"Annie?"
Annie's eyes focused on Aster's green eyes. They were also a bright color, like the emerald he wore on his necklace. It was a small pendant, the gem the size of a thumbnail. For a moment, her head had ached. Those eyes...
"Are you okay, Annie?" Aster asked. She blinked and realized she had touched her head unconsciously. When she had looked at the mysterious man, her head had pounded with pain. It was receding now. Annie nodded slowly. He smiled with relief. "That's good to know. Is there something you need?"
Annie looked towards the alleyway. "Who were you speaking to just now?"
"You're more interested in other men than me? Am I not attractive enough for you?" he teased.
Ah... She had forgotten what he was like. She studied his face. He seemed the same age, his face more feminine than most boys. An innocent cherub with deceitful green eyes. "I didn't think I would see you again since our last encounter," she said, choosing to ignore his words. Truthfully, she had hoped to not meet him again.
Aster crossed his arms. "Why did you come see me?"
Annie smoothed the front of her blue dress. "I was hoping we can be good friends."
She could tell he was a bit suspicious. Annie did show no interest in him before. Now showing interest, it did raise warning flags. He smiled charmingly. "What if I don't want to be friends? What if I want something more?"
Annie thought over his words. "Well, I can't adopt you as a brother or son. I'm too young still."
He laughed and reached out to hold her hand. "What about being a boyfriend?"
She backed away from his hand. He frowned at the distance. "I'm not interested in you as a romance candidate. What about... Being a business partner."
His eyes sparked interest. "A business partner?"
"Yes," she nodded. "If you can help me launch a business, it would make me forever grateful."
Aster raised his right hand to rub his chin in thought. "What's in it for me? Besides your gratitude?"
Annie considered the profits and losses. She was confident she would succeed in this. All due to her ace. "How about 20% of profits?"
Aster scoffed at her offer. "If I guess correct, you'll be making me pay for all the materials."
She shook her head. "If you can find us a good building for us to set up, I can bring in the materials. Since we are just starting, I have enough workers too," she explained. "I only need your connections."
His eyes narrowed at her words. "That sounds more like materials to me."
Annie tried to copy his charming smile. "Please, Sir Aster? Can't you help..." She braced herself mentally. "A future gf?" Her soul died a little.
Aster laughed loudly. "You would resign yourself for this chance? Alright, I'll do it if you allow me to run my business there too."
"Your business?" she asked. If he wasn't asking for the profits... "As long as it doesn't affect mine and you pay for the building! Plus management of the building!"
He laughed again. "Deal! When do you want to start?"
Annie pondered a bit. "I would like to start the work tomorrow. Is there a way you can get us a building as soon as possible?" She watched him smiled and looked at the buildings around the plaza.
"Tomorrow is too soon. Just come here next week and I'll have it all ready. What are you trying to open?" he asked, curious.
"I'm not sure yet. I will let you know soon."