Novel Square
The New Market
Chapter 15 The New Market
X&J EMPIRE, NEW YORK. “X&J,” Nina repeated as she entered the ground floor of the building. It was bustling with activities, and many people moved around that she feared a stampede might happen. When Xander had casually mentioned that he owned one of the wealthiest enterprises in the country, she almost didn’t believe him. But when he sent a driver to get her down to the company with a luxurious car. She had to start believing him. Tania had been too excited at the sight of the vehicle and admitted how much she would like to be in Nina’s shoes. “Please, come with me, ma’am.” The driver urged as they weaved through the many people. They took a different elevator, which Nina guessed would be for the CEO, on getting to the office of the CEO, which, in other words, belongs to Xander. Nina had her mouth agape at its enormity. It would have been inappropriate if a building as magnificent as this possessed minimal offices. But then, it is more than Asher’s. Xander wasn’t in the office when they arrived. Lisa hurried towards them. “You must be Miss Nina. I am Lisa. Mr. Jackson is in a meeting now, so please make yourself comfortable. What would you like to have?” Nina smiled brightly. “Water won’t be such a bad idea.” She replied. Lisa brought water to her, and Xander joined her ten minutes later. “Hello, Nina. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting for too long?” He asked, sitting next to her. She shook her head, “not at all. You have a nice space here.” He shrugged, “Well, it’s just an office. The meeting will start now with the rest of the team. I hope you have your ideas ready to pitch. The only thing I can do is introduce you to them. You will be the one to sell yourself to them.” Nina sniffed as she searched her bag for her laptop and the printed proposals. “The meeting is about to start, sir; the other people are here,” Lisa announced from the door. “Let them in, Lisa,” Xander replied. “Are you ready?” He asked Nina. Even though anxious, she still bobbed her head. “Yes, I am ready.” The meeting started, and each person pitched their ideas; Nina had to present last. Even though her palms were sweaty due to anxiety, she had to remind herself how far she had come and how much she could still do regardless. Clearing her throat, she passed the proposals around, putting on the projector. “So, since we are very much new to the market, why not start with the package of ready agricultural produce? I mean in terms of veggies. Many people find it stressful having to go through the trouble of cutting and grating their many veggies to make something to eat. Having to start cooking the chicken when they want something fast that doesn’t have to be junk. Doing this will win the vegetarians to our side and other lazy cooks.” Xander rolled his pen several times to get his thoughts together. “But you do know it might be risky giving products like that a best before. How confident are we that it would hold up for at least three months after production when it gets frozen.” Nina smiled. “That is where I come in. I will do the research, and we can always find better ways to make these preservations naturally.” “What about the market value? Has it been previewed?” One of the team members asked. “Yes, if you check the sixth page. You will be impressed to see how much people want this. We conducted an online survey, and we got about seventy-five percent approval, and the street survey came back as sixty. Both are huge results for starters. Also, since X&J runs a convenience store online, we have every chance to sell with no worries.” “How confident are you?” Xander asked. Nina sniffed. “Not to brag, but I am seventy percent confident.” He had a proud look in his eyes as he hummed in response. “So, what do you think about Miss Ruiz’s proposal?” Everyone affirmed their support, to Nina’s delight. “That’s great, then. I guess we can start work immediately. We will review the proposal again and send it out to everyone. Have a nice day.” He said. Nina waited until everyone was gone before she asked Xander the pressing question. “Do you think I have the job?” Xander made a face to tease her. “What do you think?” She stomped her feet anxiously. “Can you not play around, please? Tell me what my fate is.” “Nina Ruiz, I think you might have gotten yourself a position here at the new X&J Foods.” Nina squealed, jumping up in excitement. “Oh, my goodness! Just when I thought I might never get the chance ever again. Thank you so much, Xander.” He laughed lightly. “I will advise that you move with caution. Your belly.” “Oh, yeah.” She giggled, sitting down gently. “So, tell me something, Nina,” Xander said seriously. “That project was supposed to be M&M’s new project, right?” She gulped hard. “Was I that obvious?” “I have been in the line of business for a while now. And considering the little time you had to prepare the proposal, that is too detailed. I just knew you didn’t just work on it.” Nina exhaled slowly. “It was meant to be a turning point for M&M in the food industry. I worked day and night on it all by myself. I hoped to present it as a surprise to Asher in the next board meeting. The board members had complained about the company needing something new to add to the list of products. It was a game changer, and I considered it a challenge to make my husband proud. While I worked my ass off, the bastard was screwing Andrea. Thankfully, I only had it on my laptop. So I can assure you, you won’t have to worry about copyright. It’s all mine.” “I wasn’t doubting you. I just needed to be sure you have no intention of hiding things from me.” “I don’t plan to do that.” “Alright, then. Lisa will take you to your new office, which isn’t here, and I hope you will start work next week.” “That would be great. I have to say my goodbye to Samson. He has been a great employer.” “That’s good. Why don’t we celebrate your new feat with good food and wine?” He suggested. “I will love that.” She said, giggling. “Be my guest then.” He winked.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.