Chapter 44 - Atlas Corp
"Our office will be hosting a number of American guests who sell private jets to customers from Asia. All this time they have been represented by another company, but they are not satisfied with their performance. That's why they want to change their partner and are considering using our services."
Tony Wu opened the Marketing department meeting that morning and was immediately cheered by enthusiastic staff. This was an industry that they haven't touched before and its value was sure to be fantastic considering the price of their unusually expensive products.
Tony calmed his staff down by raising his hand and then he continued speaking.
"I will choose two staff to accompany me to meet this client for dinner tonight at De Lune Restaurant. Finland and Lily. This is your chance to learn how to entertain clients."
The two girls stood up and nodded. Finland was happy to be able to eat free dinner at a fancy restaurant, because she knew the food at De Lune was very good. She remembered that last week she had eaten dinner there with Jean and Katia.
"Oh yes... Finland... if possible, please buy new clothes," Tony said later when he was about to leave the meeting room. He handed a credit card to the girl, "This is an important client, appearance is also important."
Her departmental colleagues looked at each other and Finland felt an aura of hostility again. She quickly chased Tony and returned the card.
"No need... I have new clothes. I'll wear them later."
"It's okay, this is included in the marketing budget," Tony said. "I know you don't have a lot of good clothes. But from now on, if possible, you need to have some chic clothes when representing LTX as a bona fide marketing brand."
"Then, you can just give me a raise. If I am given a company credit card for shopping, but my team mates are not, I will be looked down upon by my coworkers."
Tony understood. Finally, he took the card back and nodded.
"Okay, then I'll talk to HR. Now that you are a full-time employee, we can add bonuses on top of your salary for clothing and appearance."
"Thank you, Boss." Finland bowed. She returned to her coworkers who now no longer looked at her like hungry raptors.
They all understood that the poor girl did not have many nice clothes. Maybe the man who was reportedly close to her, Heinrich Schneider, was not her lover, because if so, why was Finland still wearing such simple clothes?
Surely she was not romantically involved with him. Maybe Finland was able to get the Continental Hotel ballroom for their Bartz event because of pure luck or something else they did not know about.
[I have to shop for clothes again. Our marketing director said that I don't represent our brand because my clothes are too modest. So, today I will go home earlier to shop for clothes. Later tonight I will represent LTX to a dinner meeting with clients and I have to look expensive. Ughhhhh...]
Finland sent a WhatsApp message to both Jean and Caspar before lunch.
Jean replied to her message 5 minutes later.
[You're weird. All other women I know will be happy to shop for clothes when told by their boss.]
[You just found out I'm a weirdo?] Finland replied.
Caspar replied her message 10 minutes later.
[No need to shop. Lauren will send all your clothes to the mansion this afternoon. Try checking at home first.]
[Hey, aren't you flying right now? How can you reply to my WhatsApp?] Finland asked in surprise.
[WiFi on the plane.] answered Caspar. He sent the next message [Don't forget to take photos with your new clothes and send them later.]
Finland recalled that yesterday in the boutique Lauren said that she had to choose one outfit and the rest would be sent to the mansion. Was this what Caspar meant just now?
Ahhh... she couldn't wait to go home and see which clothes Lauren sent her.
[Thank you!!]
[You are most welcome.]
Caspar was smiling when he sent his reply. He now wished he had set up a hidden camera to watch Finland's candid reaction when she saw hundreds of clothes he bought for her. Now he should only make do with pictures and report from Ms. Law.
Finland's mood improved. She completed the gallery design for Katia and sent the results via email. Katia loved it and wanted to further discuss the details this Saturday when they go to Universal Studios.
She also completed presentations for LTX's other clients. Now she had time to read Atlas Corp's company profile, the company they would have dinner with tonight.
Atlas Corp was a fairly new aviation company, but they had been developing very rapidly because of the various sophisticated innovations they have. Currently the two lines that they would market to super-rich consumers in Asia were the regular private aircraft which had a capacity of 12 passengers and a single helicopter which they say would soon replace cars for the super-rich.
Finland was very interested in seeing their products.
[Can I ask for a photo from your private plane?] She asked Caspar.
[Sorry, I don't like being photographed.] Caspar replied.
[I asked for a photo of YOUR PLANE... I want to know how many seats there are. I did NOT ask for YOUR picture.] Finland replied, pursing her lips.
Why was this Caspar so narcissistic, she thought. She just wanted to compare the private plane that the man used to the products from LTX's prospective clients.
[So, you prefer my plane to me? You just want a picture of my private jet and not a picture of me? I feel sad..] Came a reply from Caspar.
Ugh...
Finland massaged her forehead and rolled her eyes. She did not continue texting Caspar and put her phone down.