Hidden: Strings of Fate

CHAPTER 44

"CEO Hwang, you asked for me?" I said, voice trembling.

"Yes, I did Honey. Please, sit down. I wanted to get your opinion on a matter." I did as I was told. Mr Hwang was sat behind his desk. I sat down opposite him.

"First things first, however. How are you finding the job?" he asked.

"It's rewarding in its own way CEO Hwang."

"No need to be so formal, Honey. It's just us. Are the kids treating you good?"

"Yes, samchon. I couldn't have asked for a better group to be the manager of."

"They're very obedient." '...and stubborn. Some more than others,' I thought in my head. I smirked.

"Enlighten me. Have I said something wrong?"

"Aniyo, samchon," I said as I looked down.

"You're lying to me, Honey."

"Why would I have a reason to lie to you? I've known you since Min started working here. I see you as an uncle that I deeply respect, you know I do. I wouldn't lie to my family, would I?"

"No, you wouldn't but would you if you wanted to protect the kids?"

"That depends on the situation."

"Ah," he said with an all-knowing smile, "how rude of me. Would you like a drink? Perhaps some coffee?"

"No, thank you for offering but I'm ok."

He moved forward in his seat and placed his hands on his desk. "You've caused quite a fuss since you've started to work here, you know? The kids have been acting strange."

"Mianhae samchon. I didn't mean to." I flashed a smile. They've been acting strange? I haven't noticed anything. Is there something that happened? Something that I don't know about?

"I'm sure it's nothing." He chuckled. "Anyway, enough of this talk. Let's get to the reason why I called you here. You wouldn't mind giving your input, would you?" He asked.

"Of course not, samchon. My interests lie on how VIXX can become even better idols for their fans... and how I as a manager, you as their CEO can help them to be that."

"Good. You're loyal. That's a good trait to have."

"Gomawoyo, samchon."

"As you've noticed on VIXX's schedule, they're due to debut in Japan next year. Do YOU think that they should debut in Japan or do you think that it should be held back another year? As you are aware, we are currently in negotiations with a Japanese label. But what do you think? Of course, I'm asking you because you've spent a considerable length of time with them. Is there anything we should know? Or should we should go ahead with it?" He probed.

"I think that it is a good idea. It'd be a good opportunity for them to enter the Japanese market. From what I've seen on their statistics, Japan would be a good venture for them. Especially when you take into consideration of how popular they are there. It'll be a way for them to stand on their own two feet in a way and become independent. Plus it'll be a great motivational tool for them. I know that some of the members have wanted to stop being an idol due to various reasons. But considering the fact that they won their first ever award for Voodoo Doll, I think it'll be a great reward. I mean, of course it'll be quite hard, the first time they debut there but with time it should become second nature for them. I guess, it'd be best for me to inform the members to brush up on their Japanese language skills?" I highlighted and guessed.

"Yes, I have considered this factor. And you're always one step ahead, Honey."

"What can I say? I had a good person watching over me. Do you think their Japanese debut will be a success?" I questioned.

"I think it will be. Do you think that they'd be able to handle promoting in both Korea as well as Japan?"

"Are you doubting them, samchon?"

"No I am not but they did just debut last year. I'm just worried about them, that's all. I don't want them to fail."

"Believe me when I say that they will not fail. Yes, they are lacking a little but nothing that can't be improved with the right training, guidance and practice. If anything, it's a learning opportunity for VIXX so that they can learn different things so that they are successful in the K-Pop industry. I doubt you would want them to fail."

"Do you really think that they are ready?"

"Yes, I do samchon. Give them a chance. Trust me. They will show you that they indeed are Voice, Visual and Value in Excelesis. All I ask is that they are treated the same as their sunbaes. Just because they have only debuted a year ago does not mean that they aren't good enough. Plus, it will also help them to gain more recognition as an idol. I don't want them to fail and I'm sure that you don't want them to fail too."

"No, no, you're right Honey-ah, as always. You make a lot of valid points, which will help in their favour. Of course, you would though. You have their best interests at heart. You will go far if you stay like this."

"Thank you, samchon."

"You may leave now. I have a lot to think about tonight."

"Ok samchon. Annyeonghi gaseyo samchon. Don't stay up for too long or it may affect your health..."

"Arasso." He chuckled. "You remind me of your aunt sometimes."

I looked back and smile at him as I exited the room.