Chapter 186 - The New Spoke Person

Ashley, on the other hand, was shocked. She didn't know if she would sit back or just stand. When she suddenly felt Koji's hand grabbed her arm. She came back to her sense and looked at his direction. Eyes filled with questions. 

"Sit down, I'm so sorry that you had witnessed what happened. Whispered Koji to Ashley who was still bewildered with what had happened, listened, and sat back down.

'My God! Is that how the Japanese act when they get angry? I hope Tanaga's not like that, I don't think I could handle seeing him beat-up another human being.' She thought as she silently sat down waiting for the meeting to commence.

A moment later, the Director of Marketing started speaking again. "As I was saying before I got slapped. Hahaha!" He jokingly said acting as if he was not affected by Ohani's actions.

The other upper management who was there joined the laugher at what the Marketing Director said.

"Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha!"

"Well, it looks like we need a new endorser for this product. What do you all think if I recommend the woman seating right next to COO Hanada?" The Marketing Director asks everyone present.

Ashley was in deep thought and didn't hear what the Marketing Director said. So she was surprised when Koji tapped her shoulder. "Miss Gusman, miss Gusman! The Marketing Director asking you if you can help us and be our spoke person for the new product. What do you say?"

"What?" Was all she could utter while looking bewildered. She couldn't believe that they are considering her to be the spoke person. Who are they kidding?" She mumbles, loud enough for Koji to hear.

"Why not? I think this product does suit you." Whispered Koji while patting her hand. 

All the Board members were also looking at Ashley anticipating her response. 

"Excuse me? Could you repeat what you just said?" Ashley asked as her eyes widened in panic.

"Me? You want me to endorse your product? Uh-uh," Ashley shook her head. "I'm sorry! But I'm not an artist or a model. See, I'm not that tall either. I'm sorry! But I must decline your nomination. I don't want to be the reason that your product won't sell." Ashley said seriously as she shook her head vigorously.

"Hahaha! Don't worry. It doesn't matter if you are not an artist or model. This product does not need this kind of endorser. Anyway, if you can at least think about it before you decline. As a matter of fact, It will be months before the launch of this product. Please!" Ask the Marketing Director with a kind smile.

"Can you promise to think about it at least? And the meantime will look at the other candidate. Just in case Miss Gusman doesn't accept our offer." Said the Marketing Director regretfully.

She only nodded and said nothing. She still couldn't believe they wanted her to be a product endorser for the company. She felt ashamed for Koji's sake and couldn't look at him straight.

Koji noticed that Ashley's face was red and that she couldn't look at him straight. Therefore, he decided that it's best to calm her down. He took Ashley's hand and began patting it like coaxing a child.

"Don't be shy, you should be proud that we are offering it to you because we can see that if you are to endorse this product. There are definitely a lot of people who will purchase it. Alright!" Koji gently explained it to Ashly to make her feel better. She only nodded as she slowly pulls her hand from his grasp. 

"I understand what your trying to say, sir Hanada. Alright, I promise that I'll think about it and I'll let you know before the end of this week. I just need to speak to one person. You do know who my real boss is?" Ashley reminded koji while her voice was loud enough for everyone to hear. 

"There! You all have heard Miss Gusman's answer. She needs to talk to CEO Jones first if he agrees. The truth is I am not her real boss so I don't have a say in the matter. So' If there is nothing else, we still have a lot of meetings to go to." Said Koji to everyone while he was obviously discouraged and disappointed by the tone of his speech.

President Hanada was just listening to the whole conversation the whole time. However, his mind was already far away and thinking ahead. They need to get Ashley by their side. No matter what happens, he will insists that Ashley agrees to be an endorser for the company.

When Ashley stands up to ready to leave, - "Miss Gusman, would you mind staying for a moment? There's something I need to speak with you!" Said President Hanada seriously with a stern-looking face.

There was nothing she could do but sit back and let everyone leave except for her, Koji, Kai, and President Hanada. Once everyone has gone, Kai then spoke up to explain to his dad.

"Dad, It's not Ohani's fault she did that. I was at fault because I told her that she was the endorser of the new product. I didn't know that the Marketing Director will change his mind just because he saw Miss Gusman! "Kai said while shooting dagger at Ashley.

Ashley was shocked to hear her name. 'What the heck is wrong with this guy? Is he blaming me for being here? That jerk, I came here as Koji's assistant, not to talk. nor compete with Ohani Yamachugi. Is it my fault I was born beautiful?' She thought as she stared back at Kai with a raised brow. 

Koji smirked when he saw how bad she was staring at his brother Kai. At least one thing he knows for sure,- he would not be a competitor in the future. Ever since he could remember, he's always giving ways to his younger brother. That's because Kai is their mother's favorite son.

Even the position as President of THJ Entertainment, it was given to Kai by his mother. She begged and pleaded to Grandmother Hanada to give him the position. Unlike Koji, he's in his position from his own effort. He studied hard to excel.

Ever since Koji entered THJ Group, the stock price raised to the roof. That's why Tanaga holds him dearly, not just as a cousin but also as one of his best employees. But, It is also becoming the reason why he could not get promoted to a higher position. Due to the fact that he's the best in his field.

Koji does not aspire to become the CEO of the company. And Tanaga and Grandmother Hanada knows this. Unlike his father and brother who want something that does not belong to them.

However, for the first time in Koji's life, he wants to compete with Tanaga. He wanted something that he has and that's Ashley Gusman...