"What is wrong with this guy?" Zoey had a sudden realization about Nickel being a one and a half-broken cassette. He's been asking her about her condition and whereabouts, isn't he busy by this hour?
"Well, I better send him a reply before he tries to disturb my dad."
Zoey types her message on their conversation thread;
To: Nicanor
Message: I'm fine, and I'm at our home, you can now stop worrying about me. Thank you, Sir, for the concern.
After sending her message and reread its content, Zoey felt uneasy if she sounds too inconsiderate and rude.
"Am I being bitchy?" She tried to think of a way to lessen the guilt she was feeling when her phone lights up after it receives a reply.
From: Nicanor
Message: Good to know. Can I ask if you are planning to return to your unit tonight or not? I'm free, I think I can stop by at your house to pick you up if in case you are returning tonight.
Zoey isn't that dumb to see that Nickel care for her too much, she sometimes thought that maybe it is because they came from the same university, same branch and now living in the same building. But of course, she cannot forget that this guy who is so concerned with her today is also the same guy who likes to annoy her every single day they see each other.
Reply: That's too much, I can go back by myself. I'm fine, though, and also I can ask my dad to drive me home if it is too late to commute. Thank you.
Message: Hahahahaha I wasn't doing it because of you, I want to come to claim my free meal from your dad. Remember that he asked me to visit him and have a meal with your folks? In fairness Alcantara aren't you thinking too much as well? Hahahahaha!
"Yeah of course, what do I expect from this guy? Zoey said to herself. What was she thinking a while ago?
Reply: Okay then! I will tell my dad that you're coming.
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Nickel felt relief after assuring that Zoey was fine. Although he doesn't feel good today as he didn't see his muse he still needs to work his ass off and settle the work station of the upcoming Orb representative.
"This Michael really has an annoying and irritating attitude! For sure, he requested to be transferred here to annoy Zoey all day long but sorry boy I will not allow you to lurk to my muse."
He picked up his landline and dialed the Human Resource Department.
"Officer Liao please go to my office."
Officer Liao thought that she was done with Director Fuentes questionings for the day but 'nah she was wrong.
She sweats after hanging up her landline phone and thought that it would be okay if she didn't allow Zoey to take leave today. But that would be too inconsiderate of her. It was her health were talking about, but all of these questionings wouldn't happen if she is here.
She stood up and went to the Director's office. While proceeding to the room, she internally prays to all the saints she knew to save her.
"Please sit down." She was welcomed by Nickel by asking her to sit down, would it be her end? She thought.
"Perhaps you also received the email from the head office that one Orb representative will be coming over in our building..."
May lost all her reasoning after realizing that Director Fuentes was asking her about the Orb Representative matter and not why did she allow Zoey to take leaves.
Naturally, it is inhumane for them to sacrifice one's health for the sake of all the reports they will need. Health first for her.
She was disturbed by her internal monologue when Nickel was repeatedly snapping his fingers in front of her to wake her up.
"Liao are you okay?"
"Oh! I'm sorry sir. Can you repeat it again?"
Nickel isn't a hot-tempered boss she knew, and it is okay for his to say it again. Although asking him to repeat his words frighten May so much.
"As I was saying, I would like you to find a vacant station on the first floor for the Orb representative."
Nickel intentionally asks May to place him as far as he can from them. Much as there are still some vacant stations on their current building floor.
"Ah, sir will it be disrespectful for him to place him on the manufacturing floor? We still have some vacant stations here." May suggested.
"I know that but why would you place him within any of my departments? He's not an official employee of ASC so knowing our process is unnecessary for him." Nickel flickered an, as a matter of fact, facial reaction to May.
The easily frightened May instantly agrees with him and start processing the arrangement for the coming representative.
She then excused herself and went to her station when Nickel called her out.
"And because he was just a representative, I would like you to be the direct contact of him. Filter all his concerns and pass it to me. He is not allowed to enter my room whenever he wants. Is that clear?"
"Yes, sir!"