A manager walked towards Ace Wagner and bowed before guiding him inside. He introduced himself as Steve Hanks. Several staff lined up the mall to greet them surprising Astrid. Astrid did not miss glances of jealousy and admiration from some of the females' staff. She avoided any eye contact and got busy looking around the shops. She wasn't bothered, she was used to it.
Ace spoke to the manager about a few shops he had in mind for Astrid. Hadwin started conversing about his dates and their preferences, to Astrid. She listened intently and replied `Hadwin, why would anyone date you and asks you for gifts? That is abnormal. In laymen's terms, it is known as using you as a stepping stone'.
` I did not realize it, I thought it was the norm for girls. Aren't you doing the same?'
`Hell, no. I did not invite myself, but Ace did.'
`Isn't it the same?'
