"Well then... what kind of support is the bad boy going to give you?" the red-haired woman asked Luke with a smile.
Luke nodded and replied, "My partner has decided to support me by purchasing 30% of the shares in this project. Additionally, he will personally test and promote all the products we produce."
*Focused gazes
*Nodding
I nodded as I saw everyone looking at me for confirmation.
(My support basically involves looking after his cousin and trying out new toys...)
I couldn't help but marvel at how convenient this was for me.
"We're in," the brown-haired man immediately agreed to join the project along with the red-haired woman upon seeing my confident nod.
"So am I," said the black-and-gray-haired man, not wanting to be left out, joining Luke's project as well.
"I couldn't be more grateful. Don't worry, the risk of loss in this project is almost zero, so expect good news. I'll contact you later with more details," Luke thanked them and then exchanged contacts to discuss their participation in private.
I simply watched, my face showing a hint of disinterest.
"Now then, I'll hand over the floor to anyone who wishes to propose a project or has any questions," Luke exclaimed.
*Raising hand
This time, the red-haired woman raised her hand.
*Standing up and extending hand
"I think everyone knows me except our new friend, so let me introduce myself: my name is Rebecca Amber. Nice to meet you, 'Silent Shadow,'" said the red-haired woman, standing and extending her hand in greeting.
(You're an imposing guy, Ethan. Greet her like a villain, but without offending her partner...), I told myself in my mind.
*Standing up
*Taking her hand
"It's a pleasure to have such a beautiful lady here. Greetings, and I hope you and your partner enjoy your time," I said, looking her in the eyes with a smile and taking her hand to greet her with a kiss.
*Kiss
—Hmmm, quite bold... should I get involved with you?
(That voice... it's hers...), upon hearing that voice again in my head, I was convinced.
It was real. Somehow... no... was it the lenses I bought? If I remember correctly...
Fascination: It has a small chance of bringing out the dark thoughts of those you gaze upon...
(So... this is that small chance...), I thought with curiosity.
I clearly didn't stop moving while reaching this conclusion and acted normal, sitting back in my seat.
*Frowning
Though Eva frowned a bit beside me.
(I should test that effect on her later...)
"Well, now that I've introduced myself, I honestly have no idea which industry to target... little Eva, do you have any recommendations?" Rebecca sat down and this time asked Eva what type of project she should aim for.
(It seems they do know each other...)
*Focused gazes
I glanced slightly at Eva like the others, who didn't get nervous and responded, "It depends on what you want to achieve, do you want profits or military power?" Eva answered with a question.
"I want profits. After all, my husband will take care of the war-related business," Rebecca replied, seeking only profits.
(So, a husband-and-wife team, eh...)
At that moment, Eva inadvertently glanced at Luke, who immediately made a strange face.
"I'm sure there will be many like that womanizer in this 'realistic' game, so you should invest in a hospital," Eva exclaimed, pointing at Luke.
"Eva..."
"I see... I understand what you mean," Rebecca responded with a thoughtful expression.
(Interesting...), I thought, grasping what Eva was implying.
Eva was suggesting there would likely be an epidemic of pregnancies, assuming this game had that level of realism.
And it clearly does. You only need to go to the bathroom to verify it, since everything feels 'very real,' you know?
"You know, I also had an idea based on what you just said... but it will take some time. If anything concrete comes up, I'll contact everyone, especially you, 'Silent Shadow,'" Rebecca said with a seductive smile.
(Hmmm...)
After that, the brown-haired man, Rebecca's husband, introduced himself.
"My name is Thomas. I don't have any project in mind right now, but when I come up with something good, I'll contact all of you," Thomas said.
*Waving hand
As usual, I waved at him.
Finally, it was the turn of the black-and-gray-haired man, who didn't take long to present his proposal.
"My name is Frederick Ruseli, and my proposal is to create a super guild with just a handful of exclusive members. This guild will control the game's economy from the shadows. This way, we can secure exclusive benefits here and in real life," explained the man named Frederick.
(This is the guy I need...), I thought, and as I watched him, I broke into a wide smile.
"Sounds interesting, go on," I said.
Seeing my smile, the guy seemed to gain confidence and said:
"The guild will be called 'Star Tower,' and as I mentioned, only people with a good level of investment or some special, worthwhile power can join. Additionally, all decisions will be made by vote, and I already have a few candidates lined up."
"Interesting, interesting, I'm in!" Luke said enthusiastically, agreeing to join the guild.
The couple didn't respond immediately and instead just stared at me...
(A good response would be...)
"Sure, count me in. I'm sure I'll have a blast," I said with a mischievous smile, agreeing to join the guild.
"Then we'll join too," finally, the couple decided to join in, and it was Rebecca who said so.
Then, Frederick began to give some rather unimportant details, like the guild's location, entry requirements, and such.
(I'm not too interested...)
---
-30 minutes later
"We'll be in touch then," Frederick bid farewell.
*Shaking hands
"Sure," I replied.
The meeting was already over, and my visitors were about to leave.
"A pleasure meeting you, Shadow," this time it was Thomas's turn to say goodbye.
*Shaking hands
"It's a pleasure to meet you too. I'll be on the lookout to invest as soon as you come up with some fantastic project," I replied amiably.
*Nodding
Thomas nodded and withdrew slowly, waiting for his wife.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Rebecca Amber. I hope you come to visit me from time to time," this time it was me who bid her goodbye first.
She just smiled and approached.
*Kiss on the cheek
(Huh?!), I alarmed myself in my mind.
"Just call me Rebecca, and of course I'll come to visit you... alone," Rebecca said to say goodbye with a peculiar smile.
And so she left, with confident steps, approaching her husband, while her previous statement echoed in my mind.
*Shaking head
(Surely it's a tactic, you know, honey trap and all that), I convinced myself in my mind.
I must admit that after what happened with my ex-girlfriend, I've developed a lot of distrust towards beautiful women.
(I probably have some trauma. Should I go to a psychologist?), I thought.
*Pat on the shoulder
"Well, partner, I've talked to my cousin, and she'll behave herself. Anything, just contact me," Luke said with a pat on the shoulder, snapping me out of those silly thoughts.
"No problem," I replied.
"Then, see you later, I've got things to do," Luke bid farewell.
Upon confirming that everyone had left...
*Bang!
"Hah," I let out a small smile upon hearing a gunshot in the distance.
(Another shootout will probably start soon), I thought as I entered the mansion.
*Closing the door.
*Footsteps.
I walked back to the room where Eva was still sitting; after all, she'll be staying here.
"Follow me, I'll guide you to your workspace," I said.
*Standing up.
*Nodding.
She stood up and approached me, still not saying a word but nodding.
I led her to the backyard, where there was plenty of space. We kept walking until we reached a certain spot.
"I guess here will do."
I opened up the interface of my Technological Core to build the laboratory where Eva would work.
[Available slots for private buildings: 10
Are you sure you want to build a 'Private Muta-Genes Laboratory' in this space?]
"Confirm," I said, and in front of me, a hologram appeared, showing the outline of the building that would later become the Muta-Genes Laboratory
[Required materials: The tower will take care of that!
Remaining time: 14:00:00]
"Interesting," said Eva, who was behind me.
"Use a structure reinforcement and a construction card," I instructed the Technological Core.
*Fuuuuuu!
At that moment, a bright green light illuminated the backyard, almost blinding us from seeing what was happening.
*Fuuu....
When the light subsided, what appeared in its place was a mostly white building with golden accents, about four stories tall, which honestly looked very luxurious.
(Phew, just by looking at those doors, I realize this place is a marvel.)
They were hospital doors with frosted glass and golden details.
I glanced at Eva, and she...
:o
Was looking at the structure in awe, surely enchanted.
"You'll be working there. Go ahead, you can check your instruments," I said with a confident smile.
[Limited permissions granted to player "Eva"]
Clearly, I granted her permissions to use the structure.
"I see...," she said, snapping out of her trance and walking slowly towards the laboratory.
*Door opening slowly.
She even opened the door slowly and carefully...
--
Pov Eva Laftire:
Upon entering this place, I could see what my cousin's playboy meant with this guy, 'Silent Shadow.'
"A guy with plenty of time on his hands and a lot of money to spend," I even repeated his words...
I took a quick tour around, and all I could say was...
"Incredible..."
Reception area, standard rooms, patient rooms, emergency rooms, laboratories, two operating theaters, detention rooms, two dungeons, private offices...
Even fascinating implements I had never seen in my life.
I couldn't help but remember what my mother told me once:
"If a man buys you an expensive, luxurious item, especially something you like, then that man intends to..."
--
Pov Silent Shadow (Ethan):
I stayed outside the laboratory waiting for Eva to take a walk around, and as she did, I watched as the sun finally set.
"Nearly done with this day, huh...," I told myself, recalling everything I had been through.
(It was thrilling, very thrilling)
A life or death adventure, meeting some comrades, and joining a guild of people akin to supervillains...
*Steps *Steps
From outside, I saw Eva coming out of the laboratory and approaching me.
"So?, Do you like it?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.
"Yes, quite a lot. There are many facilities and fascinating tools to work with, but I have a question," she replied satisfied, yet with a doubt.
"Of course, ask away," I responded confidently.
"What's your name?" was her question.
(I suppose she means my real name, right? Well, no harm in saying it. After all, there are thousands of people with my name), I thought, seeing no danger in revealing my facade, I replied:
"Ethan," I didn't say anything else but my name.
"Then, Ethan... I accept your proposal," she suddenly said with a serious look.
(Proposal?)
"Proposal?" I thought and said simultaneously.
"Yes, I'll agree to marry you, but only when I'm ready. I hope you understand," she replied with some startling words.
*Look of astonishment.
I couldn't help but drop my facade and show a look of astonishment, before realizing.
(I guess... I guess this is how rich people joke, right?), I suddenly remembered that Luke was this woman's cousin.
(I see, she tried to make a joke, but it didn't work out... poor thing, I guess it's better to laugh it off and play along), I perfectly understood why Luke's aunt asked him to look after her.
She's not good at socializing, but I suppose she tries.
"Haha, no problem, I'll wait until you're ready for our wedding, haha," I responded with a laugh, accepting her 'taking her time.'
*She Exhaled.
"Thank you for understanding. I won't limit you with the issue of mistresses, so you can rest assured," Eva continued with her 'joke.'
"Of course, of course."
This was the day I met my 'virtual fiancée'.