บท 14: 14. Become a Co-CEO
"Do enlighten me. How are they confused?" He says.
"A business should stick to something specific. If they're going to go into Electronics, then do it, if it's clothing, do clothing. If it's construction, do construction! For goodness sake, if it's Education, stick with education. But no! Harford group is not normal! I mean, have you ever seen an airplane made by GUCCI?" I lift my hands and shoulders dramatically as I ask the question.
"NO!" I give myself the response needed, "Because it is the normal thing to pick a business lane and stick to it!"
"Sorry for interrupting, but if I'm not mistaken, Gold group also went into the food business, when it wasn't what they were doing in the first place."
"Oh no, you can't compare the two. Gold group's major business has always been kitchen appliances. So Gold food is still in line with the first laid down goals of Gold group." I point out.
He sips from his cup and nods, "Makes sense." He says.
"Of course it does. Harford Group is totally different. It started out as a construction company! A construction company!! Then they ventured into the transportation business. Okay, let's say somehow, those two are still in line with each other. Next they ventured into Education! And then electronics and as if that wasn't enough, they just had to venture into food too!"
Urgh! I still get so angry thinking of Harford foods.
"I don't even know why they still call it a group. That is a conglomerate! A real multi-trillion conglomerate!"
"True."
"I mean, did they really have to go into the food business too?! Huh? Did they?"
"Why do I feel like you are more pissed about the food sub, and not the entire business itself?" He asks.
Alright, maybe he is right. I have some kind of beef with them.
"Do you know I lost a multi-billion investment contract to them sometime last year."
"Ah, so that's why." He grins and shakes his head. On a more serious note, this man really has a beautiful set of teeth.
"I still feel so angry thinking about it now! I mean why does such a big company still need investments! I had worked so hard to try and win that investment. It took lots and lots of sleepless nights and unending research and proposals, only to have the contract stolen by Harford foods!!"
"Stolen is a very big word."
"Alright, maybe they earned it fair and square, but still, I should have nailed that contract." Really, I worked so hard to get it.
"And the most annoying thing is that every part is thriving! Their parent company, Harford construction remains the best in the world, their transportation business is blooming, Education and Electronics are even more prosperous. Everyone dreams of buying the new Harford smartphone."
"True, I noticed you use Harford."
"What can I say? It's a very good phone." I confess with a shrug.
"And don't get me started on Harford foods. They always keep me on my toes. I can't sleep peacefully at night because I fear just a little slumber and Harford food will be one step ahead of me."
"Why? Based on market charts, Harford foods is behind Gold foods."
Hah, he doesn't even know anything. Does he think it's easy to remain on top? "I just told you, I fear that a little slumber from me will put Harford on top. Just because Gold foods is currently on top doesn't mean Harford can't take the spot. I have to work very hard to maintain that spot at the top and—"
Ah, what am I even saying?
"Why? What's the matter?" He asks.
What's the matter? Truly, what is the problem? "Nothing, I just realized I was sounding like I was still the CEO of Gold foods, hah."
"I guess I no longer have to worry about Harford taking the top spot. Since it's no longer my business." I force a laugh, biting down on my bottom lip to hold back tears. "Maybe I should be praying that Harford takes the spot now, haha." I let out another fake laugh.
Ah, good job Champagne. Now you've made everything awkward. This is why people don't like you. This is why they easily get sick and tired of you. Because you know how to act depressed and kill the mood and just ruin every—
"What if," The rich sound of his voice penetrates into my ears and breaks my chains of self-loathing thoughts and I lift my head only to realize that he's no longer sitting across me but is standing right before me.
"What if you help Harford take that top spot from Gold group?"
"W_what?"
"Not just that, how would you like to bring down the entire Gold group in general, with the entire Harford backing you up?"
"H_huh?"
I can feel my eyes going wider, and my face getting hotter not just because of the words he's saying, but because of the scent of eucalyptus feeling my nostrils as he leans in closer to my face and says…
"How would you like to be the co-CEO of Harford Electronics and Foods?"
"W_what?!" It seems that is the only word I can say right now!
"With me as your other half of course." He smirks.
"Allow me to reintroduce myself." He straightens up, finally giving me the chance to let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.
"Duke Grand, CEO of Harford food and Electronics." He says with his hand stretched out.
"WHAT!!!"
I am too dumbstruck to accept his hand! He slips my hand out of the cup handle and shakes me with a smile.
"What do you say? Do you think you can handle being a CEO again? On a bigger scale this time."
Lord Jesus, who is this man you've sent my way?!!!
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