Leo stepped into the hall with confident strides, his eyes locking onto the table occupied by the group of executives. The lights were focused on him, and the moment had arrived for him to present his proposal. He paused for a brief moment, scanning the room quickly before beginning his presentation with unwavering confidence and a strong voice.
Taking a deep breath, Leo directed his gaze toward the audience and spoke with conviction:
"Thank you all for being here today. My name is Leo, and I am truly honored to stand before you to present the 'Goja Cola' project. This is a significant moment for me, especially since I wouldn't have had this opportunity if I hadn't received the project in place of my senior colleague, Jonathan."
He then offered a slight smile as he turned toward Branch President Max Baker and the other executives.
"I am genuinely grateful for this opportunity. I would also like to extend my appreciation to Mr. Max Baker and everyone who has taken the time to review this project. We are here today to build something unique—something that aligns with our shared vision."
With a serious expression, Leo began outlining his vision:
"'Goja Cola' is not just a product—it's a vision. We aim to introduce an entirely new experience. We believe that when natural flavors are carefully combined with innovative design, we can create a product that leaves a distinct mark in the market."
He glanced at the executives, his enthusiasm evident as he continued.
Jean-Claude, the branch president of the Taradin Republic, raised an intrigued smile.
"Impressive," he said, "but how do you ensure the quality of the ingredients used? Will there be a guarantee that the taste and flavor remain consistent throughout the storage period?"
Leo responded with calm confidence.
"Absolutely. We are committed to using the finest ingredients available in the market. We carefully select fresh fruits and incorporate natural lemon extract, which adds a unique flavor and refreshing quality to the beverage. Quality is our top priority, and we work closely with trusted suppliers to ensure excellence at every stage."
Tom Johnson, the branch director of the Oria Kingdom, spoke with a slightly sarcastic tone.
"But what exactly is new here? Don't you think these ideas have been used before? What sets 'Goja Cola' apart from the rest?"
Leo, unfazed, responded with a composed yet challenging tone.
"I completely understand your concern. However, I am confident that once you taste 'Goja Cola,' you will notice the difference. We offer a distinctive, well-balanced blend of natural ingredients, enhanced by a touch of fresh mint that elevates the experience. This unique combination of fruits and herbs is not just a drink—it's a moment of enjoyment, a refined focus on flavor that makes us stand out."
Emilia Diaz, the branch president of the Veron Empire, leaned forward, her voice serious and measured, reflecting meticulous calculations.
"What are the production and logistical costs for this product? Do you have a plan to reduce expenses while maintaining high quality to ensure good profitability?"
Leo adopted a decisive stance, carefully presenting the figures.
"We are fully aware of the cost challenges, which is why we have developed a precise logistical plan. Our production strategy is centered on cost efficiency through supply chain optimization and the careful selection of ingredients. By partnering with global suppliers, we maximize economies of scale, allowing us to offer a premium product at competitive prices while maintaining solid profitability."
He looked at the executives, striving to present himself as both a visionary leader and a pragmatic strategist, all while maintaining the confident smile that reinforced his credibility.
Tom Johnson, with a faint smile, attempted to steer the discussion in a different direction.
"I think we now have a clear picture of many aspects of the project. But what is your long-term vision for this product? Where do you see 'Goja Cola' in two or three years?"
Leo's voice carried unwavering confidence, his eyes gleaming with ambition.
"We envision 'Goja Cola' as a leading brand in the global market. Within just one year, we aim to establish a presence in the world's largest markets. Our project is not merely about a drink—it is part of a movement to redefine traditional soft drinks, transforming every sip into an expression of premium taste and innovation."
At that moment, Leo felt something strange—almost as if the air in the room had grown heavier, pressing down on him from all sides.
From within Max Baker's glowing aura, a visible magical force began to manifest. Waves of accelerating energy rippled outward, intertwining into radiant streaks of light. The aura was dense, wrapping around him like an intricate web of invisible power—intangible yet undeniably present.
A crushing pressure built up with every word Max spoke, making the very atmosphere feel thick and suffocating. Leo struggled to keep his balance. The entire room seemed frozen in place, breaths becoming labored as if they were trapped inside a sphere of concentrated magical energy.
Then, Max slammed his hand against the table. The sudden impact sent a jolt through everyone in the room. He spoke in a low yet razor-sharp voice, carrying an undercurrent of restrained fury:
"You're saying that 'Goja Cola' will become a leading global brand... in just one year?"
Slowly, he lifted his head, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous light before he added, his tone dripping with cold sarcasm:
"Tell me, Leo... Do you think you're living in a fantasy world? Or do you truly believe you can defy the laws of the market, time, and nature itself?"
He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper charged with raw intensity:
"People like you… who think success is just an idea that can be achieved with mere words… are the first to shatter against the brutal wall of reality."
He paused for a moment, then spoke again—his voice now deeper, his magical aura intensifying around him:
"The market is not a place for dreams, boy. It's a battlefield… and only the strong survive."
A strange sense of anxiety and fear took hold of him, as though something was pressing against his chest. His voice faltered, now tinged with tension, his eyes darting rapidly around the room.
"Why does it feel like knives are surrounding me from every direction? As if every movement… even my breathing… could be my last?" he muttered under his breath, struggling to maintain his composure under the overwhelming pressure.
Tom Johnson raised a hand in a measured, yet firm gesture, his voice calm but authoritative.
"Let's not rush to conclusions. Let's give the young man his chance. We all know that ambition thrives on faith in the future."
A heavy silence filled the hall, everyone watching Max Baker's movements intently.
With this intervention, the suffocating psychological pressure gripping Leo momentarily lifted. He took a deep breath, his body tense but now prepared to respond.
Leo was breathing heavily, but he gathered his courage.
"And now, I have some samples of 'Goja Cola' for you to try. These represent the innovative flavor we're offering, and I hope they help you understand the vision behind this project."
He picked up a few small cups filled with his beverage and began distributing them to the attending executives. He watched their scrutinizing gazes, sensing they were anticipating the decisive moment of judgment.
Tom Johnson took a sip.
"Wow, this is incredible!" He let out an unintentional sigh before continuing with genuine admiration.
"The natural flavor is remarkably distinct, and the refreshing taste captivates the senses. I don't think I've ever tried anything quite like this before."
Emilia Diaz, the head of the Veron Empire branch, smiled warmly after taking a sip.
"Truly, I love the balance between acidity and sweetness. It's more than just a drink—it's an experience. I didn't expect it to be this delightful."
Jean-Claude, the director of the Taradin branch, smirked.
"This drink has a unique character and personality. There's no doubt that it will pique customers' interest… It certainly has a place among the best."
Tom Johnson turned to Max Baker, his face reflecting pure astonishment.
"Sir, this is absolutely remarkable. Would you like to try it as well?"
Max Baker eyed the glass Leo had offered him, then slowly picked it up. He took a sip and remained silent for several moments, as if waging an internal battle. But then, suddenly, he burst into laughter.
With a slight smirk, he said, "What a refreshing drink! I didn't expect it to be any different from the other beverages I've had before."
Then, he offered Leo a subtle yet approving smile.
"You've truly surprised me, Mr. Silvius. That was quite unexpected."
Leo smiled humbly.
"Thank you, everyone. I hope these samples have conveyed the essence of the flavor and the concept we're striving to deliver with 'Goja Cola.' Every element of this drink reflects the idea we're trying to build—an experience meant to reach anyone looking for something new."
A wave of polite smiles spread across the room, and the way everyone looked at Leo had shifted. They no longer saw him as just an ambitious young man but rather as someone capable of making a real impact in the market.
Tom Johnson took a deep breath and said with a broad smile,
"If this is just the beginning of what you have to offer, then I don't see any reason to doubt it—'Goja Cola' might very well be the drink of the future."
A collective sigh of relief filled the room, as if they had just unlocked a new opportunity. Murmurs began to spread among the executives, and Leo could feel that this was only the beginning.
Then, a serious voice broke the moment.
Morris, one of the executives, asked with a thoughtful expression, "How do you plan to market this project? And how will you tackle the financial challenges of production?"
Leo's lips curled into a faint smile as he raised his hand confidently.
"As for marketing, I'll leave that answer to someone with a truly unique influence."
A sleek black limousine pulled up in front of the massive glass building. Within moments, its door slowly swung open—courtesy of a towering bodyguard clad in a perfectly tailored black suit. His mere presence was enough to instill unease, but what amplified the tension was the sheer, almost supernatural aura surrounding him, as though the very air trembled beneath his presence.
With deliberate precision, he reached out and smoothly opened the car door, his movements exuding restrained strength.
A young woman stepped out.
Her presence was commanding, her expression composed, but her eyes held an unmistakable confidence. Every step she took was measured, her posture effortlessly poised. There was no hint of arrogance in her demeanor, yet her gaze carried an intensity that seemed to assess everything around her with absolute certainty.
The bodyguard stepped back slightly, yet his vigilance never wavered. Behind his dark sunglasses, his sharp eyes swept over the surroundings, scanning for any potential threats.
Straightening his broad shoulders, he cast a looming shadow behind the woman. He was no mere escort—he was a fortress, a human barrier standing between her and any possible danger, his overwhelming presence pulsating with an almost tangible energy.
She paused for a moment, taking in the sight of the building before her, then turned to the bodyguard and asked in a calm yet resolute tone,
"This is the place, isn't it?"
The bodyguard, after a quick glance at the building as if confirming it himself, responded with respectful certainty,
"Yes, ma'am. This is the address Mr. Silvius provided us."
A subtle smile touched her lips, and she gave a slight nod before saying,
"Well then, let's not keep the gentlemen waiting. Let's go in."
The bodyguard promptly stepped forward to open the company's entrance for her, bowing slightly as he gestured,
"This way, ma'am."
She entered with unhurried grace, yet the soft echo of her heels against the polished marble floor was enough to draw the attention of the employees scattered throughout the halls.
Some stole a quick glance before returning to their work, while others momentarily froze, their eyes widening in astonishment.
A hushed whisper broke the silence as one employee nudged his colleague, barely able to contain his tension.
"Is that…?"
His colleague furrowed his brows, scrutinizing her features before exclaiming,
"There's no doubt about it—it's Evelyn!"
A female employee quickly lifted her head upon hearing the name, her eyes gleaming with surprise.
"Evelyn? The singer? Are you joking?"
The male employee nodded enthusiastically.
"Of course, it's her! Haven't you seen the news? She's the most famous singer in the world right now."
Another employee chimed in, her voice filled with excitement.
"Oh my God, I never expected to see her here! Even her voice... they say it's enchanting!"
As whispers spread among the staff, one of the women leaned toward her colleague and murmured,
"Do you think we could get a picture with her?"
But Evelyn paid no attention to the murmurs around her. She continued walking alongside the security guard, Li, heading toward the elevator. She pressed the button and waited for a moment until the doors slid open. Stepping inside calmly, she found another young woman standing near the inner wall, her arms crossed. Though her gaze wasn't direct, it held an undeniable curiosity.
Inside Lilia's mind, thoughts raced. Her face looks so familiar… but from where? Have I seen her somewhere before?
Evelyn felt Lilia's gaze on her but didn't acknowledge it. She maintained her usual composed expression, as if she hadn't heard a thing. Li, on the other hand, cast a quick glance at Lilia but showed no real interest.
Meanwhile, Lilia remained absorbed in studying Evelyn's features, whispering to herself absentmindedly,
"What a stunning woman... Her soft pink hair, those long, delicate lashes of the same shade, and her eyes... completely pink, like a reflection of a dream."
Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted when Evelyn's gaze met hers. Evelyn offered a warm smile and asked gently,
"Hello, could you tell me which floor Mr. Max Baker's meeting is being held on? I have an appointment with a friend there."
Lilia's eyes widened briefly before she regained her composure, trying to mask her surprise as she responded,
"Oh, the meeting is on the thirty-fifth floor… Are you one of the invited guests?"
Evelyn gave a slight nod. "Thank you." She then turned her attention to the illuminated numbers on the elevator panel, watching them in silence.
For a few moments, the elevator was filled with quiet, but inside Lilia's mind, questions swirled chaotically. An appointment with a friend? Could she be here because of him?
A faint tightness settled in her chest, a subtle hesitation mixed with growing curiosity she couldn't suppress. She glanced at Evelyn from the corner of her eye, hesitating for a moment before mustering the courage to turn toward her. Feigning nonchalance, she asked, though her tone betrayed her genuine curiosity,
"Do you know Leo?"
Evelyn lifted her eyes to meet hers, her expression remaining composed, unfazed by the sudden interrogation. She didn't need to think about her response—it came effortlessly, as if stating an obvious fact.
"Yes, he's my friend."
Lilia's eyes widened slightly, unable to conceal the unexpected jolt of surprise she felt. A tiny voice inside her mind began knocking against her thoughts, urging her to question everything.
"Her friend? How? When? Since when has Leo been close to someone like her? Is she a childhood friend? A relative? Or...?"
Doubt crept into her mind, but before she could dissect it further, she noticed Evelyn extending her hand toward her. The movement was natural yet confident, accompanied by a gentle smile tinged with an air of mystery.
"I'm Evelyn, and it seems like you know Leo well."
Lilia hesitated for a moment, as if trying to process the situation. She glanced at Evelyn's outstretched hand, then met her gaze before finally reaching out to shake it lightly, though her thoughts remained unsettled.
"I'm Lilia... Nice to meet you."
But the moment she spoke her own name, something inside her froze—like a sudden jolt of electricity running through her mind.
"Evelyn... wait, could she be…?"
Tension seeped into her features, her heartbeat quickening as she murmured, barely able to contain the shock in her voice,
"Wait… Evelyn… are you…?"
Evelyn chuckled softly, tilting her head slightly in an unhurried motion, as if giving an unspoken yet unmistakable confirmation.
"Seems like you've figured it out."
At that precise moment, the elevator doors slid open with a quiet chime, the timing almost too perfect.
Wasting no time, Evelyn stepped out gracefully, her soft pink hair swaying gently with each step, catching the light reflecting off the glass walls.
Before disappearing completely, she turned slightly, her eyes meeting Lilia's, who was still standing in the elevator, staring at her as if trying to decipher an unexpected puzzle.
Evelyn smiled again. Her tone remained friendly, yet it carried something deeper, as if she were testing her reaction.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Lilia."
Lilia watched as Evelyn walked away with her guard toward the meeting hall, her mind struggling to process what had just happened.
"Evelyn... Leo's friend? I can't believe this."
At the door of the hall, Evelyn paused for a moment, gazing at the closed entrance, waiting for Leo to call her in.
Then, in a voice that carried a hint of mystery, he finally spoke:
"You may enter now, Evelyn."
She gently pushed the door open and stepped inside.
A young woman with striking beauty entered the room. Her soft pink hair cascaded gracefully around her face, perfectly complementing her long lashes, dyed in the same hue. Her glowing eyes, reflecting that same enchanting shade, gave her an almost otherworldly appearance.
Dressed in an elegant green outfit that hugged her form with sophistication, she looked as though she had stepped straight out of a fantasy drama. Despite the simplicity of her entrance, all eyes instinctively turned toward her. There was something mesmerizing about the way her hair, eyes, and lashes harmonized—a living embodiment of a legend.
With a voice that was both gentle and full of confidence, Evelyn greeted the room.
"Hello, everyone."
The air seemed to shift. Her voice was melodic, but what truly captured their attention was the immediate effect it had on them. A sudden, inexplicable sense of calm washed over the room, making everyone instinctively want to listen.
A Room Stunned Into Silence
Director Morris stood frozen, his face betraying sheer disbelief.
How… how is this happening? What is Evelyn doing here? Am I dreaming? This is impossible… A living embodiment of beauty itself, standing right in front of me as if she stepped out of another world. But, for the love of God, why is she here?!
He struggled to regain his composure, but the shock gripped him tightly—especially when he noticed the way everyone in the room was staring at her in awe.
For a brief moment, it felt as if the entire hall had been transported to another dimension in her presence.
His voice failed him.
Then, suddenly, Emilia Diaz gasped, her eyes widening in shock.
"Wait a second... That girl! She's Evelyn Durant—the famous singer!"
She froze for a moment, as if processing the realization, before continuing in an awed whisper:
"Her last album shattered sales records. She has a fanbase that spans across all ages—from teenagers to adults, even children know her songs. But it's not just about her mesmerizing voice… She's an A-rank Hunter!"
Lowering her voice slightly, as if trying to grasp the full magnitude of the situation, Emilia added:
"Her power isn't just about singing. She has a rare ability… Her voice isn't merely beautiful—it carries a unique effect. It can calm emotions, bring deep comfort to those who hear it. That's why she's become a phenomenon no one can ignore."
A heavy silence filled the room. Murmurs of astonishment spread through the crowd.
Even Max Baker, usually composed, had involuntarily taken a step back, his eyes filled with disbelief.
He raised an eyebrow, thoughts racing in his mind.
"What the hell is she doing here? Evelyn—the famous singer and an A-rank Hunter? This can't be a coincidence… Don't tell me…"
Slowly, he turned to Leo, attempting to mask his unease, and spoke in a low yet suspicious tone:
"Don't tell me you…!"
Before he could finish, Leo suddenly started clapping, drawing everyone's attention. His voice was firm and controlled.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to Evelyn Durant!"
He glanced around the room with a knowing smile.
"As some of you may already know, she is here today because she will be the main ambassador for 'Goja Cola'."
Leo let his words sink in, observing the varied reactions before continuing with unwavering confidence:
"Miss Evelyn is currently working on her new album. As part of our promotional strategy, one of the songs from that album will be the official theme for our campaign. This song won't just be the anthem of the summer—it will be part of a larger musical experience woven into the entire album, ensuring that our product reaches every corner of the world."
Then, his gaze swept across the room as he added with certainty:
"Of course, Miss Evelyn will receive her share of the profits as per our agreement. But this isn't just any collaboration. This is a carefully crafted strategy that merges the power of music with the influence of a global brand."
The Turning Point
Shock was evident on every face. Some were still struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the project.
But the silence did not last long.
Suddenly, Max Baker burst into laughter—loud, hearty laughter that echoed through the hall.
"What an incredible project! A brilliant idea! This is an unbelievable marketing move!"
Rising to his feet, he strode toward Leo, a wide grin spreading across his face.
"Mr. Silvius, I believe we are on the verge of something massive!"
Placing a firm hand on Leo's shoulder, it was clear that this was an unspoken acknowledgment of the project's success.
With conviction in his voice, Max declared:
"Your plan is solid. I'll support it with everything I have."
Extending his hand, he shook Leo's firmly.
Then, turning toward the rest of the attendees, he raised his voice in enthusiasm.
"The 'Goja Cola' campaign is officially launching—with none other than Evelyn!"
A wave of applause erupted across the room, as if everyone suddenly realized they were about to become part of something groundbreaking.
Morris: The Taste of Defeat
As the energy in the room soared, Director Morris stood off to the side, his face dark with frustration. His thoughts burned with resentment.
How the hell did he pull this off? How did that bastard manage to sign a partnership with Evelyn herself? What kind of deal did he strike with her? Damn you, Leo. How do you always manage to steal everything from me?
Clenching his jaw, he struggled to maintain his composure. He knew that any reckless reaction now would only make him look foolish in front of everyone.
Meanwhile, Evelyn smiled.
She knew that this moment would be pivotal—not just for her career, but for the future of "Goja Cola" as well.