Are You Moonbin?

03

Byeol

With a huge smile plastered on my face, I held tight to my case that contains all of my plans for the ToBe Project.

I am so happy right now! I can get to attend Astroad and now, I'm meeting my Korean investors that would hopefully support our project and bring us to Korea with them!

As soon as I entered the restaurant, I saw Dr. Song wave at me with two men in front of her which means their backs were facing me.

I walked towards their table and sat beside Dr. Song smiling at both of the men which I assumed to be our investors.

Seeing the two men, they were of different ages. One looked like in his late 50's and one looked just like our age.

"Gentlemen, this is Dr. Byeol Lee, she is the head of ToBe Project," Dr. Song introduced me to the men and the older one stretched out his hand for shaking. I gladly took it and he introduced himself.

"I am Jiwon Kim, the CEO of Kim Robotics and Sciences Incorporation," he said and shook my hand, smiling before slipping his out.

The younger one took my hand for a shake as well.

"I am Dr. Taeyong Ji, Kim Robotics and Sciences Incorporation's lead researcher," he said and smiled.

At his age? A lead researcher? Wow. He must be really really smart.

"So, now that everyone is acquainted, shall we begin with the discussion?" Dr. Song said joining her hands together while resting her elbow on top of the table.

We all nodded and I started explaining my ToBe Project.

"That's a really good idea!" Mr. Kim exclaimed.

I smiled at him but Dr. Ji protested.

"No, I don't think that's a good idea. I mean, a company robot? For depressed people? You expect these problematic people to talk to pieces of metal built together? That's like talking to a tree. Except that a tree has life and a robot doesn't," he said sounding calm but intimidating.

I gulped at his statement but tried to compose myself after.

"They will not be just 'pieces of metal built together'. They will be companions to those people who have problems with interacting with other people. Those people who feel depressed, who were bullied, who are introverted or those people who don't have family or friends..." I said almost tearing up.

Oh fries. There's no way I'm crying here. This is work.

I cleared my throat and proceeded.

"Those people who feel they were forsaken or abandoned by the society... ToBe Project wants to help these people to feel that they are not alone. This project is for them to be somehow feeling that they have someone to talk to. That they have a company," I said feeling a lump form in my throat.

I cleared my throat again as I shifted on my seat.

"These robots will be installed with humanistic features. If other people will not understand them, then there will be ToBe robots to understand them. ToBe robots to accompany them at times when they are alone. ToBe robots to comfort them. ToBe robots to protect them," I said with a shaky voice.

Mr. Kim looked at Dr. Ji. Dr. Ji leaned on his back and fixed his glasses.

"That is your vision?" he said raising his eyebrows.