285 Successful Connection

3..2..1!

The commercial that held so much significance for the future of our company and the future of our relationship finally appeared on the large screen above us. The opening just felt so surreal and beautiful that I couldn’t bear to look away.

“Rina..” Ace called my name and then I felt a tug on my hand.

“Y-Yes?” I said questioningly as I tired my best to tear my eyes away from the commercial to look at him.

“You’re supposed to be observing the audience and not watching your own commercial..” Ace pointed out quite correctly.

“Oh..you’re right..” I murmured.

Ace just shook his head at me before he grinned. He turned away before I could say anything more to him and I realized that he was already doing his job. That meant that I had to do the same thing. Quickly, I began looking around at the various faces in the crowd of people that were walking by. It felt amazing enough that some of them looked up to take a glance at our commercial on the screen. My heartbeat so fast and hard in my chest as my excitement seemed to spill over that for a moment, I wondered if everyone walking in the crowd could feel and sense my excitement.

Then, it finally happened..

Just when the commercial approached one of its climaxes around midway through, a couple stopped walking and stood to watch our commercial. The young couple who seemed to be on a date stood holding hands as they both stared up at the large screen. It was unfortunate that I couldn’t quite catch what they were whispering to each other about because of the distance between us; however, I didn’t miss on the smiles that they shared together. Seeing the warm and loving atmosphere around them made my chest clench tightly.

.....

Before I knew it, a small crowd had formed where Ace and I were standing. Many people gathered around us to watch our commercial as it played on the screen. I wasn’t sure what the people thought about ending the dog meat trade; however, it was plain to see that the commercial had a warming impact on the watcher. Just as planned, the commercial did its job well in attracting and connecting with people of various age groups. I could spot some audiences from couples, single individuals, families with kids, the elderly pausing to pay some attention to our commercial.

“Yup, it’s all good. I’m watching it right now..” Ace spoke up from close to me.

historical

I turned to see him on the phone and figured that he must be checking in with Julianna. Deciding to leave him with his business call, I directed my attention back at the audiences to continue with my observations. Ace did mention that this was the first place that the commercial would be displayed. If that was correct, then that would mean that there must be other placements in this area where our commercial must already be playing. I turned to look at Ace at the same time that he ended his call.

“Ace..” I called his name as I felt excitement bubbling up inside of me again.

“What is it?” he asked as he cocked his head slightly to the side.

Ignoring how adorable his reaction was, I smiled at him before asking the question that I had in mind.

“There are other places around here in the shopping district where our commercial is playing right now, right?” I asked without bothering to hide my thrill.

“You’re right. This is probably the biggest placement, though..” he replied with a nod of his head.

“Shall we head to observe the other spots as well? Please?” I pleaded with a smile.

“Sure..” Ace replied before he offered me his hand.

I quickly took his hand while feeling like I was a little kid begging him to take me around to the different rides at an amusement park. Despite his outward lack of excitement, Ace led me to another spot where our commercial was being shown. Spending time alone with Ace always felt so fun and it made me recall our holiday getaway. I wondered when we’ll be able to go on a trip like that together again. At the same time, I had to say that working with Ace closely like this was also fun in its very own unique way.

“This way. Careful..” Ace instructed as he took a turn and led me down quite a narrow alley.

“Where is this place..?” I mumbled questioningly as I looked around.

The small alley that was sandwiched between two high-rise buildings was empty and unclean at best. It was clear that not a lot of people used it.

“It’s a short cut. Our destination is just through here, so bear with me for a moment..” Ace explained as he continued pulling me along.

“Ok..” I murmured while trying to keep my gaze forward.

I had no idea how frightened I would be if a rat or something similar suddenly popped out at us. Just the thought made me scared, and I ended up clutching at Ace’s arm tightly.

“Rina, are you scared?” he asked after coming to a stop.

“Umm..a little, I guess..” I replied before trying my best to brave a smile.

“Just hold on. You can already see the end of the path. It’s not much further..” Ace said surprisingly comfortingly.

The warmth from his hand that covered mine comforted me even more than his words and I felt courage returning to my body. After making sure that I was fine, Ace continued leading me through that narrow alley.

The rats won’t come out to frighten me..

Although I was sure that the distance that we covered wasn’t far, it felt like a long time before we emerged back onto the busy sidewalk again. People surrounded us and I quickly found out that this side of the street was much busier than the other street where we were earlier. That was probably because the street where we were hosted smaller shops and malls that sold things at a lower price point than the larger and more luxurious malls that we stood in front of a while ago.

–To be continued..