"So... how was my show, Aether?" Matthew asked, a beaming smile on his face as he settled into his office chair. The holographic screen beside him lit up with the presence of the Artificial Intelligence.
"Based on my data... Mister Matthew, I wouldn't make it past the first round of a talent show," Aether replied, his tone analytical and impassive as always.
"Tsk... boring," Matthew grumbled, his smile fading a bit but failing to hide his amusement. He enjoyed his interactions with Aether, even when his answers were a bit sharp.
"Now let's talk about my reward. How long will it take the Kirin System for the team to study and launch on the market?" he said, shifting to a more professional tone, already eager for the next steps.
"Based on the data you submitted an hour ago... the team will take about two weeks," Aether continued, his voice resonating clearly and precisely. "The system is very advanced, with new technologies that the team applied to research before going online."
Matthew nodded, absorbing the information. He knew that the introduction of new technologies could transform not only his company, but the market as a whole.
"Since the company's team is 100% loyal, I saw no problem in this opportunity to advance the team's knowledge without first asking for their opinion," Aether added apologetically, though his manner of speaking did not exactly reflect the nature of the apology.
"Don't worry, Aether. I trust the team," Matthew replied, his voice firm. He valued his team's loyalty and initiative, recognizing that progress often required courage to explore new frontiers.
"What about integrating the Kirin System into daily operations?" he asked, already thinking about how he could leverage the new capabilities to further enhance his company.
"The implementation will be gradual, starting with the areas of security and communication. The team should be ready to present a detailed report on the initial steps within the week," Aether informed, his interface flickering gently as he analyzed the data.
"Perfect. I'll prepare for the team meetings and see how we can maximize the impact of these new tools. Thank you, Aether." Matthew's tone was now determined, and his heart was racing at the possibilities that were approaching.
"I'm here for you, Mr. Matthew. If you need any further information or assistance, just call me," Aether replied, his holographic presence steadying.
Matthew felt a surge of excitement. He was ready to make this a milestone day in the evolution of his company, and partnering with Aether would be key to turning his visions into reality. With one last look at the holographic screen, he stood and left the office.
---
Weary after an intense day, Matthew sat down at a streetside restaurant, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. The setting was peaceful, with tables set out in the open air under the shade of a leafy tree, providing a relaxing contrast to the frenetic life he had left behind. He watched the passersby as he sipped his watermelon juice, its refreshing sweetness easing some of his tiredness.
"Hm... Elise... Is she working now?" he murmured, distracted by his thoughts. The image of her, smiling as they talked over lunch, flashed through his mind, making his heart race a little.
Determined to find out more, he picked up his new phone and hesitated before swiping the screen to unlock it. After a moment of indecision, he accessed his contacts on the messaging app. His fingers hesitated as he searched for her name, and soon found her recent status.
"She went to the gallery yesterday... and took pictures with a friend... hmmm," he thought, looking at the vibrant image that accompanied her. Elise's smile in the photos was infectious, and Matthew found himself admiring the joy she exuded.
On impulse, he decided to send a message:
• MahOliveira:
"Hello, Elise, this is Mateus Oliveira... the one you had lunch with on Tuesday."
The message remained there, standing out on the screen, and Mateus felt butterflies in his stomach. A wave of panic washed over him. "Was that too direct? Should I delete it?" He thought for a moment. What he had intended was simple, but insecurity began to creep into his thoughts. He bit his lower lip, analyzing each word.
The coffee next to him emptied, and the movement around him became a blur, as he was lost in his own uncertainties. The desire to connect with Elise fought against the fear of seeming hasty. He pondered whether he had chosen the right words, whether his approach was appropriate.
"Maybe I should wait a little longer," he thought, staring at the screen as if it could give him answers. However, deep down, Matthew knew that, regardless of what he thought, the connection he felt with Elise was genuine. Anticipation mixed with anxiety pulsed in his chest, but he took a deep breath, deciding that he couldn't let this opportunity pass.
After a few seconds of contemplation, he finally decided to leave the message as it was. "Let's see what happens," he thought as he looked around, trying to distract himself from the growing tension. Time seemed to pass slowly, and he allowed himself a slight smile as he imagined what her response would be like.