Plumb Moves to the City: Chapter 5

  "I'm sorry mother is putting you through this again.” Salak said when she came to pick Plumb up, “I'm really not as bad as I used to be. It's just I'm doing a more producer-director-ish role now, and sometimes I get nervous.”
  “I'm happy to help. It was a lot of fun last time. When do you switch to being a producer-director-ish person?”
  “Oh, I'm still doing makeup, but…” Salak sighed, “I'm not going to let go of that yet, I don't think I'm ready for it. Plus, I would hate to waste what dear Aunty Ai taught me.”
  “You've been using the skills she taught you for years. I would hardly say that's a waste. Plus, that's why she taught all of us.”
  “One of you is bond to follow my footsteps.” The cousins quoted together. 
  “Still…” Salak continued, “giving up on makeup sounds scary.”
  Plumb was starting to understand why her aunt had called. Salak was a nervous girl by nature, and she often doubted herself despite her skills and talents. It had been hard to convince her to try being a makeup artist in the first place, so it made sense why she clung to it so intensely. However, Plumb was sure that she had been promoted to this position for a reason.
  “I get that, but who knows? You might enjoy it.” Plumb said not wanting to try to persuade her before she saw her in action, “Now, who is this Mr. Yuno person we have to meet?” She asked as she flipped through the paperwork.
  “A potential sponsor.” 
  “Ah, well, hopefully, it goes well.”
  ***
  “You have two minutes.” Was the first thing Mr. Yuno said when the two girls walked in. 
  “Oh, um…you see… my company…not MY company but…well it really is the band.” S stumbled over herself over and over again. She had practiced the speech so many times, but the time limit was new and so was the firm face before her. Both girls had expected an older gentleman but instead they got this scary person. Plumb knew that this was going to be very bad for her dear cousin. Plus, she was getting upset. She had to intervene.
  “I'm sorry. I hate to interrupt, but this is just so blatantly unprofessional that I feel the need to speak.”
  “Indeed.” Mr. Yuno began, but before he could continue Plumb spoke.
  “I was referring to you, Mr. Yuno.” Plumb didn't hesitate even a little when his face managed to get colder, “Firstly, when we made this appointment, we were given the allotted time from 9:00 to 9:30, yet now it has been reduced to two minutes. Secondly, we came here today as a good show. This company has already failed to meet appointments with us three times. We were told it was because it was hard for this company to travel to us, so we came to you instead, yet we are practically being rushed out the door after just arriving. Lastly, this maybe more of a personal issue, but I am clearly injured, yet you haven't offered me a chair. This goes beyond business. This is simply a disregard of common courtesy. It is becoming abundantly clear that this company has no respect for our time, our company, or us. If this company does not wish to work with us, then please be transparent about it.”
  Plumb didn't regret her words even when the tension in the room was palatable. Salak was both impressed and mortified. Her cousin's boldness would never not be a marvel. Mr. Yuno got up from his chair at what seemed like a very slow and menacing pace to Salak. She seriously considered apologizing, but everything Plumb had said was true, so it didn't seem right. However, she did find herself shrinking back when he walked around his desk. Afterall, it was Plumb who started the fight. Surely, she could finish it herself. 

Chapter 4

Chapter 6