The next day, Ren is sitting at the same booth at The Silver Spoon diner, the air buzzing with quiet conversations around him.
Today, he's sealing the deal with Jasmine. His fingers drum against the table as he waits.
Then the door opens, and Jasmine walks in, dressed even more stunningly than yesterday. She's wearing a sleek, tailored dress that hugs her curves, her heels clicking against the floor as she strides confidently toward him. Under her arm is a leather-bound folder, presumably holding the contract.
"Good morning, Ren," she greets him with a smile, sliding into the booth across from him.
"Morning, Miss Jasmine," Ren replies, trying not to stare too long. "I have to say, you make quite an entrance."
"Oh, do I?" she teases, her eyes twinkling. "Well, let's get down to business."
She opens the folder and pulls out the contract. Ren takes it, scanning the pages carefully. It's standard, nothing unexpected, and after a few minutes of flipping through, he grabs the pen.
"Everything looks good," he says, signing his name with a flourish. Jasmine takes the pen next, signing her own name with practiced ease.
And just like that, the deal is done. Ren leans back, a surge of satisfaction running through him. He owns the restaurant now. He owns her now.
"Well, Ren, congratulations. You're officially the owner of The Cozy Corner," Jasmine says with a smile. "How does it feel?"
Ren leans forward, eyes glinting mischievously. "You know, Miss Jasmine, I've been thinking... How would you like to work for me? I could use someone with your experience, and I'd make sure you're well-compensated."
Jasmine's smile turns playful as she arches an eyebrow. "Ah, no, thank you. I think I'll enjoy my life with this money."
Ren chuckles, a flirtatious edge slipping into his tone. "Be careful, Miss Jasmine. Wealth has a way of slipping through your fingers. When you get more, your expenses tend to go up too. I'm sure you'll run out sooner or later. But hey, you know where to find me when you do. Keep my contact handy."
"Is that so?" she asks, amused. "Well, I'll be sure to remember that."
Ren flashes a grin. "Now, today's meal is on me. Let's enjoy a good one, shall we?"
He calls over the waitress, and they both order. The conversation between them flows easily, filled with playful banter. Jasmine is relaxed, her laughter coming easily, while Ren keeps stealing glances at her. He can't help but admire her maturity and beauty, the way her confidence adds to her appeal.
"So, Miss Jasmine," Ren says between bites, "why don't you come with me to the restaurant after this and introduce me as the new owner? It'll make things smoother."
Jasmine tilts her head slightly, considering. "Sure, I can do that. It's only right for me to show you around properly."
After they finish their meal, they head outside, where a sleek, black luxury car waits. Ren gestures toward it with a flourish.
"Like the car, Miss Jasmine?" Ren asks with a playful smirk. "Just rented it for the day."
She raises an eyebrow, impressed. "Quite the ride, Ren. You sure know how to make an impression."
He opens the door for her, his smile widening. "What do you say we have a little fun time on the way?"
As she settles into the car, Jasmine shoots him a sly look. "Aren't you a bit too young to be flirting with me?"
Ren laughs, leaning slightly toward her. "Ahh, I can't help it, Miss Jasmine. I like what I see." His eyes roam over her for a moment, making no effort to hide his admiration.
She chuckles softly, shaking her head. "Oh, but I don't see anything special in what I see," she teases as she gets comfortable in the car.
Ren puts a hand over his heart, feigning hurt. "Ouch, you stabbed me right in the heart with that."
The car rolls smoothly down the road, and they exchange light banter, both enjoying the moment. Soon enough, they pull up in front of The Cozy Corner.
As they arrive, Ren's smirk deepens. He can feel his pulse quicken at the thought of what's to come. I wonder how Eva will react when she finds out I'm the owner now. This is going to be interesting.
Jasmine steps out of the car first, turning to Ren with a smile. "I'll go bring the manager to meet you. After all, you're the boss now."
Ren watches her walk in, her heels clicking on the pavement. As she opens the door, he leans back, savoring the anticipation. His mind races with possibilities, his grin growing wider by the second.
Eva looks up as Jasmine enters.
"Oh, Miss Jasmine! How are you today?" she asks, her voice warm but with a touch of nervousness. "Did I do something wrong? Why are you here?"
Jasmine waves a hand dismissively. "Oh no, Eva. Everything's fine. I'm just here to introduce you to the new owner."
Eva freezes. "What? A new owner? But why? The restaurant's doing great—why would you sell it?"
Jasmine smiles reassuringly. "Don't worry, Eva. The new owner is good. The restaurant will continue as usual, and you'll still be the manager. Nothing will change on that front."
Eva nods, though a flicker of uncertainty crosses her face. "I see... Well, if you say so. Let's go."
She smooths her clothes, running a hand through her hair, trying to look as presentable as possible.
Maybe the new owner is someone rich, someone important, she thinks, excitement bubbling within her.
Eva steps out of the restaurant and spots the luxury car parked in front. Her eyes widen.
Wow, that's one expensive car. The new owner must be loaded. A smile spreads across Eva's face as she straightens her posture, eager to impress whoever's inside.
The car door opens slowly, and who steps out... Ren.
Her face falls instantly, her expression shifting from excitement to shock. "Ren?" she sputters.
Ren's smirk grows even wider. "Oh, hey Eva," he says casually, his voice dripping with amusement.
Jasmine, standing beside them, raises an eyebrow. "You two know each other? Well, that's perfect then. Eva, Ren here is the new owner. Be good, okay. I'll leave you to show him around."
Ren is grinning widely while on the other hand,
Eva is speechless, her mind racing. Ren, new owner? How? She forces a strained smile, still trying to process the situation.
Ren steps forward, glancing at Jasmine. "Miss Jasmine, thank you for everything. Let me have my driver take you home. It's the least I can do."
Jasmine smiles, clearly charmed. "Oh, that's very kind of you. I'll take you up on that, Ren." She laughs softly, and before she steps away, she playfully adds, "And do try not to flirt too much with Eva, okay? She can be quite scary when she wants to be."
Ren grins, watching her leave. "Ahh, don't worry, Miss Jasmine. I ain't gonna flirt..."
Jasmine chuckles, glancing over her shoulder. "I'm not so sure—your face says otherwise." With that, she climbs into the car, and the door closes behind her. The car pulls away from the curb, and Ren watches it go.
Ren turns back to Eva, who's still standing there, trying to keep her composure. His grin widens, and his pulse quickens with excitement.
Now, let's see how this plays out.