"…"
A moment of silence ensued after Natalie's question. The two of them stared at each other, battling who would lose first.
Natalie, who couldn't handle the intensity of Terrence's stare, looked away. She cleared her throat and awkwardly laughed. "I mean… cause, like… wouldn't it be weird that you're eating out with me if you have a girlfriend?"
Natalie tried to explain her side. 'Why did I even ask that? It was so inappropriate,' she scolded herself.
"I'm single, no worries." Terrence leaned back in the chair to look at Natalie.
He found it cute that Natalie was fidgeting as she asked that question. The question was nothing for him.
"Ohhh… that's good then." Natalie chuckled. She pinched herself secretly. Her heart was beating fast and nonstop.
It was a new feeling for her.
It wasn't like the kind of fast beating when she was nervous or scared. It was different. Although she couldn't point out what it was, it felt good. She felt happiness and peace.
"How about you?" Terrence asked back.
"I'm single, too." Natalie smiled.
Terrence nodded. The two of them went silent until their food arrived.
The waiter, who took their order earlier, placed the food on the table.
"Here's your order, Ma'am." The waiter smiled at Natalie before glancing at Terrence. "Here's yours, Sir."
"Thanks."
"I hope you enjoy your meal, Ma'am and Sir." The waiter slightly bowed his head before leaving.
Terrence and Natalie silently ate their food. They would steal glances at each other from time to time, but no one would dare to talk.
Terrence was not a good conversation starter, while Natalie decided to be quiet, so she wouldn't embarrass herself more.
That's how silence went on until they finished their food.
"Thanks for the meal, Natalie. I enjoyed it a lot." Terrence smiled at Natalie. He felt so full from eating. The portion of the food was big enough for it to be almost shareable between 2 people.
"I enjoyed it too, Terrence." A smile appeared on Natalie's lips. "Should I bill out already?"
"Yup. It's getting late already." Terrence nodded. When he looked at the time, it was already past 7.
That's the only time he realized how fast the time passed by. He had just eaten dinner, and an hour went by already.
Natalie raised her hand and signalled the waiter for the bill. It took only a few minutes before the waiter returned to their table.
"The total bill is $42." The waiter stated.
Natalie didn't ask any questions and just put money on the black check presenter. She gave a total of $50, including the tip.
Terrence just watched Natalie as she paid the bill.
[Ding! You gained 20 exp.]
[You gained $75.]
'Huh?' Terrence looked at the system's notification.
'How did I gain money? And isn't that more than the amount that Natalie paid?' he questioned as his eyes flew to Natalie, who just handed the check presenter to the waiter.
'Does that mean I just gain EXP and money randomly…?' His forehead creased when he thought about it. That's the only reason he could come up in his mind.
'System, explain what happened.'
[Ding! Basically, Host, you will gain exp depending on the money you spent or money spent on you. You will gain 150% of the money.]
'But that's not how it works in the past.' Terrence asked again as he was confused.
[That's because you're at the most basic level at that time, Host.]
'Then why didn't I earn any money while I was working?' That intrigued Terrence. If that were the case, shouldn't his salary be included since that money is being spent on him?
[That's because you technically applied for that job, Host. You are offering your service, so that means you aren't getting paid.]
'Ohhh...' Terrence nodded when he understood it.
'So does that mean I'll get more money as I level up?'
[That's right, Host! Once you reach Level 10, the Money Making System will grant you a total of 200% cashback.]
'Woah!' Terrence was gladdened by what he heard.
He couldn't believe it. That means he will basically have unlimited money!
But what would he do with his money, anyway?
When he realized it, Terrence remembered the [Shop] tab.
'Do you know what I can buy in [Shop]?'
[Of course, Host. However, I am forbidden to tell you about any details since the [Shop] tab is still locked.] 0
Terrence secretly nodded. That was understandable.
"Terrence, are you listening to me?" When Natalie's voice sounded, Terrence, who was lost in thoughts, suddenly realized what happened.
"Yes," Terrence answered when the truth was, he didn't hear anything.
He got excited, knowing that starting from now on, he would gain money.
Right now, he basically has unlimited money.
Taking a deep breath, Natalie defeatedly looked at Terrence. It was obvious that Terrence wasn't listening to her talk.
"Then what am I talking about?" Natalie asked, trying to catch Terrence with his lies.
'System help me…' Terrence couldn't afford to get caught that he was lying.
[Natalie was thanking you for saving her, Host.]
"That you were thankful to me that I saved you…" Terrence immediately answered with a smile on his face.
Natalie's eyes widened a little bit. She was so sure that Terrence wasn't listening to her. 'How can he answer that? Was I wrong?'
Thinking that she might just be wrong, Natalie pouted. "Let's go now?" she asked when she saw that her driver was already waiting outside.
Terrence nodded. He stood up and waited for Natalie so that they could go out together. That's the least he could do after the meal.
Without her, he wouldn't know about the new function of his system.
"Thank you for today. I enjoyed it." Natalie waved her hands as she opened the door of the backseat of the car.
"Me too." Terrence nodded.
"Uhm… I'll get going now then," Natalie uttered as she got inside the car.
"Take care, Natalie." Terrence bid goodbye when Natalie was inside the car already.
"You too, Terrence." Natalie sweetly smiled before closing the door.
Terrence watched as the car started to move. He just watched until the car went away, disappearing from his sight.