To Color Your Life

Family was one of the main values ​​that formed the basis for the creation of the Pharaoh by Arthur Pitcher.

Family. This is the very word with which the employees of the publishing house could be described, where everyone was in his place and knew what he was responsible for and why he was doing it all.

Family. This is how Emily felt when she trusted the magazine's team. The Pharaoh group of companies was one big close-knit family, which was difficult to get into. It's time to open your heart to those for whom it was all created.

Emily waved her hand, the picture of the application on the screen turned into a three-dimensional model resembling a cube with ten faces.

"The publishing house has departments that are the backbone of our company. These include departments of scientific literature, non-fiction and fiction. Each direction has its own circle of readers and fans who do not overlap with each other.

New departments such as children's and teenage books, comics and manga, Pharaoh's restaurant with thematic lectures and master classes, and our magazine for adults also have their own audience.

All of these people have their own interests, which are different from one another, but they may also have something in common.

Mr. Denver," Emily stopped in front of Christian and smiled at him with the most charming smile she could possibly give.

She could not deny herself the desire to drag the man to her side, even though it seemed absurd.

"What books do you prefer?" she asked.

"Business non-fiction," Denver replied clearly, not surprising the girl in the least.

"Your phenomenal business success proves that you know how to put your knowledge into practice." That's right, a compliment said on time isn't superfluous, Hayes. Emily was shocked by herself. Since when did she learn to maintain an outward calmness and still smile when her back was already covered with sweat from the exertion?

"With such a responsible attitude, you probably keep a good eye on your employees as well? Tell me, what book is the most popular among the waiters of your restaurant right now?" she asked the following question.

The likelihood that Denver knew the answer was nil. One of the magazine's employees interviewed restaurant employees this morning to have the statistics on hand. Luckily for them, the waiters and chefs were happy to answer all the questions and even shared which books they had on their wishlist.

"I don't know," Christian replied, "But what does this have to do with their immediate responsibilities?"

The question was reasonable, and any person dealing with business would hardly be interested in what his employees do in their free time, if they do what is required of them during working hours.

Emily stepped away from Denver's table and went back to the stage. Her presence in the room became so significant that none of the listeners took their eyes off the fragile girl who was standing with the honor of a queen among the successful men.

"Opposite the building where I live, there is one small but very cozy cafe. They make the best coffee in town. It's so delicious that some customers come there from across town." She exchanged glances with Justin and couldn't help smiling.

"The owner of that cafe has a bookshelf right in the hall, where each visitor can leave a book he likes or take any of those that are there. Many people come there just to read and drink coffee."

"Ms. Hayes, this might be appropriate for a small cafe, but not for a Michelin-starred restaurant," one shareholder said.

"Maybe," Emily didn't argue, "Maybe not."

She switched the slide on the screen. The picture showed the user profile of the Pharaoh application.

"A successful business is primarily based on numbers, indicators and statistics. The interests of our clients, on the one hand, may not overlap with our immediate interests. For example, as is the case with a restaurant. But, on the other hand, they can become another touch, thanks to which the client will not only return to us, but also bring his family, friends and everyone he knows.

The new Pharaoh application will allow each user to create his own personal library, the catalog of which will include books of different directions. Profiles can be combined into family groups, interest groups, and many other indicators.

The parents will know what books their child reads, what he or she likes and will be able to support the interests of their sons or daughters when they have a dialogue with them. Authors will be able to organize meetings with readers directly through the application or by renting one of the rooms of the Pharaoh restaurant in advance.

Customers who book a table in a restaurant through the app, in addition to supplementary bonuses, will be able to add any book from the publisher's catalog to their order. While they wait for their meal, they will be able to browse through several books that they have long been planning to read and buy the one they like best. And maybe even all of them.

The most active users will be able to receive gifts. For example, favorite books autographed by the authors.

It will be a whole ecosystem with many functions, including a social network. For three years, the Pharaoh magazine has been working on its creation. And within our department, this approach has been successfully implemented.

The scaling of this project will allow us to involve a huge number of potential users in our network and make Pharaoh a leading company not only in the publishing industry, but also in many other industries.

We propose not just stepping into the future. We suggest you create it so that everyone else can step into it. And our team knows how to do it.

Thank you for attention."

Emily fell silent and there was silence in the room for a few moments. The shareholders looked from the girl to the screen and back, as if their brain had lagged behind for a few seconds in processing information.

Hell, wasn't she convincing enough? She hadn't hoped for jubilation on the part of the audience, but at least a murmur of approval would be a good sign.

She noticed Justin's pursed lips, but specifically asked him not to support her in advance. Emily was sure the man would burst into loud applause when she had the last word. But this speech was not meant for him.

The first to clap his hands was Christian Denver. The man not only loudly thanked her for her performance, but also rose from his seat.

Following him (probably to avoid looking ill-mannered) other members of the meeting began to rise. The conference room was filled with loud applause and nods of approval.

Shareholders were exchaning phrases with colleagues standing next to them, discussing the presentation.

"Emy, why are you frozen? The third camera is directly in front of you. Come on, smile at our viewers," Kelly whispered to Emily in her ear.

Hayes nodded and smiled at the statue of Osiris in front of the stage.

"What should I do now?" she asked, trying not to move her lips.

"I don't know, just step off the stage gracefully and sit in your seat next to the boss's grandfather," Ohara suggested.

But the boss himself has already solved this problem. Justin walked over to the stage, held out his hand to Emily and helped her down.

"Thanks to Miss Hayes for this wonderful presentation," Evans stood back to the microphone. "Thanks to this girl, Pharaoh's sales have tripled in a month and are still growing. I am sure that with a person like Emily on our team, the magazine and the publishing house as a whole can expect great success."

Oh god boss! How can you exaggerate and not blush?! Emily did nothing of the sort except writing a few articles and doing some photo shoots. And he presents it as if she almost saved the magazine from bankruptcy!

"Congratulations, great performance."

Emily turned her head to the left. Precisely, she forgot that her seat was next to Denver's.

"Thanks," she nodded and turned away. For some reason, this time it was difficult to withstand the gaze of this man. "Are you always looking at people like that?" 

"How am I-"

"Mr. Denver, are you ready for your part of the presentation?" Justin asked him from the stage.

Christian frowned, annoyed at being interrupted. "Five minutes, please," he replied, and went back to the notes he made on his papers.

"Gentlemen, take a five minute break and then we'll continue," Evans announced.

"How am I always looking at people?" refined Denver, not turning to the girl.

"It's like you want to open a person's brain and find out what's inside," Emily threw out the first thought that came to mind.

Christian put down his pen and stared at her.

What? Why does he look so surprised, as if Emily had revealed to him what color his eyes were? Wasn't it obvious?

"Hmm, you know, I never thought about that. But now, looking at you, Miss Hayes, I do not mind knowing what is going on in your sweet head," he paused, looking at his papers,

"So, Emily, tell me, do you really think that Pharaoh can become a family, where there is a place for everyone?" 

"Yes, I think so," she replied, her voice was full of confidence.

Christian emerged into thoughts, looking at the last slide of Emily's presentation, which was still displayed on the screen.

"Miss Hayes, I like you. But as a person who had relatives, but who never knew what a family is, it is difficult for me to accept your point of view. Therefore, I would like to apologize in advance for everything that is about to happen next."

Denver got up from his seat and went up to the stage.

When he turned on his presentation and greeted the guests, Emily realized she had made the stupidest mistake she could ever have.

She underestimated her opponent.