle?"
Hindi siya sumagot.
"Educatiom?"
Hindi pa rin siya umiimik.
"Love life?"
He crossed his arms and smiled again. Or was it a smirk?
"Whatever you could think of, as long as I don't say it's off limits. And oh, could we finish this in a day? I have a lot to attend you. I'm just sparing time for this project."
