CHAPTER 3
1277 Words
Pablo's POV
With all the grand gestures, starting from the presscon, and now these boxes, all from the same person, I was left with one thought.
Scarlett was not a force of destruction to our group.
She's this incredibly practical and direct presence who's willing to offer a lifeline to us, in this hopeless situation.
Now, as I was picking a piece of broccoli in my lunch, I had felt some kind of relief that I had never felt this past weeks since we’d learned about the company's financial situation.
It’s been almost a month since we were told.
We, SoundBreak felt disheartened, but our company reassures us that this is just another hurdle that we can overcome together.
During our shows, we could really see how the staff behind the stage worked. The dedication and hard work that they put into their craft was really something that no one, especially us, could deny. I mean, we won’t be able to execute those big almost world-class concerts, 4k quality cinematic music videos, or be invited to those nationally and globally famous talk show interviews, if they’re not so good.
So, after learning all that, we tried to go back to our usual routines and to our schedules and still doing our best performance.
Until the event in World Trade Arena happened.
She.. happened.
Our clarity.. now, our only way out of this rock slide.
Yes. This time I really admitted it.
She’s our hope.
A world-renowned accountant.
She has a reputation for being brutally honest. Uhm, haven't we already got some taste of that?
The expert that could save SoundBreak.
I’ve done a few readings about her and I must say, all the things that you can read online were all praises. Giving appearance to her splendid work, professionalism and astute personality.
“The Iron Analyst” as per one of the article headlines. Well-known in Europe. Have been listed in Gorvs Magazine as one of Europe’s Top Financial Security Professionals in 2024. Now, nominated as one of World’s Top Wealth Advisors.
All these, and she’s willing to help us.
We're just so lucky.
Suddenly, that stylish business card felt less like a threat and more like a curious invitation for our group to accommodate.
After eating, we checked the other boxes.
One contains different kinds of vitamins, multivitamins, pain reliever capsules, and more variety of other medications.
The other box is for snacks, like oats, nuts, yogurt and some fruits.
I saw another box already opened with different toiletries. It almost looked like we'd been hit by a storm and these were all relief goods from the government. But when you think of it, we were really hit by storm. Metaphorically.
Justin and Stell are overjoyed from all of the merchandise.
Josh and Ken seemed fine but I think they're still a little skeptical. They were talking while hauling out some things from the box. I understand that they will have some doubts.
It’s been a crazy week and Scarlett’s approach or entrance in our life is kind of weird for a circumstantial meeting.
But we receive things like these from strangers from time to time, so I think it’s normal.
"If I could do a live on my social media account right now, I'd do it so I could thank her." Stell said to Justin who’s munching a banana.
I smiled.
Right, we can't do a live broadcast right now but we already has her number. We must call Scarlett Salvacion to thank her for these boxes.
But before I could even dial her number, my phone rang.
It’s Kim.
“Hey.”
I heard him sigh when I answered.
“I’m just calling to check on you guys. Have you eaten lunch already?” He seemed tired but he’s asking about us. Worried still.
“Kim, have you thought about asking yourself that question first? You’re the one who seemed hungry.” This is how we usually talk. Even though he is a year older than me and I call him “‘Hyung” in Korean, brother, he’s not going to be excused from all of my teasing.
We had been working together for five years so I think some kind of connection is working during this moment because I kind of sense what he truly feels.
I know he’s not okay and something has been bothering him aside from our situation I think?
“Yeah, I don’t have an appetite.” he just exclaimed, without much energy.
I can picture him slouching in his chair, blank stare while gently massaging his forehead.
“I know it’s a lot. All that’s happening.. But you have to eat. And you’re not a kid that needs to be reminded. Come on.” Maybe, he’ll listen. Most of the time, he doesn't.
“But if what you’re going through is something you think I can help you with, you can just tell me what it is and we move on.” I added.
Oh, I remembered! I’m about to call someone.
I’ve been distracted because of him.
I can’t wait to wrap this up. I guess it is about his girlfriend and he can’t handle it now because our office has also been chaotic. He just needs someone who can listen to him like those old times.
Ugh! But I’m about to do something!
I really hope he cooperates.
“You see, I’ve been looking forward to your request since last week. And until now we don’t have any leads.”
What?
What is he talking about?
I tried to replay in my mind our phone conversations the last week we’ve been here in Zamboanga.
“There are some rumors that she had already left for Portugal, some are saying she’s in Siargao all this time and that she’s not the woman in your presscon. I mean, it’s already so chaotic. I thought because we’re in the computer age, it will be easy to track someone, but I guess it’s not.”
Huh? Am I hearing it and perceiving it right?
He’s talking about Scarlett. He’s trying to track her!
But for what? I mentioned my thoughts to him but Kim? Listening to my requests? Very unlikely.
“So you’ve been listening to me all this time. Thanks for that. I told you last time that we need to find her to ask her what she wanted because I know that voice over is not just that. She has a passion for turning around a hopeless case that’s why she’s been interested in us.” My heart is beating fast while saying this to Kim.
I don’t know what his agenda is but this is what’s been in my head.
I can’t believe we almost have a solution to all of our problems.
“Yeah, yeah. I also figured that out, Sejun..” Kim answered and I cut him short.
“Maybe, she does not want to be found. Or maybe she just wants a private time here in the Philippines so no media knows where she is. But she reached out to us through her note offering her expertise. I’m about to call her now but you interrupted me.” I’m almost out of breath while talking to him and also smiling from within.
I can hear some urgent sounds from the phone. It was like Kim urgently stood from his chair because of shock and also excitement.
“Really?!” He said incredulously.
“Yes, Mr. Kim Jaemee! Can I hang up the phone right now?” I jokingly said to him.
“Oh, you definitely should!”
I heard Kim laugh after that.
- Writer
