[Main Story 10-01]
The ceiling was high
and it blocked the sky.
All I could see were walls
and the grass growing below.
Running around this huge maze
I couldn’t stop myself.
The wind and the cries went silent.
Only in a moment, the walls turned into some black
powder and were blown to the whole world.
I closed my eyes,
my body drifting in the air along with the powder
at the end of the universe.
I awoke, and as my eyes opened, whatever I was dreaming about began to fade.
I was caught off-guard by waking up so naturally that I failed to remember the dream.
Watching the light stream into the room between the blinds, I lost myself in thought for a moment.
I vaguely recalled coming home from the trip and falling asleep. What time was it now?
I got off the couch, took my phone off airplane mode, and text notifications started beeping.
{{MC}}: Did something happen?
There were texts from Anna, Kiki, Gavin and even… Victor!
I should read Victor’s last to avoid starting off in a bad mood.
Gavin: Why were you calling me? How come you didn’t pick up? Is everything all right?
Anna: Hey, {{mc}}, good news. We’re gonna be rich! Get in touch when you get this!
It was just a day off, and I felt like I had been missing for a month.
The time read 8:30 a.m., so I wasn’t late for anything.
Wait a minute. Why did the screen say Thursday?
I was sure the trip with Lucien was Tuesday. Did I sleep through a whole day, and on the couch at that?
I bolted right up. No wonder everyone was trying to get ahold of me! I hurriedly sent off a flurry of short texts.
Then I spotted the two unread texts from Victor, gulped and nervously tapped on the first.
Victor: Come to LFG for your report in 1 hour.
Sure enough, that was in his signature style, sent two days ago in the afternoon.
I remembered the report I promised Victor… Oh, this isn’t going to end well!
Victor: Is not answering the phone your way of asking me to withdraw funding?
That text came in at 6 a.m. this morning.
I shuddered as if I could already see Victor’s stone-cold poker face through the phone.
I stopped myself from dialing. Nope, couldn’t take the chance of interrupting him in a meeting.
Just text him a sincere apology.
Sorry, I was asleep all day and missed your text. When is the best time for me to come?
Looking at it again, I added “sir” in there to sound more sincere.
I sent it off, hoping the apology was enough for him to let me slide…
A loud ringtone broke the thought, and I almost threw the phone against the wall in my surprise.
{{MC}}: Anna?
Anna: Geezus, what happened? Your phone was off for two days. We almost called the police!
{{MC}}: I overslept, sorry…
Anna: I… I just don’t know what to say…
{{MC}}: Something happened?
Anna: HBS called yesterday. They want you to produce the pilot for a worldwide indoor adventure show!
{{MC}}: HBS? The one topping the TV ratings in America for 50 years in a row?
I felt like I just won a lottery that no one had hit in years!
{{MC}}: What did they say? Did they really ask for me specifically? Why me?
Anna: Because they like your work of course! Their reps are coming this afternoon, so you gotta be here!
{{MC}}: I’ll be right over!
I was floating on cloud nine after hanging up.
Got to wear something businesslike. The fate of the company was riding on this!
[Main Story 10-02]
I put on something more formal for the meeting, and then the phone rang again. It was from Gavin.
Gavin? I suddenly remembered the call that never went through.
{{MC}}: Hello?
Gavin: You awake now?
{{MC}}: Yes. Hey, how did you know?
Gavin: Get ready and come down. I’m taking you to your work.
He hung up.
He’s downstairs?
I grabbed my purse and ran down. The first thing I saw was Gavin leaning on a motorcycle.
As usual, he had a hand in one pocket, and the sunshine was making him come off cooler than usual.
The coldness in his eyes disappeared, replaced by happiness when he saw me coming.
Gavin: You ready?
{{MC}}: Yeah.
Gavin: In a good mood?
{{MC}}: Is it that obvious?
Gavin: You’ve been smiling ear-to ear this whole time.
{{MC}}: Yeah, we just scored a huge deal, and I almost thought I was dreaming!
I droned on in excitement while he listened quietly, a gentle, pleasant expression on his face.
Then I realized I had been blabbing on for too long and stopped in embarrassment.
{{MC}}: Was I rambling?
Gavin: I didn’t think so.
Gavin: I was just thinking, you don’t seem afraid of me anymore.
{{MC}}: Well, yeah, that misconception’s been cleared up.
Gavin: Feel free to ramble at me as much as you want.
{{MC}}: …Oh yeah, why are you here?
Gavin: I was here last night too.
{{MC}}: Ah?
Gavin: You didn’t pick up so I swung by to check on you.
{{MC}}: That means… you saw…
Gavin: I saw you asleep on the couch, so I left.
{{MC}}: Oh…
That flustered me a bit.
{{MC}}: I was tired from work but didn’t think I’d sleep all day.
{{MC}}: Thanks for checking up on me.
Gavin: Why didn’t you tell me you were in the hospital?
{{MC}}: That was just a little episode. I was all better after getting an IV.
He frowned and took his jacket off in one swift motion.
Gavin: Put this on.
{{MC}}: That’s all right. I’m not cold.
He ignored me and put the jacket on me anyway. It still had his distinctively clean scent.
His slender fingers then carefully zipped it up.
{{MC}}: Um, thanks…
Gavin: Let’s get you to the office.
I took the helmet he handed me and noticed it was new, and a lighter color.
Gavin: Strap it on.
I scrambled to put it on and hopped on the bike. Then he moved my hands around his waist.
Gavin: Hold on tight.
He smirked and punched the gas, but still much slower than the breakneck speed he was used to.
Leaning on his back, I felt the wind whizzing by and my heart pumping.
We got to the office soon enough. I took off the jacket and handed it back to him.
{{MC}}: Thanks…
He put it on and looked intensely at me.
Gavin: I didn’t see your messages until yesterday. What’s so urgent?
That reminded me of the night of the thunderstorm.
{{MC}}: Remember you telling me the mastermind behind my abduction was someone called “Black Swan”?
Gavin: Yeah.
He knitted his brow and tensed up.
Gavin: You know something?
{{MC}}: Actually, I saw that name somewhere, with this message:
{{MC}}: “We come from the future, with the sole mission to accelerate human evolution.”
{{MC}}: “We have Evol. We create all. We cannot be stopped, for we hold the world in our hands.”
{{MC}}: “The Queen will soon awake. We look forward to marching together into a new world.”
As I spoke, Gavin kept his eyes on me and tensed up even more.
{{MC}}: That’s the same Evol that we have, right?
{{MC}}: The kidnapped girl had Evol. Does that mean Black Swan is behind that too?
{{MC}}: And why would they target me? And who or what is the Queen?
Gavin didn’t answer me, and his eyes were filled with concern.
Gavin: Where did you see all that?
I gave him the location of the hacker summit.
{{MC}}: There’s a secret room underneath it. That’s where I saw the message.
Gavin: Okay, got it.
{{MC}}: What can I do to…
Gavin: Don’t you worry about it. Just keep yourself safe. Leave everything else to me.
Gavin: I’ve uncovered a lot of leads, but what you just told me will be very helpful.
He spoke with his old, steely resolve. I nodded affirmatively.
{{MC}}: I’ll be sure to take care of myself, but you be safe too.
I always seemed to worry about his safety every time I see him.
Gavin: Sure.
Gavin: I gotta go. Remember, be safe.
He hopped on the bike and sped off.
(Lucien’s Call: Strange Dream)
[Main Story 10-04]
I saw him leave, then went into the office.
I checked my cell phone. Nothing from Victor, so he was either very busy, or very mad…
I decided to send him another text, since the first one was early enough for him to miss.
I’m free this afternoon to do a mock report. Do you have time? (*^▽^*)
Sent.
My staff and I greeted the HBS rep at noon.
She was a competent lady in her thirties, getting right to the topic with few pleasantries exchanged.
Manager: Miss {{mc}}, I saw the wonderful news documentary you did on Key.
Manager: After extensive marketing research, we believe $c can be a valuable partner in our endeavors.
No words could describe my elation at that moment.
{{MC}}: Thank you. I’m very pleased and honored to hear that!
I felt my cell phone vibrate. Did Victor text me back?
I pulled my phone out secretly, held it by my leg, and snuck a peek.
Wanna find out how compatible you are to that special someone? Text your names to 9855138 now!
What the heck is this?!
Anna: Psst, pay attention, {{mc}}!
I snapped out of it and muted the phone.
{{MC}}: Sorry.
Manager: No problem. As I was saying, you’re probably aware that before we commence the partnership, we at HBS have one demand.
Manager: We want you to lock down a certain guest for the first episode.
Lock down a guest? A big name like HBS is asking us to do that?
Is it because they’re too busy to do it themselves, or do they want to test us?
Well, that’s probably moot since a lot of celebs would clamor to be on an HBS show anyway!
{{MC}}: No problem. We’ll handle it.
Manager: Great! This is the person we want as the guest for the debut episode…
My grin disappeared when I took the file from her and saw who they had in mind.
Can someone tell me why they would want such a cold, arrogant, unlikeable person for the show?
A sadist was probably in charge of the project.
Manager: His name is Victor, the CEO of LFG. I believe you’ve heard of him, {{mc}}?
{{MC}}: Why him for an indoor adventure reality show and not an entertainer or athlete?
Manager: According to our research, he’s the best option.
Victor? The best option? Was the research done by one of my competitors?
It can’t be! I looked at the stone-faced photo, thought about how I no-showed our meeting, and sunk into despair.
Manager: I get your concerns, seeing as how he’s never appeared in any show, but I think you can do it. And I heard your company is LFG-backed.
That gave me a glimmer of hope. Maybe he’ll do it because he invested in us.
{{MC}}: Yes. I’ll definitely get him.
Promise first, ask questions later. I wasn’t about to blow this golden opportunity!
Anna and I then showed her around the office, but all I could think about was what Victor would say.
After that, we said our goodbyes.
Anna: Why were you so distracted? Are you all right?
{{MC}}: Excuse me! Please wait just a second!
Everyone stared at me baffled as I went over and stopped the rep from leaving.
{{MC}}: I’m sorry for lying to you.
{{MC}}: I said I’ll definitely get Victor only because I didn’t want this opportunity to slip by.
{{MC}}: I didn’t think about the consequences on us and you, as well, if I fail.
{{MC}}: I represent the company, and I can’t allow us to lose credibility.
{{MC}}: But I don’t want to lose this, because I still believe we’re the best choice.
{{MC}}: Therefore, please give me a chance to do my best!
It felt good to get the truth off my chest. The rep looked at me for a minute and smiled.
Manager: Okay, we can give you three days.
{{MC}}: Thank you so much!
As I saw her leave, I felt motivated and surging with energy.
But I didn’t notice a familiar figure who had been standing in the corner, watching the whole time. He left shortly thereafter, phone in hand.
[Main Story 10-05]
I walked back into the office to a standing ovation.
There Anna and Willow were, grinning at me, with Kiki practically doing cartwheels.
Kiki: You were amazing, boss!
{{MC}}: Well, my hands are still shaking.
Willow: Sure didn’t stop you from giving a great speech, though!
Kiki: So, is this Mr. Victor really that hard to get?
Willow: Almost impossible. All he’s ever granted were very few quick interviews.
Kiki: But isn’t his company LFG funding us? That should count for something.
{{MC}}: If I accepted every asinine request I got, then how would I be any different from you?
Kiki: (Scared) Boss, I…
I sighed.
{{MC}}: No, that’s what I think Victor would say. Plus, I stood him up on a meeting.
Willow: What do you mean?
{{MC}}: I scheduled a mock report with him, but I overslept…
Anna: Oh, that. I postponed it for you.
{{MC}}: Oh?
Anna: Yeah, his assistant called, and I postponed it.
{{MC}}: So that means I didn’t no-show!
{{MC}}: Did he mention anything else?
Anna: He said “got it” and hung up.
After Anna’s revelation, I wasn’t feeling nearly as hopeless anymore.
I have three days to pull off a miracle.
I grabbed the phone to give Victor a call.
And noticed I missed a call from him, with a new text from him as well.
Darn it! I missed it again!
I took a deep breath and read the text.
So is this what you meant by saying you’d be free?
Yep, that trademark cordialness. I steeled myself and called him.
Victor: What?
{{MC}}: Sorry!
{{MC}}: I overslept yesterday, and I just got out of a very important meeting…
Victor: Is that it?
{{MC}}: Is– is there something I’m forgetting?
Victor: If I demanded apologies for every asinine mistake someone made, then how would I be any different from you?
{{MC}}: Uh…
I just knew you would say something like that…
Victor: I’m hanging up if there’s nothing else.
{{MC}}: Wait, I do have something else!
Victor: Speak.
{{MC}}: I’d like to talk to you about something very important.
The other end fell silent for several seconds as I heard a door opening and footsteps.
Victor got back on the phone.
Victor: Be at LFG by 4 p.m.
Victor: Also, the report is moved back a week.
{{MC}}: Huh? Wh– Why?
Thank god he mentioned it before I could, but why did I have a bad feeling about this?
Victor: I’m going to be very busy.
{{MC}}: Okay, I won’t forget this time. I promise!
I hung up and started working on the reality show.
{{MC}}: That was a surprise. Victor was easy to talk to today.
Meanwhile, the guy who “was easy to talk to” let out a sneeze.
Goldman knocked on his office door.
Victor: Come in.
Victor: Tell me my schedule for the afternoon.
Goldman: You have a financial report appointment at 3, then a meeting with Mr. Charles from Dyson Tech at 5.
Victor: Cancel the meeting at 5.
Goldman: Got it. And here’s the info on HBS you asked for.
Goldman: It includes what just happened at $c as well.
Victor took the files and began browsing.
Goldman: Do you think we should…
Victor’s eyes glowed a bit as he closed the folder.
Victor: No. It’s the right difficulty for her.
Goldman: Okay. Then I’ll leave now.
Victor opened a black sealed box and took out a silver flash drive.
He inserted it into the computer and punched in the password to load a file.
“Lucien Research has started confidential experiments on Evol stimulation…”
Victor eyes narrowed.
[Main Story 10-07]
I gathered all my files and rushed to be at LFG on time.
I took a deep breath and knocked on the CEO’s office.
Victor: Come in.
Victor was tapping rapidly on a computer keyboard at his desk, sunlight streaming through the window.
As usual, he was in a suit and tie, looking sharp as a tack. It had been a month since I last saw him, but he never changed.
He glanced up and stopped typing.
{{MC}}: I’m here, sir.
I felt kind of awkward at that opening line.
Victor: Looks like you’ve been sleeping well the past two nights.
{{MC}}: Ah?
Victor: You don’t look like someone who’s been sick in the hospital at all.
How did he know?
{{MC}}: How did you find out?
Victor: How would I not know?
Victor: It’s been a month and you’re still slow as always.
Yeah, unlike you, who got even snarkier over the same time period, I see…
Victor: All right, what do you want to see me for?
{{MC}}: I, um…
I had rehearsed different speeches on the way, but my tongue still got tied in front of him.
{{MC}}: Well, my company is partnering with HBS on a globally simulcast reality show…
{{MC}}: We’re hoping to have you as the guest for the debut episode.
He frowned a bit.
Victor: Congratulations, but I’m not interested.
While I figured he would say that, my heart still sank.
{{MC}}: HBS is internationally renowned for quality productions, so you’ll be in the best hands.
{{MC}}: And the show will air worldwide, which I believe will benefit LFG.
Victor: Listen. I have no interest in wasting my time for the entertainment of other’s.
His casual, dismissive attitude made me clench my fists.
Victor: Nothing to say?
{{MC}}: I know you’ve never been on TV and have no interest in doing so. I knew that before I came.
{{MC}}: But I will convince you.
Victor’s brows arched slightly in surprise.
Victor: And what’s the reason for such confidence?
{{MC}}: Because you promised me.
Victor: That so?
{{MC}}: When I was here the first time for a report, you promised to come on my show.
I spoke up loud and clear, but inside I was still quite nervous.
Victor paused, then gradually smiled.
Him, smiling? Am I seeing things?
Victor: Very well, you convinced me.
Was that a “yes”? My eyes widened in disbelief.
{{MC}}: Great! Thank you…
Victor: No, what I meant is, you convinced me to negotiate with you.
{{MC}}: What? But you promised…
Victor: If I were you, I’d seize the opening to persuade the other party.
He looked stoically at me. I began to think the smile I saw really was a hallucination.
{{MC}}: Okay… I understand.
{{MC}}: But I will make you say “yes”!
I perked my chin up to look straight into his eyes and saw a trace of mischief.
Victor: Seems I was mistaken.
{{MC}}: About what?
Victor: You have changed.
Okay, what’s the punchline now?
Victor: I’m busy, so I should leave you to drafting your plan of attack.
After a pause, he added.
Victor: Don’t let me down.
[Main Story 10-08]
It was early evening when I left. I seemed to learn something every time I visit LFG.
Victor was sharp-tongued as ever, but I felt this time he actually offered me a challenge.
{{MC}}: And I will make him realize coming on the show is the best decision he can make!
Hmm, why did that almost sound like something he would say?
I got home feeling a mix of confidence, determination, nervousness and hope.
Making a decision is one thing, but executing it is another… So what did I do to win over difficult guests before?
Suddenly I remembered what Victor said.
Victor: You convinced me to negotiate with you.
That’s it! Demand! To capitalists like him, profit and demand outweigh any superficial achievement like fame.
With that settled, I got to work on the annual report for LFG.
News clippings covered the desk, and I stuffed the document envelop to the point of bursting.
I stretched and admired my handiwork: LFG’s profit trends and market share for the past years, and an HBS benefit analysis.
Still, I felt I was missing something. I racked my brain as I spied Victor’s smug face on a magazine cover.
{{MC}}: It was the same arrogance as in every photo, like he’s never failed before…
Failed? Yes, that’s the key!
If I include LFG’s past failures in the entertainment biz, it should make for a stronger case!
I was struck by my own genius. Guess this was what Victor meant by saying I’ve changed!
Then I realized it was already noon the next day.
I took off for LFG and accidentally bumped into someone as I was hurrying into the building.
Goldman: Hey, watch where you’re going, {{mc}}! You’re always in a rush when you come here!
{{MC}}: Sorry, Goldman. Is Victor in his office?
Goldman: He’s out, actually.
{{MC}}: Do you know where he went and when he’ll be back?
Goldman: Sorry, I don’t. He didn’t tell me this time.
I got impatient and couldn’t afford to wait around for him.
{{MC}}: Please let me know as soon as he comes back!
I couldn’t keep wasting time like this. I hustled back to my office and called Victor.
The party you’re trying to reach is unavailable. Please wait and…
I couldn’t reach him after several tries, a big departure from his usual pick-up-on-first-ring.
Exhaustion from pulling an all-nighter finally hit me, and I fell asleep at my desk.
It was getting dark when I woke up.
{{MC}}: How long have I been asleep?
I checked the time. It was a quarter after 5, but still no message on my phone.
Where could Victor be? Then I realized I had only associated him with LFG and nothing else.
Suddenly I had an epiphany.
He wouldn’t go there, would he?
Next thing I knew, I was in front of Souvenir.
{{MC}}: I don’t recall Victor ever telling me he owns this place.
{{MC}}: And I have no idea how I found my way to this obscure spot or if it’s even open…
The door opened as I mumbled to myself.
Mr. Mills: Oh, it’s you, Miss {{mc}}!
{{MC}}: Mr. Mills?
Mr. Mills: You still remember me! I was just about to open the place. Come in, please!
What luck! I followed Mr. Mills into Souvenir.
Mr. Mills: Are you here for a meal, Miss {{mc}}? It might be a while since I need to go get a few ingredients.
{{MC}}: No, it’s quite all right, I’m just glad to see you’re open.
{{MC}}: But… well… is the owner in?
Mr. Mills: No, he’s not. Just me alone here, sorry.
{{MC}}: Oh well…
So Victor wasn’t here. That’s probably often the case, as busy as he is.
Still, I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that the CEO of LFG also owns Souvenir.
I laughed when I pictured Victor in a white kitchen apron.
Mr. Mills: Okay, so you’re saying she’ll eat anything? Got it. Not being a picky eater is indeed a good quality to have.
An apologetic Mr. Mills came out of the kitchen with a phone in hand.
Mr. Mills: I have to go get some ingredients. Would you mind watching the place in the meantime, Ms. {{mc}}?
{{MC}}: Absolutely. I’ll stay put and not wander.
I nodded to him.
Mr. Mills: That’s not necessary. Please make yourself at home. I trust you, Ms. {{mc}}.
Mr. Mills flipped the door sign over to “Closed” and left.
(Kiro’s Call-Sincere Invitation)
[Main Story 10-10]
I was alone in the place.
Remembering how I was asked to clean it last time, I shuddered as I entered kitchen.
It was clean, neat and spotless. Next to the stove was a row of small yellow bowls.
{{MC}}: Victor sure has his own unique taste…
The kitchen wares seemed so unlike his stone-faced self.
{{MC}}: Easier to imagine getting struck by lightning than to see him bending over an oven.
Victor: How do you imagine getting struck by lightning to feel?
I turned and saw Victor in the backdoor, staring at me like he would bore a hole right through me.
{{MC}}: How did you get in?
Victor: With a key.
He had that “How dumb can you be?” look on his face.
My face turned red.
{{MC}}: How long have you been here?
Victor: Not long.
I prayed he hadn’t just heard everything I said, or else I could kiss goodbye not only the HBS show, but probably our funding too.
Victor: When you were hinting the kitchen wares weren’t a match for my personality.
Uh-oh, now I’ve done it…
{{MC}}: … Do I still have time to recall that message?…
Victor: What?
{{MC}}: Uh, nothing. I just meant they looked great and you have truly great taste.
Victor: I don’t need you to compliment me on my taste.
He turned aside, though I caught his mouth perking, and his tone had considerably softened.
{{MC}}: But you’re smiling…
Victor: Smiling? You saw wrong.
{{MC}}: Hmph, you always say I’m seeing things wrong…
Mr. Mills: You’re here, sir!
Victor nodded. Mr. Mills emptied the grocery bags on the prep table.
Mr. Mills: Let’s go to the front, Miss {{mc}}.
I nodded and turned to see Victor rolling up his sleeves, towering over the table.
His long fingers rested on the table. Everything was arranged perfectly. It was rare for me to see Victor like this.
He looks… quite good.
Victor: What are you looking at?
He looked up at me.
{{MC}}: Uh, not you. I, uh, was checking to see what’s for dinner.
I scooted out of the kitchen behind Mr. Mills, missing another smile creeping up on Victor’s face.
After some thought, Victor grabbed his phone.
Victor: Goldman, take Kerry’s file from yesterday to this address…
Victor: Also, bring the paper bag in my right desk drawer.
Putting the phone down, his eyes rested on a dossier next to the oven. It read: Operation Persuasion.
He picked it up and thumbed through the pages.
Victor: Holes everywhere…
Even he himself didn’t realize he was smiling when he said it.
[Main Story 10-11]
While waiting for the food to come, I chatted with Mr. Mills.
{{MC}}: Wow, how lucky am I to be here on a day it’s open!
Mr. Mills: You sure are, and today’s the first time I’ve worked this month.
{{MC}}: Ah?
Mr. Mills: Mr. Victor has been very busy, so this is the first day we’re open this month.
I was shocked at my luck, and also at how Victor could let his business go a whole month without opening.
Mr. Mills: Actually, I research new dishes during our downtime, even though he doesn’t require it. That’s why I don’t plan to quit when my 3 years is up.
{{MC}}: So you still want to work here after that?
Mr. Mills: Yes. This is not just a job but a part of me now.
{{MC}}: Don’t you feel Victor is, you know, unapproachable at times?
Mr. Mills: Really? Ms. {{mc}}, you are too funny.
I was either imagining things or I heard a low “Hmph!” from the kitchen.
Soon enough, dishes were served.
Juicy steak, melt-in-your-mouth foie gras, and other deliciousness almost made me forget why I came.
{{MC}}: Where’s my dossier? Did I leave it in the kitchen?
I searched all over the place but couldn’t find it.
Mr. Mills: Are you looking for this, Miss {{mc}}?
I grabbed it from him and smiled in gratitude.
Mr. Mills: Mr. Victor asked me to return it.
{{MC}}: Victor? Did he read it?
Mr. Mills: He didn’t say. Oh, and here’s your bill for today.
Not cleaning the kitchen again… Nope, it was to respond to online reviews regarding Souvenir!
It was already 7pm. I figured it would be 10 by the time I get through them all.
I sat down and got going. It had 99% bad reviews, with only one 5-star rating– from Key.
Yup, Kiro was the lone diehard fan of this place.
Despite poor service and a capricious billing system, I have to admit the joint does serve delicious food!
As I made these responses, I was getting a sense of pride defending my favorite eatery, but why was he making me do this?
I finally finished replying and saw the kitchen light was still on. I didn’t know what to do next.
Victor probably read it.
But if he did, why would he get Mr. Mills to return it?
Victor: Why are you sitting there like a moron?
He was right in front of me, his thin face softened by the dim light.
{{MC}}: I just finished replying to all the reviews.
{{MC}}: May I ask, why was I tasked to do that?
Victor: Who else did you expect to do that, me?
Still the arrogant tone.
{{MC}}: I’m guessing you refuse to waste your time on something this trivial.
{{MC}}: So you decided to waste mine.
I was getting angry. He looked at me coolly but seemed to be in a good mood.
Victor: Check the time.
I grabbed the phone and saw that it was still 7:30!
Why are you stopping time?
Victor: You’re better than me at this kind of thing.
That made me recall the time when I mentioned commenting on the LFG forum. But was he not over that?
{{MC}}: So… Did you read the file?
I looked at him, wanting the truth.
Victor: I did.
{{MC}}: And?
My heart was about to jump out of my throat.
[Main Story 10-14]
I examined his expression for clues that never came.
Victor: So-so. A plethora of erroneous data, with incorrect assumptions about the market.
But I spent a lot of time on it!
Victor: However, I’m saying “yes”.
What? I must be dreaming!
{{MC}}: What did you say?
Victor: If you didn’t hear it, then forget it.
I grabbed a hold of him before he could bail.
{{MC}}: Wait a minute!
I let go and got in front of him.
{{MC}}: I heard it, I heard it! Thank you!
He was still poker-faced.
Victor: “Unapproachable” people don’t need gratitude.
This guy… he never let’s anything go.
{{MC}}: What made you say “yes”?
{{MC}}: Honestly, even though I kept insisting you would, I didn’t think it was possible…
Victor: You talk too much.
He cut me off just like that.
Victor: At any rate, I’m saying “yes”, and that’s it.
{{MC}}: Thank you! No, hold on…
Victor: What now?
{{MC}}: That’s a “Yes, you will come on the show”, no strings attached, right?
He raised an eyebrow.
Victor: Are you saying you want me to sign on some dotted line?
{{MC}}: I’m just afraid there’s gonna be some catch…
Victor: …Idiot.
Victor: My word is more binding than any paper contract.
Although still low-voiced, I thought it was more pleasant than anything he’d ever said.
[Main Story 10-15]
Outside the window, it was a dark, quiet night.
Victor got to the door and turned around.
Victor: Are you spending the night in here?
{{MC}}: Huh? Oh, no, of course not.
Victor: Let’s go. I’ll give you a ride.
I followed him out, and he opened the car door for me.
{{MC}}: …Thanks.
I buckled up as Victor released the parking brake and stepped on the gas.
I couldn’t stop replaying the scene where he said yes the whole ride back.
He agreed! The HBS contract is mine!
My snicker was fully reflected on the passenger window.
Victor: Save it for when you’re home. I don’t want anyone thinking there’s a lunatic in my car.
{{MC}}: I’m not a lunatic, I’m just ecstatic to have done what I said I’ll do!
{{MC}}: (Softly) Unlike you, pretending you didn’t smile when you did.
Victor: You’re really sassy tonight.
{{MC}}: Nah-uh, not sass. The truth.
Victor: Any other truths to get out then?
{{MC}}: Can I ask you this first? Right now are you the CEO of LFG or the owner of Souvenir?
Victor: Is there a difference?
{{MC}}: Of course.
{{MC}}: When you’re CEO, I’m leery of talking non-work stuff. Not so when you’re not.
{{MC}}: So if you laugh more often, I’ll be more sassy.
Victor: You wish.
Victor looked at the girl beside him and started showing signs of a faint smile.
I suddenly felt a peace and quiet that I hadn’t experienced in a long time.
I turned and looked at Victor’s somber face.
I was surprised to find his countenance under the clear moonlight was anything but unapproachable.
Victor: You really like staring at my face?
He turned and furrowed his brow.
…It looks much better with his mouth shut though…
Victor: What are you thinking?
I didn’t know why, but I spat out exactly what I was thinking.
{{MC}}: I’m thinking that you’re better looking when you’re quiet…
{{MC}}: Oh! Never mind! I didn’t say anything. Pretend you didn’t hear that!
He shot me a stern look that said loud and clear: shut up.
I did and slumped in the seat.
Everything fell quiet, and the funny thing was, I didn’t feel awkward, but rather a quiet confidence.
When we got to my building, I dutifully reminded him about the studio taping in two days.
Victor: I know.
Victor: Here. Just some useless impulse-buy. Take it.
He handed me a paper bag.
{{MC}}: Is it for me?
Victor: Yeah, you can have it.
{{MC}}: Thanks! But what do you mean by useless?
I opened the box inside the bag and saw a gold miniature camel.
Victor: Bought it at the airport.
I remembered asking him to buy me a wooden camel, a local specialty, before he took off to Dubai.
{{MC}}: I can’t. It’s gold and too expensive. You should keep it.
Victor: It’s just gold-plated.
Victor: Besides, what do you suppose I do with it? I have no interest in it.
Victor: Do you need me to provide after-sale services too?
His face was turning sour.
Never knew someone who could get mad from giving a gift.
{{MC}}: Well, okay, I’ll take it. Thank you. I like it very much!
I put the camel back in the box carefully and smiled at him.
His mood got better after I had the paper bag in hand.
Victor: Okay, I’m leaving now.
Suddenly, after walking just a few steps, he turned back around.
Victor: I’m 28, only 6 years older than you. Don’t call me “sir” in your texts.
That said, he walked off.
I watched him leave, stunned and speechless, his dark hair glistening under the stars.
Victor got home, plopped onto a sofa and checked out the Souvenir comments.
The phone soon showed a text from a girl.
{{MC}}: I love the gift. Thank you, Mr. 28-year-old Victor.
Victor: …Idiot.
There was a hint of joy in his voice.
He felt somewhat weird seeing his smiling reflection in the screen.
This expression really did feel strange to him.
The old stone face was back in no time as he made a call.
Victor: Cancel everything on my schedule the day after tomorrow, Goldman.
After hanging up, he grabbed a file off the table. On it was a photo of an unknown girl.
He recalled going to the detective agency that afternoon as per instructions, but it was the wrong person.
Victor: Will I ever find her?
He leaned back, eyes showing hopelessness and sorrow.
[Main Story 10-17]
Arriving at the studio on taping day, I was awestruck by the mega-budget set!
{{MC}}: So this is what an international show looks like…
The rather mundane exterior hid a gigantic set the size of a four-story building.
They spared no expenses on this one. I even had to wait for an assistant to show me around.
Scenarist: How are you, Miss {{mc}}? I will be showing you the set today.
Scenarist: We’re going with a totally new indoor setup, so as a producer, we recommend you experience it firsthand.
I was bewildered. Shouldn’t it all have been tested already?
Scenarist: I’m just the messenger, so please don’t make it hard on me, Miss {{mc}}.
{{MC}}: It’s not that I’m unwilling, since it’s good to know the nuances, but…
I would’ve dressed more appropriately if I knew. I didn’t even fix my hair…
Well, at least the tape will just end up at our company instead of going get out to the public.
I nodded and followed him.
We started down a long, dim corridor with the assistant providing running commentary.
Scenarist: As you can see, Ms. {{mc}}, this show will have very little scripting.
I noticed the corridor was teeming with Go Pro cams, a production innovation of HBS.
Scenarist: We’re replacing cameramen with Go Pros to get perfect coverage without any production people getting in the way. Now, about the show…
Scenarist: This show has many intricate obstacles and puzzles, with extras in black trying to nab you.
Scenarist: There are 3 parts to the level: secret room, maze and final escape. Okay, here we go!
{{MC}}: What? Go where?
The assistant didn’t answer and instead gently pushed me through a door and locked it behind me.
Scenarist: Have fun!
{{MC}}: Hey, at least tell me what’s in here!
No response when I pounded on the door. I checked my phone and it wasn’t getting any signal.
I looked around and found myself trapped in a tiny room. Actually, a cell was more like it.
I shuddered at the thought of being trapped in a prison cell.
{{MC}}: They went overboard with the realism…
Cement under my feet, three bare walls, the fourth side was a door with iron bars overhead.
I was legit scared… I’ve never seen a production achieve this level of creepiness before.
{{MC}}: I wonder what Victor is doing now…
I gasped, realizing it was not only my first day at the helm, but also the day of Victor’s solo guest appearance!
That means Victor could be nearby!
The image of Victor resolving to beat the level popped into my mind.
{{MC}}: Oh man, he would probably regret coming if he was trapped in a room like this…
{{MC}}: Victor? Can you hear me, Victor?
I called out his name, hoping he’d hear and respond.
But there were only my echoes.
{{MC}}: The assistant just said the level wasn’t meant to be difficult. Maybe I can get out and find him.
I searched the room for any tool or means of escape, but came up empty!
I sat on the ground and stared at the only door in here.
A light shone clearly through the iron bars, making a box pattern on the ground.
I was fixated on the boxes and seemed to hear the sound of a piano playing.
There was a thought running through my head that I just couldn’t pin down.
Why did this room seem so familiar?
{{MC}}: Why is it so frightening? This is supposed to be a fun romp, not a horror show!
I shuddered as a gust blew through the bars. I started to panic into the Go Pro overhead.
{{MC}}: Can anyone hear me? How about a hint, please? This is too hard for me…
{{MC}}: Are you around, Victor? Don’t tell me you already beat the show and escaped!
{{MC}}: Come help me if you’re so smart!
Victor: So you do realize you’re a moron.
That’s Victor’s voice!
I immediately stood up.
[Main Story 10-18]
He’s here! Did he hear my plea and come to help me?
{{MC}}: Is that you, Victor? How did you get here?
Victor: I teleported here.
He sounded furious.
{{MC}}: (Giggle) Shut up, you’re probably locked up somewhere nearby.
Victor: Are you a moron?
After a long sigh, he spoke again.
Victor: It seems I overestimated you.
Victor: Back away from the door.
{{MC}}: Oh, okay!
I backed off as far as I could.
A loud “CRASH!” and a cloud of dust later, the door fell before my eyes.
Victor stood behind the fallen door, livid with rage, staring at me with dark black eyes.
But to me, it was like seeing an angel.
{{MC}}: You…
I could hardly speak.
{{MC}}: This is how you made it out?
Victor: What else? Wait around like a dummy for the production crew to rescue you?
Victor: Why are you still in there? Come out!
I ran and almost tripped over the door.
{{MC}}: I knew you were clever enough to find a way!
Victor: How can you be so happy in a place like this?
{{MC}}: Because I’m happy to see you!
Victor: …Moron.
{{MC}}: Seriously, you don’t know how angelic you seemed just in that moment!
He glared at me.
Victor: You need to work on your rhetoric.
I pouted, marveling at how mercurial could he be. And always ready to attack and mock me.
I suddenly realized Victor was giving me a once-over.
Victor: How did you get so filthy?
He brushed my hair. Actually, his body language made it seem more like he was petting a stray dog.
{{MC}}: Do you think that counted as destroying props?
Victor: I’m not worried.
Right. I’m sure they have backups.
Victor: There won’t be another episode for this show.
{{MC}}: Huh?
I looked up and was met with a cold gaze from Victor.
Victor: I must’ve been crazy to say yes.
{{MC}}: I didn’t even know the specifics they had planned… HBS kept it confidential…
{{MC}}: But you were so great, kicking down the door with just one boot!
That seemed to placate him a bit.
Victor: Just keep up with me.
{{MC}}: You bet. Do you think we can make it out?
Victor: 30 minutes is all I need. I have plans this afternoon.
He perked up his eyebrows, staring coldly down the corridor before us.
{{MC}}: Uh…
He reached back and pulled me along, but remained fixated ahead.
{{MC}}: You…
He grunted.
Victor: Are you trying to get lost and have me waste my time looking for you?
That was a weird way of telling someone you cared…
{{MC}}: I won’t get lost. I can keep up.
His hand was warm, but the thought of cameras catching us holding hands made me blush.
Victor: Your face is very red.
{{MC}}: Is it?
Victor: Do you have a fever?
He touched my forehead with his other hand.
Victor: Nope, no fever.
He withdrew the hand and concluded matter-of-factly.
{{MC}}: I’m okay. Maybe the stuffy air is just getting to me.
He looked at me and resumed walking, only slower this time.
{{MC}}: Did they tell you they installed a lot of Go Pros in here?
Victor: And?
{{MC}}: So they’re recording all this.
I just wanted to caution him that we were holding hands, and that if it somehow got out…
But he just looked bafflingly at me.
Victor: What’s that got to do with me?
Then he held my hand even tighter.
Recalling he said there won’t be another episode, I couldn’t help but feel worried. I glanced at his expression.
Strangely, he didn’t seem to be in a terrible mood.
Victor: How did you get the idea of calling me for help?
{{MC}}: I remembered you’re the guest, so you might be around.
Victor: That’s the reason? How come you didn’t ask the production team for help?
His brow arched slightly.
{{MC}}: I did, but they ignored me, and I didn’t want to lose face with them…
He stopped dead in his tracks, a weird look in his eyes.
Victor: So you chose to lose face with me?
{{MC}}: As if I haven’t done that enough already…
He must’ve liked that answer since he almost cracked a smile.
Victor: So true.
{{MC}}: So how did you find me then? You were worried about me too, weren’t you?
Victor: They locked my employee in here. It’s normal to worry about you.
Victor: And what did you mean by “worried too”?
He stopped and looked me dead in the eyes.
{{MC}}: Well, I was worried about you “too”. That place was creepy, but I see you’re handling the situation quite well…
Victor: There was some anxiety, but it’s all gone now.
He sounded more relaxed.
{{MC}}: You seem to be in a better mood.
Victor: You can kind of say that.
[Main Story 10-20]
We wandered down the winding corridor, but we saw not even one crew member. I started to get nervous.
{{MC}}: This feels too easy. Not one person in sight!
Victor: You’re not just a moron but a coward too.
Victor: What’s there to be afraid of when you’re with me?
He dragged me along without letting me get a word in.
A black silhouette flashed past a side passage. The assistant cautioned me about them.
I reflexively tried to hide only to see Victor striding off towards the figure, so fast I couldn’t get ahold of him.
Victor: Hey, where’s the exit?
Victor: Hey, I’m talking to you!
The figure in black just ignored us and kept going on his away.
Victor: Hey you, stop!
Victor lengthened his strides to catch up to the figure.
{{MC}}: Um, it’s probably not a good idea to just end the game prematurely. We made a deal with the production team, right?…
I followed behind trying to convince him, but he pushed open a door and went into a room.
It was very old and sparsely furnished.
His brow furrowed as he carefully scanned our surroundings.
Victor: Where is he?
{{MC}}: Who?
Victor: The guy in black. Where did he go?
{{MC}}: Who? How come I didn’t see him…
Victor stared out of a window as if he didn’t hear me.
I scoped out the vacant room. It had a long table in the middle with some beakers and instruments on it.
Why would HBS build an indoor space like this? It seemed too absurd for a reality show…
And why did this feel familiar to me? I even seemed to be able to see a little girl lying on the scratched up table before me.
Suddenly I got goose bumps and backed up shaking my head.
{{MC}}: Ah!
I tripped over something and fell on the table, knocking beakers to the ground. Something scorching scratched across my palm.
The beakers shattered and a white liquid spilled out onto the ground, causing a vapor to rise.
Victor: Did you leave both your brain and reflexes at home today?
He was immediately right in front of me, staring me down coldly.
He checked my hands and found no cuts.
{{MC}}: I’m okay, nothing in the beakers got on me…
My concerns grew as I looked at the broken beakers.
{{MC}}: How come they put such a dangerous substance on the set? Thankfully it was me and not some other guest…
Victor: I’m the only guest as of now.
He interrupted me with his typical stony expression.
After a long pause, he looked at me.
Victor: I regret this.
{{MC}}: Regret saying Yes?
Victor: No.
Victor: Regret letting that ridiculous TV station get to you.
{{MC}}: What do you mean?
He pulled me quickly out of the room.
{{MC}}: You really are pulling the plug on this show? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity…
Victor: How did this company find you?
{{MC}}: Their rep said they saw and liked my documentaries very much and tracked me down.
{{MC}}: And I looked them up. They’re one of the biggest private broadcast companies in the US.
He arched his eyebrows and looked at me coldly.
Victor: That simple?
I nodded.
{{MC}}: But I don’t know how the show got so weird, or what these mysterious liquids are doing here…
Victor’s brow tensed up as he looked solemnly into the empty corridor.
Victor: I’ll deal with you after we get out of here.
A black figure approached from a side passage with a white glow around his waist.
I tried to go ask about a way out, but Victor pulled me in and covered my mouth.
What now? I could feel Victor’s nervous breath above me.
We pressed ourselves against the wall as the figure walked by.
Victor let go only after the figure was out of sight.
{{MC}}: What did you do that for. Didn’t you want to ask how to get out?
Victor: They’re not part of the production.
He strode off and dragged me with him.
{{MC}}: What’s wrong with you? How do you know they don’t work here?
Victor: Quiet. We must get out of here in 10 minutes.
He ignored me and picked up the pace.
[Main Story 10-21]
We finally reached the end of the corridor and went down a flight of stairs arriving at… another corridor.
It was very narrow with closed rooms lining both sides.
I could make out the signs on each room: Research, Conference, Lab…
My heart jumped. Aren’t these the images I saw in the room under the hacker’s summit?!
Sensing my unease, Victor began checking the rooms too.
Cold sweat poured from my palms. I’ve never been so nervous on a set before.
This whole corridor has felt like deja vu from the first room up to now. Is this a dream?
Victor: What’s up?
{{MC}}: You probably won’t believe it, but I feel like I saw all this before when I was young…
{{MC}}: I thought all this looked familiar but couldn’t say for sure.
Victor: You can tell me.
I looked at him and realized he was serious.
{{MC}}: I don’t remember when, I just remember I was little, and an older boy was leading me by the hand. But I can’t remember his face.
{{MC}}: We were running down a very long corridor with a bunch of other kids.
{{MC}}: I got knocked to the ground, and the boy helped me up.
{{MC}}: Rooms lined that corridor like this one, but I forgot what they were.
Victor tightened his lips, and a deep-seated emotion welled up in his eyes.
Victor: …Why can’t you remember what happened in your childhood?
{{MC}}: I don’t know, probably because I was in a car accident when I was little.
A lightbulb seemed to go off for Victor when I mentioned the accident.
Victor: When was that?
He paused.
Victor: Do you remember?
The tone was much gentler than one prior.
{{MC}}: I remember. I was 5, not paying attention while crossing the street, and an older boy saved me from an oncoming car.
{{MC}}: Just like– just like when you saved me the first time we met!
{{MC}}: He told me to watch out for traffic in the future and gave me a delicious pudding.
{{MC}}: It tasted a lot like yours. But I don’t remember what he looks like now…
A crazy thought came to me at that moment.
{{MC}}: Could he be…
Victor just stared at me wordlessly, a soft glint in his eyes.
{{MC}}: You…
Before I could get the words out, I heard the sound of footsteps behind me and someone saying, “They should be over there!”
{{MC}}: We got company!
He grabbed my hand and raced off. The hard grip was starting to hurt.
We came to a fork. I instinctively pulled Victor on the left path.
Victor: How do you know to go left?
{{MC}}: No idea, call it a hunch.
We came to another fork. I could hear footsteps getting closer behind us. My head started to ache.
Without hesitation, Victor pulled me down the right side.
The footsteps faded behind me, but we were still running for our lives holding each other’s hands.
His frame was tall and stout, lights softly reflecting off his black hair.
Guided by his warm, powerful hand, I forgot all about panicking, the show, a lot of things…
All of this is fate. No matter what perils lie ahead, I’m not afraid anymore.
Our footsteps and breaths were the only sounds in the corridor.
Everything seemed to become a blur, like we were in a dream…
I suddenly thought, running like this isn’t so bad, is it?
We came to another flight of stairs, but the idea of taking it repulsed me for some reason.
Victor: What’s wrong? Are you scared?
I quietly nodded.
I heard a soft sigh and was pulled into a warm embrace. Victor’s low voice whispered in my ear.
Victor: Go down these steps and we’ll be out.
Victor: You’ve done very well.
I saw the usual reserve in his eyes replaced by a tenderness I’ve never seen before.
Victor: Trust me even if you don’t trust yourself, okay?
I nodded and stepped down the stairs.
[Main Story 10-25]
The very last step opened onto a wide yard.
Victor never let me out of his arms, walking me slowly.
Victor: Don’t you wanna know how I found you?
Victor: I actually had been to a place very similar to this when I was a child.
Victor: And I…
He choked up a little and paused.
Victor: I was saved by a girl.
He had been to a place like this when he was a kid? It can’t be coincidence, can it?
Fear enveloped me as we got closer to the exit, and I couldn’t understand why.
Images kept overlapping in my mind, from the depths of my soul. It was a seal torn open. A prolonged darkness.
It was… my memory that had been dormant for 17 years.
My heart suddenly beat heavily.
{{MC}}: Watch out!
A brilliant flash was followed by deafening thunder as a bolt of lightning streaked toward Victor.
Victor!
I instinctively tried to jump in front of him.
Several images flashed before my eyes in these most terrifying seconds of my life.
Victor’s stern look after saving me from the crash, his gentle face in the night, his slightly perturbed expression when giving me that gift…
Victor: No!
An indescribable pain coursed through my body at an incomprehensible speed.
The last thing my mind pictured was Victor’s cold, well-defined face.
For the second time in his life, Victor’s heart plummeted in a freefall.
The girl who had been joking with him a moment ago now lay in his lap, mortally hurt.
He would never forget this scene.
How did this place look exactly like 17 years ago?
Why did those same events unfold again here today?
He might not have the conspiracy completely figured out, but now he was sure it was all about the girl!
And he wasn’t about to lose her again. Not before, and certainly not now!
The way her eyes were closed and that innocent face took him back 17 years.
Back then, as now, they were escaping pursuit with other kids in the corridor.
They got to the yard and Victor strained to stop time long enough for everyone to flee the nightmare.
The effort was about to succeed when a cry rang out.
Little Girl: Watch out!
A brilliant flash, and Victor found himself on the ground, pinned under a small body.
That girl who was smiling at him just seconds before now had her eyes closed.
This tiny, adorable little girl protected his life with her own without hesitation.
In the years since, he kept asking himself, if he could have protected her better…
If he hadn’t witnessed her being taken away…
Wouldn’t everything have turned out differently?
He vowed that if he could turn back time, she would never end up in that position again.
But fate chose to cruelly strike once again, in the same moment and the same place in Victor’s heart, where only the girl could’ve been.
He felt chills run up his spine.
After all this time, he had finally confirmed she was the same girl who saved him that day 17 years ago!
These past 17 years, he had left no stone unturned in an unrelenting search for her.
Even when he had been told the girl was no longer alive.
And today was the day his faith and resolve at last paid off.
She was still alive! And she still bantered with him, argued, worried over him, and gave him nicknames!
He was filled with joy from finding his long-lost treasure.
But now, holding the girl in his arms, he was filled with sorrow.
A genuine sadness that had been extremely rare in his life pulsated through him.
He discovered the heart could do and feel so much more than just pump blood.
Victor held the girl in his arms. A rage was ignited in him that twisted the space around him, knocking down the figures in black charging from either side.
He strode forcefully forward step by step, cradling all the warmth in his life with both arms.
With these few steps, he walked through all the seasons of 17 years of a life missed out on, from spring to winter.
Every step forward would be full of determination, defiance and destruction.
His eyes turned the solid black of a moonless night, yet radiated steely grit.
Victor: It matters not who you are or what you plan to do, I will never let you hurt her again!
His powerful voice rivaled the howling thunder.
He then whispered gently into the girl’s ear.
Victor: Sorry, I came late. I won’t lose you again.
Victor: Nothing and no one else will hurt you.
Victor: From now on, let me be your shield just as you did for me, okay?
He had never spoken more gently in his life.
The girl’s eyes were still shut and showed pain.
But he didn’t notice one of her fingers wiggled weakly.
He picked up the pace, eyebrows knit.
Lightning ravaged the landscape outside the wall, splitting asunder the ink-black sky.
The dark, heavy layer of clouds pressed down broodingly on the world below.
Thunder and lightning raged alongside a shrieking gale as the world was thrown into chaos.
That didn’t stop Victor, who braved the elements as if they simply did not exist.
All around him, sirens began to blare.
Writing appeared on every wall: The Queen has awakened. We will rule the world.
Light illuminated the girl’s near-transparent pale face.
A massive bell sounded as a crimson streak cut across the horizon.
A dark silhouette appeared behind Victor, a brilliant flash flickering in his hand.
The Key of Solomon appeared in his palm.
The Prophecy of Fatima would soon reemerge.
Pandora’s box has been opened.
The angel with a sword in his left hand has arrived.
??: Don’t you see?
??: Everything’s just getting started.