Chapter Text
Renjun didn't know what he was going to do next. His previous roommate had received a job opportunity that left Renjun in dire need of another person to split the rent with. When he failed to find someone in time and rent was becoming a heavier burden for an artist such as himself and it left him with few options. Now, sat in the middle of a convenience store eating ramen felt like a waste of his time when he felt he should have been more proactive in finding a new living situation. He glanced at his phone with a heavy sigh at the news headlines.
Neo Culture Technology had made another advancement, but the general public's response was not going as expected. People were not impressed by the new project, it felt too rushed and forced when NCT still had units in the work. They were well known for developing AI but only the most elite families and companies could get their hands on the androids. The public didn't want a new project when they knew there were questions and concerns regarding previously made products. Yet, citizens only got a certain amount of actual rights to speak up about the issue and everyone had to silently move along as if they weren't becoming a bit overwhelmed by the technological advancements taking over a variety of careers, opportunities, and changing the dynamics of day-to-day living. Renjun was about to keep scrolling when he noticed the article was more than just an announcement, it was a job offer.
Neo Culture Technology is looking to hire a new trainer, full-time, for product development. We require the individual to live in the NCT Unit buildings while employed. The Individual must have reasonable patience, an expansion of knowledge on various subjects, creativity, and must be open to new experiences with limited hesitation. For more information, please contact Johnny Suh within office hours.
Renjun blinked down at his phone. NCT rarely hired new employees, they were established enough that they didn't need to bring new people in. If they were willing to hire someone, especially someone who didn't need too many requirements, then they must be having issues with whatever new product they were putting out. Trainers had a mysterious job that the public didn't know too much about. They worked for the company, lived in the buildings, and were rumored to be some sort of teachers. People who typically went in hardly left and those that did eventually quit the job often spoke as though their life had entirely changed. Renjun shook his head, there was no way he would work under the NCT name. No. Yet....if he were to consider the position there would have to be an impressive amount of payment, wouldn't there? It came with new living quarters as well and if the rumors were true, anyone living in the NCT U buildings didn't have to pay an insane amount to stay since they were employees. The young man groaned, running a hand through the black and blonde strands of his hair. This could potentially be the solution to his issues. He would have a new place to live, a better payment, and he didn't have to give up his painting. He could paint on the side for extra cash while working for the company. As too many thoughts swarmed his head, he shoved aside the remainder of his food and decided to return home.
When he finally got inside his apartment, the sight alone was enough to decide for him. There were boxes of his belongings halfway packed as a necessary precaution he had taken when he began realizing he was on his own. The rest of his things were strewn about as though there was no proper place for them. The broken-down couch depressed him, the lack of space to roam around made his bones feel stiff on sight, and the easiness in which he could hear his neighbors made him want to detach his ears from his own head. One glance at his laptop and Renjun knew what he had to do. A glass of water with lemon and a whole bag of snacks later he was positioned on the floor, his computer staring back at him with a harsh blue glare. He was preparing his resume and a well-worded email to send to Johnny Suh in the morning before he would make the recommended phone call in the afternoon.
The next day, Renjun felt jittery for reasons he couldn't place. The email had gone through well and he had found the courage to make the phone call, only to have to leave a voicemail. He didn't know if he were supposed to continue packing or if it would be better to wait until he had a full plan. It was midafternoon when he received a callback. It was the Johnny Suh. With wide brown eyes and a pounding heart he answered.
"Hello?"
"Is this Huang Renjun?" A smooth deep voice asked.
"Yes, sir."
"I appreciate the manners, but feel free to call me Johnny. The formalities sometimes feel too restricting. I received your email this morning and your voicemail. I must say I'm impressed by your attention to detail and the initiative to contact me in more than one way."
Renjun blushed at the comment. Perhaps he had tried a little too hard to catch their attention.
"Oh, well I just thought maybe it would be best to put in the extra effort."
"Well, it did catch our eye. I spoke with my co-workers and my superiors and we have an interest in you. Would you have the time to meet me at NCT's main office building to go over the details?"
"I would love to come in for a meeting."
"Excellent! How about tomorrow morning at nine?"
"That sounds perfect. I will be there."
"Fantastic! I look forward to meeting with you. Enjoy the rest of your day."
"Thank you. Have a nice day."
Renjun felt a wave of luck wash over him. He had never done anything quite like this before, but the enthusiasm from Johnny seemed promising. He had to nail the meeting tomorrow and then he would be in the clear. He thought of doing more research on NCT as a whole. While there were plenty of online articles and rumors, he knew the only way to secure a position would be to have a better perspective about the company. One that would favor them.
The building was so tall. That was the first thing he noticed when he arrived. He had seen the building from afar multiple times, but to be standing in front of it was intimidating. There had to be at least twenty floors with shiny windows that conveniently kept an outsider from looking in. There were guards at the entrance portals, eyeing everyone who came too close or didn't seem as though they belonged. Renjun slowly approached, trying to give the impression that he knew exactly what he was doing.
"Excuse me, I have an appointment with Johnny Suh." He gestured toward the revolving doors just ahead.
"What is this appointment about?"
"The new job offering for a trainer."
"Very well. The front desk will help guide you. "
Renjun gave a short bow as thanks before going through the doors. One task down, only several more to go. The front lobby was eerily perfect. There were decorative geometric art pieces on the wall and even more complex statues on the clean white floor. Unique black and white chairs were strategically placed near couches and glass coffee tables. The front desk was a beautifully crafted piece of black wood. Wide and encompassing being able to seat three people comfortably. A tranquil waterfall fountain covered the wall behind the receptionists. There were three quietly at work, although one of them had looked up at him with a beautiful smile. A smile so warm it almost felt personal. As if he had known this man his whole life.
"Welcome to NCT, the leading company in technological advancement for today's world. I am Yuta, how may I assist you?" The man spoke in a rehearsed, yet still warm, tone.
"Hello, Yuta. My name is Renjun and I have a meeting with-"
"Ah, yes. Yes. I have heard about you. You're here to be the new trainer in the developer project. I'll call Johnny and see if he's ready for me to send you up. For now, I feel it is important that you keep your heart rate down and try to shake off the nerves. He is truly a nice man." Yuta smiled again.
"Is it obvious that I'm nervous? "
"To the humans, it won't be."
"Pardon?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm one of the best android projects created here. My product name is N026. I was originally designed for office environments and other service criteria for humans. I can detect your heart rate, breathing regulations, and other functions at a glance. You're nervous, but you seem to be controlling it well on an outer exterior." He softly explained.
"Oh. Wow. Um...that's impressive." Renjun stuttered.
"Yuta, you're probably making him more nervous." The other receptionist sighed, eyes keeping the focus on his computer screens and tablets.
"If anyone is going to startle him, it will be you, Winwin."
"I'm merely doing my job as expected."
"I'm really okay!" Renjun insisted.
"We bicker often, don't worry. Mr. Suh is ready to see you. Good luck, Renjun! I hope you get the job!" Yuta gave a thumbs up.
"Thank you." He blushed.
"The elevator is to the left." Winwin gestured.
"Thank you so much." He bowed a little before hurrying off.
His encounter with Yuta startled him slightly. He had no indication he was an android and while he thought he would become accustomed to seeing androids, they truly were so well designed that it became difficult to tell when he was staring at the creation of nature or the creation of science. The elevator stopped and Renjun stepped out into an all-white hallway. The young man's momentary confusion was cleared rather quickly when the sound of a door sliding open caught his attention. A very tall and handsome man emerged, dressed in a well-tailored suit. His pearly smile was comforting, a somewhat gentle giant impression
"Renjun?"
"Mr. Suh?"
"I told you to call me Johnny." He laughed.
"Sorry." He blushed.
"There's no need to apologize. Please, come into my office and we'll get to know one another better."
The office was huge, much larger than any work office he ever had to be in himself. Expensive decorative art pieces hung on the walls. There was a couch and a loveseat in one corner of the room, opposite the huge desk and comfortable office chair. Johnny had him sit on the couch while he took the opposite seat to keep a respectable distance between them.
"Would you like something to drink?" He offered.
"Oh, no thank you."
"Very well. While I'm not in a rush, time is important to the company and all the individuals within our care. As you are aware, we are looking for a new trainer. Trainers aren't required to know much about the technicalities that our individuals work with. However, they do need to be able to fit certain personality types that can take great care of new assignments and projects. Your resume isn't quite a fit for what we're looking for in terms of experience, but I am impressed by your delivery. You were the only person who thought to send an email and my curiosity brought me to look into your artwork. You must be very detail-oriented to create the paintings you make."
"Oh! Thank you so much! I could always improve, but I do try my best."
"It must also take a lot of time to create such artwork. I was impressed. What I fail to understand is why an artist would suddenly take interest in becoming a trainer? Perhaps you wouldn't mind providing me with a response."
"Everyone is aware of your status and role in our society. As much as I love painting, the circumstances I am in right now do not allow me to make a proper living from it. When I saw you were hiring, I thought carefully about whether or not I should attempt the position. After careful consideration, I applied because I believe I could be of use here. I have the patience, creativity, quick wit, and determination you're seeking to further help bring NCT where it wants to be."
Johnny hummed in understanding.
"We would require you to live in the NCT U building."
"That wouldn't be a bother to me."
"Would you be capable of becoming a tutor of sorts?"
"A tutor?"
"Yes. You wouldn't be teaching topics such as math, language, or science. You would be more of a teacher of life."
"Well, then yes. I think maybe I could."
"We want to release a new android. That's the project. We need someone who is going to be able to teach them how to integrate into society more organically.
Would you be comfortable working with an android?"
Renjun instantly wanted to say no. He wasn't against the androids, but he wasn't exactly comfortable with them either. There was something about being in the presence of what seemed completely human only to know that the person in front of you could easily overpower you. They were strong, they were intelligent, and they were most likely capable of far more than anyone knew, including the scientist that made them. A job was still a job and he was in no condition to turn down a potential opportunity.
"It would be a new experience for me, but I'm willing to give it the proper energy and time necessary." Renjun nodded.
Johnny wouldn't admit it but he was amused by the young man. Yuta had already sent text messages to him insisting that Renjun's reports were perfect upon the first impression. He could tell by looking into his eyes that he had something to work for.
"How soon can you move in?" Johnny smiled.
"What?" He gasped.
"You'll be given our newest model, N013. He'll greet you with his name when he meets you. We'll arrange the meeting once we allow you to settle into your new living arrangement."
"I can move in as soon as tomorrow if that's okay?" Renjun tried to tamper down his excitement.
"Tomorrow it is then! When you leave today, ask Yuta for his phone number. The buildings that our employees live in are located on property just beyond this building. Tomorrow, when you arrive I would like you to bring all your things to the front of this building and call Yuta. He'll meet you outside and escort you to your new apartment unit."
"Okay. Thank you so much! Thank you. I appreciate it so much. Thank you!" Renjun did a series of bows.
"I look forward to seeing your work around here. Welcome to Neo Culture Technology, Renjun."
Shortly after, Renjun was skipping to the front desk to eagerly ask Yuta for his number. The working man smiled so wide and clapped so loud that Winwin threw a pen at him.