Chapter 9

ALEX’S POV

This is my first time to be in Bryan’s office. His office is too big, and it seems to be 3x the size of my office. His office is simple but elegant, looking like a VIP suite in a five-star hotel.

I saw Bryan seriously reading documents at his office table. He looks so cool. He seems like a different person now compared to what I am used to seeing him.

'a different side of Bryan.' I told myself.

“Mr. Lee, Ms. Ramirez, and her team are already here." His assistant informed him.

And it was only then that Bryan noticed our presence. Slowly he lifted his face towards our direction and smiled.

I feel so weird. My heart suddenly beat so fast as I saw Bryan now smiling at me.

Oh no, Alex, this is not right!

Our meeting started as we went to his office. Janet was the one who leads the presentation. Our meeting looks very professional.

Just like what we experienced from other clients, Bryan asks us so many things. How will we compete with the existing brand, how much market share we aim for, etc. Also, he discusses their terms with their current brands.

I am pretty amazed as I watch him talk and discuss business with him. This is his new side that I only had seen now.

If I don’t know him, I might get intimidated by his presence.

Our meeting with Bryan became successful. I already expected it, though. We know that we will close this deal not just because I know Bryan but because I am very confident with our brand.

Also, SK Telecom and Sapphire have the same target market, not to mention Sapphire is a Korean brand.

This is what we have been waiting for. Now that we have entered SK Telecom, Sapphire's continued success is sure.

SK Telecom is the number 1 cellphone store in the Philippines because of its different approach to the consumers.

If the other stores are giving discounts or lessening their price to attract consumers, SK Telecom is the exact opposite. Instead, their cost is higher than the unit SRP.

“No room for 2nd best we are nothing but the best” that's the message they are giving to the consumer that is why they got the heart of almost all Class A, B, and mid C target.

In other words, you are considered in the elite if you are buying a phone in SK Telecom.

And in the phone brands part, if you can close a deal with them, then it means that your brand is one of the best.

Their store is also a lot bigger than the other cellphone stores. Theirs are 3x or 4x more significant than the others in terms of store size.

They also don’t have so many branches, but their one store is equivalent to 10 stores of their competitors.

It was almost noon when we finished the meeting. Janet and Chad took care of all the documents needed for our partnership.

"Hey," Bryan approached me.

I was suddenly jumped from my place because someone spoke very close behind me.

"Ya, Bryan!"

*Ya means hey in Korean

He chuckled. “I didn’t know that you are a Korean now?!”

I rolled my eyes. "Just because I said ‘Ya’ I’m already a Korean? Can't I adapt that expression because of watching too many Korean dramas?"

He just laughed at me.

I am into watching Korean dramas. I love how the story is written, not to mention its excellent execution. That is why sometimes I was able to adapt to their expressions.

I have plans to study hangul, but I want to be cleared that I am not doing this because of Bryan, okay?!

But because of Sapphire. As I said, Sapphire is a Korean brand. I want to understand how Korean works by doing the first step, learning their language. And also to be able to communicate well with them.

“Okay fine. Anyway, it's lunchtime now. Is it okay to invite you for lunch?” He said.

As if I can say no to him. He may withdraw the deal if I reject his invitation. We’ve wanted this partnership for so long. This is our stepping stone to hit our goal.

‘Is that the real reason?’ my other mind asked.

‘Of course, it is! Is there any other reason you can think of?’ My other mind answered.

‘What more? Of course, it is to be with him!’

‘Of course not! This is all for business!’

"Baby girl, are you okay?" Bryan asked me.

"What?" I just said.

"Because you were suddenly stunned. Let’s go and have lunch now?” He said.

I just nodded. “Sure!”

I saw his eyes twinkle because of my answer.

“Great!” He said, then he offered his hand, which I gladly accept.

I can see the happiness in his eyes, which made me smile.

***

BRYAN’S POV

Yes! I have made Alex agree to have lunch with me. I miss her so much.

We chose to eat our lunch in a Korean restaurant. One thing that we had in common is food. Given that I am a Korean, so I love Korean food, while her love for Korean food is because she was greatly influenced by Korean drama.

“I miss this!” Alex said while smiling.

I smile as I see her happy face.

“I miss you too,” I told her.

I saw her blushed.

“What are you saying? I am referring to the food and not you!”

I grin. “Don’t try to deny it. I am the only person who always accompanies you whenever you feel like eating Korean foods.”

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever, grandpa. Anyway, you know what, grandpa, you look very different during our meeting.”

I raised my brow. “Is that a compliment?”

“Of course, it's a compliment! I actually can’t imagine how you are handling your business. Because I always feel like you always make fun of things. But during our meeting, you look very professional and intimidating.” She explained.

I was glad to hear that. I need to show her more of that side of me.

I grin. “So, are you now falling for me?”

She blushed! Is it really happening? I feel so hopeful because of her reaction.

“W-what are you saying?!” She stuttered.

Stammering. Sign that she is guilty. So is she falling for me?!

I chuckled. "As I said, don’t try to deny it. Don’t worry if ever you propose to me; I will say yes to you, baby girl.”

Her eyes widen then she gave me a soft punch. “You are so cocky! As if!”

“You always like to joke around. Anyway, how is Gian?” She asked me.

I furrowed. Why is she suddenly ask me about Gian? Don’t tell me she likes him?!

“What’s with Gian?” I asked her.

“C-can you tell me more about your friend?” She stuttered.

Why did she stutter?! Does she like him?

"Why?" I ask nervously.

“Because I am interested in him.”