This agreement is off. Henry, without hesitation, Kyle delivered the unthinkable, leaving my thoughts in a state of disarray. This position has a $10 million value.
What in the world is he discussing? Why Kyle? This is absolutely ridiculous, isn't it?
Kyle, looking smug, just laughed and said, "Nope, we're fine. " Even as I yelled, "We'll take care of it internally," his subsequent remarks simply strengthened my resolve. I wouldn't have progressed this far if you had simply accepted it, but to be honest, I don’t think we’ll ever again do business with a little business like yours.
I'll never be able to forgive Kyle. So we're officially canceling the contract then? I asked for confirmation while trying to control my rage.
"Exactly. I apologize for it. " He was obviously not sorry, as seen by his sneer, and I had no desire to be kind to him.
The deadline for the final collection submission and Kyle's demise is one week later. I am a 29-year-old man named Henry at Martin Corporation, where I work. Buttons and ornamental objects are supplied to both domestic and foreign fashion labels.
Fashion has always captivated me. I developed my abilities and understanding while attending a fashion design school in Tokyo. Those lively days spent with my cherished girlfriend and my strange and distinctive classmates were nothing short of thrilling; they remain a happy memory to this day.
I was conflicted as graduation drew near. Should I work as a salesperson or as a designer for a fashion brand? A button on a new item from a fashion brand caught my eye during that period of uncertainty and immediately won my heart.
It was a striking shade of ruby red that blended imperfectly with the old overall design. The button had a distinctive form. I determined I wanted to create a button like it in the future because it was such a momentous encounter.
"Excuse me, do you know where this button is from or who makes it? " I pressed for information, practically lunging at the store clerk. They checked with their headquarters because they couldn't help right away.
I learned about Martin Corporation in this way. I discovered that Martin Corporation was employing recent graduates. When I checked them up, I applied right away.
When it came time for the last interview, I fervently told President Martin how much I had fallen for his buttons. I made him cry right then and there, making it a moment to remember. "Henry, you are the only person who has ever discussed our buttons with such fervor.
Thank you. " Hearing Mr Martin say such things at the welcoming party after I was recruited meant a lot to me. Martin Corporation is a small business with just a handful of employees in each department.
Each of those few employees is an expert in their respective field. However, while this was a significant advantage, it also came with a downside: losing even one person could deal a severe blow to the company. And then it happened.
One of our few salespeople had to leave due to family circumstances. While everyone was racking their brains for a solution, the unexpected choice to fill the sales gap turned out to be me. There was a reason for this surprising decision.
"You see, if you're interested, we actually have this type of button in stock. It's easy to customize, so why not give it a try? " Initially assigned as a designer, I would casually chat with visiting suppliers and salespeople from other companies.
By a stroke of luck, those conversations sometimes led to orders, something Mr Martin had noticed. "I'm really sorry, but just temporarily, can you handle sales, please? I'm baiting you.
" When the respected Mr Martin bowed his head to me, there was no way I could say no. Plus, the sales manager, Freddy, was a great guy. Freddy, who often chatted with me casually despite being in a different department, would occasionally bring me coffee or chocolate.
He felt like an older brother to me. Let me emphasize, though: I was not won over by the coffee or chocolate. "I'm so sorry, Henry.
We'll find someone new as soon as possible. I know you wanted to focus on design, but we need you in sales temporarily. " Freddy's genuine guilt made me laugh.
"It's fine. Don't worry about it. Honestly, I'm more nervous about being so inexperienced.
I'll need your guidance. " And so, I unexpectedly found myself working in sales. To my surprise, it turned out to be fascinating.
Freddy had strong sales expertise and knew a lot about fashion brands and apparel, but he sometimes struggled with more technical aspects. "Here's the thing: do you have a button that fits this design? Something like this conceptually?
" During one negotiation, a client requested a specific button style. Next to me, Freddy was having a bit of trouble. Designers often have a clear vision of what they want to create in their minds, but putting that into words can be a real challenge for many.
I frequently witnessed such struggles back in fashion school while helping my friends with their assignments. "No, that's not it. It's like this, and here it should be like that.
" With deadlines looming, friends would come to me on the verge of tears. I found myself constantly carrying colored pencils and sketch pads. I became adept at sketching designs on paper while asking, "Is this what you mean?
" My knack for turning ideas into visuals meant that as deadlines approached, it wasn't unusual for a group of classmates to gather around me. Seeing Freddy struggling with the client's request brought me back to those days. I pulled the sketchbook out of my bag and spread it out in front of the client.
"Excuse me for interrupting regarding what you were explaining to Freddy earlier," I said quickly, sketching a design on the paper. Next to me, Freddy looked surprised, and a client’s. .
. a loud "thud," and I felt my heart drop. I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed.
"What are you doing? " I exclaimed, shocked. Kyle shrugged, a smirk on his face.
"Just testing its durability. " Freddy looked equally stunned. "These buttons are not just for throwing around; they’re handcrafted and one of a kind!
" Kyle waved us off dismissively. "Whatever. Anyway, you guys should really think about your marketing strategy.
Women over 40 want something different, not this—" he gestured at the buttons with disdain. I could feel my frustration bubbling. It was hard to keep my composure in front of a potential business partner who clearly had no appreciation for what we were trying to achieve.
Freddy, ever the professional, tried to redirect the conversation. "Well, these buttons are actually designed for versatility and durability, which is why they appeal to a wide range of customers. Plus, the unique texture and brilliance set them apart from other options.
" Kyle just rolled his eyes. "Sure, but you need to market to your audience better. You’re missing out on a big demographic by sticking to traditional methods.
" Before I could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving me feeling unsettled. "Don't let him get to you," Freddy said confidently, trying to reassure me. "Some people just don’t understand the art behind what we create.
" I nodded, taking a deep breath to regain my focus. We returned to showcasing our buttons, sharing their beauty and uniqueness with everyone who visited the booth. As the day went on, I found comfort in seeing how much people appreciated the craftsmanship and the stories behind the Natural Stone buttons.
They weren’t just products; they represented a passion for quality and individuality. Throughout the exhibition, despite Kyle’s earlier interruption, I became increasingly optimistic. Our unique offering resonated with many, and I began to feel that this was just the beginning of something wonderful.
By the end of the event, I knew we had secured interest from several potential clients, which made me feel excited about our future. Even if one person couldn’t see the value in our creations, there were plenty who did. That night, as I reflected on the day, I felt thankful for the opportunity to work with passionate people like Freddy and to create something beautiful that truly resonated with others.
It was more than just business; it was about building meaningful connections through our craft. A sharp clink and rolled away. I quickly rushed to pick it up, anxiously inspecting it for any damage.
Seeing my reaction, Kyle smirked. "Why so panicked? It's supposed to be durable, right?
Something like this shouldn't break. " Laughing at what he called my overreaction, Kyle seemed amused. Freddy, however, gently but firmly admonished him.
"Of course it’s durable. We stand by that confidently. However, even if it’s just a sample, we’d appreciate it if you didn’t handle it carelessly.
" At Freddy's words, Kyle let out a dismissive snort, looking unimpressed. "Well, the concept of being one of a kind is good, I’ll give you that. Natural stone but buttons?
Ha! Interesting. For a small company like yours, at least you’ve got a good eye for ideas.
" "What is with this guy? " I had never been treated with such a condescending attitude by someone I just met. "A good eye for ideas?
Just a good eye? Seriously, why is he speaking so arrogantly? " Before I could say anything, Kyle casually wandered off to another booth.
I took a few deep breaths to calm myself down, and as I did, Freddy patted me on the shoulder. "Henry, you handled that well. Unfortunately, people like him exist.
Though, I have to say, it's been a while since I've met someone that rude. " Thanks to Freddy's support, I managed to calm down. The booth remained bustling with visitors, and as I kept engaging with clients, my mood gradually improved.
At one point, I thought I saw a woman with black hair pass by out of the corner of my eye. I instinctively turned to look, but she disappeared into the crowd before I could get a better glimpse. Though I couldn't quite shake off the curiosity, I focused on continuing to pitch the natural stone buttons to the numerous visitors who stopped by.
By the end of the day, I was tired but had a strong sense of accomplishment. After the exhibition ended, several of the connections we made turned into business negotiations, resulting in successful contracts. As Freddy, the staff, and I celebrated the success of our hard work, we received an unexpected phone call.
“Freddy, it’s Kyle from Moto on the phone. ” Kyle got it. Freddy answered, “Hello, this is Freddy speaking.
Yes, yes, I watched. ” I watched Freddy closely as his expression and tone transformed into one of delight. “Really?
That’s fantastic! Thank you so much. Yes, we’ll review it in turn and get back to you with our decision as soon as possible.
” After ending the call, Freddy turned to us with a beaming smile and shouted excitedly, “Kyle from Moto just called! They want to use Martin’s natural stone buttons for their new collection to be showcased internationally! It's a $10 million deal—the largest in Martin’s history.
” The mention of $10 million sent cheers echoing throughout the company. Although Mr Martin was pleased, he calmly called for everyone to stay focused. “That's incredible, but when's the deadline?
Do we have enough materials? There’s a lot we’ll need to figure out. ” “Yes, oh, I’ve just received an email.
They’re requesting amethyst buttons, paired-out buttons…” As Freddy reviewed the email, he saw that it detailed the types and quantities of natural stone buttons required. Among them, a few items raised concerns about the availability of raw materials, which would need to be verified. Mr Martin looked over the email, gave a firm nod, and declared to everyone, “All right, let's make this project a success.
It's going to get busy, but I'm counting on everyone's cooperation. ” His words instantly lifted everyone’s spirits. A resounding “yes” echoed through the room, and I felt my own determination surging.
At the factory, production ran at full capacity, and we scrambled to gather any materials that seemed in short supply. The deadline was tight, but everyone worked tirelessly, sacrificing sleep to ensure the project’s success. Finally, two months later, we managed to meet the deadline.
The completed products were carefully packed into boxes, now neatly stacked in the warehouse, ready for delivery. The sight of the neatly stacked boxes, the result of everyone’s hard work, filled the team with pride as they looked on. “Great job!
We made it on time, and it’s all thanks to everyone here. I truly appreciate your efforts. Thank you!
And this year, you can look forward to a great bonus. ” Everyone was delighted by Mr Martin’s words. While words of appreciation and recognition are rewarding, let’s be honest, nothing beats the joy of a bigger paycheck.
I, too, began daydreaming about how I’d spend my bonus, unable to suppress a small grin. “All right, let’s deliver this to Moto. We handle deliveries to clients all the time, but a deal this big makes me a bit nervous.
” “Don’t trip and drive safely! ” my colleagues called out jokingly as they sent Freddy and me off to Moto. When we arrived, we were supposed to meet with Kyle.
“I’m sorry, Kyle is currently out,” the receptionist said when we asked her to call him. Both Freddy and I were confused. No matter how many times we asked for confirmation, we got the same response.
So, we took turns calling Kyle. When I made the call, I finally got through. “Ah, Kyle, I’m glad I finally got through!
Excuse me, but where are you? We've brought the delivery for you. ” In response to my words, Kyle let out an exaggerated tone.
“Oh, right, right about that deal? Yeah, just cancel it. ” I couldn’t understand what Kyle meant and looked up at Freddy while still holding the phone.
Freddy gave me a look as if to ask what was wrong, but I couldn’t answer. I was too stunned. “Wait a minute!
What do you mean cancel? We've already produced the order and brought it to your company! ” In response, Kyle spoke in an annoyed tone.
“Yeah, just cancel it. We don’t need it anymore. ” Kyle's actions made my… "Blood boil?
Don't need it! That's ridiculous! I was so furious that I couldn't find the words.
Freddy, his face tense, took the phone from me and put it on speaker. 'Henry, the deal's off. ' Freddy's eyes whitened in shock.
Kyle spoke so casually about canceling the deal, but I couldn't help thinking about the faces of everyone at the company who had worked so hard on this project. 'Why, Kyle? This is outrageous, isn't it?
' Kyle sighed at my outburst; his attitude made it seem as though I was the one being unreasonable. 'If you just understood, I wouldn't have had to say this, but I don't think we'll be doing business with a small company like yours anymore. ' I will never forget those words.
They were the most infuriating words I had ever heard in my life. Even Freddy's face was filled with an anger I had never seen before. 'Then you're officially canceling the contract?
' I asked, barely holding back my anger. 'Yeah, yeah, sorry about that. ' He wasn't sorry at all.
I could picture his smug, smirking face in my mind. 'I see. Well then, goodbye.
' I hung up the phone and exchanged glances with Freddy. Overwhelmed by an indescribable exhaustion, I closed my eyes. Freddy patted my shoulder as we headed back to the car, and I didn't say a single word all the way back to the office.
'So, I see. That must have been tough. I'm sorry, and thank you,' Mr Martin said after listening to our report.
Even though he must have been just as shocked as we were, he expressed his gratitude for our efforts. I felt tears of frustration welling up. 'What should we do now?
We've already made so much, and we'll have to figure out what to do with the inventory. ' 'Don't worry, Henry. We faced tough times before, and we'll get through this too.
' His optimistic words snapped me out of my gloom, making me realize I couldn't afford to wallow. 'That's true. I'll double down on sales, give it everything I've got, and I'll help however I can.
I swear I'll make Kyle regret this. ' Hearing my words, the two of them laughed. 'No physical retaliation, Henry,' one of them joked.
'Yeah, that would be bad, but I like your determination. ' 'All right, let's all do our best. ' Mr Martin then addressed the team, explaining how the sudden cancellation of the deal had been a blow to everyone's morale.
It left the entire company feeling shocked and angry. However, his positive words gradually lifted everyone's spirits, bringing back a sense of hope. What makes Mr Martin truly remarkable is not just his technical skill but his ability to inspire and motivate those around him.
Still, the question of what to do with inventory worth $10 million lingered in my mind. Just as I was pondering this, I received a call from someone I hadn't heard from in a long time. It was an unexpected person, and that call would go on to change everything.
A week after the canceled deal, Kyle stormed into the office, his face bright red. 'Hey, Freddy! Henry!
' His furious expression startled the female employees, some of whom let out small screams. I stepped in front of Kyle, who had barged in without warning. 'You tricked me!
Why does that button have a patent? ' he yelled. The commotion brought Mr Martin to the scene.
'If you're going to make such a scene, I'll have to call the police,' he said sternly. 'If you can calm down and talk, let's head to the meeting room. ' At the mention of the police, Kyle flared his nostrils but silently followed Mr Martin, taking the place of the nervous female employees.
I brought the tea just in case. I made sure the tea I served Kyle was lukewarm. 'Now, about the issue at hand—the patent for the button,' Mr Martin began.
'I developed the cutting method, so we secured the patent. That means only our company can produce those buttons. ' Hearing this, Kyle's eyes widened, and he burst out in anger.
'Why didn't you tell me? I told my president, Mr Moore, that we could save costs by making those buttons ourselves with cheaper in-house products. Now I find out we can't copy them because of the patent!
' I thought silently, 'Why should we have to tell you that? ' Observing his tantrum, I added mentally, 'We weren't hiding anything; the patent information was clearly displayed at the exhibition. ' 'What?
It was? ' Kyle asked incredulously. 'Yes, it was written clearly.
Look. ' I showed him a photo on my phone of Freddy and me at the exhibition booth. In the background, behind the two of us smiling and making peace signs, was a banner that read, 'Patented Cutting Method for Natural Stone Buttons.
' Kyle probably hadn't noticed it, given how carelessly he treated the buttons. It was clear he was sloppy and inattentive in many ways. 'No way, this can't be happening!
' he muttered. Kyle's earlier bluster was nowhere to be found as his face turned pale. 'My president, Mr Moore, said the collection couldn't proceed without those buttons,' he admitted.
Participating in a collection requires enormous expenses: between models, stylists, hair and makeup artists, and promotional costs, the total quickly climbs into the millions. While Motoi is currently a thriving company, its president, Mr Moore, is said to have the temperament of a pure designer. Once he makes a decision, he is absolutely unwilling to change it.
Mr Moore was a few years ahead of me at fashion school, and my teachers often mentioned him. 'That guy's got genius in his blood,' they would say. 'His sense of style is unparalleled.
' If someone like him had set his sights on our Natural Stone buttons, not being able to use them could very well lead to withdrawing from the collection altogether. The potential revenue from the collection would also be lost. 'Kyle pleaded, please…'" There's still time.
Deliver the buttons to us; I'll make sure you're properly paid. What is this guy even saying? I thought, glaring at Kyle with a bitter expression.
After all, he was the one who mocked our company relentlessly and unilaterally canceled the contract. I couldn't accept this at all. Isn't that far too convenient?
I said, "You look down on our company and treated our products poorly. You unilaterally canceled the contract, and now you're asking us to deliver the buttons because you're in trouble? " "Henry is absolutely right," Mr Martin said firmly.
"I'm sorry, but we have no intention of selling those Natural Stone buttons to you. We will not engage in any further transactions with you. Please leave.
" At Mr Martin's words, Kyle dropped to his knees in a deep bow. "Please, please, I'm begging you. If you won't sell them to us, could you at least let us use the patent?
" "I'm afraid that's not possible either. Please leave. Do I really need to call the police?
" With this final warning from Mr Martin, Kyle's face turned as white as a sheet, and he stumbled out of the office in a daze. Watching him leave, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. That just goes to show, if you don't treat people with integrity in your work, this is the kind of ending you'll face.
"Yes, we should be mindful of that, learn from others' mistakes, and improve ourselves. " "I'll keep that in mind," I added. "I'll be careful too.
I'll make sure never to act arrogantly toward others. " "Oh, Mr Martin, the Zoom meeting is about to start! We need to hurry!
" "Oh no, we're cutting it close! What's the meeting ID again? " Looking at my watch, I saw that our meeting with the International Luxury brand was just 10 minutes away, and we rushed to the president's office in a hurry.
The truth is, the call I had received earlier was from my ex-girlfriend Amelia. Amelia is an exceptionally talented designer who landed a job with the prestigious international brand and moved overseas. The reason we broke up was because of her move abroad.
I wanted to go with her, but I didn't have the skills to make it in a foreign environment. Though she genuinely wanted to stay with me and even considered finding a way to remain in Japan, I insisted she needed to go overseas and sent her off. Amelia cried, and I admit I put on a brave face, but it was her life.
I wanted Amelia to travel the world freely and wholeheartedly pursue her dreams. "Tearfully, I watched her plane take off, tears streaming down my face—a bittersweet memory from the past. " After gaining experience and honing her craft overseas, Amelia had been entrusted with an entire collection by her brand—a major accomplishment.
But under immense pressure and struggling for inspiration, Amelia impulsively returned to Japan upon hearing about an exhibition. At that exhibition, she stumbled upon Martin's Natural Stone buttons. Seeing the buttons sparked her creativity, and she rushed back to her hotel, working tirelessly to complete her design sketches without even stopping to eat or drink.
The idea of making each Natural Stone button unique—almost like a serial number—struck her as fascinating. After consulting her team overseas, they decided to proceed with the concept. "So I need those buttons—as many as you can spare!
" Amelia's cheerful and familiar voice on the phone surprised me, and her request astonished me even more. It felt like she was a savior sent to rescue us. When I explained our current predicament, Amelia was furious.
"Who is this guy? I can't believe people like that exist! " she exclaimed.
I was shocked too, but I was even more surprised that she called out of the blue. It felt like a miracle. "Hey, Amelia, don't take this the wrong way, but are you sure about this?
" I asked. "Excuse me? " she replied.
"Okay, I get why you'd ask, but don't worry—I would never break a contract like that. " Keeping the call connected, I hurried over to Mr Martin. I explained about Amelia and how she wanted as many buttons as we could provide.
Mr Martin looked visibly surprised. It was understandable; these past few hours had been such a rollercoaster that it was hard to keep up. "Sorry, can I take over the call, Amelia?
Mr Martin says he'd like to speak with you directly; is that okay? " "Of course! Please, go ahead," Amelia said.
I handed my phone to Mr Martin, and the two of them began talking. After about 20 minutes, seemingly having covered all the main points, the conversation came to an end. Returning the phone to me, Mr Martin spoke with a reflective tone.
"This is incredible. Things like this really happen, don't they? If she noticed you at the exhibition, she could have said hello.
" That reminded me of the black-haired woman I'd seen at the exhibition; it must have been Amelia. Now that I thought about it, she had moved with incredible speed back then. She's truly a natural-born genius.
I think sketching the designs that came to her mind took priority over talking to me. That's always been her way. Even during dates, she would suddenly exclaim something and immediately start sketching a design.
At first, it surprised me, but I eventually started calling it her creative time and patiently waited until she was done. Amelia always apologized, but I loved seeing her so focused and dedicated. That's why I actually looked forward to her creative time; it's a secret I've never shared with anyone, not even her.
"I'm going to become a famous designer while my grandmother is still alive. I want to repay her for raising me," she often said that was her mantra, and she worked tirelessly toward that dream. Amelia lost her parents.
. . At a young age, she was raised by her grandmother in the countryside.
Because of this, she didn't have many friends her age growing up. Her grandmother was skilled at dressmaking and had a sewing machine at home. Growing up, watching her grandmother make clothes, it was only natural that Amelia became interested in fashion design.
"I used to make outfits for my Barbie dolls, always with a theme: today it's a party, tomorrow it's camping. " Those were the happiest moments for me. I think I was in middle school when I made a dress for my grandma, and she cried tears of joy.
That made me so happy, though the dress was a simple long skirt due to her limited skills at the time. Her grandmother was overjoyed. That's when I realized how wonderful it feels to make someone happy with something I created.
From then on, all I wanted was to become a designer. I wanted to show my grandma and the countryside that I had become a professional designer as soon as possible. Amelia adored her grandmother and visited her in the countryside every chance she got.
I had the pleasure of meeting her grandmother once, and she was a lovely person who always supported Amelia wholeheartedly. "Let's do our best today," Amelia said as the Zoom meeting began. Amelia, Mr Martin, Freddy, and I continued the discussion.
In the end, it was decided that we would supply the current stock of buttons and also take an additional order for more natural stone buttons. "Is the budget going to be okay? " I asked worriedly.
Amelia laughed. "Don't worry, I've already cleared it with the company. Besides, if this collection is a success, it'll definitely benefit the company.
My boss always says that designers like me who rely on intuition should take risks and make lots of mistakes. " He laughed and said they could cover the cost of any failures by young designers like me. As expected from a world-class luxury brand, the sheer scale of their resources was unimaginable, and honestly, it made me feel a bit overwhelmed.
The same was true for Mr Martin and the others, whose faces were equally tense. "That's incredible! Rest assured, we will craft exactly what Amelia envisions," Mr Martin said.
"Thank you. When it comes to creating something delicate and intricate, I believe Japanese craftsmanship is unmatched. Regardless of the company's size, great products naturally captivate and enchant people.
" I felt that with Martin's buttons—they inspired me. "I'm counting on you," Amelia said as the Zoom call ended. Mr Martin's eyes glistened with tears, as if all the hard work he had poured into making buttons was finally paying off.
For those who create, there's a unique blend of struggle and joy. It's knowing the joy that comes after creating something that gives you the strength to keep going. Reflecting on this, I realized again that while sales is enjoyable, I truly wanted to design.
After that, we all came together as a company and worked tirelessly to craft the buttons. When everything was delivered and Amelia's jacket, featuring the natural stone buttons, was unveiled in her collection, it quickly became a sensation. The idea of treating the one-of-a-kind natural stone buttons like serial members resonated with celebrities and royalty who didn't want to be like anyone else, making the collection a resounding success.
The pieces fetched high prices, and Amelia gained recognition as a promising young designer. The natural stone buttons, which became a centerpiece of Amelia's collection, attracted international orders, significantly boosting Martin's sales. "Thank you!
It's all thanks to you. I'm heading back to Japan to see my grandmother. I even sent home the trophies and awards I received so she can see them.
" "That's right, your grandma will be so happy. You're her pride and joy," Amelia told me this after the collection had wrapped up and things had settled down a bit. Her voice was filled with joy at the thought of being able to make her grandmother proud.
"Hey, do you think we could meet up, even just for a day? I'd like to thank you properly for everything, maybe over a meal. " I was delighted by her invitation and made time to see her.
Although part of me worried she might tell me about a new lover she found overseas, which would sting my lingering feelings, I still wanted to meet her. But when we met, Amelia not only thanked me for the project but also said something that completely surprised me: "If you're okay with a long-distance relationship, would you be willing to date me again as my boyfriend? " Overwhelmed with happiness, I hugged her right then and there and said yes.
After enduring a long-distance relationship, we eventually got married. Amelia wore a wedding dress she designed herself, and she was the most beautiful person in the world. Seeing her grandmother cry tears of joy made me tear up as well.
Promising to be the best partners in both life and work, we had the happiest wedding in the world.
