Martoons

Today: Mr Go continues with his internal struggle.

Cast of characters

Mr Go

The foreigner

*

Sure enough, as Mr. Go sat there doing a visual head-to-toe on the foreigner, the waygook became a tad nervous and fidgety –

inadvertently putting his hand in the large pocket of his sports jacket and feeling yet a third videotape, worst of the bunch.

* What could be on this third tape? *

It was his security blanket, his final card; he’d only play it if he absolutely had to.

Even he had morals.

Several more seconds of excruciating silence wore on.

Just as the foreigner was wondering if he’d taken this whole thing too far, Go snapped out of his deep reflection.

“You will have to excuse me as I have things to do. I will – how you say – get on the blower to Miss No tonight. Every bone in my body is rejecting this, but with Miss No I will discuss Thomas.”

His jaw clenched, his teeth ground together and he broke eye contact with the foreigner, feeling as if he’d just been jolted by an electrical shock.

* How do you think the conversation with Miss No will go? *

Timing is everything and the foreigner realized that this was all he could force out of Go right now.

He was already envisioning his next move:

He’d have to visit Riverside later and get to Miss No, softening her up before Go’s call.

He’d need to go there and create some ‘context’.

Given Thomas’ immense value to the business as a cash cow, it wouldn’t be easy.

What shtick can I use to sell her on my preposterous scheme to get rid of the Golden God?

* How is the foreigner going to ‘soften up’ Miss No? *

Go butted out his cigarette – again only half smoked, Korean style – and felt deeply dissatisfied that he’d grovelled to the foreigner’s request.

He made dismissive and almost disdainful eye contact with him.

The foreigner looked away uncomfortably and then shuffled toward the door.

Bastard, Go thought, blackmailing me with those stupid videos!

Ayeesh!

I gave him his video camera as a gift! Is this a foreigner’s idea of friendship – use every single intimate detail against your best Korean friend?

The very idea of it!

As the foreigner opened the door to leave, he read the boss’s scornful scowl. “Sir, I know it seems crazy but… anyway … thanks.”

Go didn’t answer back.

He sat frozen at his desk for a few seconds pondering.

I will never get anywhere with Miss No on this one.

Thomas is the best business decision of my life – the sole reason for my recent success.

And now I have to throw it all away?

This is utter madness.

* How is it that Thomas still ends up disappearing then? *

He caught himself zoiding out; when he re-focused on the door, the foreigner was gone.

Who does he think he is? 

Ayeesh!

*

Tomorrow: The foreigner makes his way to Riverside.