"…And done!" Ortega yawned as he shut down his computer. He had completed the first phase of his workday, which mostly involved conducting basic research to help him better understand the company. He now had a solid overview of his role as a marketing specialist in BeautyPlus.
He stood up from his chair, picked up his jacket, and put it on. As he did so, his stomach grumbled, reminding him that he needed to eat. He checked his watch and realized that it was almost lunchtime. It seemed he had been too caught up in his work and hadn't noticed the flow of time.
"I need to get some grub."
Ortega finished getting ready, cleared his throat, and headed for the cafeteria. When he got there, he ordered a garnished meal, found an open table, and immediately began eating.
The food was top-notch!
He ate with such gusto that he caught the attention of some women sitting nearby. They watched him with varying expressions, some gossiped and snickered at his table manners, and only a few were awed by his appearance.
All of them had one common concern though: why was a man sitting in their lunchroom?
Although they were curious, none of them dared to go and ask him. His very presence was acknowledged from the moment he entered the room.
However, it seemed Ortega was oblivious to the eyes watching him and was entirely focused on his food.
At a table not far from Ortega's, two women sat and watched him as he ate.
"Selene, how come no one told us that there's a guy who works here?" asked the red-haired lady. She was the model type, with mascara and light makeup adorning her gorgeous features.
"You're asking me? I'm just as clueless as you are," whispered Selene, an equally beautiful blonde. As she spoke, she furtively glanced at Ortega and added, "Cute."
"Yeah... With oil-stained lips and spinach decorating his teeth. He is quite the looker," replied Eva, her tone laced with sarcasm.
Selene rolled her eyes. "Come on, Eva, like you aren't tired of looking at girls every time you come to work."
"Hello?" Eva pointed to herself. "I'm the girl who almost got fired for suggesting that BeautyPlus employs men."
Selene chuckled upon hearing this. "Wait? That happened? I thought you only made that up." She asked, amused. It was a mystery everyone wished to crack—the reason why their company had no male workers.
"Why would I?" Eva looked at Selene like she was someone stupid. "Anyway, this is nice. The gay tag has finally been removed."
"Yeah, I wonder what his name is though. Wouldn't hurt to say hi," Selene wriggled her eyebrows.
Eva shook her head and gave an exaggerated sigh. She knew what Selene was suggesting and asked a question instead: "Why do you think the boss lady hired him, though?"
"Isn't it obvious? He's special?"
"I've dated guys who are better off than him," Eva deadpanned.
"And name one that didn't mess up." Selene raised her fingers to count. "Mark, Tennyson, Varane—"
"Alright, I get your point," Eva said, pinching her brows, remembering her exes filled her with so much regret. She exhaled, then said in a rational tone, "I'm only suggesting we play it safe here. What if he's the CEO's relative or, worse still, her boyfriend? Then what?"
"Eva, it's nothing complicated. We're only going over to introduce ourselves. No biggie," Selene shrugged nonchalantly.
Eva took another deep breath and scratched her head. She looked at Ortega, who had now finished his food and was staring into space like a hollow. Eva gave a resigned groan as she threw her head back, before looking once more at her friend and muttered, "Fine."
***
{Well done! Criteria number 5— Eat good food— has been met.}
{Your diet is a bank account. Good food choices are good investments!}
{You have gained 5xp!}
Ortega was surprised by the notifications. He had thought that the system would stop awarding experience points as soon as the quest completion deadline had elapsed. After pondering it for a while, he realized that the quest would continue, but without any deadline attached. It was now a daily routine he had to follow since building good health habits takes more than a week to attain.
Suddenly, someone snapped their fingers in front of him, pulling Ortega out of his musings. He looked up to see a stunning woman, impeccably dressed in a sleek, form-fitting black dress that accentuated her slender figure.
Her blonde hair cascaded in soft waves down her shoulders, catching the glow of the cafeteria lights. Her skin, a supple olive tone, gleamed under the artificial white lights, giving her a radiant aura.
She had a seductive demeanor, exuding confidence with every movement. Her hazel eyes sparkled with amusement and intelligence, framed by long, dark lashes. They seemed to hold a depth that hinted at hidden secrets and experiences.
As she smiled at him, her lips painted a deep shade of crimson, Ortega couldn't help but notice the subtle scent that surrounded her, a blend of jasmine and vanilla that was both alluring and familiar, reminding him faintly of Gabriella.
"Hello? Can I have your attention?" she said.
"Oh, sorry about that. I got lost in my thoughts for a second," Ortega replied.
"Um... Judging by how long it took for you to finally notice us, you got lost for a lot more than a second, new guy," Selene playfully teased, and Ortega wrote in his mind that he would keep his expressions natural whenever he interacted with the system, lest people saw and judged that he was mental.
Selene remembered how she clicked her fingers twice before Ortega finally noticed her. Although her friend had signaled for them to leave, thinking Ortega was a vegetable, Selene had waved it off as something handsome guys do.
"I'm Selene, and this is my best friend, Evaline, who prefers being addressed as Eva," Selene introduced herself.
"Hi," Eva said.
Ortega acknowledged her greeting with a nod, taking in the sight of the woman before him. She seemed to be the succinct type, though he found it hard to believe given her striking presence.
Her vibrant crimson eyes were captivating, reflecting the cafeteria lights like rubies. They held a spark of intelligence and curiosity, drawing his gaze in. Her wavy red hair cascaded over her shoulders in a fiery mane, contrasting beautifully against her fair complexion.
She stood tall and graceful, dressed in a chic yet understated outfit that spoke of confidence and sophistication. Her black blouse was elegantly tucked into a knee-length pencil skirt, accentuating her slender figure. A silver pendant hung delicately from her neck, catching the light as she moved.
All in all, Ortega had a hard time deciding who was prettier between the two.
"Hey, Evaline and Selene, the name's Ortega, and I'm a marketing intern. Pleasure meeting you both," Ortega said with a warm smile. He gestured towards the empty chairs around his table and invited them to sit down, "Please, take a seat."
Selene settled into her seat and exclaimed, "Wow, you really know how to charm a lady!"
Eva, however, grumbled to herself, "Why do I feel like this is a bad idea?"
When Ortega asked if she said something, Eva quickly changed her words and said, "Oh, I said it's nice seeing you here."
Selene discreetly pinched Eva's elbows, causing her to mouth a silent "ow!" Then she turned and faced Ortega.
Her eyes locked onto his face as she asked, "Tell me, how are you finding this amazing environment? Is it everything you hoped for and more?"
"Yeah, I'm impressed by the decor and taste in furnishing. I would say a lot of money went into building this place, it's grand." Ortega replied, looking around as he spoke.
Selene's lips curved into a friendly smile as she shook her head, "Not that, I meant how is work treating you? Seeing as you're the only man here."
Ortega gave a weak smile in response, feeling a bit self-conscious being the only male employee in a sea of women.
"It's cool, I guess. I mean, it's hard to focus when you have stunning ladies all around you, but I make it work."
Selene chuckled at his reply, but they were abruptly interrupted by a third voice.
"Oh, so is flirting with your colleagues a part of your 'work'?"
The voice was sharp and cutting, and Ortega froze upon recognizing the woman who spoke. It was none other than Velvet, the company's CEO. The two women before him were also affected by her presence. Their bodies shook as they quickly bowed their heads, "B-boss lady! Good day to you."
Velvet gave a curt nod in acknowledgment, "Leave us." Her tone was icy as she gave the order and both women scampered away, leaving behind a bewildered Ortega. He gulped as his gaze landed on Velvet, her features looked sharp and her beauty was exquisite as always. She was clad in an expensive all-black attire which made her already nice figure look even more alluring. However, a chilling smile adorned her lips as she commented;
"I see you took my advice well, I'm pleased." She began, though Ortega wasn't buying her trickery. He knew there was more to what she meant. Velvet pulled out a chair and sat in front of him, her cold eyes facing him squarely.
"But it seems Gabriella wasn't able to brief you on certain policies we adopt here..." Her expression became shrewd as she scoffed, "And I might have to do just that myself."
Ortega's heart sank at her words, and he knew that he was in trouble.