Zach Evans slumped to the ground, staring blankly at the golden, glowing words on the system interface: Galactic Super Positive Energy Green Eco Development Corporation. His face twitched uncontrollably as he processed the situation.
What frustrated him even more was the one million dollars the system had provided for registering the company, and yet he couldn't touch a single cent!
"Being the CEO of this company is the most useless, frustrating job ever!" Zach muttered, tugging at his hair like a frustrated stock trader, watching his investments tank with no ability to sell.
"I need to find someone… no, partners, who share my vision and can help me with this mess!" he said, grabbing his phone and flipping through his contacts. The first name to pop up was his college buddy and self-proclaimed "master strategist," Leo Donovan.
"Hey, Leo, what's up? I've got a golden opportunity to make some serious cash. Wanna partner up?"
"What? Serious cash? Dude, you finally came around! You're ready to join forces and follow my lead?"
On the other end of the line, Leo's voice was practically vibrating with excitement.
"Cut the nonsense. Get over here. I've found a game-changing business idea!" Zach said, cutting the call short before Leo could ask any more questions.
Then, he dialed another number.
"Hey, Lily, it's Zach," he said, trying to sound casual.
"Speak like a human," came Lily Quinn's signature icy tone.
Zach cleared his throat. "I've got an opportunity that involves some creative work, and I know how much you love a good artistic challenge. Care to join?"
"No," Lily replied without hesitation. "I'm busy."
"Wait, but I've got something you'll love—"
Click. The call ended.
"Same old Lily," Zach sighed, shaking his head. He knew how difficult she was, but he also knew her weak spot. He dashed to the kitchen, opened the fridge, and pulled out a beautifully packaged box—the sweet, fragrant aroma of durian mille crepe cake wafted into the air.
This was Lily's absolute favorite dessert. He knew from experience that this treat was his ultimate weapon to lure her in.
He quickly dialed her number again. "Lily, I just remembered I've got your favorite durian mille crepe cake sitting in the fridge. How about coming over to have a taste?"
There was a brief silence on the other end. Just as Zach feared she might hang up again, Lily's voice finally came through:
"Send me the address."
"Got it!" Zach grinned from ear to ear, knowing that food was indeed the ultimate persuader.
Less than half an hour later, Lily was at Zach's front door.
She was wearing a cute white dress with cherry prints, her steps light and graceful as the hem of her dress swayed. Her delicate, doll-like face, fair and flawless, was framed by dark hair tied into playful pigtails. She looked as sweet as ever, but Zach knew her sharp tongue could strike at any moment.
"Where's the cake?" she asked, her eyes already locked onto the cake box in Zach's hand.
"Relax, relax. Have a seat," Zach said with a smile, motioning for Lily to sit down. He cut a generous slice and handed it to her.
Lily took the plate without a second thought and began eating. Her small bites made her look like a tiny rabbit, her cheeks puffing as she chewed. It was adorable.
"So, what's this all about?" she asked between bites.
"Hold on, there's someone else on the way. Once he's here, we'll talk… I promise, this is going to be revolutionary," Zach said, his eyes twinkling with excitement.
Just then, Zach's phone rang—it was Leo.
"Hey, Zach, where are you? I'm at your front door but no one's answering," Leo said impatiently.
Before Zach could reply, there was a loud knock on the door, followed by Leo's unmistakable voice shouting, "Zach! You home? I brought your favorite—spicy garlic shrimp!"
Lily raised an eyebrow, and Zach let out a deep sigh.
He rushed to the door, worried that Leo might break it down if left unattended for even a second.
The moment the door opened, Leo barged in, holding a plastic bag filled with steaming shrimp. "Zach, you won't believe the trouble I went through to get these shrimp. I had to go all the way to the south side of town—"
But Leo's excited chatter came to an abrupt halt. He froze in place, his eyes locked onto Lily, who was sitting on the couch, eating cake. His jaw went slack, and for a moment, it seemed like he had forgotten how to breathe.
Zach watched as Leo stood there, his mouth slightly open, mesmerized by Lily's doll-like appearance.
"Ahem," Zach coughed, pulling Leo out of his trance.
Leo quickly set the shrimp down, nervously smoothing his shirt and running a hand through his hair, trying to look suave. He cleared his throat, speaking in what he probably thought was his most charming voice:
"And who might this lovely lady be?"
Zach rolled his eyes, knowing full well that Leo had a weakness for pretty girls. It was embarrassing. He sighed and made the introductions.
"This is my childhood friend, Lily Quinn. Lily, this is Leo Donovan, my college buddy."
Leo eagerly extended his hand, practically bowing as he greeted her. "Nice to meet you, Miss Quinn. Pleasure to meet such a… charming individual!"
Lily merely nodded in response, not even looking up as she continued to eat her cake. She clearly had zero interest in Leo's enthusiastic attempts to get her attention.
Zach, desperate to break the awkward tension, pointed to the shrimp Leo had brought. "So, Leo, what kind of shrimp did you bring this time?"
"Oh! It's garlic shrimp, Zach! I had the chef add extra spice, just how you like it. I made sure it's the best in town—"
Leo's excited rambling was cut off by Lily's calm voice.
"I don't eat spicy food."
"W-What? You don't?" Leo's face fell as if his entire plan had been ruined. "Zach didn't tell me there'd be a—"
"It's fine. I'll eat it," Zach quickly interjected, patting Leo on the shoulder to reassure him.
Leo shot Zach a grateful look before turning back to Lily. "So… Miss Quinn, what do you like to eat? I can always go grab something else—anything you want!"
Lily raised her head for the first time, eyeing Leo with a playful smirk. "I like king crab."
Leo froze. "K-King crab?"
Lily tilted her head, her smirk widening. "Just kidding."
Leo let out a nervous laugh. "Ah… right, a joke. Good one…"
Lily returned her attention to the cake, finally addressing Zach. "Alright, Zach. Let's hear it. What's your big plan?"
Zach straightened up on the couch, taking a deep breath as he prepared to pitch his idea. He knew this was the moment that would determine whether his company could truly take off.
With a confident smile, he began:
"Alright, here's the deal. I've been working hard on something groundbreaking—'Super Vegetables!' They grow super fast, are packed with extra nutrients, and are unlike anything on the market. It's revolutionary! It took me years of research and countless experiments, but I've finally perfected them."
He paused for dramatic effect, his expression becoming more serious.
"But here's the thing. No matter how amazing this product is, we need to get the word out. People won't buy into it unless we can convince them it's legit. That's where we come in."